Why You should Open a Auto Repair Shop In 2021 ???

[@jackhicks7427]

These numbers you talk about are impressive! I have been at the same independent Mercedes shop for 40 years. 20 years ago I could easily and consistently do 60 hours a week. Now it's more like 35 hours average no matter how hard I try. Lots of very difficult technical problems. But a thousand other issues also. The best any of the mechanic/techs are making is 50 k a year. And that's crap in Austin Texas!! One of our best mechanics has to live in his car! Almost nothing left after child support and taxes!

[@Onwaxwings]

Working at Mr tire as a head tech with no ASE and I was making 80k a year easy. Once I got my state inspection license I was pushing 120k

[@jamstarent21]

My dad has a business for 35 yrs. He does heating and cooling, Radiator Repair. Im 39 yrs old and Licensed in 6 states for all types of Insurance like auto, home. My dad is close to retirement and now I believe I can use my sales skills and auto skills learned from my dad and take over the business and generate more business to give him a break. He is a 1 man show no other workers for all those yrs, it was me and my brother taking out Radiators at a young age helping him

[@adautoclinic3134]

Great info, I have a mechanic shop in Los Angeles, and with my brother recently open a used car dealer and an used auto parts store. Your videos have helped a lot, thanks for sharing.

[@churchtimetv]

Absolutely great content very informative as always you have no idea how much watching your content has helped my dealership…I started in 2020 during the pandemic and it was so rough because I had no idea whatsoever how to run a dealership but I’ve wanted one for so many years so I did it…stumbling upon your channel has help me know so much and kept me from losing tons of money.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Much appreciated!

[@anthonysaldana6294]

Very encouraging. I just obtain my dealer's license I haven't even purchase anything yet. When I do I want to make sure I'm ready and know what I'm doing. I really need some advice and help. His teaching are so helpful.

[@stevemyopinion423]

be honst i mean if you honest with them there defend you to death and tell everyone they know. one day some come in with a car drive funny and it a 20 cencer you can fix in 20 min and you charge them 50 dollar there tell all there freind you great.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

Yes there is a shortage of good techs but most of them are going to the dealerships because they are paying big money now. You can very easily make 35hr, all the benefits, 10k sign on bonuses, relocation fees. One of the big dealers in my area owns 10 dealerships and gave every flat rate tech 5,000 bucks just to kinda butter them up so they don’t leave to work somewhere else to get the sign on bonuses that all the other dealers are paying. I highly do not recommend having a lower labor rate than other shops 99% of people don’t even ask ur labor rate and if ur too cheap u will be super busy not making money. If you do really good work most people are more worried about good work than price.

[@davidvillacis2983]

Yes!!! They are also charging $175 to check 1 issue on the vehicle and at least $150 per hour. Also they have the support of their warranty system that fronts parts directly or indirectly and charge them even more per hour and they know what breaks on the models they sell and the rights to software that other small shops don’t have access to. Don’t know were you get your data or what area you did your research on pricing (I’m on the north side of Chicago) I’ll share mine if you share yours.

[@jessitabonita]

I recently was thrown into being the Service Manager of the German auto repair shop I was hired to be just a part time secretary for... And organization, professionalism, calling customers BEFORE they call you is CRITICAL. No wonder the last service manager was constantly overwhelmed with cars being on our lot for days (or even WEEKS!) and bsing customers as to why: he lacked basic organization! But I'm confident that with your helpful tips: we'll be crushing it! Thank you!

[@LuckyLopez777]

if your dealing with old mercedes and BMW customers. get everything in writing and explain everything to them 2 times (Repairs & Costs )! everytime the dont want fix something you told them they needed may them sign that they declined service. and take pic of all repairs.

[@luisalberto1456]

What SMS are you using? Is it a dealership or independent shop?

[@henrigodoy135]

I'm glad I found your channel. I'm about to open a shop and you gave me so many ideas just from this video. Thank you so much

[@jacobkmiller]

I'm starting up a routine maintenance/performance shop. Will be a performance parts installer and dealer. I also left a dealership because I was only making 10 an hour.

[@garrettskirvin4917]

Just opened a mobile service business and im definitely lacking a few things you mentioned. Thanks for the insight.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Call AAA and see if you can get a roadside assistance contract they give them out mobile repair and shop owner

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

The flat rate is true but you have to have a shop that has the volume for that to make sense. If you are a start up shop, that’s hard to justify that when you don’t have enough volume to justify it

[@davidvillacis2983]

I’ll love to have a call meeting set up, I’ve been running a shop on just fleet work for over 3 years but I can definitely learn more 🙌🏻

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

I own a hybrid/ electric vehicle repair shop, I’m beginning to think the market for these type of vehicle is not enough to sustain me. The potential great specially hybrid battery repair or upgrade. My main problem really is marketing. Google Adds do not work very well because I get irrelevant calls from people thinking it’s a regular shop. I am the one you mentioned I’m good mechanic but bad businessman

[@victorbaird8220]

Video starts at 3:27 😊

[@Couple_a_Cooks]

Thank you Lucky for the inspiration!!!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thank you for watching commenting and subscribing

[@ibrahmullie2405]

Oooh thanks man.. U genius... Actually am planning to open my own workshop back home in #Malawi... This information will help me alot

[@travisbolejack6180]

It's very knowledgeable video thank you very much I'm considering opening my own Toyota Lexus repair shop appreciate putting this content out there

[@LuckyLopez777]

Go for it shops are in high demand

[@luisalberto1456]

Did you do it? What are you doing about continuing your education?

[@a.castaneda18]

The best advices man, really appreciate it 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@thejohnbeck]

+1 to returning phone calls. I have a shop i like, but they're so bad at returning calls lately that I'm wondering if they don't want me as a customer

[@humbleservices6418]

I can attest that the work is out there. However the difficulty of finding a shop space to work out of or grow into is a bit understated. In our area property values are out of control with asking prices well over 300,000$ for what amounts to an over sized home garage. All the big buildings have been renovated to look nice and have exclusions "no automotive work", it's absurd. I need to grow but I'm not willing to get upside down in overhead to expand my capacity by 10%.

[@LuckyLopez777]

We are looking at building a home shop here in Las Vegas. we are looking at 2acher. with house a shop 1.3 mill its super expensive but still cheaper then renting a shop here

[@joeishere500]

Agree... Once you start rolling look for a pcs of commercial dirt to buy 1st then build a small 4 bay garage. Sure it will take time BUT grab that pcs of SMALL land

[@koby2995]

Yep, I'm in the process of signing a lease to open a repair shop next to my dealer, not only I want to bring more income but I also need to stop relying in other shops. Also thinking about doing car rentals and car detail in the same building, thanks for all the information though, great deal.

[@pfehres95]

New watcher here, but honestly 7 minutes in to this video, I wish I could come work for you 🤣

[@frankjohn4302]

Just watched your video and subscribed. Thinking about opening up an auto repair and tire shop.Thanks

[@LuckyLopez777]

Go for it 🙌

[@joewelnack3283]

We have used Alldata for years. Since we have our own bhph lot we have to ration time since we have to get our units ready. We don't even advertise; so many of our bhph customers come to us for service and we love this part of the business, it keeps the customer paying and it protects our collateral. Lucky, how was the P. Islands? Looks like you were staying at a nice resort. P.S. One hassle we have is having to carry notes from our customers, but we have a lien anyway.

[@alfredwilliams12]

Can you do a video on opening a body shop too. Thanks

[@LuckyLopez777]

In the works

[@jotac14]

Saludos Man, Buenos consejos,I will put in practice all your advices👍

[@LuckyLopez777]

thanks 😁👍

[@dennysrodriguez9200]

That is true, but that’s because they pay their techs really low on some of this car shops

[@vladrazym9955]

Great insights as usual, thank you!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ps-kc7sr]

Gold nuggets like always!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks :)

[@bena9221]

Great great great information, thanks lucky you the best

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@Dwayne20577802]

Wow man great info!!! Thank you so much..!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Glad it was helpful!

[@weldingpack3893]

Lucky great video I hope you enjoyed your weekend 🤝

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks! You too!

[@joeishere500]

I am in Charlotte. I see several old time owners with nice 5 Bay shops just not bringing in business. They don't have the drive anymore. It's sad their just holding out where others on here would kill for that opportunity ... It's sad to see actually

[@luisalberto1456]

Have you considered doing a buy out?

[@matthewgilliard4978]

As Always Lucky, Great Content

[@LuckyLopez777]

Appreciate that

[@phillipackerman2617]

Again a Great video lucky very interesting 👍

[@LuckyLopez777]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@da9ej1eg99]

Yooo I'm 33 and I would love that Pikachu. Lmk

[@workenhard]

Lucky I have to ask. Since renting a shop is a huge overhead for a small business what steps can I take besides forming an LLC to protect my home if I were to work out of my garage. I pride myself on good quality work but these days people are super litigious and I don't want to leave my home vulnerable to a shady individual who sees a good profit in a false suit.

[@autoshiftfoworks9921]

Hello sir. nice content video about automotive shop business. I'm planning to open automotive repair shop. I hope to success liked you soon ...

[@autoshiftfoworks9921]

I'm from Philippines...

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks and Good luck 😁👍

[@ekomohumtsoe9543]

Excellent video!! Thanks a trillion

[@mithunchander340]

Love from India..Very Informative sir😎👍 My doubt is how to manage the inflow of vehicles if ur shop is well established..Even the appointment system fails..

[@CarlosRodriguez-xu4nj]

Excellent information thank you for the time.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Our pleasure!

[@spleafplayzyt8078]

Do you have any recommended tips or websites you used to look for available shop space?

[@jaimesalazar5070]

I’m starting a Auto body shop. I think there is a good demand for it as well .

[@castillo8129]

Thank's for the valuable info

[@JDH7900]

You do such great content and I appreciate it big time. I'm considering investing in the auto repair business in the next year or 2. How do you see the electric vehicle market affecting the auto repair industry going forward? Will it affect the types of mechanics that will be needed?

[@luisalberto1456]

What’re your thoughts on purchasing one?

[@luisalberto1456]

Also to answer your question (from my opinion) The change won’t come so quickly and abruptly that it will disrupt the market will happen as it will be an augmentation of what’s already happening and in terms of finding the correct technicians it’s just guys that are already doing work on cars they just need the continued education to work on the electric ones. It’s all just nuts and bolts.

[@darrrenmays9512]

Great Content, I'm in the process of completing my new shop, I'm open to all and any advise I can get. I have never owned and or operated a shop but it has always been a dream of mine!!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Start looking for fleet accounts something they can bring you steady money every month plumbing companies construction companies delivery companies etc. and whatever you do try not to give customers discounts I know when I first started I just tried to get money through the door and I went to giving away too much work the window cost to me twice as much

[@luisalberto1456]

Darren, look at Tekmetric and Mechanic advisor.

[@meatballmagoo6134]

It's 134.00 hr at NTB

[@ronaldholston2683]

Great Video, I opened a mobile lube and service buisness last year and looking into opening my first repair shop to help make more money and to assist in my fleet repairs/servicing. As the weather hampers my fleet work but if I have a shop the weather is a non factor. I would love to get your in incite that may help me.Thanks.

[@LuckyLopez777]

That is awesome! congrat. what city are you in?

[@ronaldholston2683]

@@LuckyLopez777 Sumter, Sc

[@jamesreese4829]

I think ita best auto repair shop

[@castellanoperformanceandde257]

Very informative video, thanks.

[@Brannonbuilt1260]

If you want even better mechanics get away from flat rate. Do salary with a bonus. Have high expectations of them either way.

[@gavnonadoroge3092]

competitive pay starting at $15.01 per hour

[@LuckyLopez777]

💰💰💰

[@jamesleejr1626]

I am a mechanic but i hate and love flatrate. There been days i had to eat some jobs. I love working on cars. Well man but back to why i start this text. In some cases they will skip some major steps in some repairs. That cause there trying beat that flatrate.

[@LuckyLopez777]

nothing is worse than being backed flagged on your day off

[@csquaredbmx]

I'm a flat rate tech too. I'm getting out of it. There are too many variables in the pay and it only gets worse when you add in warranty.

[@ServiceNotSales]

I’m in Houston have been in the auto industry for many years I’m wanting to open a shop any help?

[@daytonaguy3584]

Great advice as usual

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks for watching!

[@enriquegonzalez402]

good content

[@LuckyLopez777]

thanks

[@hsd3461]

I want to open a shop but i dont know how to get money

[@markroberts4475]

I did open a shop I got to make one month then the storm ida hit nj an I got flooded out an I loss a customer hybrid vehicle insurance cover the car but not the shop an I didn't get to make over head an the landlord didn't wanted to give me extra time so I had to brake the the shop lease contract...it got me stressed out an I don't know what to do running out of money to pay my tools bill an other bills ... I need help

[@LuckyLopez777]

does your insurance have business loss. insurance. its where they cover your bills when a accident happens. you have to ask them for it they will not tell you

[@edcarp2737]

Very helpful info man

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks 😁👍

[@nfsrel3944]

Good information

[@StreamlineSuccess]

As a veteran I want to open a shop

[@LuckyLopez777]

you should. you can get accounts with the city and government to fix cars

[@asemastertechl1]

good advice however if I wanted to go into auto repair business today I would buy a existing business.

[@LuckyLopez777]

$$$$

[@daytonaguy3584]

What about adding a small body shop to a dealership

[@LuckyLopez777]

thats the best thing to do. lower your cost for repairs and ad a income stream

[@hothmobile100]

The economy hates me. I have more time than money. (Public School teacher by day). So I replaced my own struts on my wife's car. Saved 900 dollars from the quotes I got and was able to use a higher quality part than what the quotes were for. Now I just have to make sure I get an alignment but that's only 110 dollars. So I still saved around 800 dollars because I did the 4 or 5 hour job myself.

[@ricardogalicia6535]

Can you make an updated video for 2023

[@LuckyLopez777]

I made one about a month ago just check out my channel

[@othan2753]

Hi lucky, thank you for providing this excellent information. Just want your opinion about the software. What will you recommend to use between alldata and identifix?

[@LuckyLopez777]

ALLDATA

[@tituscurran1781]

I run a mechanic shop out of my garage rn...should I start contacting other companies to become there main mechanic or wait till I get a shop??

[@bobbyrest7081]

I would love a consultation

[@BYGODYOUARESPECIAL1]

@Lucky Lopez Your thoughts pls: Apart from the building lease, What is minimum cost to open an auto repair biz in a suburb of a major city? If the biz is run well, will it still be profitable if the owner is not a mechanic? Thanks.

[@darrenct83]

I’m not a big fan of buying reviews. When I see a business that offers discounts for good reviews it makes me not trust any of the reviews. My shop has had 5 google stars for a long time, all earned by giving good service with little pressure.

[@donaldthompson7705]

Considering buying an up an running shop. What are some equation used to evaluate the true value of the shop?

[@fatonka1]

I am considering buying an auto repair shop focused on European cars only. The seller claims 65% margins on labor and 80% on parts. Does this sound realistic to you for European car repair?

[@LuckyLopez777]

Labor is about 40-50%. and Parts is usually about 15-25%. If hes selling it at a good price might be a deal. if not. it may be cheaper to start a new shop. Ive seen people buy shops. then. all the clients and techs leave when the new ownership takes over and make sure he signs a no compete agreement

[@fatonka1]

@@LuckyLopez777 thanks. I have access to the WorldPac records and the financials and the parts cost is only 20% of what is billed. Is that unique to European car parts?

[@Hippiemechanic]

Those are very high parts margins. When I was a service manager even with good commercial accounts list price often wasn’t far from what I was paying

[@humbleservices6418]

@@fatonka1 No, that's unique to someone who is selling a reputation or specialization that does not have a saturated market in your area. How many euro specialty shops do you have in a 50 mile radius? In our area there are 14 with a population of around 450,000. They charge about 25% over going shop rates and 50% over part mark up. If there were fewer shops they might get away with more, but it's a sure recipe for having someone open up shop and undercut you out of business to operate in such a high margin.

[@l.m.8339]

Flat rate is a shit method because the quality of work goes out the window. The comebacks are insanely high. Most shops don’t care though.

[@captaj2845]

Yep they lost me cause I couldn’t fix my car to get to work and they wanted to know why I didn’t show up 🤣 … no clutch no ride no me

[@jasonleatherwood2172]

If shop is charging 120 i want 40$ i tell shops in my town i want 1/3 they laugh the whole time im being escorted out od the building that’s why i work for myself lol

[@arielsochayseng4559]

Hi, I am thinking to start my auto repair shop. I need your help.

[@JYNXZI_SZN]

Price breakdown?

[@skillfulactor09]

What is best all data or mitchlle

[@LuckyLopez777]

I liike all data. but the each have there pros and cons

[@skillfulactor09]

@@LuckyLopez777 perfect which plan do you have by them ?

[@skillfulactor09]

@@LuckyLopez777 all they offer ?

[@LuckyLopez777]

@@skillfulactor09 Shop manager Parts finder. Pretty much everything but the call-in support

[@LuckyLopez777]

$390 monthly

[@cedricrolle7920]

Should I have an accountant/book keeper in place before getting an building??

[@LuckyLopez777]

Not in the beginning. unless you can find a cheap one lol

[@B4its2late2change]

Spot on

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks 😁👍

[@pjayshah]

I can or one can be a successful auto repair business with no auto mechanics knowledge or experience?

[@LuckyLopez777]

yes. alot of shop owner are not mechanics

[@spencerearl6896]

How would you go about opening a shop if you were starting at ground zero?

[@LuckyLopez777]

there a 1000 ways to do it. but if you have no experience in a shop i would go work for on for a month or so to see there operation and start interviewing mechanic

[@humbleservices6418]

Save money. You need a big nest egg to cover those first six months of overhead. A good idea would be to work for another shop to get a feel for the industry, do side jobs as you can, and keep stashing every dime you can into your jump off stash. Keep in mind you are going to evaporate money at first due to lease/rent and utilities.. not to mention those first hard knock lessons on customers that don't pay, or jobs that go sideways on you. $50,000 does not go as far as you would think when you start.

[@spencerearl6896]

Do you have any courses designed to teach how to open a shop?

[@LuckyLopez777]

Yes we do 😁

[@denvaledwards3451]

What you think about mobile tire shop

[@LuckyLopez777]

they are ok depending on your market.

[@denvaledwards3451]

I’m thinking 🤔 Shop or mobile shop then again a wholesale dealership. I have been working for GM about 15 years and working on the use car part on the dealership also so I have experience in both business

[@LuckyLopez777]

I prefer shop over mobile

[@denvaledwards3451]

Thanks

[@Trick_Turner]

How much will the auto repair shop training cost? I’m not seeing that training class on your site

[@LuckyLopez777]

Site is being updated. 395

[@Norseyjr]

Great content! I dont have Instagram yet, but would love to win the call :)

[@LuckyLopez777]

your on the list

[@sourdoughjourney]

How much can a auto repair shop with 2 bases and 4 employees makes a year?

[@LuckyLopez777]

That’s a hard one to answer because I don’t know how good your mechanics are what kind of cars are working on what the hourly rate your area charges there’s a lot of factors that come into that

[@nickkiri8963]

whats a good flag rate in your opinion for your mechanic?

[@LuckyLopez777]

Depends on how qualified your technician is it could be as low as $50 or as high as 40 most of my guys are in the $20-$25 range if you get a good diag guy $30-40

[@nickkiri8963]

@@LuckyLopez777 thank you so much for the reply! So you’re saying they can get paid 30$ an hour and if they do a 3 hour job in 30 min they will get the 90$ ?

[@LuckyLopez777]

What ever the book says

[@charlespaul6725]

Stellar

[@MartinStrnad]

Great video! Really appreciate your openness and willing to share your experiences. Question: What software do you prefer to manage and organize your repair jobs, provide estimates and communicate those with customers?

[@luisalberto1456]

Martin, I can point you in the right direction. I use Tekmetric for my SMS (shop management software) and mechanic advisor (my crm). Lmk if you have any more questions.

[@oddmanout7755]

It's called Flat Rate, not, "flag rate" and it's a scam. Anyone paying flat rate is conning his workers. Many jobs take longer than they pay in book time. I've been a mechanic for 20 plus years and it's Feast or Famine. You should pay them a salary plus performance bonuses.

[@luisalberto1456]

I completely agree. I pay my guys a base and then a commission incentive ON TOP of flat rate after they’ve completed a minimum amount of hours (my break even) that way everyone wins! Money is a motivator but not for everyone and that’s ok, you’ve gotta learn to play money ball with your guys!

[@downbeatfinancial]

I’m definitely no mechanic but as always, love the content!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@victorbaird8220]

What car brands are easiest to fix? Thanks

[@LuckyLopez777]

None lol. they all have there issues but i would lean to GM and Hyundai

[@coache1nine]

I would add Toyota to that list. But definitely GM, emission issues, and Hyundai, so many of them on the road.

[@T25de]

I like turtles But I find that fish make better tacos

[@LuckyLopez777]

🤣 🌮 🐢

[@Jordanrouse.]

Cool

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks :)

[@bryanfugate2272]

Lucky: Great Video, I really enjoyed the content. I noticed from another comment that you will train someone in automechanics, what are your thoughts on apprentice mechanics? If you are a new shop wouldn't it be harder to get fleet work due to lack of references?

[@LuckyLopez777]

thats a good way to start

[@NathanHunter87]

Can you use your car lot name as the repair shop name?

[@LuckyLopez777]

Yes.

[@joeishere500]

Yeah. Usually pending the Town requirements need to have like a separate area etc etc

[@jamesleejr1626]

I dont have Ingram so guess im out my friend dont even have Facebook to much drama

[@LuckyLopez777]

instagram is good. pics only no drama

[@dmicro1688]

how can i get a license to go to auctions

[@LuckyLopez777]

You have to get a dealers license and sign up for auction. Check out my channel channel have a bunch of dealership videos

[@dmicro1688]

@@LuckyLopez777 thank you, are there any auctions in particular that you could recommend, while waiting for approval?like buyer brokers? im in Califonia, would like to bid online a small fee to do this is ok.

[@LuckyLopez777]

all the auctions are over prices. i get 80% of my cars from People FB offer up and dealers with other venders build your network thats more important than your license

[@jamescc2010]

@@LuckyLopez777 wow that is interesting from FB, OU.

[@ocesmekanics3831]

How much to start?

[@LuckyLopez777]

Depends on how big you go. $5k to 50k

[@ocesmekanics3831]

@@LuckyLopez777 thanks, now i can start looking.

[@anthonysaldana6294]

I'll take the pikachu

[@LuckyLopez777]

I might use him in a giveaway lol