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If you’re thinking about becoming an auto mechanic or opening your own repair shop, there are a few reasons why having a mobile shop, as opposed to a traditional brick-and-mortar garage, could be a better option. Here are some reasons why you should have a mobile mechanic shop:
In addition, if you are planning to open a garage in the future, starting a mobile repair shop can be a great first step. This will help you save money and begin to establish your brand.
There’s still a lot of responsibility involved in opening your own mobile mechanic service. A few key tasks include the following:
Before opening a mobile mechanic shop, you should be prepared to handle these tasks yourself or hire a specialist to help you. Purchasing specialised software for budgeting and accounting, such as the kind offered by Workshop Software, can also be a great cost-efficient way to help you manage your business.
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to look into completing the necessary training to become qualified in the classes of auto repair you want to provide. This usually involves completing an apprenticeship and applying for a licence through your local Bureau of Industry.
What services you can offer as a mobile mechanic depends on a handful of factors, such as what types of certifications you already have, what types of tools you can acquire, and what prices you can reasonably charge.
You’ll also want to think about your surrounding market and what niches you want to focus on. As a mobile mechanic, you may want to leave heavy-duty, long-term jobs to the surrounding garages and focus on delivering quick, efficient services to your customers.
This is why some of the best services to provide as a mobile mechanic require relatively few tools and a fast turnover time.
Common car emergencies like dead batteries and flat tires are perfect for mobile mechanics, as you can save drivers the necessity of calling a tow truck by arriving straight to their location. Routine maintenance procedures like oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations and alignment are also good options that are always in demand.
Some other types of service to consider are as follows:
As a mobile mechanic, you’ll also have to decide what areas you’ll serve. The distance you’re willing to go for a job is up to you, but it’s a good idea to have set parameters to offer your customers from the start. A common setup is for mobile mechanics to have a specified range that they serve, then charge an additional fee for work done outside that range.
Since you’ll be working out of your vehicle, choosing the right one is important. Here are some factors you may want to consider as a mobile auto mechanic:
You may also want to consider whether your vehicle can carry your entire inventory or whether you should consider additional storage space. This may be useful if you plan to frequently sell replacement auto parts to your customers.
It’s important to note that your vehicle will also constitute the premises of your business under the law of most Australian states, so you’ll need your vehicle approved to begin operating your auto repair shop.
You’ll need to ensure that you can afford to invest in the right tools for the job. Exactly what you’ll need will vary depending on what services you decide to offer as an auto mechanic, but you’ll definitely need the basics, such as a good drill, a carjack, a jump-starter, wrenches and screwdrivers.
You’ll also need to acquire some non-mechanical equipment, such as a card reader for processing payments, a computer, and business software.
Choosing a name is an important part of branding your mobile mechanic business. You want your business name to be memorable and descriptive, so it can easily become recognisable.
If you plan to trademark your auto mechanic shop name, you’ll also want to make sure it’s unique to you and that no one else has trademarked it. Otherwise, you risk being confused with another business or not being able to register your products and services under your business name.
It’s also necessary to register your repair business with your state government and acquire a licence to operate it. Requirements will vary depending on your state’s specifications, but you’ll usually have to have at least an auto mechanic certification, a strong business plan, and adequate premises to be approved.
You can also take the new business owner quiz provided by the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find out exactly what’s required.
You’ll also have to decide what type of auto mechanic business to register as. You can choose between being a sole trader, being in a partnership, or starting a proprietary company.
Each structure has pros and cons, and which one is right for you depends on how you want to run your mobile mechanic business and what you see for the future. Do you want to grow your business to a regional or national scale? How many employees do you plan to hire, if any?
As a sole trader, you are responsible for your company. This is a great option if you want a small repair business that you have full ownership of. Both partnerships and proprietary companies offer more potential for growth but may result in less control on your part.
Marketing can make or break a business; it doesn’t matter how good your services are if no one knows about them.
To get your auto mechanic business out there, look into potential advertising options, research your target market, and consider designing a logo. Focus on what you offer your clients and what you want to emphasise about your business, whether convenience, friendliness, or know-how.
Online advertising is particularly important, and even more so for mobile mechanics. If someone breaks down on the side of their road and searches for an auto mechanic, you’ll definitely want to appear in the results. Consider strategies like search engine optimisation (SEO) and targeted advertising to help you get there.
If you have the resources available, you may even want to hire a marketing professional or graphic designer to help you.
One option for those with a background in mechanics is to start a mobile repair business, which can be profitable, and provide the freedom and flexibility that comes with being your own boss. Mobile mechanics are a growing profession due to the number of people who own cars and the number of people who do not have the time to take their car to a mechanic. I hope this article has given you the necessary information to help you join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs.
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