4 Tips for Owning a Body Shop as an Auto Body Repair Technician

The automotive industry presents many opportunities for entrepreneurship. There are many benefits to this type of work, as it affords auto technicians lots of flexibility, as well as the opportunity for unlimited growth. That being said, the prospect of setting up your own business can be quite daunting, and it involves a good amount of preparation and industry knowledge. 

If you’re pursuing a career in the automotive industry, the benefits of pursuing ownership of an auto body shop far outweigh the challenges. With the right training and strategy, you’ll be fully equipped to run your very own successful business. Here’s a brief guide to getting started! 

1. Create a Business Plan 

As an auto body repair technician starting your own shop, the statistics of small business success might pose an obstacle to your motivation. According to research, roughly 33 per cent of new businesses will close within a year. After five years, an additional 50% of new businesses will fail. Instead of letting these numbers get to you, it’s important to realize that business failure depends on a variety of factors, many of which can be planned for and avoided. To ensure that you’re on the right side of the numbers, create a detailed business plan that includes a description of your business, how your business will be organized, where funding will come from, what services you’ll offer, what you’ll be charging, and what your marketing strategy will be like. 

2. Get Advice From an Experienced Auto Body Repair Technician 

Like most entrepreneurs, as an auto body repair technician opening your own business, it may be tempting to try to do everything yourself. After all, your business will be your livelihood, and you don’t want anyone ruining it. However, in order to succeed, it’s important to seek support, as no business thrives without a capable team behind it. Try reaching out to experienced, supportive auto body repair technicians who are very familiar with the industry. Prepare some questions to ask, such as what services are most requested from professionals in auto body technician careers by customers and what common challenges they might face.

3. Conduct Market Research 

Market research refers to the process of collecting information about a target market. In your research, strive to learn who your target market is, what their challenges or pain points are, what their customer service preferences are, and how they are most likely to come into contact with your offers. Market research could involve speaking with prospective clients face-face, looking into existing demographic reports, cold-calling, or social media polls. Get creative in order to gather the information you need to satisfy future customers. 

4. Build Relationships With Vendors and Prospective Customers 

You’ll need access to paint and parts in order to repair and restore vehicles at your shop. Not only can building relationships with paint and auto parts companies offer valuable information, but they can also provide you with business assistance. Because you’ll need their services on a long-term basis, your success is theirs, so partnering with you and even offering you business consultancy services is in their best interest. Thus, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to vendors in your area. 

Ready to start auto body technician courses? 

Contact ATC Surrey for more information!