Start a Car Detailing, Auto Repair or Car Wash Business
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The auto detailing industry offers lots of lucrative opportunities for enterprising entrepreneurs, and
start-up costs are minimal. This makes auto detailing a terrific business if you're an entrepreneur on a
shoestring budget.
There are three types of detailing operations: Mobile, express and site-based. Mobile businesses are
quicker and easier to launch, and also the most cost effective way to enter the business.
You also have the option of working as an Express Detailer at a car wash or auto dealer. This can give you a
consistent flow of customer traffic without having to spend a lot of effort advertising.
There are also other customer goldmines, such as hotels with concierge service, limousine companies,
car shows, RV dealerships, auto repair shops, car leasing companies, gas stations - not to mention boat and
airplane owners....
See also: Car Wash Business |
Car Repair Business
Automotive Business Start-Up Checklist:
1. Car mechanics typically receive ASE certified educational training
according to the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence.
2. Register your business name with the
county clerk. Apply for your business license. Check with your local government office to find out which licenses and
permits you need for your automotive business and how to apply.
3. If you plan to operate your automotive business out of your home, check
with your local government office about zoning ordinances and possible land use
restrictions
4. Open up a business
bank account. It is important to keep your auto business and personal finances separate, and often
your banker can help with small business
loans or financing.
5. Arrange a meeting with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways
to maximize your business tax deductions. You
can get referrals from other business owners you know or sometimes your banker.
6. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your
automotive business. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) is a good place to
start. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance.
7. Set up your business phone system. Whether you use a
toll-free 800 phone number, a multi-line phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional phone number to
your existing service, you'll want a designated line to establish a professional business image.
8. Get a website. Save money by creating your own website with simple online design
programs, or outsource the job to an affordable website designer. Whether you sell car products online -
or you use a website to display information about your auto service company, it's important to take
advantage of this low-cost marketing resource that can help you get more customers.
9. Submit
Your Website to Search Engines: If your business has a website, it's important to get listed in the
search engines, because that is where most shoppers start looking for products and services. There are
several ways you can do this, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, you can submit your website for free
 How to Get More
Detailing Clients
After years of making frustrating business mistakes, Car Detailing Pro Bob Keppel turned his
business into a success because he discovered fast and easy marketing secrets that virtually no one was
using. His time-tested system shows you exactly how to make more money.
How to Start a Car Repair Business Expert Paul Anderson put together a complete business start-up guide for auto repair
companies. It includes everything from start-up procedures, management and bookkeeping, shop layout
designs, what to charge clients and how to find customers. You can download it here
Download Automotive Business Plan Templates:
 Free Sample Car Repair Business Plan
Car Repair
Shop | Motorcycle Store | Tire Store | Auto Decal Service | Windshield Repair
Automotive Business Resources:
Find Customers for Your Automotive Business
Order business cards. Often overlooked, business cards can be a very efficient and low cost
advertising method. See how you can design your own professional business cards online >> Free Business Cards. See also: 30-50% off Postcards, Brochures and
more. Design your own marketing materials online using professional templates. Designs provided, printing
done for you.
See also: How to design your own logo
Get Free Publicity - Besides
advertising in your local yellow pages and placing ads in newspapers and neighborhood mailers, you can save
money by sending a press release or "letter" to your local paper announcing the grand opening of your new
business.
If you can offer a special discount or hold an event and tie it in with your grand opening, publications
will find this more newsworthy and are more likely to publish news about your storage company. Your press
release can be short and simple, and there are press release samples to follow here: How to Write a Simple Press Release
Offer coupons in neighborhood mailers or local newspapers to attract new customers to try
out your service. You can use mailing services or design your own coupons using online coupon creators.
See also: Get $50 in free search engine ads
Give Out Promotional Items. There are lots of cool items that you can customize with your
logo - hand them out to prospective customers, and they'll think you're cool too! This is an easy way to
invite a client to do business with you.
Gimmicks like magnets, small calendars and pens are a inexpensive marketing tools - and useful to people who
receive them. You can find many of these "ads" around someone's house or office months - even years after
they've received them. Your business gets recognition again and again. Design Your Promo Items.
50% OFF custom printed keychains
Automotive Business Associations
- Automotive Recyclers Association
Since 1943, this non-profit trade association has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient
removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the safe disposal of inoperable motor vehicles.
- Capa.org
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) is a non-profit organization established in 1987 to
develop and oversee a test program guaranteeing the suitability and quality of automotive parts.
- International Carwash Association
The International Car Wash Association is an industry-driven membership association that's primary mission
is to serve the needs of the car wash and detailing industry's professionals and to represent their
interests.
See also: Mobile
Detailing | Mobile Mechanic
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