Are you thinking of opening your mobile mechanic business? Then I have some news for you; setting up your mobile mechanic business didn’t come with a guide until now. With so many mobile mechanics out there, you must follow the right steps to make your mobile auto repair business stand out.
In this guide, we will cover all the steps you need to take. From tips on how to start a mobile mechanic business to the steps needed to run it successfully, you’ll find it all here! So, let’s jump right in.
What Is A Mobile Mechanic Business?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? So what is a mobile mechanic business?
A mobile mechanic is simply an auto mechanic who provides auto repair services while on the go. For example, if a customer cannot start their car in the morning or is stranded in the middle of nowhere, a mobile repair business can assist them!
Mobile mechanics can do speedy vehicle maintenance or repairs with just a phone call or an email. Establishing your own auto repair shop or becoming a mobile mechanic has great potential. The auto repair industry has been going for quite some time now, and the need for repair services is here to stay.
Should You Invest In Mobile Auto Repair Services?
You’ve probably heard that there’s nothing like owning your own business. And if you have previous experience working in an auto repair shop or knowledge of car repair businesses, becoming a mobile mechanic appears to be a good fit.
While going to an auto repair shop is still a popular option, having a mobile mechanic ready in any place of your choice is convenient for car owners. The need for such services has been increasing in tandem with the overall growth of the automobile sector.
The world is full of mobile gadgets, and technology is growing so rapidly that it is not too soon to consider becoming a mobile mechanic or opening your own auto repair shop.
The number of people carrying more than one mobile device every day will only increase. This is a significant trend with far-reaching ramifications for the future of mobile mechanics.
When you realize that vehicle repair is presently a billion-dollar market and that the potential for offering mobile mechanic repair services is enormous, being a mobile mechanic is an obvious decision.
You can also look at some statistics and facts to see whether opening a mobile auto repair business is a viable option for you. According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, positions for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service specialists will increase by 5% between 2014 and 2024.
This suggests that there is a high demand for mobile mechanics. You can also look at the existing salary levels of mobile mechanics to determine the profitability of being a mobile mechanic.
The average mobile mechanic pay in the United States is $97 thousand per year, indicating that becoming a mobile mechanic or working in the auto repair industry is profitable.
As a result, if you have the technical expertise and entrepreneurial drive, it’s time to start your own mobile mechanic service. And if you have previously worked as an auto mechanic at a repair shop, this line of employment makes a lot of sense.
Steps To Start Your Own Mobile Mechanic Business
Opening a mobile automotive repair service sounds easier than done. You need to take certain steps to make sure you do it right! Let’s look at some of them:
Understand The Industry
Whether you have worked as an auto mechanic, manager, or in a similar employment capacity at a repair shop, you most likely already have industry experience. It also helps if you are a certified mechanic!
Yet, in order to be a successful owner of an auto mechanic business, you must first understand how the industry operates.
You can also conduct research on comparable business concepts to gain a better knowledge of how the industry operates.
Identifying your target market and potential customers is helpful at this point. Once you’ve mastered that, research how you might alleviate their complaints through your repair work. You can also visit other local auto repair shops to understand how they operate.
Decide Which Repair Services You Will Offer
When opening your mobile mechanic service, you need to know which repair services are the most profitable and then choose. Remember that your auto repair business will be competing with others, so you need to decide on your services accordingly. The type of services you provide will also influence which auto repair equipment you’ll need to purchase.
You can provide the following services:
- Engine replacement and repair
- Performing general automotive and car repair
- scheduled and preventative auto maintenance
- Auto exhaust system maintenance and repair
- Muffler repair and replacement during an auto repair
- Auto transmission repair
- Brake repair for automobiles
- Repairing automotive electrical systems
- Aligning automobile wheels
- Auto radiator repair
- Wheel alignment and maintenance services
Make sure you have a sound business plan. Remember that the law needs you to disclose several facts while preparing your business plan, including a broad description of your business, the business’s location, the general services or goods your firm will offer; and how your business will run.
Set Up Your Business
After you’ve performed market research and determined the car mechanic services you’ll provide, it’s time to start your mobile auto repair business.
- Complete your company’s name.
- Get a business license from the county clerk in your area. Your business license is integral to starting operations.
- Apply to the Internal Revenue Service for the Employer Identification Number, which you will need to file tax returns and other business paperwork.
- Apply for a state reseller’s license to purchase auto mechanic equipment at a discount and acquire your sales tax identification number from your state’s revenue department. As an independent repair shop or mobile mechanic, you must file a sales tax return for the sales tax you collect from consumers (this is why you need your sales tax identification number).
- Set up your business online when you have obtained all relevant permits and documentation. The first and most obvious step is to create a website that displays your logo, company name, and a menu of auto repair services.
Define Your Company’s Legal Status
Now is the time to decide on your company’s legal status. As the store owner, you can choose the legal structure of your business, such as a single proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company.
What really helps is investigating several legal structures of rivals, weighing their benefits and drawbacks, and then selecting the one that best meets your needs!
For a firm like a mobile auto mechanic repair company, you can often choose between a General Partnership, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a Sole Proprietorship.
For most small-scale entrepreneurs, a sole proprietorship is the optimal business structure. It’s also a smart structure for beginning a business because it reduces the risk that an entrepreneur takes by putting all of his or her time and energy into the company.
Nonetheless, some prefer limited liability firms for a variety of reasons.
In fact, if you intend to expand your firm and operate across the United States of America, a sole proprietorship is not a choice for you.
If you’re starting a firm from scratch and want to keep things simple, a Limited Liability Corporation, LLC, or even a general partnership may be a preferable option.
Choose A Suitable Insurance Policy
To establish any business in the United States or most other nations, you must provide some fundamental insurance policies that are required for the repair business and auto mechanic industry.
To provide the greatest service at the lowest possible cost, you must develop a budget for insurance policies and possibly consult an insurance broker to assist you in selecting the best and most appropriate coverage for your auto mechanic repair business.
Set Things Up
Now is the moment to get your feet wet and get things started! You must plan everything, from finding a site for your business (if you want) to determining your equipment requirements. You can also acquire useful advice from individuals who have already started a similar business.
Depending on the size of your auto repair business, it’s also a good idea to hire personnel at this time. It makes sense to have a larger crew if you want to deliver large-scale services and specialized installations.
You should also figure out the whole cost of starting the shop. For example, you’ll have to purchase machinery after analyzing your top equipment needs, invest in laptops for automotive technicians and get other requisite tools.
You can determine the hourly rate you will charge your consumers based on the cost and the services you provide.
You can also charge based on the services you provide. Oil changes, for example, will cost more than other services.
How much you charge customers is also determined by the financial strength of your target market and the quality of your car repair.
Market Your Business
Once everything is up and running, it’s time to let everyone know you’re open for business!
To let your clients know you’re open for business, list your company in local business periodicals and directories.
Print professional flyers, business cards, and low-cost promotional items. They’re ideal for your company and will spark a lively discussion when distributed.
As a new business, leave these products at nearby car washes, gas stations, and restaurants to attract customers.
Additionally, leave your business cards in different locations like campsites, RV parks, hotels, or motels for out-of-town customers who have car issues.
At this point, it also makes sense to target social media channels to demonstrate your auto repair expertise as well as consumer feedback. Testimonials are an important aspect of acquiring new customers.
You should also invest in auto repair SEO after studying the best local SEO tips for auto repair shops.
