11 Steps To Become a Body Shop Business

In the news, we hear of auto accidents every now and then, regardless of whether they were caused by a drunk driver or not. Accidents always occur on a regular basis, and people will always require auto body work. This is why all over the world, we see that body shops have continued to spring up daily. This is because of the never-ending need for it.

Body shop business is a money-spinning career opportunity. Operating a body shop can be hard work, but you can rest assured that you will smile to the bank at the end of the day. When you run this type of business, you assume the role of a problem solver because you help solve a legitimate problem. However, it is imperative to note that starting this trade requires a whole lot of focus.

If you are decided and enthusiastic about learning about the body shop business and how to start yours, then it becomes important that you take the steps below seriously. The steps in this article have helped those who have thriving body shop businesses. Now, let us see those steps that are indispensable when it comes to opening a body shop.

Starting a Body Shop Company – Sample Business Plan Template

1. Learn a Lot about Body Shops

The first rule of thumb is that you must learn everything you can about auto body works, as well as painting cars. This is because you would grasp a whole lot, when you research on a topic that isn’t too clear. You can consider reading books on the auto body works; ask those who are already in the line of business how they have been able to cope in the past years, and how much it took them to set up a bodywork business, amongst many other questions.

2. Learn the Skill

Even though this skill may be difficult to learn, but you have got to give it a shot if you want to delve into this business. As you start a business, you must know the skills involved in it. Consider attending a vocational or technical auto repair program. This singular can put you in a top position in the industry because you can put all you have learned into practice.

3. Work in an Auto Shop

If you aren’t satisfied with the level of knowledge that you have garnered, you can look at finding a job and serving in an auto body shop for a specific time to learn the basics. When you put yourself in this position, you may also know the day-to-day running processes of a body shop company.

4. Register Your Business

This is different from the type of business you can start at home. This is because of the noise that some of the machines used in this industry emit. Much more than that, operating a body shop from home may mean that you would be exposing yourself, as well as others, to very harsh chemical odors that may be hazardous to your health. So, do ensure that you do all the paperwork that registering a business entails.

5. Generate a business plan for your auto body shop

Vital templates must be included in your body shop business plan. They include what services you offer and your eventual business intention. Also, you should have financial projections, like revenue and expected expenses, and short-term and long-term business goals. It should also include a comprehensive analysis of your competition in the area where you want to site your body shop.

6. Pool Resources Together

This is one business that may gulp quite a lot of money. Therefore, you would need to secure funding for your body shop. You may consider angel investors who are scouting for businesses to promote. You can also seek a loan facility from a bank or a microfinance bank. If you are lucky and find an angel investor, ensure you have a well-packaged business plan to tender.

7. Discover a location for your auto body shop

You would need a space where a garage with several bays can be built. There should also be some office space attached. You may need to tell your realtor to find this space in a commercial area that is visible to many people who may need your services. This business must be located in the heart of town.

8. Insure Your Business

You must purchase an insurance policy for your auto body shop. Ensure that this includes general liability protection and property coverage. You must also have workers’ compensation insurance for your employees.

9. Hire Workers

More often than not, operating a body shop means that you will hire mechanics for your business. This means that you will need to take into service mechanics that are proficient and have been through a training program.

10. Procure Equipment

If you do not have a relationship with parts suppliers, you must do so to offer affordable services. Once you secure them, you can purchase the equipment you need for your shop. This will comprise lifts, tools, and the initial parts inventory.

11. Advertise your auto body business

Having a solid advertising strategy is vital. Here are some marketing steps you may consider adopting: leveraging the internet, advertising through the radio and television, and print media. Consider offering discounts to new customers so that they can stay attracted to your service.