Working from home as a mechanic (auto repair)?
- Thread starter AngryJoe
- Start date
sberry
Banned
Ok. I have done this some and had a couple Buds that did it a career. The learning curve can be steep. Despite some contrary opinion you done have to do or be everything to everyone. My Bud took a long time to get this to an art.
Work harder on the customers than the cars. Developed a repeat clientele. Find your strength and keep it simple. Skip used ****** and engine changeouts, engine reman etc. Focus on brakes, water pumps, axle, stuff you can finish with a predictable outcome. Don't panic if you can't do it all. If you have to send a good customer to the dealer.for a fussy drive problem they will come back for brakes.
1 good customer is worth 3 poor ones. After a while I see people drop the car off,, needs brakes, and come back when it's ready and ask how much they owe. After a while he didn't even have to quote most work or only in general.
He fixxed the rare mistake, was never sued.
Work harder on the customers than the cars. Developed a repeat clientele. Find your strength and keep it simple. Skip used ****** and engine changeouts, engine reman etc. Focus on brakes, water pumps, axle, stuff you can finish with a predictable outcome. Don't panic if you can't do it all. If you have to send a good customer to the dealer.for a fussy drive problem they will come back for brakes.
1 good customer is worth 3 poor ones. After a while I see people drop the car off,, needs brakes, and come back when it's ready and ask how much they owe. After a while he didn't even have to quote most work or only in general.
He fixxed the rare mistake, was never sued.
Iroc-Z
Well-known member
I currently do this. Started part time for about two years and went full time in July. I have a 40 deep 50 wide shop with two lifts. I do everything from oil changes to heavy line work. I have three fleet accounts and the rest of the work I get by word of mouth. I use Mitchell manager, repair, and estimator. Also have identifix. I source all parts and get parts delivered. Honestly I could write a two page post on this. I was not green when I started. I have been in the industry for 18 years.
sberry
Banned
One bud didn't mark up parts. Sometimes added a.few bucks materials to a bill but kept a couple hundred dollars in pocket, paid cash, paid the sales tax right there and nicked the labor. Customer doesn't care, if it's 300$ it's 300, whether it's done thru parts mark up or labor.
Stores delivered, kept simple, no parts running, no book keeper needed, very little record keeping, if customers wanted to supply it was ok. Wasn't worth all the extra steps to squeeze a little more out. Customers never felt gouged, they got estimate for 1400 from Midas, include a new sink,,, and got out for 300 with 2 new rotors and set of pads,, where you think they go next time?
Stores delivered, kept simple, no parts running, no book keeper needed, very little record keeping, if customers wanted to supply it was ok. Wasn't worth all the extra steps to squeeze a little more out. Customers never felt gouged, they got estimate for 1400 from Midas, include a new sink,,, and got out for 300 with 2 new rotors and set of pads,, where you think they go next time?
sberry
Banned
Didn't work on exotic foreign stuff, did hundreds of.Ford.clutches. Didn't take snowmobiles aND garden ****, simple stuff the parts store had in stock. I know we will inevitably get someone here tell how many hours they "flag" with.scan ****, my bud had simple code reader, had basic tools, wasn't scared to get something he needed but wasn't paying on the **** to fill an expensive box. Had a couple Sears cabs to store junk or rare used and a hf cart to catch the stuff he really used. Bought a used air comp from someone couldnt.help them selves needed a better one, worked for 35 yrs, still does with 1 belt and fix a contact in the motor, 400$, still looks near new, used every day.
sberry
Banned
Super low overhead. Small bills, tried worker or 2 and they really a pain even if they were ok, wasn't worth it. Had a couple places he sent stuff he didn't want to do.
sberry
Banned
I fix a neighbor car the other morning. 1 rotor and set of pads and rest of the bill was to fix/clean packed mud out that cause the problem. Didn't try to see how many parts I could toss at it. It's really rare I change oil for others, doesn't bother me if they jiffy that.
I got a couple that help, they are good hands, they see, had one while back I ask 100 for and said I figured I was going to pay 150 and did.
They ain't all that great but those are the ones to try to keep. He coming back for brake job. We inspected it 6 months ago, decided to let it run thru **** weather and wear last of it out and he appreciate I didn't try to panic him in to work.
I got a couple that help, they are good hands, they see, had one while back I ask 100 for and said I figured I was going to pay 150 and did.
They ain't all that great but those are the ones to try to keep. He coming back for brake job. We inspected it 6 months ago, decided to let it run thru **** weather and wear last of it out and he appreciate I didn't try to panic him in to work.
sberry
Banned
Another asked for bid on shocks, I returned it with problems fixxed, didn't need shocks but radius arm bush, brake line and exhaust joint welded. Says,, I ain't never taking it elsewhere.
I haven't pursued customer base like I should, I am distracted with other stuff.
I haven't pursued customer base like I should, I am distracted with other stuff.
driftpin
Well-known member
You better be sure zoning allows you to do what you intend, where you are. All it takes is a nosy neighbor ( or a legitimate auto repair business looking to eliminate non-licensed competition) turning you in to code enforcement, it's practically-impossible to get-off their radar once they're alerted to your 'business.'
If you have an account with Safety-Kleen, they may be required to provide the fire prevention bureau a list of accounts they service. Another way you come-under scrutiny.
If you have an account with Safety-Kleen, they may be required to provide the fire prevention bureau a list of accounts they service. Another way you come-under scrutiny.
Last edited:
regguy1
Well-known member
Be sure you have garage keepers liability insurance, people will blame you for anything that goes wrong with their car after you work on it, you could actually make a mistake and be liable for damages, GK Insurance should have "completed operations coverage" You could be sued and without GK Insurance you're putting yourself at great financial risk
Magnum440d100
Well-known member
Attachments
rayra
Well-known member
lot of rules against it. I do as much of my own work as possible, have for decades, do some work for my neighbors / word of mouth, as well. But not often or routinely. I know I myself would be annoyed as f if I was hearing air tools and clanging wrenches all the time, in my residential neighborhood.
Put a new timing belt in my neighbor's Tundra last year, stripped a nut in a very hard to reach spot, trying to pull the AC pump mount during disassembly. Some fun getting that off and then waiting for a special factory bolt to be shipped cross country.
Done more brake jobs than I can count. Tired of doing brake jobs. Solved some AC issues, done a lot of diagnoses for folks as a sort of mechanic-proofing. I'll look at neighbors and acquaintances' car problems and tell them what I think is wrong, so they can maybe know if a 'real' mechanic is trying to up-sell or screw them.
A cheap canbus code reader is as good as an expensive one, as long as you have internet access to look up codes. And YouTube is an amazing resource. I'm 55 and was wrenching a long time before '94. Or the advent of youtube in '05. So much easier now since those resources became readily available.
Some of my 'shade tree' mechanic work -
https://www.expeditionportal.com/fo...guys-sierra-pickup-suburban-yukon-etc.155266/
If the OP wants to make a real go of it, gonna need a lot of specialty tools, ought to have some insurance for when something goes horribly wrong, and at least a dba / shell corp so when you get sued you can save your personal ***(ets).
Put a new timing belt in my neighbor's Tundra last year, stripped a nut in a very hard to reach spot, trying to pull the AC pump mount during disassembly. Some fun getting that off and then waiting for a special factory bolt to be shipped cross country.
Done more brake jobs than I can count. Tired of doing brake jobs. Solved some AC issues, done a lot of diagnoses for folks as a sort of mechanic-proofing. I'll look at neighbors and acquaintances' car problems and tell them what I think is wrong, so they can maybe know if a 'real' mechanic is trying to up-sell or screw them.
A cheap canbus code reader is as good as an expensive one, as long as you have internet access to look up codes. And YouTube is an amazing resource. I'm 55 and was wrenching a long time before '94. Or the advent of youtube in '05. So much easier now since those resources became readily available.
Some of my 'shade tree' mechanic work -
https://www.expeditionportal.com/fo...guys-sierra-pickup-suburban-yukon-etc.155266/
If the OP wants to make a real go of it, gonna need a lot of specialty tools, ought to have some insurance for when something goes horribly wrong, and at least a dba / shell corp so when you get sued you can save your personal ***(ets).
SGKent
Banned
Zoning, city and county codes will determine if you even can. Once you do you will open your house and property to inspectors and EPA etc.. I do know one person in rural CT who does it but he is in an area that zoning allowed it. I do also know that he is not happy with what he makes because of the cost of insurance and the lack of a store front. He is very good at what he does, and is up to date on certain car lines.
driftpin
Well-known member
Somehow I think that anyone with a screen name of "Angry Joe" is just setting himself up for a fusillade of shots fired at his dream of working out of his house, an increase in personal and professional frustration levels and numerous legal hassles all of-which he could avoid by not-working out of his house.
Even if you find out you can work out of your house, you better apply for a zoning determination letter, which informs you just what you're entitled to do there. For example, you might be disqualified from 'hot work,' no torches or welding, or no air-conditioning work because you don't have the appropriate licenses for materials handling, reclamation, and disposal.
There is a category for 'home-based businesses,' in many jurisdictions, but the extent of work to be performed is very limited. Often you aren't allowed to have any employees, and with certain exceptions (music lessons), the public is prohibited from coming to your home/place of 'business.' You also may have-to be subject to an inspection by a zoning inspector, and limits of the % of building space allowed to be devoted to the home-based business, no outside work is a common restriction. Limits on the number of trips/day by commercial carriers to your home (UPS, FedEx, etc) is another common restriction.
I would highly recommend starting small and promoting one or two specific jobs. That's what I did last summer for extra cash after our second child was born. I promoted on Facebook and Craigslist for a $75 brake job on rotors and $100 for drums - meaning the car owner would buy the parts, bring them in and pay me for the labor.
I can easily do front/rear brake jobs (rotors/pads/sensor) in about 45min per axle and about and hour and a half for drums. So easy money. Pretty much everyone had other things they wanted me to check/do but I wasn't interested.
I would schedule the rotor jobs Saturday and Sunday from 8am till noon, and would usually do 3-6 a day. Drum jobs I would do on Friday nights only cause I didn't want to deal with not having it done on a Sunday when the store closed early and I needed some parts.
I made about $3,500 in 2 1/2 months (April - June) and stopped once the summer hit and I wanted to spend time doing my own thing and with the family. Easy money.
I can easily do front/rear brake jobs (rotors/pads/sensor) in about 45min per axle and about and hour and a half for drums. So easy money. Pretty much everyone had other things they wanted me to check/do but I wasn't interested.
I would schedule the rotor jobs Saturday and Sunday from 8am till noon, and would usually do 3-6 a day. Drum jobs I would do on Friday nights only cause I didn't want to deal with not having it done on a Sunday when the store closed early and I needed some parts.
I made about $3,500 in 2 1/2 months (April - June) and stopped once the summer hit and I wanted to spend time doing my own thing and with the family. Easy money.
I did it back in the early 2000's up to around 2012 but it got difficult with customers wanting something for nothing. I guess they figure if they're a friend of a friend of a friend and because my shop isn't a "real shop" they can try to take advantage....at any rate the simplest of ways to say it:
-LLC. DON'T DO A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP. NO NO NO
-Good heavy duty concrete and put in an asymmetrical hoist that will pick up a heavy pickup truck, like a F-450/F-550 size rig. Many small biz owners have larger than average light trucks that would love being able to bring it to you instead of a dealer, and if you can pick it up, bonus.
-Good lighting, no shadows. LED spoils me now. wish I had it years ago. I put lights at ground level it was amazing for undercar work.
-spend the money on oil and hazmat containment. Flammable cabinets are cheap used and having a real place to drain used oil will help you in more ways than one, especially if you live in a socialist state like CA or WA. Tanks are expensive but not prohibitively so and many companies will come get it for free. OR, if you need heat, you can burn it in a waste oil furnace.
-get a commercial reseller account with every parts store you can. Especially ones who will deliver to you. NAPA, O'Reillys, etc. Also look into getting an account with a wholesale distributor. Around here in WA places like Competition Specialties, Seattle Automotive, etc will deliver to you direct and they also supply the parts houses, dealer parts depts, and your competitor private homegamer shops.
-PAY YOUR TAXES. Don't mess around, these days too many people use plastic cash for everything, so when you take CC or debit they'll find you eventually. Which brings me to..
-GET SET UP TO TAKE credit cards or debit cards. Yes there's a fee and yes they only reconcile a few times/month but the convenience for your customers will help you in the long run.
-Get the correct insurance, bonding, and make sure any and all local licenses and permits are up to date and valid.
-Be realistic. Don't be afraid to say NO to a job. Too many people are afraid to turn down work but the horror stories of biting off more than you can chew, or chewing on the wrong thing, will haunt you forever. It runs some guys right out of the biz all together.
-Buy a good scan tool and keep it updated. There are more ways from Sunday to debate how to select one but narrow down what you WANT to work on (don't say everything, be realistic) and go with it. Later on, you can always ADD something else.
-if you choose to, or are already certified/licensed, doing AC work is a money maker because the machine does most of it for you. Instant second guy when you can bring on AC work, or expand your abilities being able to do a job that requires AC system R&I. Like a VW Passat heater core lol, no seriously, say NO to that one.
-Network with local shops. We're all in this together, if you do a leveling kit or small lift kit or a steering rack, or tie rods, or some struts, blah blah blah, have a guy down the street who will align it for you. Work WITH your fellow wrenches and you'll get work sent YOUR way just as much as you sublet or turn people on to someone else. Like me, I won't do VW work at home even though I own them because I don't like working on them, but I'll send it all to my buddy's independent Euro shop in return for him sending me his customers who have diesel truck issues. Win win.
-I used Mitchell OnDemand, I think it's called ProDemand now. We have it @ work too but my home subscrition was around $100/month and came with much more than just the flat rate time standards. It gave updated access to OEM bulletins, campaigns, quick fix it tips, etc and they had another higher level that would do all the back office invoicing and inventory controls too. For that I used basic Quicken software and some **** I found in the App Store for basic accounting. Never really needed inventory control or payroll as it was just me and I wasn't high enough volume to have a 'stock' of much stuff.
-If a customer wanted to use their own carried in parts I made it known up front there is ZERO WARRANTY if the part fails. They will pay time and materials for me to repair that failure. If I messed up, I'll eat it, but if the part messed up, they're on the hook. If I sell the part(s) my distributors will work with me and I won't charge them for warrany fixes. Anything you can sell them you can make money on, and normally you'll be able to sell them something for the same price they can purchase it for locally, but you're reseller commercial account will give you a few bucks of profit there. Even oil over the counter at NAPA, for example. You can make a few bucks off that for a simple oil change.
-Menu pricing works, too. Crunch the numbers and look at your prices. Many times you can flat price things like brake jobs, oil changes, etc. outlier vehicles you can fine print disclaim that there may be a difference in prices but for most categories of vehicle, you can make a profit by pricing brake jobs, timing belts, trans services, coolant flushes, etc all the same.
-I wouldn't do heavy engine or drivetrain work unless you're good at it and like it. 6.0 Powerstroke head jobs for example are a big money maker or a big money loser, in a hurry, depending on your skill set, tool selection, shop capability, and desire.
-LLC. DON'T DO A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP. NO NO NO
-Good heavy duty concrete and put in an asymmetrical hoist that will pick up a heavy pickup truck, like a F-450/F-550 size rig. Many small biz owners have larger than average light trucks that would love being able to bring it to you instead of a dealer, and if you can pick it up, bonus.
-Good lighting, no shadows. LED spoils me now. wish I had it years ago. I put lights at ground level it was amazing for undercar work.
-spend the money on oil and hazmat containment. Flammable cabinets are cheap used and having a real place to drain used oil will help you in more ways than one, especially if you live in a socialist state like CA or WA. Tanks are expensive but not prohibitively so and many companies will come get it for free. OR, if you need heat, you can burn it in a waste oil furnace.
-get a commercial reseller account with every parts store you can. Especially ones who will deliver to you. NAPA, O'Reillys, etc. Also look into getting an account with a wholesale distributor. Around here in WA places like Competition Specialties, Seattle Automotive, etc will deliver to you direct and they also supply the parts houses, dealer parts depts, and your competitor private homegamer shops.
-PAY YOUR TAXES. Don't mess around, these days too many people use plastic cash for everything, so when you take CC or debit they'll find you eventually. Which brings me to..
-GET SET UP TO TAKE credit cards or debit cards. Yes there's a fee and yes they only reconcile a few times/month but the convenience for your customers will help you in the long run.
-Get the correct insurance, bonding, and make sure any and all local licenses and permits are up to date and valid.
-Be realistic. Don't be afraid to say NO to a job. Too many people are afraid to turn down work but the horror stories of biting off more than you can chew, or chewing on the wrong thing, will haunt you forever. It runs some guys right out of the biz all together.
-Buy a good scan tool and keep it updated. There are more ways from Sunday to debate how to select one but narrow down what you WANT to work on (don't say everything, be realistic) and go with it. Later on, you can always ADD something else.
-if you choose to, or are already certified/licensed, doing AC work is a money maker because the machine does most of it for you. Instant second guy when you can bring on AC work, or expand your abilities being able to do a job that requires AC system R&I. Like a VW Passat heater core lol, no seriously, say NO to that one.
-Network with local shops. We're all in this together, if you do a leveling kit or small lift kit or a steering rack, or tie rods, or some struts, blah blah blah, have a guy down the street who will align it for you. Work WITH your fellow wrenches and you'll get work sent YOUR way just as much as you sublet or turn people on to someone else. Like me, I won't do VW work at home even though I own them because I don't like working on them, but I'll send it all to my buddy's independent Euro shop in return for him sending me his customers who have diesel truck issues. Win win.
-I used Mitchell OnDemand, I think it's called ProDemand now. We have it @ work too but my home subscrition was around $100/month and came with much more than just the flat rate time standards. It gave updated access to OEM bulletins, campaigns, quick fix it tips, etc and they had another higher level that would do all the back office invoicing and inventory controls too. For that I used basic Quicken software and some **** I found in the App Store for basic accounting. Never really needed inventory control or payroll as it was just me and I wasn't high enough volume to have a 'stock' of much stuff.
-If a customer wanted to use their own carried in parts I made it known up front there is ZERO WARRANTY if the part fails. They will pay time and materials for me to repair that failure. If I messed up, I'll eat it, but if the part messed up, they're on the hook. If I sell the part(s) my distributors will work with me and I won't charge them for warrany fixes. Anything you can sell them you can make money on, and normally you'll be able to sell them something for the same price they can purchase it for locally, but you're reseller commercial account will give you a few bucks of profit there. Even oil over the counter at NAPA, for example. You can make a few bucks off that for a simple oil change.
-Menu pricing works, too. Crunch the numbers and look at your prices. Many times you can flat price things like brake jobs, oil changes, etc. outlier vehicles you can fine print disclaim that there may be a difference in prices but for most categories of vehicle, you can make a profit by pricing brake jobs, timing belts, trans services, coolant flushes, etc all the same.
-I wouldn't do heavy engine or drivetrain work unless you're good at it and like it. 6.0 Powerstroke head jobs for example are a big money maker or a big money loser, in a hurry, depending on your skill set, tool selection, shop capability, and desire.
mike1956
Well-known member
A friend of mine did this for years and built a very good business with lots of return customers. A local shop on a main Rd four miles away turned him in to the town and he was put out of business overnight. He went back to work at a local school bus garage. Funny thing is was the garage owner who snitched is on Facebook all the time preaching individuals rights and hating state gov and local regulations , bla bla bla. But he had no problem taking full advantage of those regulations to screw someone trying to feed his family
Viper98912
Well-known member
Zoning. Set yourself up as a business. Do it the right way.
But you will find it might take more than just opening your garage door.
But you will find it might take more than just opening your garage door.
nadogail
Well-known member
Good Luck
jimindm
Well-known member
Zoning is a big one. If you can not do it legally, do not do it.
I can just tell you I have done it for over twenty years. I will tell you my story.
Worked for a company that did a lot of fleet work. Sort of worked till the work was done most days. Hours were 7-6, six days a week and many nights were well past six.
Left that job and went to work 8-5 M-F. Will never forget the first day. Had a power steering pump replacement on a jeep. Just had to pour fluid in it to be done. At 5:05 pm the guys were standing at the door asking if I was spending the night.
I found myself with a lot of extra time and started working at home. Worked across town, so management could never say I was stealing customers. Didn't take long and I was working on friends of friends.
I suspected I was in a residential zoning area, but when I called the city they said go for it you are zoned in a light industrial area. Set up a business and called the insurance company about insurance.
A year later my actual job was slowing down, I would be the first to volunteer to leave when the boss asked if any one wanted time off. Of coarse I had accounts at most of the same parts companies as my actual job. Two salesmen from different companies told me in two days, why are you still working here. You charged more in parts at home than the shop with three techs had at work. It was game on.
OK some advise. Start as a business and get insurance. Even if you work on the side it is a great investment, if and when something goes south for you. Many time you can find what your home is zoned, by city or county records.
I was actually turned in a few years in. I am in the 200 block of our street. Our house is on the east side and was residential, but the west side was light industrial. City said well we may have told you wrong, but you can not do it. I got something called a home occupation permit.
All went good until I get another letter from the city, that my garage is no longer residential storage, it is commercial auto repair. Now I sort of had to follow that building use. It took about six months to get through that. What started out as 4 pages I got down to four items. Footings under the garage, exhaust fan, a 36 inch entry door. I had a one hour residential fire wall, but a commercial wall spec was needed. In the end I had to pull the siding off and install exterior grade fire rock.
I would tell you being loyal will be the best thing you can do. First off have a first call parts store. At the end of the day you will pay a little more for some things and a little less for others, and it is a wash. If working by yourself, any time you spend on getting parts, is time you can not charge for.
I got a tool truck to stop. Pick one and buy from them. When you work by yourself there is no one to ask to borrow a toll from. If you do not have it, you need to buy it. Being loyal to one tool guy, you will be able to buy some high dollar used stuff as it is upgraded by other shops. The tool man will know what you are interested in and when he has the option of getting one, he knows he will likely have it sold to you.
I do not have a subscription based repair system. I do have a pirated owner version. It was $600 when i buy them and usually get them about every 4-6 years.
I would use quick books for you business. I would not use the management of any of the subscription places. Most I have looked at, and you mentioned are sort of geared towards a larger shop. They are great systems, but only as good as you can keep it up to date. That takes time, that you will not have.
I would say is do not sell yourself short. You will have tool upgrades and tools to buy. You will also be replacing stuff that just wears out. Jacks, scan tools and the list goes on.
One last thing, you have not mentioned a significant other. It becomes a family thing, and the whole family has to be all in.
I can just tell you I have done it for over twenty years. I will tell you my story.
Worked for a company that did a lot of fleet work. Sort of worked till the work was done most days. Hours were 7-6, six days a week and many nights were well past six.
Left that job and went to work 8-5 M-F. Will never forget the first day. Had a power steering pump replacement on a jeep. Just had to pour fluid in it to be done. At 5:05 pm the guys were standing at the door asking if I was spending the night.
I found myself with a lot of extra time and started working at home. Worked across town, so management could never say I was stealing customers. Didn't take long and I was working on friends of friends.
I suspected I was in a residential zoning area, but when I called the city they said go for it you are zoned in a light industrial area. Set up a business and called the insurance company about insurance.
A year later my actual job was slowing down, I would be the first to volunteer to leave when the boss asked if any one wanted time off. Of coarse I had accounts at most of the same parts companies as my actual job. Two salesmen from different companies told me in two days, why are you still working here. You charged more in parts at home than the shop with three techs had at work. It was game on.
OK some advise. Start as a business and get insurance. Even if you work on the side it is a great investment, if and when something goes south for you. Many time you can find what your home is zoned, by city or county records.
I was actually turned in a few years in. I am in the 200 block of our street. Our house is on the east side and was residential, but the west side was light industrial. City said well we may have told you wrong, but you can not do it. I got something called a home occupation permit.
All went good until I get another letter from the city, that my garage is no longer residential storage, it is commercial auto repair. Now I sort of had to follow that building use. It took about six months to get through that. What started out as 4 pages I got down to four items. Footings under the garage, exhaust fan, a 36 inch entry door. I had a one hour residential fire wall, but a commercial wall spec was needed. In the end I had to pull the siding off and install exterior grade fire rock.
I would tell you being loyal will be the best thing you can do. First off have a first call parts store. At the end of the day you will pay a little more for some things and a little less for others, and it is a wash. If working by yourself, any time you spend on getting parts, is time you can not charge for.
I got a tool truck to stop. Pick one and buy from them. When you work by yourself there is no one to ask to borrow a toll from. If you do not have it, you need to buy it. Being loyal to one tool guy, you will be able to buy some high dollar used stuff as it is upgraded by other shops. The tool man will know what you are interested in and when he has the option of getting one, he knows he will likely have it sold to you.
I do not have a subscription based repair system. I do have a pirated owner version. It was $600 when i buy them and usually get them about every 4-6 years.
I would use quick books for you business. I would not use the management of any of the subscription places. Most I have looked at, and you mentioned are sort of geared towards a larger shop. They are great systems, but only as good as you can keep it up to date. That takes time, that you will not have.
I would say is do not sell yourself short. You will have tool upgrades and tools to buy. You will also be replacing stuff that just wears out. Jacks, scan tools and the list goes on.
One last thing, you have not mentioned a significant other. It becomes a family thing, and the whole family has to be all in.
mike1956
Well-known member
Another huge factor suprisingly not mentioned here is if you own a home and have a family. Health insurance. Something you have to have and paying for it as an individual can be crippling. That's what keeps most people from entrepreneurship and stuck working for someone else forever.
Viper98912
Well-known member
Well, not exactly the response I was expecting.
Looks like a lot of people wasted their time.
Looks like a lot of people wasted their time.
Hellpig
Well-known member
Not really, as others may have gleaned valuable insight from the responses, even if OP didn't.
So, THANKS, to all those who responded!
Viper98912
Well-known member
Monza Harry
Well-known member
For "Benefits" or "Health Insurance" for those following along, your area BIA, (Business Improvement Association), BBB (Better Business Bureau), and such sometimes have a group plan that you can join into, [with membership and a "Fee" of course] as there are "Piles" of small business that can't do that alone, so they join forces to be big enough. Just an avenue to explore. Harry
mike1956
Well-known member
LMAO, guy comes on asking for advice on running a repair business outta his garage then shits and leaves pissed off. LOL,
Well one other thing I see home shop guys doing is requesting customers pay cash for obvious reasons, but in today's world most people want to pay plastic, especially on things like emergency auto repairs. So setting up your phone to swipe plastic is a big plus also.
Well one other thing I see home shop guys doing is requesting customers pay cash for obvious reasons, but in today's world most people want to pay plastic, especially on things like emergency auto repairs. So setting up your phone to swipe plastic is a big plus also.
Jazz1
Well-known member
Lots of good advice. You have to go all in,,insurance, zoning etc. Local guy tried operating on the sly. City fined him $10,000 first time. Slow learner as second time around they fined him $50,000
ScottsGT
Well-known member
After reading your update about the back injury, are you on disability or was it a WC settlement? If so, don’t even think about it. You will wind up back in court and you will have to pay back everything you have received as a settlement.
I knew a guy about 40 years ago that was on disability from a WC case and he restored his own street rod in his garage and took it to a car show. Little did he know that he was being followed by a PI because they suspected fraud. He was bragging to this hot young female PI about how hard this work was and the long hours he put in to meet the spring show deadline. Yea, that bragging cost him quite a bit.
My best friend is a WC attorney. I’ve heard all the back stories on things like this for the past 23 years. Sometimes they will dig up an old case and drop by “just to see how they are doing now.”
If not, good luck, go easy because you can very easily re-injure any healing that has been done.
Also, keep this in mind. No matter if you make a Million $$ a year, or $1 a year, you are subject to National Fire Code laws and regulations on any chemical storage, fire protection, etc.
I’ve read about a lot of guys painting cars on the side at home getting their pee-pee slapped breaking NFC regulations. A non-commercial hobbies can paint their own cars at something like 2 per year or one every 2 years. Cannot remember now. Of course local regs trump the NFC rules on hobbyists.
And its usually neighbors or full time businesses not wanting competition that report guys making a buck on the side.
I knew a guy about 40 years ago that was on disability from a WC case and he restored his own street rod in his garage and took it to a car show. Little did he know that he was being followed by a PI because they suspected fraud. He was bragging to this hot young female PI about how hard this work was and the long hours he put in to meet the spring show deadline. Yea, that bragging cost him quite a bit.
My best friend is a WC attorney. I’ve heard all the back stories on things like this for the past 23 years. Sometimes they will dig up an old case and drop by “just to see how they are doing now.”
If not, good luck, go easy because you can very easily re-injure any healing that has been done.
Also, keep this in mind. No matter if you make a Million $$ a year, or $1 a year, you are subject to National Fire Code laws and regulations on any chemical storage, fire protection, etc.
I’ve read about a lot of guys painting cars on the side at home getting their pee-pee slapped breaking NFC regulations. A non-commercial hobbies can paint their own cars at something like 2 per year or one every 2 years. Cannot remember now. Of course local regs trump the NFC rules on hobbyists.
And its usually neighbors or full time businesses not wanting competition that report guys making a buck on the side.
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i had the same idea . bought a service truck and stayed pointed at the heavier duty stuff.
also came in with knowledge and tools, lots of them
have a 50x30 shop with every metal manipulating tool , mr big snappy box and big service truck with the same amount of tools. i really have two of every decent tools since i work from the shop some days and in the field others. for me it works the best . Fleet accounts is where the good work is period. do good work , treat the fleets and companies well and you will be busier than ever , work your schedule and have freedom to blame yourself and only yourself .
also came in with knowledge and tools, lots of them
have a 50x30 shop with every metal manipulating tool , mr big snappy box and big service truck with the same amount of tools. i really have two of every decent tools since i work from the shop some days and in the field others. for me it works the best . Fleet accounts is where the good work is period. do good work , treat the fleets and companies well and you will be busier than ever , work your schedule and have freedom to blame yourself and only yourself .
ScottsGT
Well-known member
AngryJoe, just stick to close friends and family. And low quantities. And when I say friends and family, I’m talking about those that will say no to anyone they don’t know asking if you are running a business.
Another option is to buy “mechanics specials” and fix them up then sell them. Again, watch state laws. Here in SC you can only flip 5 cars a year before you need a dealers license.
Another option is to buy “mechanics specials” and fix them up then sell them. Again, watch state laws. Here in SC you can only flip 5 cars a year before you need a dealers license.
My dad had a shop most of the time but worked out of the home garage a few years. Most of his customers were repeats (and their friends and family), also he had a friend who owned a car lot and he'd repair their cars too. Mostly trannies (bench builds for other mechanics), but general mechanical repairs too.
He'd get parts delivered right to the house from the local indy parts store, also he had a parts cleaning machine -- Safety Kleen.
He'd get parts delivered right to the house from the local indy parts store, also he had a parts cleaning machine -- Safety Kleen.
bczygan
Well-known member
Two Speed
Well-known member
I had a visit from a neighbouring cities code enforcement officer... wanting to see my car (!?) asking about who works on it... Well, some guy was working out of his garage and some nosy neighbour I guess wrote down a liscense plate wrong and had the guy at my door asking questions about my car and stuff. Polite enough, but he got guarded answers, once he saw my car (it was outside anyway) wasn't what was being reported he opened up and talked himself about what was going down. I made sure to put a shot in at the nosy neighbour. =-)
BUT, if you do run out of your garage, do light stuff, easy to do stuff, and remember, your name is UNCLE Joe to every customer. "Where do you take your car for work?" "My Uncle Joe fixes my brakes and changes the oil for me". Capice? Now, if you lived in New York or Jersey, "uncle joe" might get you overlooked or ignored more quickly than in Arizona, but as a matter of semantics, my 'Uncle Joe' vs 'Joes Auto Repair' could be enough to lie low.
As hinted, you got to stay under the radar at all times. No working outside, no piling up old parts outside, keep it looking residential, and no filling the street with cars, as that is one thing that will irritate neighbours quickly, especially if customers park like asses. And as much as it'll pain you, no parts deliveries. Nothing screams commercial work faster than seeing the Napa truck dropping stuff all the time. If theres a parts supplier that uses an unmarked vehicle, might be an option to use them as your primary, but nothing delivered by the big names that have their logos plastered on everything.
Alex.
BUT, if you do run out of your garage, do light stuff, easy to do stuff, and remember, your name is UNCLE Joe to every customer. "Where do you take your car for work?" "My Uncle Joe fixes my brakes and changes the oil for me". Capice? Now, if you lived in New York or Jersey, "uncle joe" might get you overlooked or ignored more quickly than in Arizona, but as a matter of semantics, my 'Uncle Joe' vs 'Joes Auto Repair' could be enough to lie low.
As hinted, you got to stay under the radar at all times. No working outside, no piling up old parts outside, keep it looking residential, and no filling the street with cars, as that is one thing that will irritate neighbours quickly, especially if customers park like asses. And as much as it'll pain you, no parts deliveries. Nothing screams commercial work faster than seeing the Napa truck dropping stuff all the time. If theres a parts supplier that uses an unmarked vehicle, might be an option to use them as your primary, but nothing delivered by the big names that have their logos plastered on everything.
Alex.
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driftpin
Well-known member
That's an interesting story. If someone produced an I.D. for another municipality to investigate "where did you get your car repaired," I would be like you, asking him/her, "why do you want to know where I get my vehicle repaired?" If he/she wasn't forthcoming with the explanation, I'd excuse myself, and shut the door in their face. Even if they told me the truth, I doubt I would answer them.
If I was renting to someone who was trying to do this, at our property, I would tell the tenant, "do you like renting here? Stop immediately, today or you're in-violation of the lease." Because, they are. No rent is high-enough to allow this type of risk at a residential property. Here in Florida, ultimately, non-compliance falls to who pays the taxes at the property, i.e., the registered property owner (RPO). If a fly-by-night 'entrepreneur' dumps 55 gallons of anti-freeze and another 55 gallons of used motor oil, and gasoline, diesel, brake fluid, and parts cleaning solution, who do you suppose the AHJ goes-after? The 'gone-with-the-wind' tenant? It's the RPO. Mitigation of a toxic waste spill probably isn't covered under your traditional homeowner's policy. You don't want HBO to film a series about your departed tenant's 'shade-tree mechanic' business, and the toxic mess he left-behind (we're watching Chernobyl.)
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sberry
Banned
If I thought I needed to make a dollar would certainly not be against opening my tool box. Don't got to be sophisticated, I know a couple guys bid all kinds of work with a couple paint brushes. Don't make a show of it. Not everywhere has the same uptight rules and the true artist of side work isn't oil changing and as one thread eluded wouldn't be scared to try to dump the old coolant back in old **** I was charging a neighbor up the street 75$ for.
Doesn't sound like this guy wants to go with his hair on fire. I know a guy goes to people's garage, pretty much uses what they got and gets 120$ and drinks a 12 with them for set of ball joints.
Doesn't sound like this guy wants to go with his hair on fire. I know a guy goes to people's garage, pretty much uses what they got and gets 120$ and drinks a 12 with them for set of ball joints.
sberry
Banned
There is a lot of people do this **** every day. Only you can decide, sounds like you.willing to fart and dabble some, put belt on and fix a stuck brake. Something else is good is fixing dents, bondo, some.sandpaper and enamel spray cans, some of the colors you barely notice and that waitress type is glad to get it ok for 300 instead of thousands to her 15 yr old car.
Did that **** hand to mouth for a couple years pretty much on/from the porch. Painting ****, fussing with signs, doing rudimentary repairs, even went door to door so to speak changing clutched in med duty trucks.
Did that **** hand to mouth for a couple years pretty much on/from the porch. Painting ****, fussing with signs, doing rudimentary repairs, even went door to door so to speak changing clutched in med duty trucks.
PassnThru
Well-known member
X2. First thing I thought of after his update. Definitely shifts things into another category.
Well, you asked for advice from people who worked on vehicles at home, but left out a lot of relevant information that, in hindsight, would have gone a long, long way in helping you and many others.
It's really hard to recommend a good breakfast to someone who asks for advice on a good breakfast without divulging they are lactose intolerant, allergic to gluten, moody, and have an irrational fear of chicken eggs.
Just sayin'