New Auto Repair Garage..need help

[kwb]

I have been following this thread with great interest. I will add one thing I feel a partner is okay when you are a project based business- development of properties is good example of a project set begin and end. For an ongoing venture if you aren't sleeping with the partner IMHO you are going to add a whole additional layer of headaches especially if you are talking about a fairly small business (gross reciepts of $2M or less)

 

[CarCrafter]

I have been following this thread with great interest. I will add one thing I feel a partner is okay when you are a project based business- development of properties is good example of a project set begin and end. For an ongoing venture if you aren't sleeping with the partner IMHO you are going to add a whole additional layer of headaches especially if you are talking about a fairly small business (gross reciepts of $2M or less)

I agree... Like Dave Ramsey says "The only ships that don't sail are PARTNERSHIPS". Too much potential for difference of opinion in daily operations.

 

[Aahz]

Coats (not Coates) is a division of Henessey Industries, a small conglomerate of automotive equipment mfgs. all held by the same corporation. The biggest issue with ANY tire equipment is how quickly you can get them fixed. Brands like Ranger, Atlas, etc. typically don't have anyone set up on a local level to do their repairs, and if they do have someone around to fix them, that repair person does not typically stock parts for the equipment they sell. (Same goes on their lifts, brake lathes, etc.) If a tire machine goes down, your tire business is shut down..Coats (and Hunter) have the largest service organizations in the USA for BLT service. (Balancers, Brake Lathes and Tire changers). Their equipment tends to be much more durable and service is available readily throughout the USA. (This is the reason major chains such as Goodyear, Midas, Sears, etc. depend on these two brands exclusively).

The same issues can be said for the lifts and air compressors that you plan on purchasing. If a lift goes down or an A/C goes down and no one can get parts to fix it, you are basically in deep doo-doo. Rotary has the largest service organization and Champion has the largest A/C service organization, from my experience.

 

[airbassador]

So you think I should point my customers to new rotors instead of turning? Why wouldnt the customer go to another garage next time if I dont offer turning? just curious.

My competition within 5 miles is as follows.
2 'tire only' places.
2 very small garages.

What is my gimmick in this economy? On tires.. all locals double their money on tires. Buy at $32 and charge $65 plus balance and disposal. Oil.. almost triple. Brakes..double. Our plan is to not rely on drive ins.. but to focus on fleets. We already have several on board and can get many more fleets after opening. I plan on building a reputation as being honest and fair, with affordable pricing. The $44.95 oil change guys wont last long in this area once we are up.

People generally pass on the cheapest shop in whatever service field they need work done. It's a psychological thing. If they're the cheapest, they must not be good enough to charge more, right? That or they're desperate because again, they're not experienced enough. Don't be the cheapest, but don't be the most expensive either.

Besides, what if you realize you missed something and your prices are too low to cover expenses? Once you start a sales negotiation with a customer, you can always go down and make them feel they're getting a deal, but you'll never be able to ask more than your initial quote.

But what the hell do I know, I'm a computer consultant.

 

[nate379]

I will learn Spanish for $20/hr!

I don't make much more than that and I've been in the Air Force for 8 years. That is with housing allowance, food allowance, etc all figured in.

Yes it has. On that salary you could not live in a run down apartment here.

The illegal Mexicans make anywhere from 12.00-20.00 an hour if they are skilled. And its all under the table cash money.

They will pay you 800.00-1,000.00 a month just to live out of your garage.

 

[tonydanzah]

so what happened with this building/business