Starting a Mechanic Shop

In starting a mechanic shop business there are certain things you need to remember. Ideally mechanic shop business should start within your area.

You also need to target a particular niche in order for your business to become successful.

People hate the idea that their cars won’t suddenly start or it needs immediate repair in the middle of the day. Not only the hassle of dealing with towing companies but also it is hard to find a good auto mechanic for it. If you are a person that can deal with automotive problem and can provide solutions for any car trouble, then starting a mechanic shop is the best idea for you.

Where to Start Mechanic Shop Biz

If you don’t know where to literally start your mechanic shop business, it will be best to take your expertise and equipment to home, workplace and places where cars most likely to stall. It will be an advantage if you are mobile mechanic shop because you don’t need to hire workers. All that is needed are your expertise and some reliable tools. It is said that being a mechanic is a fulfilling job especially when you see people happy after you fix their car. To be a good mechanic shop owner, you need to have strong analytical skills so that you can give solution to any car trouble presented to you.

Before becoming a mechanic or putting up your own shop make sure that you got proper license. Aside from license, you also need some equipment like voltmeter, diagnostic scanners and some little tools that could help fix a car.

Similar Articles

When you are opting for a mechanic shop rather than a mobile, it is important for you to get a nice location. Choose somewhere close to a commercial area where there a parking lots. There is a possibility that cars would get stalled in this area. There are a lot of considerations when putting up mechanic shop. These can range from a small to large shops. You can add a bay, lifts and even car wash.

Finding Mechanic Shop Clients

Obviously if you open a mechanic business your target market are those people with car. In order to become successful you need to target a particular niche. An example of which are average drivers who got a busy schedule. You can actually work at their car while they are at work. Usually RV parks and camping grounds are the best place to search for potential clients as they are some people that might need assistance. You can also post an ad in a hotel or motels where there a people there that might need your services.

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79 Comments

  • kevin anderson said on February 24, 2009
    i have done my first and second year heavy duty i have always wanted to own my shop and i need to finish 3 and 4 to get my licence but to do that i need money and work.
  • diamond said on March 27, 2009
    i want to start my own shop and i live in the heart of brooklyn. i just want to know where do i start and how do i obtain a licence?
  • kenneth said on April 11, 2009
    I am 13 years old and want to get a early start on my career to owning a mechanic shop, what is the best way to prove i am able to learn all the basics and advanced about cars and what license do you have to have to start a mechanic shop?
  • mike said on April 16, 2009
    i am 14 and i also want to get an early start on mechanics. what are the first steps i should do?
  • Angel said on May 27, 2009
    i also would like to know what license i need to get to start my own shop. i not only want to do mechanic but body work to. like a one stop shop for all your need from the basic to extream modifications. what would i need to do it?
  • Joe C said on June 15, 2009
    hey there guys just wanted to help. I am actually opening my own shop in 2 days. about the licenses you need to check with the city or state planning and zoning dept you live in to see what the require for a business. other than that there is no actual requirement to go to school for a ase cert or anything like that although it does help. getting money for start up is the hard part if this is your first business you will need to get a personal loan. if you cant you will need to borrow from friends or family. so good luck guys!. try starting in your driveway fixing neighbors cars and save the money from that towards a shop! Joe C
  • lizette Trerotola said on July 15, 2009
    I like to start my own business as a bike repair shop with two other partners but I don't know much information of how to go about, from loans to insurance, business partner rights and protection and what establishment to get to start with. I like to find out the pros and cons of owning a business as a mechanic and what the liabilities are. how to avoid any kind of conflicts from the IRS and in what way benefits that kind of job.
  • Denise E. said on August 6, 2009
    My husband wants to start his own Muffler & Brakes shop, he has been buying things such as welding machines & pipe benders... My question is how much would we need to open & run this type of business? Is there something wrong if we are buying things & we don't even have a shop yet?
  • Justin R. said on August 23, 2009
    I'm about to open a small shop, I'm going in to business with a partner. What do i need to start?
  • Roxanne said on September 1, 2009
    My husband wants to start a shop but is on unemployment. We cant afford to loose it until he produces enough income to cover expenses. So how can we get around this without affecting our income?
  • Ashley W said on September 24, 2009
    i'm currently an apprentice mechanic at a good garage where i'm learning a lot everyday :) but in the future i want to open a business due to the fact i want to be my own boss and i really want to be successful i know opening a business is a gamble but where do i start? i think opening up would be good as i'm young and have no debts so what better position could i be in? where do i start helllpppp !
  • Michelle Arkansas said on October 14, 2009
    My husband and I would like to open up a Mechanic shop. I dont know where to start. Where can I obtain information? What all do I need to open the shop. I would like to open my shop no later than 2011.
  • dylan said on October 20, 2009
    my name is dylanim, 15 and the best way to start a mechanics shop is to have at least 4 years of heavy duties and 1 or two of mechanics depending on your marks so you can get a license but you will need money and people to work for you and have a money management plan for the business. i gonna start a small shop and eventually work out into a bigger shop but you will need at least 4 years of mechanics and 1 or 2 years in mechanics
  • Basil said on November 3, 2009
    i dont think you should give advice on how to open up a mechanic garage, from the things you've said, its clear you have never worked as a mechanic. "choose a commercial area where there are a lot of parking lots, because cars are known to stall" ??? do i even have to comment on such a retarded remark? "target market, people with a car" ??? thanks sherlock, i thought you were gonna tell us to start handing out flyers to dogs and cats... "voltmeter, scanner, and some little tools" ??? try $50,000 starting off, mechanics need more tools than any other trade. its not uncommon to spend an average of %100 a week on tools. people please not to seek advice on this matter on the internet, go to garage owners, managers and ask away. the person who wrote this write up has no credentials or experience in this field... and mobile mechanics are not legal in a lot of areas due to environmental/safety issues. enough of my bashing for now... i am a Canadian licensed technician with 7 years experience in the trade along with 2 years in technical college... i have worked in independent garages as well as dealerships. I prefer working in independent garages because the quality of work is much greater vs the flat rate warranty technician who is forced to cut corners just to make his hours for the week (due to warranty pay rate of the manufacture which pays the tech about 40% of what he should get paid). as for owning your garage (which i do not, but as far my knowledge on this topic is...), its all about location, advertising, return customers, fleets, and being firm with your pricing... you dont want to attract cheap customers, who would prefer if a monkey could perform the work on their vehicle if it will bring down the price... good luck everyone, its a tough market with very skeptical customers... be honest, explain things in english for the customer to understand, do not guess, be up to date, focus on your strengths and dont waste time on your weaknesses (for instance, if a mercedes comes in with manufacturer specific diagnostic codes which your scanner cannot retrieve, do not spend all day aiming blindly on fixing the problem, the customer will not want to waste his time and money with no outcome... simply explain that mercedes equipment is necessary for this particular problem. he will respect your honesty which will make him more than happy to come to your establishment for further inspections and work)
  • Skooter said on November 4, 2009
    Your right Basil, the people who are writing this does not seem like they have any experience at all. I have my own shop and I make good money but I also spend a lot of money, all I have to say to everybody else is to be honest pick another trade to get into because the responsibility is to much for the pay. and b4 long machines will be doing the work on the cars since everything is going high-tech and electric...For those who still want to pursue this trade my advice is not to listen to people you dont know anything about and go to shop owners and managers that license in what they do...and it really dont take a lot of stuff to get your own shop up and going...but it is better for business to (Automotive Service Excellence)ASE Blue Seal, all the tools and they are not cheap, money to back up the mess-ups, employees that are ASE certifies(dont hire them just because they are friends or family because they can cost you money and your shop), and make sure you still have time for your family...But you still have to abide by all the rules of the state, county, and city you live in...And just because you get your business running by yourself dont mean you can't get shutdown by someone like OSHA because they will rip your wallet right out of your pocket...GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE... P.S.-FIND ANOTHER TRADE!!!
  • Dinesh.B said on December 5, 2009
    i am looking for good investing partner for starting an workshop in chennai anyone interested can get in touch with me. i have over 15 years experience in this field.
  • Joe R. said on December 15, 2009
    Who is the author of this? I am using it as a source and I need the author's name.
  • James expert adviser said on December 16, 2009
    @Joe R. There are many authors involved in writing the articles, let me know which article you are using as your source so that i can get you the right author else use as startupbizhub staff in general.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Brandy said on January 12, 2010
    Groves, Tx, United States. I have my own mechanic shop. We have been open almost 3 years. I will sell it for the right amount of money$. haha, no really, I would. Find another career path. It takes most people a while to establish their business and get repeat customers. Be Ready to buy special tools at the spur of the moment, it happens all the time. Don't forget, IF YOU BREAK IT YOU BUY IT!!! Get ready to lose money, Make sure you have enough saved to start(six months to be safe). You have to be a go getter and self motivated. It also helps to have a spouse or significant other who has a great job to handle all of the daily life bills, while you start your shop. If you really want to open your own shop, and you want to skip the hard stuff buy one that is up and running with established customers. Last but not least, Do not let anyone tell you :You can't! You can do whatever you put your mind to. I did! Good Luck! Don't forget to pray a lot!
  • carlos said on January 19, 2010
    well i'm currently in school my dream has always been to open my own shop and well let me say that there is a lot of people that have mechanic shops open telling me the same thing that skooter said to FIND ANOTHER TRADE well that's his opinion because i love to work on cars and well whenever i fix a car time goes by fast and seams like i have never worked so my point is for anyone who likes the automotive trade is to get ASE certified and go after the dream!!!
  • isaac silburn said on February 22, 2010
    i am really interested in opening a mechanic shop in 2401 sw 31 ave hollywood florida
  • JB said on March 21, 2010
    hey my name is JB. i am a 17 year old female(i graduated at age 15) and i have been in school for almost two years i am going to graduate. i also have 15k put away maybe a little more. i was thinking about buying a house for me to live in and work from there. i have almost all my tools. thats where SOME of the money i saved away will come in handy as well. so out of the 15k i will buy the tools i do need. and build a 7-car grg ( i also took body shop part time and have half a year left to graduate from that)
    -_- if anybody can help me out. i am trying to plan my life here. since the age 15 lol, rabbitsaysrawr@yahoo.com
  • Jason said on March 28, 2010
    I am interested in setting up a mechanics business and will require some advice, i.e. Initial cost setting up, equipment, qualifications, licenses, etc. I will also consider a partner and am willing to draw up a legal agreement before business begins to ensure there is minimum issues, should any arise. I am experienced within this field and financially secure to establish and grow the business. Your advice and guidance will be much appreciated. Kind regards, Jason.
  • sandy olberg said on April 3, 2010
    Tucson, Arizona. I have just started working with someone trying to start his own mobile business. Perhaps the two of you can talk and help each other in a business venture?
  • Steve Merkle said on April 9, 2010
    Yea me and my friend Ray always wanted to open up a mechanic business, and we wanted to do everything there, like body work to a car (spoliers, exhaust pipes, sound systems, etc.) and then performance done to a car too, and we want to do the normal kind of mechanic work too like changing tires and oil. We both want to open up the shop in sturgis michigan and we both want to know if you got any advice for us. Thanks, Steve
  • danny said on April 11, 2010
    i am going to college to do an apprenticeship in mechanics is this the right way to go if i want to start my own business later on in life?
  • Andrew said on May 3, 2010
    If you are in the right $demographics. Fix Mercedes!, That is where the $moneys at! You need to buy a Star Diagnosis System though which is about $14K, subscribe to Star Tek Info's WIS net $5K per year and buy equipment that is needed down the line to fix them (equipment releases). It gives you the right to charge a premium rate for service ($95 per hour) because who else is going to work on them around your area. There are plenty of other mechanics that fix Fords, Chevys, Hondas, and other streamline normal consumer cars. Its nice, you deal with a whole different bracket of people when you work on these cars. People with $.
  • Antione Woodley said on May 14, 2010
    Can anybody email me some info on what I need too start a mobile shop ??
  • chrissy said on May 26, 2010
    My bf started his mechanic business about a yr now and the business is still really slow. He's not getting jobs everyday. I thought that by this time he should be getting regular jobs. He's really good at his job but where his business there are a lot of other mechanic businesses. However his prices are the cheapest so this should have helped bring in the customers but still the business is very slow and it's a bit distressing. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all and best of luck with your business.
  • Shaun said on May 28, 2010
    I'm 15 about to start college on mechanical engineering and would like to start my own business how do i get a license to start a mechanic business and whats the best way to start???????
  • jimmy harter said on June 8, 2010
    my brother and i are in the process of buying a operating mechanics shop, (just the equipment and client base, we will be leasing the same building it is operating out of), what are the things that we need to ask for to determine what the value of the business is worth. what permits are involved thanks jimmy
  • Kim said on July 12, 2010
    If you're looking to own your own business we've got one to sell. A well established (almost 20 years) gas station, c-store, espresso shoppe, with two service bays are waiting for you! Contact me for more information.
  • James said on August 6, 2010
    Look guys first of all...wanna own your own shop? well better start looking for land to build one because if you find one that is going out of business or one that is already for sale likely story is that the business was in a poor location. The cost of building just a standard to port garage is $25.00-$45.00/sq. ft. (depending on your area) You could always go the Cheap route and go with an estimate of around $7900 w/ foundation and $3500/ labor. but never go the cheap route if you are wanting this to be life long. Look long story short. you need to build up your money first. So Go work in another shop. Dont just jump right into owning your own. Work in someone else's to build up the money for your own and you will learn everything you need to know through time. We cant just tell you what you need to know and u can be successful it doesnt work that way. It takes practice. I own my own mechanic shop for personal use. (It's connected to my showroom) I build model cars and sometimes I'll take some customers that need help on theres and just charge like 100 for mechanical and 150 for electrical work (gotta get friend to help with electrical, I'm not so good at it). But bottom line is get a job in a shop to learn the ropes. and for you 13 and 14 year old kids. when you turn 16 or 17 go get a job at jiffy lube or Mineke or something like that its a great way to start out learning.
  • MarissaCisneros said on August 9, 2010
    Yes, i'm a female but i'm interested in Being a mechanic i want too be an independent woman and Own my own business Shop i need help on how to start it..Any suggestions.? Please email me @ marissacisneros2012@yahoo.com please & thanks.
  • Layne said on October 15, 2010
    hi guys! i'm a senior in high school in polson montana and eventually i would like to open a shop for tuning and "Suping-" up cars. i'm here asking for any tips hints or suggestions. thanks btww @ marrisa go get em girl there's nothing wrong with a female mechanic
  • Leandro Tinell said on October 23, 2010
    Hi my name is Leandro (call me haji)I'm a mechanic. My question is how can i get license permit to be mobile mechanic.What do I need and how much cost thanks. I live in Perth Western Australia Thanks again. Leandro tinell
  • greg shaske said on December 2, 2010
    or you could just lease a building like we did, its like 2300 a month not including triple net, still not a bad way to go if you already have clientele
  • matt said on December 15, 2010
    i am 14 years old and i want to start a business with small moters and work my way up to cars , trucks etc , i was wondering what path i should take for doing this? and also how i get my license permit for a mobile mechanic. thank you for your time.
  • Rita said on January 2, 2011
    My husband and i would like to open our own auto mechanic shop, does he have to be a license mechanic (ase certi ) he been doing side shops for many years and is working as a mechanic now. we don't know where to start. Please help us. lake county
  • Daily Joe said on January 5, 2011
    This article is very interesting to read. First off in these times it is very hard to start anything (business wise). This country has backed it self into a corner and cannot get itself out of it. Now as far as a muffler and brake shop business goes be prepared to take a nose dive in to the sand. The auto industry is changing very rapidly and now economy vehicles are all the rage. Who can fix them? Only the dealers can do that kind of work. Maintenance? Hmmm well stuff lasts for forever now. Smell where I am going. If you have the drive go after it. I can remember back in the early 80's and 90's anything with a muffler and brake shop would of made HUGE MONEY, believe me I knew a guy who owned one that started with nothing. Now I think his shops are struggling and possibly may be closing. In the auto industry business TIMING is everything coupled with a bit of luck. If you are in a position to start a business then go for it. In these days business opportunity is very hard if not impossible. To maintain a business and pay your employees and also provide a decent income and retirement for yourself is hard.
  • Jake said on January 5, 2011
    @ Layne: First off, let me say kudo's for your savvy of knowing what you want at such an early age. Now, a couple of questions. Are you looking to open a "Performance" Shop because (A) you have a skill and passion for it? Or (B) because you enjoy being around it and would like to own a business? My name is Jake. My partner and I own BSM Performance in Honolulu, Hawaii.

    If your answer was B, go to business school, get a job managing an automotive shop and then eventually buy a shop and hire experienced mechanics to wrench for you while you spend your time marketing your service and managing your margins.

    If your answer was (A) my suggestion would be to have about $150K in liquidity. $50k - $85K to purchase a dynomometer, unless you can work a out a deal to rent dyno time from another shop. Keep in mind that shops that have dynomometers will most likely be direct competitors. You will also need to buy quality tools and a scanner. You will need tuning software. The price depends on the platform you are tuning. And of course you will need to have a place to work on your vehicles, preferably with lifts. Once you are set up, you will need to market your service. The easiest way to do so in the Performance Industry is to build a car, drive down to your local track and start spanking guys on the 1/4 mile or whatever sort of race you prefer. Street Credit goes a lot further than an advertisement in the performance world. If you have any other questions, post your email and I will do my best to answer. Good Luck!

    @ Everyone except a select few like #16 Basil (awesome post): I think a lot of the contributors to this thread are forgetting one major piece to owning and operating a successful automotive / mechanic business, and that is, that it IS a BUSINESS. My mother is a fantastic baker, but she would go bankrupt if she were to open a Bake Shop because she has no business sense. My point is that just because you have a passion or skill for fixing cars, doesn't mean that your business will be successful. And if you believe anything from the article above, well then I've got some oceanfront property to sell you...... in Kansas.
  • Mannax said on January 18, 2011
    for all of you, we do not need any license to open a mechanic shop. just open it and use good tools and do consider care of health and safety of your staff and customers and hazardous material disposal stuff.
  • ed said on January 23, 2011
    hi i live in marshall wi 53559 what i was thinking about was a shade tree garage where the the customer rents the stall and tools and does his own work or for certain price i would to the work i seen this in the service what lic would be needed and any info on how to start this up here.
  • Elaine said on January 29, 2011
    Does anyone starting up their own mechanic shop or anyone doing an apprentice as a mechanic, interested in obtaining a car for "practical learning". I recently purchased a new car and thus no longer need my other one. It is a Hyundai Lantra sedan, auto. Can be used for learning on or for "spares and repairs". I live in Perth Western Australia.
  • Tamil priyan said on February 22, 2011
    Hello, my ultimate aim is 2 start large mechanic shop, but i dont know knowledge about cars, wt can i do?
  • chris olson said on March 15, 2011
    i would also like to start my own business, i love working on pickups, preferably a carbonated pickup but fuel injection is ok too. i am a chevy guy but i can work on ford and dodge as well. i am 16 years old and i am pretty smart with mechanics. in my free time that's all i do. i love lifted pickups. i have a project 1979 chevy shortbox with a 572 with a built th400 trans. the 572 has got a big comp cam, headers, high rise intake, pop up pistons. and other things.i did all the work with my friend. and we are going to open a garage together. any advice?
  • chevy ford said on March 15, 2011
    chevy never made a 572 so you must have bored the heads? and with that much stuff done to it you must have a strong transmission belt. i like manuals because then you dont need a transmission belt. i also like to put wood pistons in my motor. way more compression. you dont sound smart enough to open a garage
  • Matt said on March 16, 2011
    Well you are wrong chevy did make the 572. Its a big block alrite. So how about you dont judge people, you got something to say keep it to yourself. So when you comment this quit trying to sound like you know everything, these are what people say nothing to comment on what they are saying.
  • ctran beginner adviser said on March 18, 2011
    To open an auto repair shop it is very important that you have many years of experience in auto repair..obtain your ASE to show your customer that you are experience...you must understand electrical,ac,brake, etc... For example you have to understand how to explain to a customer why their check engine light is on...or what is the purpose of a tps sensor...so my advise is to first educate your-self and have years of on-hand repair. Next, you must have money for equipment...lifts,ac machine,brake lath ,scanner,tire machine...etc. All these are require for a small shop. To open a small shop you are looking at over 100,000 easily in equipment...The best way to get experience is to work in an actual automotive repair shop to see if it is right for you.
  • Tom stereopoulos said on March 25, 2011
    People have no idea that there are people who will come to ask you to fix the car and they dont pay i had a friend that i hanged out at his shop and he had lots of fights with people with expensive cars that wanted there repair at half cost after it was fixed or not at all a lot of them said i'm not paying you did a bad job and they called police and etc what i would say is forget about the idea in a recession this is got to be much worse i saw this happening in good ole days when people had money and credit think of it now !! what i suggest is you look at GRANDIZER CASH ... google those two words i was on the street and living in my car and i had Sneaky ideas and method's that helped me out the info i have is in two pages you dont need a book ... and also you will need a safety deposit BOX at the bank and you will know why .. I hardly worked and i am a Genius my friends tell me i'm smarter then i look ...lol good luck AND remember this no one is Gonna give you money these days not even your best friend's but if your think smart and know what strategies you have to take your almost there GRANDIZER CASH ... you will thank me one day many people already do
  • T-Dawg Mechanix beginner adviser said on April 11, 2011
    I am in the process of opening a vehicle repair & testing station. I am from England, UK. I have been working as a mechanic & vehicle tester for 8 years and fully qualified. I work on behalf of Ministry Of Transport and I test vehicles for road worthiness so I either pass or fail them. It is a legal requirement to test all vehicles every year for safety. Anyway to open a business here in England, first you need strong determination and a business plan drawn up by you, it has all the information about your business such as location, size of premises, rent & rates, your propose market, services your providing, pricing policies, sales forecast, cash flow, number of employees, tools & equipment, insurance, your experience & qualification and many more etc. Then you need lots of money. If you have saved up enough money or are a rich man's son, then you have no problem otherwise you need to see your bank manager with your business plan and if he is convinced that the business plan seems plausible then he will offer an amount of money depending on how much you put upfront otherwise it's a nasty reject! It all depends on how big you want to go. You can either buy or rent premises. All these tools & equipment will definitely run into thousands of pounds! You can either buy or lease equipment such as car lifts, dynamo, emission tester, EOBD scanner, tyre changer, air compressor s, etc. Then you got all the legal side such as government taxes, accountant, waste management, traders & liability insurance, etc. So basically to open a modern vehicle repair centre, you would need between £25,000 to 100,000 or maybe more depending on how big you want to go and if you're buying or lease/renting! There is a hell lot to it and it isn't easy and don't forget the long hours especially when you start up. Goodluck...
  • Matty1994 said on April 29, 2011
    i'm matt i'm 17 i'm in australia i have my full mechanics qualification and half a panelbeating spray painting trade while i was doing my mechanics for 4 yrs i was doing night school in panelbeating and spray painting i've worked in panelbeating shops and that Best advice i can give is give it ya best nothing impossible to the young lads up the top of this i think they might get laughed at being 14 if they had there own mechanic shop but what someone said about work on neighbors cars and that they are right atm i'm having a yr off work yet i always have people phoning me up can u rebuild my motor and what not my mates commodore broke down hes into cars i just told him its not rocket science observe and listen but tbh honest i have had enough of working for 23 dollars an hour so i'm going to uni to become a mechanical engineer just for the callange i spent 4 yrs building race cars dyno runs working on wide range of cars fabricating exausts the lot doesnt take much to pick up on if ur really interested and u always have ya side project ok how can i get over 1000bhp then u get a next project car how can i build this to beat my last and so on u loose money and u make money its life but the main thing is to enjoy it while you can ... but yea GOODLUCK TO ALL theres good money in the high performance area but think high set ya goals and stick to it :)
  • DirtyD beginner adviser said on May 17, 2011
    I came on here looking for advice to start an actual shop. I currently run a locksmith/mobile mechanic business, am an ASE master certified auto/light truck technician, and an entry level certified locksmith. I have about $10,000 worth of tools to start with, but most of them are geared toward being a mobile mechanic. I remember what I had to go through to get licensed and bonded to work from my vehicle, but does anyone have any advice on what licenses and permits are necessary to have a stationary shop. I already understand the payroll, overhead, and insurance situation. Just need some advice on what I need to go from mobile to stationary, and whether I can use the same business license. To those who are trying to start up a mobile mechanic business, tread lightly. It takes a substantial amount start up capital, you have to be insured, and you have to obtain the licenses to practice business in the areas you will be working in. You also should have a reliable, professional appearing call vehicle. I use a 2007 F-150 XLT. You should also invest in a mobile compressor beefy enough to air up tires and run impact tools. It took me about $15,000 to start up, and that's not including my vehicle, specialty tools, and a few odds and ends. To get a good start, save up at least $15,000, get a decent truck, talk to your local Chamber of Commerce about what you need to obtain a business license in your area, get ASE certified, and advertise locally with business cards. Good luck! and if any of you shop owners have any advice for me, I'm all ears. I'm at my earning potential on the road, so I want to go stationary to maybe bring up the earnings.
  • ABRAM said on July 2, 2011
    MY NAME IS ABRAM FRM LESOTHO,I HV A WORK SHOP FOR ABOUT FOUR YEARS NOW BT FOR NOW IT DOES'NT SEEMS TO FUNCTION WELL,WHAT CAN I DO?
  • Wendy Luna said on August 29, 2011
    I suggest for you young fellows to learn more on cars and once you get into high school get into any Auto Technology classes they may have to offer as well as get with a group and enter the Skills USA competition. Its a lot of fun and you learn so much all in one competition.
  • ALEX MOBILE REPAIR said on October 11, 2011
    I HAVE LOT'S OF EXPERIENCE. I COME TO YOU AND MAKE YOU PROUD OF MY WORK. CAR'S TRUCK, VANS, U NAME IT. AC,OIL CHANGE, BRAKES, MOTOR PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS, REAR END, EVEY THING. (352)321-2882
  • rose said on November 13, 2011
    i would like to receive a guide on how to start a motor mechanic business.what are the requirements and where to start.plz help
  • Okorie said on November 21, 2011
    hi guys,i am Okorie from Nigeria. I think basal is right here, i am an auto mechanic entrepreneur, i start at home in 2008 but now i have a big workshop located at expressway nearby town and i have 27 automobile engineers working in my workshop as 20 mobile automobile engines mechanics, and 7 administrator. contact me on +2348088816666, +2348060104566
  • Shaukath Basha said on December 16, 2011
    Hi all I am looking for the part-time job in the Auto mobile service station. I am a freak of Automobile I am very much interested in the vehicle modification etc. If any one known please reply to my mail Id location Chennai
  • SK said on December 18, 2011
    Dear sir, I am looking at opening a car service shop in India and am trying to get some idea. I have 17 years experiences in front customers facing. Please advise. Many Thanks & Best regards, SK
  • Robert Jones said on January 6, 2012
    I'm currently going through college to get my A/S in Automotive technology and would like to start my own repair and service shop from top to bottom. I need some help on how to start off small and grow successfully and with finance. Would it be a better option to start from my own home or look to renting a shop?
  • Bheki sibiya said on January 27, 2012
    I'm 25 years my dream is to have my own garage but right now i need a training for diesel mechanic and am still studying i've got a diploma in diesel mechanic right so i just need an experience than i will be able to start my dream if anyone can help me i will be grateful here is my contact 0793776455
  • Krupesh said on March 22, 2012
    I want to start small Muffler Shop (for Cars) in Toronto, do i need any license...? If, yes, how i can get it..?
  • James expert adviser said on March 23, 2012

    @Krupesh, for any kind of shop you need a business registration. Call your city hall to find more info related to this business.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Matt beginner adviser said on April 12, 2012
    Dayton, NV. Thanks for the input from experienced shop owners. I originally was a computer tech for a several years then got into vehicles in later years. From my own hobbies and interests in BMWs and other European vehicles I learned a lot from car forums and my own wrenching. Needless to say years later I am working on other peoples cars foreign, imports, and domestics. Not only cars, but SUVs, trucks, ATVs/ quads, and motorcycles. I do not have a license, nor ASE certification. I get customers from previous satisfied customer's references and local listings. I have fair rate and in most cases do better work then most local shops that are pressed for quantity of business not quality. Although for me to make a really good living would only require be to advertise better and that would involve proper licenses to be legal. But for now I make pretty good side money. So don't give up people. If you love working on any kind of vehicle do it smart and don't take on a project beyond your capabilities.
  • stu beginner adviser said on May 7, 2012
    Seems to me a lot of people have written derogatory comments, whom don't really have a clue, I have been a technician for 20 yrs 12 of those in the military working in some of the harshest climates in the world, I now run my own successful business and I commend anyone who tries it, I also commend anyone who offers free advice to others, good or bad as for the stall comment I think anyone with half a brain would have seen auto correct took over and it should say store,my tools range in excess off hundreds of thousands but I started on a shoe string budget, it can be done good luck
  • rahul kumar said on August 5, 2012
    up allahabad. i can construct my own shop but i am not able to find the place & i want name of the machines which are required for a normal mechanic.
  • blessing said on October 4, 2012
    i'v been in the industry of motor mechanics for about 3 years. so now i want to partner with my friend in opening a company, but now we have no enough money and not employed at the moment but we have found the place, please help how can l cultivate more clients, Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
  • salom sonda said on October 10, 2012
    i'm a man of 20 i'm doing mechanic at namibian college now i need someone to help with the skill i need the skill about money you give me if you want pls my number +264817990096
  • The Man said on December 10, 2012
    Everyone please disregard @Dylan's garbage advice. Opening up anu successful business starts with a good business plan (start to finish), a large enough target market you will create a strategy around in order to reach & good people to minimize turn over & put out good work. If you can execute against all of those your business will be profitable. Start on as small of a scale as you can, the key to profitability is as much variable cost as possible.
  • Jimmy phiri said on August 30, 2013
    I am truck mechanic, benz, volvos, frieghtliners etc, and currently i work for a milling that does not pay well. i want to set up a mech shop with a diagnostic machine ,so the diagnostic is a problem to find here in zambia, copperbelt province, somebody help.
  • Chance said on April 3, 2014
    I'm 17, i want to open up more of a mod shop than repair shop. i dont want someone bringing a soccermmom minni van in to get a dent out of the fender. so what do i need to get started? i want to start young so maybe i can branch out in the future i need to start small so what steps do i need to take to get started?
  • gpaskountrygirl99 said on October 24, 2014
    I am doing a project for my General Business class and we have to "make" a business and write a list of all the materials that we will need to start it.
  • Daniel said on February 13, 2015
    Starting your own business sounds great doesn't it? Well do yourself a favor and don't do it unless you are financially stable, have allot of patience , and understand that good help is almost impossible to find. People now a days think they are worth much more then they really are, and NO ONE WILL WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING AT STAKE or nothing to lose, See to them it's only a job, to you it's everything because it's your money and your reputation at stake. I have been threw many so called mechanics in the last year and it's not easy at all so before you jump into it make sure you know what your getting yourself into. Just a word of advice that's all
  • Daniel said on February 13, 2015
    And for anyone who is an exceptional diesel/trailer mechanic and you live on the eastern side of Pa. and are looking for a very good paying job, just look up DRG Truck And Trailer Repair Services and I will give you a shot
  • Themba said on April 20, 2015
    i want to open a mechanic work shop around soshanguve block xx or wonderpark shopping complex anyone please help me am a good mechanic and am experienced for 20 years now
  • yinka akinbode said on July 3, 2015
    Greetings, I am writing a post graduate thesis on Mechanic Village where vehicles are repaired and serviced for clients efficient use. I came across your mail on an auto mechanic. I will like to get information on how to design a good Mechanic village if you have finally fulfilled your dream of becoming an auto mechanic. Kind regards. Yinka
  • Jothi ramalingam said on July 1, 2016
    Hi, i am 21year old chap, studying 3rd mechanical engineering in TAMILNADU, INDIA. i have a major crush over cars. i wanna open a garage in chennai, INDIA. i know nothing about repairing or remodeling cars, but really having interest over it. i am going on learning early of tgis month in some of the car mechanic shops near my college. can you suggest me what are the things which i must know technically and financially for opening a garage?
  • Tebobo Makhubedu said on June 1, 2018
    Greetings, I always dreamt about opening my own mechanical shop around Mbombela Nelspruit. I would like to know how does one go about starting his own mechanical shop, in order to elevate the issue of poverty and unemployment in my community. I would also like to know some of the technicality, financial aspects, and the type of tools one needs.

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