Opening up your own business can be challenging, but if you have the right tools and guidance, you can make your dream come true. Auto body shops are always needed as cars are not going anywhere or being replaced anytime soon. So if you want to open your own, this is a great time to do so.
Here are five tips to open your own auto body shop.
1. Get educated in the auto repair industry.
One of the first things you can do when opening your own auto shop, or any shop for that matter, is to get educated on the subject. If you’re interested in learning about body repairs, welding, and related technology, signing up for a certification program can be one of the best decisions you can make. You will learn about the safe and proper use of repairing tools as well as the fundamentals of vehicle construction. You will also learn about cosmetic auto body panel restoration and welding as well as filing and sanding, replacing bolted parts, and welding steel and aluminum.
Moreover, you will learn about structural straightening, brakes, traction control, and electrical and cooling systems, among other fundamentals like auto paint and analytics. Additionally, you can learn from renowned auto body shop pros like Maaco Auto Body & Car Painting. Their high-quality work and affordable choices are the perfect examples of what a body shop should offer. Maaco’s expert technicians can provide you additional tips and tricks to provide the best collision repair services in your area. Additionally, they are currently looking to open more franchises in North America, so you can even become a part of their team.
2. Find the perfect place for your shop.
Next, you will want to find the ideal place to set up shop. You want a big enough space so you can take any car make and model to provide an overall excellent service. Additionally, you want to equip your shop with snacks and subscribe to a water jug service like Sparkletts to keep your employees refreshed.
In relation to our first point, Maaco is a trusted body shop that offers its clients excellent repair services as well as superb painting services at great rates all over North America. They are actively opening franchises all over the United States, which is an excellent opportunity for you to open your business with them.
3. Secure your finances prior to opening the shop.
Prior to opening your body shop, you will want to save money or apply for a loan in order to start preparing your company for business. If you’re leaving a secure job to open your shop, you may have to apply for a commercial loan to pay your operational costs as well as utilities and equipment. Learning from collision repair providers like Maaco can prepare you for success from the beginning.
4. Buy the proper equipment for the job.
Once you have secured your fundings, you will want to start purchasing all the necessary equipment for your repair shop. You will need automated technology for diagnosis and repair as well as paint, engine hoist, jacks and stands, oil drain and caddies, among other materials. Look at what other successful auto repair shops like Maaco are working with so you can have a better idea of the tools you’ll need to purchase.
5. Get insurance coverage as well as licenses.
Lastly, you will want to get insurance for your shop and services as part of your business plan. Insurance can help shield you from damages caused by fire, theft, and employee injuries in your shop. Your workers should also be as certified as Maaco’s technicians and have years of experience to provide the best auto repair service in your area.
Now that you know of Maaco and how you can be as successful as them, it’s time to open your own auto repair and paint shop.