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Auto Repair Shop Business Plan

Start your own auto repair shop business plan

F and R Auto Repair

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

F & R Auto (F & R) is the desire of John Ford and Michael Ronald who together have 30 years experience as auto mechanics. Both have a dream of starting up their own company and offering better service to their clients than competitors.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives over the next three years for F & R Auto Repair are the following:

• Sales revenues increase steadily through year three.
• Institute a program of superior customer service through rigorous evaluation of service experience.
• Hire three more mechanics.

1.2 Keys to Success

In the auto repair industry  a company builds its client base one customer at a time and mostly through word of mouth marketing. With this in mind, the keys to success for F & R Auto Repair are:

• High-quality work.
• Constant contact with clients so as to keep them informed about the state of their automobile and the repair job progress.
• Knowledgeable mechanics that are friendly, customer oriented, and will take the time to explain to customer the intricate nature of our business and our work.

1.3 Mission

The mission of F & R Auto Repair is to provide high quality, convenient and comprehensive auto repair at low cost. The most important aspect of our business is trust. It is the goal of our firm to have 100% customer satisfaction in regards to quality, friendliness, time to completion and to discover new ways to exceed the expectations of our clients.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

The company will be a partnership with John Ford and Michael Ronald each owning 50% of the company. The company will be a limited liability company registered in the state of Washington. The firm will have facilities on 1312 1st Ave NW in Ballard, a neighborhood of Seattle. The facilities will contain a two-bay garage, office space and storage space for tools, parts, etc.

The company is seeking a  loan in order to finance the start of operations for the company. Each of the owners will be putting up some of their own capital as equity.

2.1 Start-up Summary

The data obtained for the start-up comes from research done in the Seattle area with other small mechanic shops who have started their own business. Inflation has been taken into account between the estimates of these fellow business owners (and when they started) and the current prices for expensed items.

Much of the equipment to go into the facilities such as tools, air compressors, etc., are currently owned by the two partners.

F & R Auto offers a wide range of services as outlined in the detailed sections below. It is ultimately the goal of the company to offer a one-stop facility for all auto servicing needs, including brakes, transmission, wheel alignment, etc. In this way the company can offer greater perceived value for the customer than many other shops which specialize in certain areas.

The industry is highly competitive with suppliers having a great deal of power in setting and negotiating the prices of their products and services to repair shops. In addition, because the customers see the service as undifferentiated and a “commodity” with little value separation between competitors, buyer power is also very high. Finally, the barriers to entry are moderately low, and the large number of competitors in this field, including substitutes (such as do-it-yourself work) mean that the pricing for such services are very competitive. The only way to have an advantage in this industry is a low cost leadership principal applied aggressively or to create higher switching costs through the building of strong business to customer ties.

F & R Auto will hire trained and certified mechanics who are able to prove they have superior customer awareness and interaction. It is the company’s professional people who will fulfill the firm’s contracts and goals. The largest part of the company’s expenses will be in labor costs.

3.1 Service Description

F & R Auto provides a wide range of auto repair services. These include:

• Scheduled maintenance.
• Wheel alignments, tires and rims.
• Brake repair.
• Comprehensive engine repair.
• Transmission.

Each job or project will be on a reservation basis, although we will accept a small percentage of drive in repair work.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

The auto repair industry is highly competitive. Each company within this field has high capital costs, low margins, and a high intensity of competition.

 Suppliers have a great deal of power in setting and negotiating the prices of their products and services to repair shops. This is due to the fact that the suppliers who absorb the greatest amounts of cash from repair shops are large auto part companies. These companies are more consolidated that the repair industry, have deeper pockets, an almost limitless number of substitute customers, and finally they are the single most important supplier to F & R’s industry. Therefore, these companies can set whatever price they wish to. Furthermore, labor is a supplier in this industry as well, and salaries for such individuals are well known and not very flexible.

 In addition, because the customers see the service as undifferentiated and a “commodity” with little value separation between competitors (if they offer a suitable level of quality) buyer power is also very high. Additionally, the costs of our services are not cheap, and buyers are willing to search for the most favorable combination of price and acceptable service.

 The barriers to entry and exit are moderately low in this industry. Switching costs are virtually non-existent and the costs to entry and exist the market are low. The large number of competitors in this field including substitutes mean that the pricing for such services are very competitive. The only way to have an advantage in this industry is a low cost leadership principal applied aggressively to all aspects of the business or to build up customer relations to a point where the switching costs are raised.

3.3 Technology

The technological revolution in computers has enhanced our abilities to diagnose and repair our clients vehicles. F &R will remain on the cutting edge by instituting the use of computer diagnostic equipment in its shop. The company will continue to seek new ways to provide a better service through technology.

3.4 Future Services

The company does not have any plans to create further services at this time.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

4.1 Market Segmentation

The following table and chart show the market analysis for F & R Auto Repair.

4.2 Service Business Analysis

This section is covered in the Competitive Comparison section of the Plan.

4.2.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

While many customers looking to purchase automotive repair services are concerned with price, the primary concern is with building a relationship of trust between themselves and their service provider. A large number of people within the country have experienced or heard of bad service encounters within this market. As a person’s car is usually connected in one way or another with that individual’s livelihood, a dependable automobile is crucial. Therefore, many clients are willing to pay a little more for a mechanic they feel does a quality job and understands their needs.

An automotive repair company that can anticipate, meet, and even exceed customer’s needs can build a defensible position within the market place and acquire market share at the expense of other rivals.

4.2.2 Main Competitors

As stated before, the automotive repair market is very fragmented. The chief competitors in this industry for F & R are the high quality automobile dealerships and licensed service reps. This includes Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, and other major brand names. Within F & R’s immediate service vicinity, There is Rodham’s Toyota, Lester Ford and Woodmark’s Chrysler dealerships. Each of these direct competitors have a service facility. These competitors dominate the market place, have the largest market share, and have advantages such as specially trained personnel, access to lower priced parts and tools, and deep pockets. The other competitors are mostly “mom & pop” style outfits that make up the majority of the competition. For F & R this includes Dave’s Auto Repair, The Taller Mechanico, Kirkland Auto and Body, and Vancouver Auto. The advantages of these firms is that they can seek a low cost leadership strategy due to lower personnel costs. However, they have a much more fluid customer base and higher customer turnover.

F & R will seek to compete initially in the low cost strategy. At the same time, it will seek to provide a higher level of customer satisfaction by having more rigorous quality control and seeking ways to enhance the entire service experience (not just repairing a person’s car). In this way it will lock in a loyal customer base who value the client-service provider relationship.

4.2.3 Business Participants

The auto repair industry is highly fragmented. In fact, there are so many small providers that any company in this industry is facing a purely competitive environment. It is very difficult to create a differentiation, or niche, strategy in this environment and until F & R is able to establish a reputation for quality, on time, superior customer service, the company will seek a low cost role. Once it has achieved what management believes to be a sufficient reputation for its services along with a profitable customer base, the company plans to leverage this advantage into a differentiation strategy that will be able to charge more for its services.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The following section outlines the company’s strategic focus in growing the business.

5.1 Competitive Edge

F & R Auto’s competitive edge lies in the vision of its partners, who understand better than many of their rivals that a service visit does not just include repairing a client’s car, it includes the entire service experience from the first time a client talks to their mechanic until they decide to stop driving. The long-term profitability of a service firm of this type lies in the repeat customer that finds F & R’s services an excellent experience, DESPITE the fact that they usually have suffered a inconvenient breakdown. The company will seek to examine ALL aspects of the service experience to seek ways to improve its customer satisfaction. In addition, all employees will be rigorously trained and retrained to think about customer satisfaction in order to create a self-sustaining company culture that revolves around this issue.

5.1.1 Positioning Statement

It is the express purpose of F & R to become the local leader in quality and service experience of all the small (non-dealerships) automotive repair firms within the Seattle area while maintaining a low cost plan. Once a reputation for quality and service experience is created, and an ongoing network of referrals is bringing in new business, the company plans to re-evaluate its strategy and positioning within the market to see if a differentiation strategy is viable. If so, this will allow the company to raise prices and increase profit margins in relation to its rivals. This in turn is expected to leverage long-term growth until F & R can reach a regional scope of operations.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

The company has a modest program of marketing its services that include the following:

• Direct mailers.
• Newspaper ads.
• Yellow pages.
• Referrals through other local businesses.

Each of these marketing approaches has the advantage of being low cost and creating service awareness. The company’s long-term marketing goals are to use local radio and TV ads similar to the Les Schwab Tire Center ads.

The company is also investigating the possibility of having a grand opening program that would feature discounts, food, a local radio disc jockey, and other promotional ideas.

5.2.1 Promotion Strategy

The principal owners of F & R Auto expect that a significant number of their pre-existing clients (where Ford and Ronald currently work) will desire to switch to F & R Auto to retain the services of their personal mechanics. This will provide a sufficient income until F & R can build up a reputation and see its marketing program take effect.

This promotion strategy will take the form of flyers, direct mailers, price discounts, and advertisements in newspapers and yellow pages. F & R does not desire to spend a large amount on marketing until the firm is ready to expand either into new facilities or open up new ones. It is estimated this will occur sometime after year five.

5.2.2 Pricing Strategy

F & R Auto exists in a purely competitive environment where each firm must be a price taker. In other words, the firm has no ability to affect the market price of its services, regardless of how many automobiles it repairs. In this case, therefore, marginal revenue (the revenue incurred by producing or servicing one more unit) is equal to the price charged. Furthermore, because the demand curve is essentially horizontal, F & R can service automobiles at total capacity without effecting the price.

5.3 Sales Forecast

Since the automotive repair industry is, operationally, a job-shop environment, it is somewhat difficult to estimate sales. For job-shops, each individual product or service is tailored or unique to that job, and is only initiated once an order is made. However, the sales forecast reflect the professional opinion of Mr. Ford in how much sales he will make based on the following assumptions:

• The number of clients Ford and Ronald can attract from their previous companies.
• The effect of planned promotions and word-of-mouth marketing.
• Current prices and costs of doing business.
• The types of automobiles and jobs that will occur in every month.

For the most part, sales for an automobile repair firm are steady year round and reflect little seasonality.

The table and charts below outline the sales forecast.  Three years of annual sales and costs of sales are shown.  Twelve monthly tallies are included in the appendices.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

John Ford began working as an apprentice mechanic in his father’s shop in 1984. Since that time, he has worked for a variety of automotive shops and dealerships and has numerous certificates in automobile repair. During the past two years Mr. Ford has attended Bellevue Community College where he received an Associates degree in business administration in June of 2000.

Michael Ronald attended ITT Technical Institute where he received a certificate in electronics repair in 1980. In 1983 Mr. Ronald went to work for Jim Click Ford Dealership in Tucson AZ, where he worked on automotive electrical and electronic systems. Desiring to expand his skills, Mr. Ronald received a mechanic’s certificate in 1988 and since then has become certified in various automotive fields. In anticipation of F & R’s business needs, Mr. Ronald is taking night classes at Seattle University in marketing.

6.1 Personnel Plan

F & R’s initial staffing will consist of Ford and Ronald, plus Ronald’s wife who will act as a part-time office manager. The company will seek two entry level mechanics to be hired within a few months after the company is operating. Accounting, bookkeeping, and marketing services will be outsourced. The company’s intermediate goal is to have four full time, fully trained mechanics at the original facility, plus a full-time office manager. However, management has decided to await future developments before determining the best time to bring on such personnel.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections outline the financial plan for F & R Auto Repair.

7.1 Break-even Analysis

The company’s Break-even Analysis is based on an average company’s running costs within this industry, including payroll, and its fixed costs for such things as rent, utilities, etc.

7.2 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table and chart show the projected profit and loss for F & R Auto Repair.

7.3 Projected Cash Flow

The following table and chart are the projected cash flow figures for F & R.

7.4 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows the projected balance sheet.

7.5 Business Ratios

The Business ratios give an overall idea of how profitable and at what risk level F & R Auto will operate at. The ratio table gives both time series analysis and cross-sectional analysis by including industry average ratios. As can be seen from the comparison between industry standards and F&R’s own ratios, there is some differences. Most of these are due to the fact that there is a very large variance in assets, liabilities, financing, and net income between companies in this industry due to the vast differences in company size.

Overall the company’s projections show a company that faces the usual risks of companies in this industry and one that will be profitable in the long-run. The company shows that it has higher SG&A costs than other competitors, however management has deliberately overstated costs and minimized profits in order to create a “safe” or “buffer” zone in case of hard times or other unforeseeable problems. Pre-tax return on net worth and pre-tax return on assets appears to be very high, especially within the first two years, however this is due to the fact that the company will be operating with fewer assets than most companies in the first few years until it can build up enough cash to acquire the tools and facilities that are desired and go beyond the “adequate” level.

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Auto Repair Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

You’ve come to the right place to create your Auto Repair shop business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Auto Repair shops.

Auto Repair Business Plan Example

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Automotive Repair business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is a startup auto repair shop located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Company is founded by Tim Martinez, an experienced auto mechanic who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage an auto repair shop during the past 15 years while working at Fast Cars Auto Repair. Now that Tim has experienced managing an auto repair shop, he is ready to start his own company, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair. Tim is confident that his auto repair skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable auto repair shop of his own. Tim is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of auto repair shop operations – sales and marketing, customer service, and financial reporting.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will provide reliable auto repair services for customers in the St. Louis area. Tim’s Timely will be the go-to auto repair shop in St. Louis for convenient scheduling, quality work, and timely repairs. The Company will be the ultimate choice for busy individuals, providing the best customer service in the area.

Product Offering

Auto Repair will provide the following repair services for most vehicle makes and models:

• Brake repair
• Powertrain repair
• Muffler & exhaust repair
• Heating repair
• Electrical system repair
• Wheel alignment and repair
• Preventative repair & maintenance

Customer Focus

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will target personal vehicle owners in St. Louis. The Company will also target small businesses who use a vehicle for their company’s operations such as delivery drivers, plumbers, and other mobile businesses. No matter the customer, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will deliver the best communication, service, and results.

Management Team

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be owned and operated by Tim Martinez. Tim is a graduate of Missouri University with a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology. He has 15 years of experience working as an auto repair technician and manager of another local shop. Tim will be the Company’s CEO and the Head Auto Repair Technician. He will oversee the day-to-day operations, auto repair equipment management, and auto technician staff’s activities.

Tim has recruited his former administrative assistant, Jen Jackson, to be the Company’s Chief Operations Officer and help oversee the auto repair shop’s daily operations and customer relations. Jen has a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She has worked in the auto repair industry for many years and understands what it takes to effectively run this type of business.

Success Factors

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of auto repair technicians who will be able to diagnose and repair a wide variety of vehicle issues in a timely manner.
• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair makes it easy for customers to schedule appointments, pay for service, and check on the status of their vehicle through a user-friendly customer app.
• The Company offers competitive pricing and discounts for regular customers.

Financial Highlights

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is seeking $250,000 in debt financing to launch its auto repair business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the auto repair shop and purchasing auto repair equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Auto repair shop build-out: $100,000
• Equipment, supplies, and materials: $40,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $90,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Company Overview

Who is tim’s timely auto repair.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is a newly established auto repair business in St. Louis, Missouri. Tim’s Timely will be the first choice for vehicle owners in St. Louis and the surrounding communities for its reliable and timely repair services. The Company is able to service almost any vehicle make and model and has the ability to accommodate customers’ busy schedules.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to guarantee the quality of its repairs thanks to the latest and most reliable auto repair equipment and technology combined with stringent quality control standards. The Company’s team of highly qualified professionals experienced in a wide range of automotive issues will be able to provide timely diagnosis and repair. Customers can easily schedule appointments, check on their vehicle, and make payments using the Company’s customer app.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair History

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is owned and operated by Tim Martinez, an experienced auto mechanic who has gained valuable knowledge during his 15 year tenure working as an auto repair technician and manager at another local auto repair shop. Now that Tim has gained the experience and knowledge of how to manage an auto repair shop, he is ready to start one of his own. Tim has begun recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running an auto repair shop – sales and marketing, customer service, and financial reporting.

Since incorporation, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Tim’s Timely Auto Repair, LLC to transact business in the state of Missouri.
• Has begun negotiations to purchase the warehouse that will become the shop.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include past customers, local businesses, and friends and family members to start spreading the word about the new shop.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, auto repair technicians, maintenance workers, and sales personnel to work at Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair Services

Industry analysis.

The United States auto repair market is valued at $78B with approximately 280,000 businesses in operation and over 614,000 employees working in the industry across the country. The auto repair industry has grown steadily over the past five years. Much of this growth can be attributed to more vehicles on the road combined with an increasing age of the vehicles in service. Additionally, rising disposable incomes have led to more people foregoing DIY repairs, and instead, taking their vehicles to industry operators when they need to be repaired.

One of the biggest challenges facing the auto repair industry is the growing shortage of technicians as many are retiring and there are not enough new technicians joining the field to fill the vacancies. Additional challenges include increased digitization and evolving technologies. Industry operators will need to keep up with the latest innovations to remain competitive.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will target vehicle owners in St. Louis. The Company will also target small businesses who use a vehicle for their company’s operations such as delivery drivers, plumbers, and other mobile businesses. No matter the customer, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will deliver the best communication, service, and results..

The precise demographics for St. Louis, Missouri are:

Customer Segmentation

Tim’s Timely will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individual vehicle owners
• Delivery drivers
• Mobile service providers who use vehicles for their business operations (e.g., plumbers, HVAC, mobile pet grooming, non-emergency medical transport, solar panel installers, etc.)

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Fast Cars Auto Repair

Established in 1975, Fast Cars Auto Repair is one of the largest auto repair companies in Missouri. The company provides a wide range of repair and maintenance services for many vehicle makes and models, with a focus on sports cars, luxury cars, and race cars. Fast Cars Auto Repair’s leadership team continuously introduces new technology and repair training for its staff to ensure all technicians are equipped to repair the latest model vehicles. The company has four locations in St. Louis, with more being built in the near future.

JP’s Affordable Auto Repair

JP’s Affordable Auto Repair is a small auto repair shop catering to local vehicle owners in St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding areas. JP’s Affordable Auto Repair provides efficient service at affordable prices. The company provides same day and 48-hour repairs for an extra fee. The owners of JP’s Affordable Auto Repair have been in the automotive business for over 40 years, so they keenly understand the ins-and-outs of running an auto repair shop.

Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair

Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair is a trusted St. Louis, Missouri-based auto repair shop that provides superior service to vehicle owners in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. The company is able to provide a wide variety of repair services for both personal and commercial vehicles. Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair has been family owned and operated since 1999. The company prides itself on being the number one choice for quality auto repair services at competitive prices.

Competitive Advantage

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

• Skilled team of auto repair technicians who are highly skilled and trained in a wide variety of vehicle issues to provide reliable results for almost any make or model.
• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair makes it easy for customers to obtain the Company’s services. Customers can schedule appointments, check on their vehicle, and make payments through the convenience of the customer app.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair provides reliable results in a timely manner for most vehicle makes and models.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The Company will enlist the help of a marketing director to create accounts on social media platforms such as Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.  The marketing director will ensure Tim’s Timely maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and informative content.

Professional Associations and Networking

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will become a member of professional associations such as the Automotive Service Association, Auto Care Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, and the International Automotive Technicians Network. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the Company’s customer network.

Print Advertising

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The Company will also send direct mailers to local businesses who may be interested in auto repair services.

Publications

The Company will invest in advertisements in major industry publications such as Auto Body Repair News Magazine, Auto Inc., and Auto Service Professional publications. Additionally, the Company will invest in local advertising through newspapers, magazines, and community newsletters.

Website/SEO Marketing

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will create a company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Tim’s Timely is able to provide. The Company’s marketing director will also manage the Company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “St. Louis auto repair shop” or “auto repair shop near me”, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the Company’s superior repair services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Operation Functions:

• Tim Martinez will be the CEO and Head Auto Repair Technician. He will oversee the auto repair technicians, repair process, and the auto repair equipment maintenance. Tim has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Jen Jackson – Chief Operating Officer who will manage the bookkeeping, customer relationships, and help oversee the daily operations for the Company.
• Andrea Miller – Accountant who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Bill Smith – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the Company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.

Milestones:

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

11/1/2022 – Finalize contract to purchase property.

11/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Tim’s Timely Auto Repair management team.

12/1/2022 – Begin build-out of the shop and purchase equipment and supplies.

12/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan.

1/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for auto repair technicians.

2/15/2023 – Tim’s Timely Auto Repair officially opens for business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the Company’s auto repair services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff an auto repair shop. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, auto repair equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of vehicles serviced per month: 450
• Average fees per month: $15,000
• Overhead costs per year: $140,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, auto repair business plan faqs, what is an auto repair business plan.

An auto repair  business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your auto repair company business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your auto repair  business plan using our Auto Repair  Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Auto Repair Companies?

There are a number of different kinds of auto repair companies , some examples include: Auto Service Shop, Transmission Repair Shop, and Body Repair Shop.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Auto Repair Business Plan?

Auto repair companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. A thorough  business plan for auto repair shop will show investors you are well-prepared to start a business on your own.

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Car Repair Shop

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start an Auto Repair Shop in 13 Steps

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on February 25, 2022

Investment range

$23,050 - $39,200

Revenue potential

$93,000 - $470,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$55,000 - $95,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Here are the most essential things to consider when you want to start a car repair shop:

• Location — Find a location that’s near busy roads, highways, or areas with high traffic. Or consider running the car repair business from your home if zoning restrictions allow you to do so.
• Licenses and certifications — In some regions, like California, you need a specific license to operate an automotive repair shop. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is highly respected in the industry. Technicians can be certified in various areas, such as engine repair, electrical systems, and brake systems. This certification demonstrates expertise and commitment to quality. Also, if your shop offers collision repair you can benefit from a certification from Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) .
• Niche — Choose a niche or specialization that will help you stand out such as hybrid and electric cars, classic car restoration, high-performance tuning, fleet maintenance, or mobile repair services.
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Diagnostic tools and software — Invest in a high-quality OBD-II scanner , multimeter, and oscilloscope. You will also need repair shop management software and diagnostics software. 
• Parts suppliers — Find and partner with reputable suppliers for all the spare parts you might need in your car repair business.
• Hire staff — Hire experienced and certified technicians.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your car repair shop today!

You May Also Wonder:

How profitable can a car repair shop be?

A car repair shop can be extremely profitable. The average repair bill is $600, so a handful of those a week adds up fast.

How do I organize my auto repair shop?

You should use software to track your appointments, invoices, and workflows. In terms of the physical space, you should have stations that are equipped with all the tools needed for common repairs.

What customers want in a car repair shop?

When customers choose a car shop, they look for three things:  Speed,   Reliability,  and  Good prices.

How to grow car repair shop business?

You can grow a car repair shop business by offering as many services as possible or expanding to new locations. You could even franchise your car repair shop at some point.

Can you start car repair shop on the side?

It is possible to do car repairs as a side hustle. However, having a full-fledged repair shop is a full-time business.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a car repair shop has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Steady demand — Somebody’s car is always breaking down
• Great money —  Auto repair rarely comes cheap
• Live the dream — Fiddle with cars all day and help people get moving
• High startup costs — A garage and all those tools will be $$$
• Stiff competition  — There’s a lot of mechanics out there, plus car dealerships too

Car Repair Shop Industry Trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth — The US auto mechanics industry is worth more than $81.7 billion in 2023 and has seen steady growth in the last five years.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/auto-mechanics-united-states/ ))
• Growth forecast — The US auto mechanics industry is projected to experience continued growth in the coming years and expand by more than 5.98% by 2029.(( https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-automotive-service-market )) 
• Number of businesses — More than 286,000 auto mechanic businesses are operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/auto-mechanics-united-states/#:~:text=How%20many%20businesses%20are%20there,increase%20of%200.3%25%20from%202021. )) 
• Number of people employed — There are more than 592,000 people working in US car repair.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/auto-mechanics-united-states/ )) 

Trends and Challenges

• More than 70 million US vehicles are more than 15 years old, which means lots of business for auto repair shops in the years ahead. 
• Changing auto technology presents opportunities for auto mechanics that are up to date on all the latest features.
• As new cars become more reliable, the car repair shop industry may suffer.
• Labor shortages have become an increasing problem in the car repair industry, with qualified auto technicians becoming harder to find. 

Demand Hotspots

• Most popular states — The most popular states for car repair shops are Vermont, Wyoming, and North Dakota.
• Least popular states — The least popular states for car repair shops are Arkansas, Hawaii, and Florida.(( https://www.zippia.com/mechanic-jobs/best-states/ ))

What Kind of People Work in Car Repair Shops?

• Gender — 3.6% of auto mechanics are female, while 96.4% are male.
• Average level of education — The average auto mechanic is high school educated.
• Average age — The average auto mechanic in the US is 40.2 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/auto-mechanic-jobs/demographics/ ))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Car Repair Shop Business?

Startup costs for a car repair shop range from $23,000 to $40,000. The main costs include renting a garage, equipment, and tools. 

You could go to a trade school and learn to be an auto mechanic in about a year for around $8,000, or take an $800 online course at Penn Foster. It’s probably best to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) . You can take a test near you for less than $100.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your car repair shop business, including: 

• Hydraulic lift
• Diagnostic machine
• Basic tools
• Air compressor
• Jack and jack stands
• Oil drain and oil caddy
• Battery charger and jumper
• Engine hoist
• Brake lathe
• Strut compressor

How Much Can You Earn From a Car Repair Shop Business?

The average car repair bill is $600. When working as a solopreneur, your profit margin after rent and overhead should be about 60%.

In your first year or two, you could work by yourself and do three repairs per week, bringing in about $93,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $55,000 in profit, assuming that 60% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get repeat customers and referrals, sales could climb to 15 repairs per week. At this stage, you’d hire staff including other mechanics, reducing your profit margin to around 20%. With an annual revenue of almost $470,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $95,000.

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry for a car repair shop. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The high startup cost
• Strong competition from local dealerships and mechanics
• Acquiring auto mechanic skills and certification, if you don’t already have them

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a car repair shop, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research car repair shops online and in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a car repair shop that makes house calls. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as brakes or mufflers.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine Your Range of Services

Your services will depend on your skills and equipment. You could just offer oil changes and tune-ups or a full range of services all the way up to engine replacement. The more you can do, the better.

How Much Should You Charge for Car Repair Services?

Prices will vary based on the repairs to be done. Your prices should work out to $75 to $130 per hour for labor. Your costs will be for overhead, rent, and labor. Once you have other mechanics working for you, you should aim for a profit margin of about 20%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

Your target market will be anyone who owns a car, so you should spread out your marketing to sites like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You could also partner with tow truck companies to get and give referrals.

Where? Choose Your Business Premises

You’ll need to find a garage/shop space to rent. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Mechanic Shop Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “auto mechanic” or “car repair,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “Expert Car Care Center” over “Engine Repair Shop”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 380 unique car repair shop name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our car repair shop name generator. Just type in a few keywords and, hit Generate, and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Car Repair Shop Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A brief summary outlining the core elements of the car repair shop business plan, including its mission, goals, and key highlights
• Business overview — A comprehensive description of the car repair shop, detailing its mission, vision, location, legal structure, and any unique aspects that set it apart
• Product and services — Clear and concise details about the specific car repair services offered, such as maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs for various vehicle types
• Market analysis — An examination of the local automotive market, identifying target customers, analyzing trends, and assessing potential demand for car repair services
• Competitive analysis — Evaluation of competitors in the area, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and outlining strategies to position the car repair shop effectively
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting the car repair shop, attracting customers, and retaining them through effective marketing, advertising, and sales approaches
• Management team — An introduction to the key individuals responsible for running the car repair shop, including their roles, expertise, and relevant experience
• Operations plan — A detailed plan outlining day-to-day operations, facility requirements, equipment, suppliers, and any partnerships necessary for smooth business functioning
• Financial plan — A comprehensive overview of the car repair shop’s financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis
• Appendix — Supplementary materials, such as additional financial data, charts, graphs, and any other relevant information supporting the business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to car repair shops. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your car repair shop will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. A corporation or an LLC can elect to be an S Corp for tax status. Here, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online, or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a car repair shop.

Step 8: Apply for Car Repair Shop Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a car repair shop business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your car repair shop business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from clients who say they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as shopmonkey , AutoLeap , or Shop Boss , to manage your appointments, workflows, invoicing, and payments. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , FreshBooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local SEO — Optimize your website using best SEO practices for car repair-related search terms and encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews to boost local visibility. Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Professional branding — Ensure your branding communicates expertise, trustworthiness, and approachability, from your logo to your workshop’s signage.
• Direct outreach — Establish referral partnerships with local car dealerships, insurance companies, and fleet operators to broaden your client base.
• Social media engagement — Utilize Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your services, post car maintenance tips, and engage with the community.
• Automotive care blog — Publish articles about vehicle maintenance, DIY tips, and the latest car technology to establish your authority in the field.
• Customer success stories — Highlight testimonials and stories from customers who had positive experiences, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.
• Educational videos and guides — Produce video content and downloadable guides that explain common car issues and maintenance tips.
• Workshops — Offer educational sessions on basic car maintenance and seasonal vehicle preparation to engage and educate your customers.
• Participation in local events — Showcase your services at local fairs, car shows, and community events to interact directly with potential customers.
• Email campaigns — Maintain contact with your customer base through newsletters featuring car care tips, service reminders, and exclusive offers.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today’s customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they can quickly grasp how your car repair shop meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your car repair shop business could be:

• Certified mechanics for all your auto repair needs
• Affordable car repairs, guaranteed to get you back on the road fast
• Car broke down? We’ll come to you! Mobile car repair 

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a car repair shop, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in car repair for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in car repair shops. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a car repair shop business include:

• Mechanics — perform car services and repairs
• General manager — scheduling, ordering, staff management, accounting
• Marketing lead — SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Car Repair Shop — Start Making Money!

If you’re a mechanic, why work for someone else when you could be the boss of your own shop? It will take a significant investment to get started, but you’ll soon grab a slice of the $80 billion market and get a nice return. 

Now that you’ve honed your entrepreneurial skills, it’s time to get your tools ready and start driving toward auto repair success! 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Mechanic Shop Name
• Create a Car Repair Shop Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund Your Business
• Apply for Car Repair Shop Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Car Repair Shop — Start Making Money!

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• Sample Business Plans

Auto Repair Shop Business Plan

Not everyone has the talent and technique to repair and restore cars, and if you have those skills, you might have thought of starting an auto repair business.

After all, most people prefer the autonomy having a business offers. But with autonomy comes responsibility. And to fulfill that you’ll need an auto repair business plan.

If you are planning to start a new auto or car repair shop, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample auto repair shop business plan  created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new auto repairing shop, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of  services-related business plans.

Industry Overview

In 2021, 162000 establishments had a combined annual revenue of $115 billion in the US auto repair industry.

The growth has mainly come from the increasing number of cars on the road. Also, the growing mileage consumption has played a huge role.

Opening up a car repair shop requires you to pay for construction costs, labor, and equipment.

As the auto repair business is a profitable one it attracts a lot of competition, and to stay ahead of it you’ll need skills and a proper business plan.

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Things to Consider Before Writing an Auto Repair Business Plan

Select what area of repairs you’ll work on.

Auto repairs shops take up a variety of jobs like repairing and painting car bodies, transforming old vehicles, or doing tire and mechanical repairs.

So, it is necessary to decide what you want to do before getting started. Specialization helps you get more expertise in the area and makes you more reliable for the job to customers.

Pick a suitable location

An accessible location is a must for an auto repair business. Your location would also rely on the niche you’ll be working on. Tire repair services are usually on the road to make them accessible for emergencies.

While transformation services are mostly opened inside the city for easier pickup and drop.

Hire an efficient team

An auto repair business’s success relies heavily on the quality of services you provide. That helps you retain customers and get more. Hence, it is important to have a team that can provide quality services to your customers.

Apart from that, it is also important to have a team with good technical and soft skills to understand your customer’s problems better.

Formulate marketing strategies

Marketing your business is essential to attract customers and building your brand’s identity. Hence, it is important to have a marketing strategy for all the platforms your target audience uses to find repair services.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

A business plan helps you leverage the best of your resources, and get the maximum out of your efforts.

A business plan also comes in handy if you need funding or loans for your business, as investors and banks prefer to see a business plan before they give the money.

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for. It will also show you the different sections that entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample auto repair shop business plan template for you to get a good idea about how a perfect auto repair shop business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Auto Repair Shop Business Plan Outline

This is the standard auto repair shop business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Keys to Success
• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Business Structure
• Startup cost
• Products and Services
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Market Segmentation
• SWOT Analysis
• Sales Strategy
• Local Publications
• Community Events/Organizations
• Commuter Advertising
• Customer Loyalty Programs
• Direct Mail
• Pricing Strategy
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

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Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Download a sample auto repair shop business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free auto repair shop business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your auto repair shop business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

After  getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample auto repair shop business plan template into your business plan and modify the required information and download your auto repair shop business plan pdf or doc file.

It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

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About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Table of Contents

Complete Guide on Auto Repair Shop Business Plan (2023)

Success in the auto repair business starts with a good plan. Your shop’s future depends on it. One mistake can be a big problem. That’s why you need to make sure you have everything in place for a successful auto repair business.

In this blog, we’ll help you create a strong business plan for an auto repair shop, whether you’re starting out or already have a shop. We’ll also give you a business plan sample for an auto repair shop that you can use. 

Let’s get started!”

Looking to expand your auto repair shop? Schedule a demo now.

What is an auto repair shop business plan? 

An auto repair shop business plan is like a roadmap for your car repair business. It’s a document that explains your business idea to potential investors or partners.

Imagine you’re planning a long road trip. 

Before you start, you make a detailed plan with the places you want to visit, the things you want to do, and the route you’ll take. 

Similarly, an auto repair shop business plan is like that plan for your car repair business. It’s a written guide that outlines what your business wants to achieve, how it will do it, and why it’s a good idea. 

You use this plan to show to others, like investors, so they understand your business and may want to be part of it. It’s like the master plan for your car repair adventure!

Why you need a business plan for auto repair shop: 

You will understand your business better:.

• Your business plan is your GPS. It gives you a clear route to your goals.
• Identify and tackle obstacles with confidence by sticking to your plan.
• It’s your guide for financing, hiring, operations, and branding.

It will give you a Smooth Driving:

• Prevent hiccups by investing wisely.
• Your business plan helps you choose the right people, processes, technology, and marketing.
• Ensure your investments align with your long-term goals.

Make your business sustainable: 

• Map out a sustainable and viable business model.
• Secure funding, plan expansion, and achieve growth milestones.

It will give you Clear Path:

• Engage in a regular enjoyable activity.
• Form habits that help you focus and organize thoughts.
• Find solitude to regain focus on business goals.
• Personalize your approach for clarity and success.

Creating an auto repair shop business plan: 

Understanding the basics.

It is important that you first clever the basics before you create a business plan. 

For that, you need to understand the type of your business. There are many types of business such as startup business plan, internal business plan, and strategies plan.

For an auto body repair shop business plan, you need to form some key elements in your company such as market, company description, sales strategies, management, product/service, fundings, financial projections. Etc. 

Company Description: 

This chapter is the heart of your business plan. Here you will tell your story. Why do you want to start an auto repair business? What is the mission behind it? You will explain your services. 

This is your chance to give a unique identity to your repair shop. This can help you gain competitive advantage. Let’s discuss these things one by one: 

Overview: 

Give your readers a sense of what your auto repair shop is all about. You can tell the essence of your shop here. You need to discuss the history of your business, founders; story, and company culture, 

Mission Statement: 

Articulate the core purpose of your business – what it aims to achieve and how it serves its customers or clients.

Vision Statement: 

Describe the future you envision for your company. What impact do you want to have on your industry, community, or the world?

Products or Services

Now discuss what you are offering. Describe your services that show a unique value proposition. It is important that it is relevant to your auto repair customers. 

Market Positioning

Marketing and branding is very important to have a successful auto repair business. Focusing on market positioning is crucial. You need to touch on points like target audience, competitive advantage and market niche. 

Short-Term Goals: 

These could include milestones like launching a new product, reaching a specific revenue target, or expanding your customer base.

Long-Term Goals: 

Detail your overarching aspirations, such as becoming an industry leader, expanding globally, or achieving a certain level of market share.

Market Analysis

You need to know what you are dealing with on a daily basis. 

What do your ideal customers want? What is trending in the market? How can you attract more and more customers? 

For this, you need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the auto repair market. There are three things you need to cover: 

Target Market: 

Understand your audience. Check out the following things in your customers: 

• Income level 
• Values 
• Lifestyles 
• Purchasing behaviors

Address the market needs: 

You need to find out the needs of your market. Identify the pain points of your customers.

Pro tip: you can conduct surveys or focus groups to find out the pain points of your target audience. 

After finding out the paint points, come up with unique selling point that covers the needs of your market. Clearly articulate how your products or services stand out and provide distinct advantages over competitors.

Analyzing the Competitive Landscape: 

In every market, competition is a reality. By analyzing your competitors, you gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. Find out direct competitors that offer similar services. 

After finding your competitors, you can set your business apart by offering better services from them. 

Market Size and Growth Potential

Assessing the overall market size and growth potential provides a snapshot of the opportunity at hand. It helps you understand the scope of your market and whether it’s expanding or contracting.

Industry Trends: 

Now you need to collect data related to auto repair shops. This can help you in finding industry trends. Find out the merging technologies that you can use in your shop. 

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Now we know our services and market for the auto repair shop. But how are we gonna sell our service to the market

That’s here, you need marketing strategies for your auto repair shops. Follow the following steps to define your strategies: 

• Identify the platforms you’ll use to reach your audience. 
• Craft a consistent and compelling message that resonates with your target audience.
• Plan the creation and distribution of valuable content that educates, entertains, or solves problems for your audience. 
• Detail how you’ll guide potential customers through the sales journey, from initial contact to making a purchase.
• Explain how you’ll attract potential customers.
• Describe how you’ll build relationships with leads over time. 
• Outline the steps you’ll take to convert leads into paying customers. 
• Allocate funds to different marketing strategies
• Explain how you’ll measure the effectiveness of your marketing and sales efforts.
• Identify the KPIs you’ll monitor, such as website traffic, conversion rates, click-through rates, and customer acquisition cost.

Organization and Management

Now, you need to discuss the management of your auto repair shop. Highlighting key team members and explaining their roles adds depth and credibility to your business plan.you can discuss the following things: 

• Organizational Structure
• Hierarchical Chart.
• Functional Divisions
• Key Management Team
• Founder(s) and CEO
• Executive Team Members
• Responsibilities and Roles
• Founder’s Role
• Key Executives’ Roles
• Team Strengths and Expertise
• Relevant Experience
• Growth Plans
• Recruitment Strategy

Product or Service Line

In this chapter, you’ll provide a thorough exploration of your products or services. You can discuss the following things: 

• Introduction to Your Offerings
• Detailed Description
• Development and Design
• Intellectual Property
• Product Life Cycle
• Future Development
• Visuals and Media
• Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
• Pricing Strategy
• Regulatory and Compliance
• Sustainability and Ethics

Financial Projections

In this chapter, you will do a proper financial analysis. You will discuss the financial dynamics of your business. 

1. Profit and Loss: 

In this, you will show projected profit and loss for the forecast period. Below is an example from the business plan for an existing auto repair shop. you can use it to make your own a profit and loss sheet. 

2.Cash flow projection: The next thing is the cash flow projection. Cash flow is critical for business sustainability. Illustrate how cash moves in and out of your business, highlighting periods of potential cash shortages and surpluses. This helps in planning for working capital needs and managing liquidity. Below is an example that you can use:

3. Balance Sheet Projection

Provide a snapshot of your business’s financial position, including assets, liabilities, and equity. This showcases the overall health and stability of your business.

4. Break Even Analysis

Determine the point at which your business becomes profitable. A breakeven analysis helps you understand how much revenue you need to cover all costs. Below is an example of a business plan for an existing auto repair shop. You can see to understand better.

Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning

No business journey is without its obstacles. Recognizing potential risks and challenges upfront and having a plan to address them is crucial. 

This chapter focuses on identifying risks, evaluating their potential impact, and outlining strategies to mitigate their effects.

First thing is to identify the risk. You can see the picture below to identify risks. 

After identifying risks, you need to come with risk mitigation strategies such as: 

Preventive Measures: Outline steps you’ll take to prevent risks from occurring. 

Mitigation Plans: Describe your plans to minimize the impact if a risk does materialize. 

Crafting a business plan is a labor of love. It’s more than a document; it’s your business’s roadmap to success. Each chapter contributes to the bigger picture, forming a comprehensive strategy that aligns your ambitions with actionable steps. Now that you have this guide, take the first step towards creating a winning business plan that paves the way for your entrepreneurial journey.

You can also take your auto repair business to the next level with a good auto repair management software. Moreover , torque 360 offers all-round automotive management software as well. It includes many features such as scheduling, invoicing , estimating , digital vehicle inspection , repair order management , technician portal , POS integration , and marketing solutions. 

About the Author: Torque360

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