According to the federal government, there are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States. This accounts for about 99.9 percent of all businesses in the country! Many of these small businesses are in the auto repair industry. There are more than 16,000 of them across the country.
More than 34 percent of these auto repair businesses report making less than $250,000 a year. Subtract the costs to run a business and you can see that it’s important to look at ways to grow quickly without spending too much money. More than a third of small business owners say that lack of capital is their top challenge. As a result, 1 in 12 small businesses close every year. More than half of small businesses are able to survive 5 years or more. The key is to save money wherever you can.
The top way to save money on opening and running a garage is to put it in a steel and metal building. Small business owners who open automotive-related businesses appreciate the clear span truss design of our buildings. There are no flat ceilings or low hanging rafters. This creates more usable interior space and allows for car lifts. You could even consider creating a second story loft area for the office.
The Startup Headlines
Experts advise that the path towards a successful small business as a garage owner starts with making sure that you and your workers are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
It’s a nonprofit organization started in 1972 that promotes improvement in the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying mechanics. The certification tells your potential customers that you know what you’re doing. Qualifications include a combination of work and educational experience.
You’ll want to do the homework on how much it’ll cost – besides your building – to open the doors and accept customers. These costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
- A diagnostic machine can range from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Specialty tools can set you back $15,000.
- Insurance will be about $4,000 a year.
- A single vehicle lift with installation included will cost around $3,700.
You may know everything there is to know about cars, but you probably have a lot to learn about business – especially the legal aspects of ownership. Make sure to budget for professional advice. You’ll need a business license, and it’s important to establish a legal entity. This prevents you from being personally liable if your business is sued.
We can’t help you form a corporation, but we can be of great assistance in helping you pick the right design for your future garage. Start by checking out our gallery of metal and steel garage and shops. Then use this form to request a free building quote. Tell us about your business plans. It’ll help us make the best building recommendations for you.
