How to Open an Auto Body Shop

Opening an auto body shop may be a lucrative business opportunity for you if you're working at an auto body shop or enjoy helping friends repair dents, dings and other damages to their vehicles. However, knowing how to make a damaged car look like new isn't enough to ensure business success: you'll also need some sound advice on how to open an auto body shop. The following steps will give you an idea of what opening an auto body shop entails and how you can make it profitable.



Steps
1. Take courses on repairing cars at a vocational school and spend some time working at an existing auto body shop. This will hone your repair skills and expand your knowledge of the auto repair business.


2. Research the competition to see what their prices are and whether there's a demand for an auto body shop in your area. Consider looking further away for better business opportunities.


3. Construct a detailed business plan that outlines all your startup costs, as well as your projected income and business strategy. Remember to include taxes and employees' salaries.


4. Obtain the capital you need to open an auto body shop by asking private investors for funding or getting a small business loan from your bank.


5. Register your auto body shop. You'll need to register it with the city, state and federal government before you can open for business.


6. Find a location for your auto body shop. Make sure the it is zoned for commercial use and is easily accessible from major roads.


7. Buy equipment like lifts, wheel balancers, hoists, paint guns and anything else you need for the services you plan to offer.


8. Decide on pricing for your services. It's important that you cover your operating costs and the costs of material while still maintaining competitive pricing to attract customers.


9. Speak to insurance representatives about being included on their recommended repair facility lists. This will bring in additional customers who know they can claim their repairs if they use your services as opposed to a shop that's not on the recommended repair facility list.


10. Interview and hire employees who are skilled, trustworthy and polite.


11. Market your company with flyers, print ads in local newspapers and online.

• Use social networking sites to your advantage by asking customers to write reviews when they're satisfied with your work.

12. Open your auto body repair shop.


Tips

1. Always prominently display any certifications you have at your location. This inspires customers to trust you and enhances your reputation.
2. Always maintain an email list of your customers so you can send them updates about specials, new services and other important events.