To launch a service center is the aim of many car of many car mechanics and automotive electricians. But you don’t have to be a car repair specialist to succeed as a businessman in auto maintenance. If you have the desire and financial opportunity to open a service station, read this article carefully and use the information that you will certainly need to start a car service station owner career.
Business plan
Strategy - the main driving force for the realization of business ideas. The more thoroughly you analyze the market and competitors, select the location and design of the service center, form its scope and cost of equipment, the more confidently you will "hitch your wagon to a star".
Your workshop direction is the basis for creating a car repair business.
Usually, a specialized automotive service station based on European quality standards provides the following services:
- car maintenance and repair
- sale of automotive parts, accessories and consumables
- customer service (waiting area and lounge, cafeteria or catering point, taxi, etc.)
Each of the above items consists of sub-items that should be described to the smallest detail. For example, the first item requires to specify the type of repair work, the necessary equipment and materials, the number of personnel, budget, payback. The second and third points are optional but still recommended because the better the service, the more grateful and loyal customers.
When the business plan is ready, start looking for funds and documentation for starting your own business.
Premises
Taking into account the direction of your service station, think about the working area of the workshop, as well as the warehouse and office space. Even a large garage will suit you but for a middle class car service center with a production capacity of up to 10 working places, a director’s office, a bathroom and a warehouse, you need a premises of about 300 meters.
Equipment
The minimum equipment set includes:
- special tools (wrenches, pullers, screwdrivers, vice, hammers, drills, soldering irons, etc.)
- spare parts (seals, bearings, etc.)
- lift or inspection pit
- mechanic’s table and mobile carts for tools
- various testers for diagnostics of electrical equipment (if necessary)
- test benches and stands
- jack, compressor, capacity for washing tires (if you plan to provide tire fitting services)
You will form a more extensive list of tools, equipment and consumables when you determine the services provided.
Staff
If you use the labor of hired workers avoiding the approach "a jack-of-all-trades", the selection of the staff should be conducted responsibly.
It is recommended to both conduct an interview on the knowledge of the theory of automotive direction and give a practical task, and then to take a person for a trial period. Usually 1-2 months are enough to understand whether a specialist will remain in your team.
Besides automotive mechanics and auto electricians, you should think about the the jobs of an accountant, marketing specialist, technical staff. Thus, you can properly distribute duties between the specialist and unload your own time without making loss due to attempts to save on the workplaces and salaries.
Work start
In order for more people to know about your car service center, start advertising campaign before its opening. For this regard, you can advertise on the Internet, distribute invitation flyers, order a billboard. At the first steps of the service station activity, offer customers discounts on car repair, launch promotions.
As you can see, opening of the service station is an interesting occupation, and, moreover, it is profitable and in high demand. Do not be afraid to make every effort in the development of your own business and within a few months you will receive a positive result.
Good luck!
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