Considering running your very own car repair shop, but not sure how to go about it?
Whether you are a professional automotive mechanic, have experience working at a car dealership or are just deeply interested in the dynamics of the automotive business, starting out at a car repair garage is not easy.
How do you build a car repair business from the ground up and find your way to success?
Managing Your Car Repair Business: 5 Tips for Success
1. Trusted Suppliers for Authentic Car Parts and Accessories
What goes into a car is important to its functioning. This is why when your car needs repairs, it’s best to choose high-quality parts from trusted suppliers.
Whether you procure them online from a reliable auto part dealer or offline from a city-based supplier, the idea is to get reliable auto parts that ensure the effective functioning of your vehicle.
This is considered to be important because many inferior parts are unsafe and unreliable, often causing breakdowns and accidents. Using authentic car parts potentially means the vehicle is safer and would need repair less often comparatively.
When procuring parts from trusted suppliers, ensure you get the best fit possible at reasonable rates. Securing the best, most compatible auto parts ensures that your customers are truly safe on the road. meant for the vehicle it was intended for makes for the best fit without the need for modifications or tweaking. Let’s say a Peugeot 107 car has come into your garage for clutch system repair. Trust suppliers supplying authentic Peugeot 107 car parts like CV boots, wheel bearings, driveshafts and clutch slave cylinders to truly ensure optimal performance post-repair.
2. Get A Dependable Garage Management Software
Also known as automotive workshop software, this system is built to transform your operations and give that much-needed boost to your overall garage operation business. WithOne software system has multiple built-in applications to look after your daily operational tasks, this software lets you manage your garage – all in one place.
Some of the best garage management software can book and manage jobs, manage staff attendance, issue quotes to customers, assign workload to technicians, effectively manage supplier purchase orders and returns, and offer impactful reporting. This software can also take care of mundane yet essential accounting tasks.
That’s how garage management software can potentially increase productivity, speed up efficiency, boost profits and ensure your car repair business is on the right track. It is a must-have for any up-and-coming automotive workshop business.
3. Build a Skilled Team of Technicians
Great achievements in business are always credited to a team of people – a well-known saying. Likewise, for your auto repair business to thrive and exceed expectations, you need a skilled and dependable team.
Recruiting talented and experienced technicians and repair professionals is the way to build an A-team for your venture. One way to sift the wheat from the chaff is to look for candidates with a passion for the automotive industry and good customer service skills.
A mix of seasoned automotive professionals and fresh talent makes for the ideal team, ensuring a synergy between the team members.
4. Invest in Necessary Equipment
Just like how authentic car parts are vital to the smooth running of cars, so is the need to invest in good tools and equipment. Try to invest in high-quality machinery, tools, and diagnostic equipment that align with your repairs and service offerings.
However, it is also important to note that modern equipment and power tools can be a significant expense. If you cannot afford to buy brand-new equipment and tools for your garage, consider renting them.
Power tools and hi-tech machines ensure all repair jobs are completed on time, thereby increasing your team’s overall productivity.
5. Secure Relevant Qualifications
Your auto repair business is getting noticed and enquiries are pouring in. What can you do to ensure you keep this momentum going?
One way is by enhancing your credibility and expertise in the thriving sector of automotive business and technology. To do this you need to gain relevant certifications or qualifications. This action demonstrates your commitment to quality and thereby attracts customers looking for skilled and certified professionals. Relevant certifications add a lot of weight to the credibility of your business while helping you maintain a good reputation.
Some training courses and apprenticeship options include:
- Automotive NVQ (Level 1, 2, or 3) in Vehicle Fitting Operations (tyres and general fitting) or Vehicle Body and Paint Operations (body repair and refinishing)
- Roadside Assistance and Recovery and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- City and Guilds Certificate in Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Techniques (Level 4)
To Sum Up
Starting out your car repair business can seem difficult at first, but it gets easier if you know what you’re doing. Make the best of these tips by adapting them to your business. Besides this, stay updated with the latest developments and trends in the automotive industry.
