Starting an Auto Parts Business

If you want to start an auto parts business, you will need a business plan and a place where you can sell the items. You can purchase auto parts from licensed suppliers online to make room for larger profits.

Choose the name of the business and put up an attractive billboard outside the store.

Start Your Own Auto Parts Business

Are you planning to start an auto parts business? If you are, then you will need a business plan and a place where you can sell the items. You can purchase auto parts from licensed suppliers online to make room for larger profits. The best option would be lease out the store space for the auto parts business. As a dealer on auto parts, you will need to apply for a license; otherwise, you will not be allowed to operate. Now, you will need to apply for two separate licenses – dealership and the business license. You also need to visit the local revenue agency to secure the TIN or tax identification number.

Choose the name of the business and put up an attractive billboard outside the store. For your business operations, you will need a computer, interne, cash register, shelves, racks, and fixtures. Design the store properly and all items should be arranged in a manner that is easy to find. For instance, at one portion of the store you can place the tires and in another portion you can place a glass shelf where you can put the smaller auto parts. Put small names below the items for instant recognition.

Staffing and Advertising

You will also need to hire extra employees to help you in running the store. You will not be in the store all the time, so you need 1-3 competent and honest employees. Unlike maintaining a used auto parts store, you don’t need to own a tow truck because the auto parts supplies will be delivered to your doorstep. Don’t order too many auto parts. You can start with a smaller number and once you’ve tested the waters, you can now purchase additional items.

The reason why a lot of businesses fail is because they lack effort in advertising their products or business. Even with an auto arts store, you will need to advertise properly. If the store is located near gasoline stations and other car stores, you can easily find your target market. Send out flyers with the details of your products. You can also send out business cards to cars that pass by the store. With the contact information in the card, your customers can easily reach you. Sell only quality products and cater to customers with a winning smile. You also need to have adequate knowledge about the different auto parts so that when a customer is looking for a certain part you can easily direct the customer to the product.

88 Comments

  • Ibrahim HOSSENBACCUS said on April 7, 2013
    I'm from Mauritius, keen in doing this Business but where the parts would be available and what min quantity to order etc.Please provide info.
  • Aristide Burume said on April 17, 2013
    I would like to start a used car part shop in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Would you tell how to start? What kind of parts I need to focus on.
  • mitchell agu said on April 19, 2013
    Am planing to set up an auto parts and automobile service centre in nigeria abuja to be precised and I will need your professional advise and basic training on how to start, where to get the cheapest parts, am also working on customer services skills right now am on the Caribbean study a shot course more like a research. Please will want you to call me if possible on my direct line +1868 784 0437
  • Sushil Chaudhari said on October 15, 2013
    Hello I am from technical background n would like to start a spare parts business in Mumbai .. Can u suggest. Which spare .,parts I should focus on. More which wud be profitable , like heavy , forklifts n .other heavy vehicle .luxury cars or Somme marine parts ., or mechanical parts .n how can I start it . startup procedures.thk u
  • tshepo thokoa said on November 7, 2013
    hi i am interested in starting the business in Lesotho even though i am a south african citizen. please do advise me on training and what are the requirements to start up this business, where to go to get spares directly from manufactures. please help me my goal is to start next year before april
  • syed khalid said on November 20, 2013
    I would like to start the business in mumbai andheri or ghatkopar
  • Suleiman Garba said on January 6, 2014
    I'm interested in automobile electrical spare parts business like brain box, censors, ignition-keys, alternator, kick-starter ect. for Japanese cars like honda and toyata. i'm in Makurdi, Benue state,Nigeria. Thank you.
  • Hilda Asante said on January 12, 2014
    I am parts business in here in the USA, and I want to start spare in Ghana, can you help me out in terms of where to buy parts from
  • Asoka said on April 25, 2014
    Hello I am in Tokyo, Japan. I would like to start a used auto part business from Japan. JDM parts to export to U.S.A. and other countries, I have a registered company here now. How can get some contacts from U.S.A.? Thanks.
  • muhammad junaid said on May 7, 2014
    karachi pakistan, in my opinion concentrate on running items will be best like air filters oil filters lubricants and tuning items
  • Desmond Sewela said on June 10, 2014
    Hi. I would like to start motor spares business in South AfIrica Limpopo and would like to be advised as to what is needed to make it possible. where can i get stock?
  • Christian Tombizana said on June 11, 2014
    Hi, I am a Zimbabwean with vast experience in motor spares and I am willing to start a new shop. Is there anyone who is willing to lend me us$10 000. The market is very lucrative and you can sale upto us$5000 in a day if you properly stock
  • hakeem mwenda said on August 22, 2014
    I'm planning of opening up a specialty auto spars shop in Lusaka Zambia. need advise
  • Thulani said on September 25, 2014
    Hi, please advice. I'm starting a motor spares in South Africa, Johannesburg. The market is very lucrative especially with the Japan brands, both new and used. Please send me Asoka from Tokyo, Japan's e-mail address. Mine is thulaniz@daff.gov.za
  • aubrey said on October 27, 2014
    I want to open a auto parts business in pretoria on December ,please advise on where to get supply with parts or manufacture
  • Dino said on October 30, 2014
    Hi, I would like to start an auto spares business in Florida ,South Africa specializing in New and Used auto spares for the taxi industry and BMW owners, please advise on where to get supply's on new parts at good prices
  • JAFFAR RAJANI said on November 14, 2014
    HI, I AM DEALER OF TOYOTA GENUINE AUTO SPARE PARTS, WE CAN SUPPLY AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. REGARDS, M.JAFFAR RAJANI, +97150 7374077
  • Manikandan.M said on November 15, 2014
    I need to begin my auto store in medium scale business with also a car and bike modifying ...how much would I need for an investment. Pls any individual can also be a my adviser... Is spare and stock need to buy or a manufacturer gives a spares for a commission based deal ...
  • Manikandan.M said on November 15, 2014
    Also any individual or concern can contact me and be N adviser and help me Contact no: 8489311995
  • Thabo Moshwane said on February 23, 2015
    I would like assistance in starting a home auto spare.
  • SURYAVANSHI M. R. said on February 24, 2015
    I would like to start an auto spares business in MUMBAI (BORIVALI). please advise.
  • elton edward said on March 3, 2015
    I want to open a used part motor spares for Japanese models so how much can I need and where can I get spares. I'm in Zimbabwe, manicaland
  • STEVENET said on March 3, 2015
    i would like to start an auto spares in ZIMBABWE i also need help
  • AUGUSTINE OGHENEKARO said on March 12, 2015
    pls I need a business plan on how to set up automobile spare parts here in PortHarcourt Nigeria, I need this plan tomorrow. thanks.
  • Gisela Macha said on March 20, 2015
    I would like to start auto spare parts here in Dar es Salaam - Tanzania, where can I get the cheapest spare parts?
  • Simpson Kallen said on March 29, 2015
    Hi, my name is Simpson and I'm in Papua New Guinea, Wewak, East Sepik Province. I'm very interested in doing an auto parts business, can you please assist me with more information to get started.
  • Clodias said on June 10, 2015
    am in South Africa want to start to stock and sale car parts who do i get them from n how do i go about it l have a shop already my name is Clodias
  • Onos said on June 17, 2015
    Please I need a professional business plan on how to set up automobile spare parts here in Nigeria that could be convincing enough for my lenders, I will appreciate if your responds could be as quick as possible. Thanks.
  • ademola said on July 15, 2015
    i intend to start the auto spare part business in Lagos, Nigeria. i wish to get reliable contacts in USA where i can get used auto parts. i will also need the list and location of salvage/junk yards in USA. a quick response will be highly appreciated
  • Siyabonga said on October 12, 2015
    Hi I'm a guy who wants to open a Auto Spare Parts shop in Newcastle KZN,I already have some small place for the business and now wants to know who is a reliable supplier for such new business.
  • Suryakant Sakpal said on October 23, 2015
    I am planning to start a Maruti Genuine parts store in Mumbai or Navi Mumbai. Please guide the prerequisite for the same as I ll be starting new. However I have a working experience of around 23 years as a Channel support Manager in a leading IT MNC. Thanks & Regards, Suryakant Sakpal.
  • Stanford Mambo said on January 25, 2016
    Hi I'm a Zimbabwean I need to know where I can get cheap spares for my auto spare shop for resale.
  • Gibson Marova said on March 3, 2016
    I am in Germiston South Africa I want to start auto spares shop I have R60000.00 can it be enough for a start
  • Glenn Johnson said on March 23, 2016
    I am from a rual area in Memphis Tx. people are out of work here, and desperately in need of jobs. I have a vision to open an American and foreign auto parts and salvage Business. I sincerely need any expertise, knowledge of, how to set up and maintain all startup costs to build upon the business. there was a man here who recently sold all his properties. he has many empty buildings which could easily be procured I'm sure. can, and will you help my wife and I in this endeavor ?
  • solly mashele said on March 27, 2016
    Hi i am a young energetic mine worker who just resighned i want 2 start a motor spares in lipompo and i have a capital startup of 70000.00 i don't even know where to register for licensing and to get software and stock.can you please help me
  • Stephen mburu said on April 1, 2016
    write your comment with city, state and country.hi am from Kenya at kisii town I want to start a motor auto spare part shop. were can I get spare part. I have a start up capital of 1. 4 million kush
  • Viv Mokwena said on April 13, 2016
    My name is Mokwena based in Limpopo. South Africa. I have a place that I want to use to open up a motor spare parts shop.The place is on a very good spot with a lot of traffic flow.easily accessible and next to a petrol station and traffic stops.Where do I get cheap and good quality spares . Please forward me with suppliers contacts and their information.
  • james said on April 27, 2016
    Hello. I have a auto part company in China. We provide cheap and good quality after market auto parts. We have stock for some models and accept small order.If anybody need purchase, please contact me freely. Thanks. My email is james@tocean.cc
  • moletsane said on May 25, 2016
    I come from Lesotho the rate at which the citizens of the country buy imported cars from Japan is alarming. I want to start an auto spare shop in the country. please help and assist it is a great opportunity.
  • ERIC beginner adviser said on June 21, 2016
    Hi, If you are looking to start autoparts business email me , i will help you up in all in one what you looking for am in to auto parts business from 6 years and my email is ericspencer1405@gmail.com

    ericspencer1405@gmail.com || Consultant

  • Owolabi said on July 14, 2016
    I want to start auto parts (new) business in nigeria. Please, how do I go about it? I want to be importing them directly from the major Licensed suppliers.
  • Levi said on August 29, 2016
    Hi my name is Levi and i would like to startup a new auto parts shop mainly for VW, Audi, BMW, Mec, Volvo and Land Rover. i have three suitable locations where i can start and since i'll be starting small with a capital of $27756 us dollars and i want to know what parts are the best to start with. Eg Lubricants, Service kits, brake pads, transmission parts, engine electrical, drive belts etc. which is the best stock/consignment to start with? waiting for your soonest response
  • collin said on September 2, 2016
    Collin hi, i want to start a business of auto spare in kimberley can u advice me where to get suppliers
  • Ernie said on September 25, 2016
    Hi I'm from the caribbean. I need advise on finding suppliers to start a small auto part business. Please can you help?
  • Jonathan Maistry said on November 14, 2016
    Hello, I am Jono from South Africa. Also interested in auto parts business. I wish to know how best to stock up with decent amount of variety spares, while with minimum capital as possible. Also, what accessories does one keep, like lubricants, sprays, cleaning chemicals, vehicle accessories, and and and... Also, who to contact, what to avoid...any info at all. Thanks
  • Jonathan Maistry said on November 15, 2016
    Hello, I am Jono from South Africa. Also interested in auto parts business. I wish to know how best to stock up with decent amount of variety spares, while with minimum capital as possible. Also, what accessories does one keep, like lubricants, sprays, cleaning chemicals, vehicle accessories, and and ... Also, who to contact, what to avoid...any info at all. Thanks
  • manoj kumar said on December 12, 2016
    Hello I am from two wheeler sales manager n would like to start a spare parts business in bihar .. Can u suggest. Which spare parts I should focus on. More which would be profitable , like heavy , other heavy vehicle ,truck and bus or Somme marine parts ., or mechanical parts .n how can I start it . startup procedures.thk u
  • Joshua said on January 1, 2017
    Hi there. We are a renounced auto spares wholesale supplier of all major car brands and based in Cape town, South Africa. We supply parts to clients all over the world and mainly deal with registered retail shops and small businesses. Our prices are very competitive and we strive to deliver all our orders on time. If you are intending to start a business in automotive parts supplies be it for Japanese cars, we are here at your service. Orders can also be made 24 hours a day online. For any inquiries, please send an email to vjncube@gmail.com
  • Bongani said on January 9, 2017
    Hi, I would also like to know where can I get the license to open the spares shop and whats the first step to take
  • kaizer ketso said on January 29, 2017
    hey. i would like to start a spares shop and i would like to know how and where can i get a license to operate and the best places eg web sites or company details of where i can purchase the spares from and how much to purchase??
  • Tinashe Mwanza said on February 10, 2017
    I'm Tinashe Mwanza, i'm in Gerry, Zimbabwe want to start an auto parts business and would like to know where i get cheapest supplier with quality parts
  • lucah said on April 30, 2017
    I need someone to join me I am doing a motor spares shop in limpopo (I need a partner)call me on 083 6812124 or email-goole@webmail.co.za
  • THABISO said on May 20, 2017
    I have a lot of experience in motor spare industry can help in getting the stock from different suppliers which includes engine parts and body parts. I know all the different suppliers and their contacts in south africa and the the cheapest as well. My email is thabisomlauzi@gmail.com or call me on 0784931758.
  • ben said on October 7, 2017
    hi my name is BEN and a south african, i would like to have advice on how to start vehicle spare parts business, any particular training, softwares and more over how to order your stock online. thank you in advance
  • John said on January 31, 2018
    Hi I'm John ,from lebowakgomo , polokwane, limpopo I need help ,I want to start auto parts business in limpopo ,I have a place but I don't have n idea where to register a dealership license and how to have all that I need for starting, please help
  • Judious Sebata said on March 5, 2018
    Hi I am Judious Sebata, from Lemondokop(Skgosese)Limpopo I need help, I want to start auto parts business in Limpopo, I have a place but I don't have n idea where to register a dealership license and how to have all that I need for starting, please help 0734404798
  • John Olusoji said on March 11, 2018
    My name is John, from Nigerian i want to start Toyota, Nissan and Mazda auto spare parts business where to good and how much can i get before starting the business
  • Uriel Govender said on April 9, 2018
    HI I AM FROM KWAZULU NATAL. I AM INTERESTED IN STARTING UP A TOYOTA SPARES SALES BUSINESS ANY ADVICE ON WHERE I CAN SOURCE THE SPARES TO START OR ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE
  • johannes said on May 7, 2018
    hey my name is Johannes I will like to start auto spares especially Toyota mazda vw and ford I am in pretoria
  • Thabo Machewane said on June 21, 2018
    Am, in Northwest Province, Mahikeng is where I want to run the business, where around Mahikeng can I get such training and all registration requirements.
  • Buhle said on July 10, 2018
    Hi my name is Buhle, I'm interested in running a small to medium sized aftermarket car parts and spares. I would like to know about the requirements and the amount of capital required. I'm from Johannesburg.
  • Reginald Dladla said on July 17, 2018
    Hi there, I want to start a car spare shop and I need to know where can I acquire good quality parts and other logistics that pertains to the said business. Warm regards.
  • THUSANANG said on August 8, 2018
    hi, I am in hammanskraal Pretoria and I would like to start an auto parts store in hammanskraal. I need advise on the formal (registration)requirements, how to acquire new parts for VW, TOYOTA, FIAT, BMW, NISSAN, MAZDA AND FORD and the minimum amount needed to start the business. please help. my contacts 0814664919.
  • Fana Thandani said on September 3, 2018
    I'm looking to start spare part business in kzn
  • Romil kumar said on September 6, 2018
    How can i start Bike spare parts business?
  •  said on October 16, 2018
    I need to start spares parts I need help. I have a place with the building I have registered spare already everything under control. only thing that is left is to get parts. plz, I need help.
  • Ziyaad said on October 25, 2018
    Interested in starting a spare parts retail shop. Can you assist with floor layout and most commonly used parts as well as which brand of vehicle to initially focus on.
  • Ernest Sailor said on March 19, 2019
    Greetings, my name is Ernest Sailor, I help people open their own car parts stores(spares) around South Africa, I set up a business profile, I register your spares shop with all the spares Agencies, I attract customers for your store and help you in how to sell and go through spares catalogs. I'm a legit certified spares management opener.
  • Petro mantho said on May 14, 2019
    Hi I am swaedi petro. i need to a motor Spare business I don't know how to start pls help my number is 0721250066 email address is petromanthoswaedi27@gmail.com
  • Sibusiso said on September 13, 2019
    Hi, there my name is sibusiso base in Nelspruit. I have just both mini complexes in 1 of the busy street in the township so can u help me where to get relevant training and the best suppliers
  • Sibusiso said on September 13, 2019
    Mean how much capital is needed to start an auto parts store.
  • Tebogo said on October 9, 2019
    I've been working in the warehouse for 15 years now. we got customers here and outside of the country. I started offloading containers, driver's assistance, picker, stock allocator, checker, dispatcher, stock controller, supply chain administrator. I need a partner to start with...073316371
  • Thanyani said on December 11, 2019
    Good Day, I would like to start an auto spare parts business in Pretoria. I need some assistance/info on the requirements, where to stock the parts on wholesale, etc. Please contact me if you can help. Thanking you in advance. 081 846 1290
  • Sailor ernest said on January 7, 2020
    Greetings & a happy new year's Entrepreneurs. My Name is Ernest Sailor, my job is to help assist people to open their own legit car parts stores (spares) around South Africa. I'm a qualified car parts opener & all people I have helped are forever excited and of course not forgetting rich. Spares are a good business in southouse Africa as we have a large number of cars being bought daily & for the fact that car parts do not expire. If you have a dream of owning your own car parts store, I'm the right person to talk to because I have helped a lot like you. Please feel free to indulge more information on my Contact:061349605 / 0677595665 .email sailorernest@gmail.com . Let's turn your dreams into reality. Own your thrown. Start your own franchise nothing is impossible with information. Thank you for. looking forward to hearing from you.
  • Donnavan Gordon said on February 11, 2020
    Good Morning, I have a company Gordon Truck and Auto Spares registered in 2017 selling aftermarket Truck and Trailer spares. My company does not have a business plan I need a plan for various reasons. What is the way forward for my company to get a complete comprehensive business plan from the Startup biz? Regards Donnavan Gordon, Gordon Truck & Auto Spares, 6 Long Street, Kimberley, 8301. Vat.4700281167, Tel.053 833 1140, Cel.079 649 0398, Mail.(donnavangordon@gmail.com)
  • windy said on May 31, 2020
    Hi, I would like to start auto spaes. business (medium) and would like to know how roughly would it need to start and any relevant information to start such a business, please.
  • Nelly said on October 28, 2020
    Hi I would like to start an auto spares i need to know how much will i need to start this business.
  • Bazel Gurungo said on November 30, 2020
    Hello I would like to start a spare parts business in SA. Can u suggest. Which spare parts or accessories I should focus on.I wish to know how best to stock up with decent amount of variety spares, like lubricants, sprays, cleaning chemicals, vehicle accessories, with minimum capital as possible. and Also, who to contact, what to avoid...any info at all. Thanks
  • Mamello said on January 13, 2021
    Good Day all, I want to start an auto spares, Im a woman I need an advisor as to how do I get licensing and registration.Please do contact me on 0798000460 or email at mamello.stuurman@gmail.com Thank you!
  • Thomas said on January 24, 2021
    Hie my Name is Thomas . I have full information about used or New spares .... how to operate!!! I just want a sponsor thankyou. My contact 0720449169
  • Jonathan said on June 27, 2021
    Good afternoon! I have some promising marketing opportunities for an auto spares business in Masvingo. I'm looking for a partner or assistance in finding the best place to order from. Can you help me out?
  • Jonathan +263780615163 said on June 27, 2021
    Need a partner to start auto spares shop in Zimbabwe Masvingo.
  • Malope Charles said on July 26, 2021
    Need start-up for an auto spare parts finder.Location Bela Bela, Limpopo 0632949710
  • Rachel said on August 3, 2021
    Hi. I want to start a motor spare in Gauteng; I am a female and need advice on which parts to focus on as a start-up, how much it can cost to start, whether I can buy the features, and what price ranges. All relevant information will be highly appreciated. rmokoena332@gmail.com I appreciate any help you can provide.
  • Bheka said on September 16, 2021
    Good day, Please assist me here; I want to start an Auto Spares Shop. How does one go about doing that? How much capital say is needed to be raised, and where to source parts that are better intricate and reliable b believe one needs to sell good quality products to the customers so will have their comeback as they will know that they are not taken for a ride, but they do get a good service. I am based in Johannesburg. Any advice will be highly appreciated. beka bhekakhotseng@gmail.com
  • Sello said on October 9, 2021
    Good day. Please assist me here; I want to start an Auto Spares Shop. How does one go about doing that? How much capital say is needed to be raised and where to source parts that are better on the price and are reliable because as I believe one needs to sell good quality products to the customers so will have them come back as they will know that they are not taken for a ride but they do get a proper service. I am based in limpopo. Any advise will be highly appreciated Sello. slmasekela@gmail.com
  • kabelo said on November 13, 2021
    Good day. I need help and want to start an auto spare parts business. I am based in Gauteng. I want to distribute parts to customers all over the country. Please give me advice. My name is Kabelo. My Email Address: kfmotale@gmail.com. Thank you
  • Segen said on July 24, 2023
    Hello, how are you? I wanted to start an auto spare part distributor in Zambia Lusaka; I was wondering which spare parts I should mainly focus on to get the best outcome. Thank you.

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