Hello All, Complete Newb here

[TigerPrideAuto]

Hello Guys and Gals,

 

My name is Brad, I'm an ASE certified (all but A3) Technician currently in the process of starting my own repair shop in SW Missouri.

 

I'm 24 years old and have been in the business professionally since 2002. I started out at a local Ford Dealer doing the quick lube thing. I've been dreaming of opening my own shop since the ripe old age of about 12.

 

I found an investor that is willing to work with me on the terms (we're actually hashing out the re-payment plan tomorrow) and I'm here to look for info and learn from people in the business.

 

I'm in a great position, as the building I'm going to operate in is already owned by my Father. I'm going to get use of the 1450 sq. ft shop free of charge for 6 months. I plan on starting small, offering low-cost lube and maintenance service, then expanding to full service domestic and Asian import diag and repair within (hopefully) 1-3 years.

 

Thats pretty much my story, and i'm open to any advice or comments you all may have. I love discussing cars and cant wait to join in and participate in this community.

 

Thank you all for this site. Its truly amazing.

[autoguy]

Welcome aboard Brad! It's always nice to see someone opening up a business. I think that the circumstances you have (father owning the building, 6 months rent free, etc) will help you launch a successful business. I would for the first six months, while yoru overhead is low:

 

Market, Market, Market your business!

 

1. Find a service to target zip codes around your shop and send out a mailer. Use the money you would have for rent.

2. Print flyers and see if other local businesses can display them.

3. Find new customers and take everyone in.

4. Get a hold od a solid management system, ie Mitchell, R.O.Writer, etc.

5. Collect ALL e-mails from customers...(free mailings down the road, newsletters, etc)

6. Build a basic website, you can find them for $99 a quarter. Subnit that site to search engines, yellow pages online, online directories liek Google, Yahoo, etc.

7. Offer an intro LOF price to get people in the door.

 

Basically, in six months, use your money and tiime to build yoru business for the coming years. Get yoru customers and wow them with professionalism and make it easy for them to want to use you again.

[Joe Marconi]

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[automaster]

Congrats and welcome to autoshop owner.com You and I have a lot in common. I am 16 years old and have always dreamed of opening my own shop. My father also has an auto shop that i will be taking over in a few years. I cant wait, but i was wondering what automotive school you went to and how long does it take to become ASE certified. Well Thank You, and Good Luck with the shop!

[autoguy]

So it's been about a month or so since this thread started, any new news?

[Joe Marconi]

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