HOW TO START A AUTO REPAIR SHOP

[@thesmuler5627]

Ok I commented here about six months ago. I’m one year already in the business. My average income I would say gross at around 6k-7K a month now still far from my minimum goal of at least 15k a month, but at least I am financially able to buy a large new tool box and a lift. Only reason I started my shop without a lift is because I do mostly hybrid work in which I hardly needed a lift, but if you are starting a regular mechanic shop a lift is a must from the start. It also make your shop look professional. My advice to all those who are starting a shop is learn electrical really good. Get a breadboard learn to read circuit learn circuit analysis and even learn slight electronics engineering using calculation to build a working circuit. You will exceed the competition and even have the confidence to work with EV and HEV vehicles

[@mungy27]

how did you get customers when you first opened? was it as simple as telling your clients from your previous job that you're opening your own shop?

[@thesmuler5627]

@@mungy27 The most important is to get good review. You don’t want negative review because that will hurt your business. It takes about a year for words to get around and gain customers. In my case I have no competition except dealer. Once you break into that one year mark you will survive and as time goes by more and more customers. Main thing work hard to provide

[@LevelupMotorsports]

Thanks for this video my wife and I have both been in the industry for 15+ years. She is in sales I am in collision repair, we are ready to take a leap of faith and work for ourselves.

[@MarthLuna-wq3ny]

Did it work?

[@Angelo80907]

Also want to know how it went?

[@drivesecure2476]

Good video you hit on alot of key info I started out 2 bay shop after 2 years moved into 6 bay I was careful with the money but made sure we had good equipment I started doing outside sales I hired a Service Manager and hit the streets had my shop for over 20 years closed it about 5 years ago it was alot of fun !!!

[@reginaldmorton2162]

this guy gives great information, now I feel a lot more comfortable to start this journey for a shop

[@Mike-xw4gm]

Did u open one

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

UPDATE * I opened up December 2022. I’m doing good and sticking to strictly hybrid and occasional EV. My shop has gone from zero customer to around 10k or more a month. Not bad for a shop that is a year and 3 months old.

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

Ok so below is my comment from one year ago when I first opened my shop. I just want to give an update and how it has been. First six months was really grinding driving 7 days 12 hours for Uber just trying to make all my bills / grand for shop rent 1300 for mortgage and electric bills etc. After six months I only had to Uber once in while. One year into the business I am paying all my bills from shop income. Still not saving enough pretty much spending all income for bills but at least I don’t have to drive for Uber anymore.

[@LuckyLopez777]

congrats. have you tried going after any fleet accounts? like landscape company plumbing electrical. and company with work trucks

[@CinthiaGaona]

@@LuckyLopez777also pest control companies!

[@twistedpixel2558]

I still use only air tools. A good high quality air tool is more powerful, more durable, and more serviceable than battery powered anything. Plus, no swapping batteries constantly.

[@miceinoz1181]

I have only a few regrets, first I did not get a wider width and higher hoist, second I did not get a Robinaire machine for aircon service (I send them out), I did not get a transmission flush machine (I do it manually via pressure container), and if you do it, a tyre machine and a wheel alignment rack. The aircon service and wheel alignment will earn their keep pretty quickly.

[@moo3993]

I feel like you're speaking right to me from my comment on one of your last videos, asking about the lifts 🤣 I wish I had that advice before we got our place on Harmon. Still looking for one!

[@peanutbutterisfu]

I own a repair shop, ive been a professional tech for 20 years. I love being my own boss but I’m really regretting owning a repair shop it’s just not worth it. The amount of stress you have to deal with is not worth what I make. I was making 100k working for a shop and had no stress now I make less money and have tons of stress. I had a small used car lot before my repair shop I made way more money and far less stress, if I wanted to take a week off I could when I had the used car lot but you can’t take off with a repair shop until you have enough employees. The worst thing now is how everything is going up in price. So about the lease if you only do a 1 or 2 year lease you must put something in there that you can sign another lease after it is up and the rent can only go up xxx amount. I have been doing 1 year leases and my landlord raised my rent up 300 a month the past 2 years. I’d also like to add that I started my shop with all my equipment 100% paid for in cash before opening, I took out no loans to start up and it’s still hard to make money. If I had 500k in the bank, could hire a team of employees from the start and bigger shop it would be much easier to make money faster it takes years to make real money when you start from nothing.

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

You are not charging enough that’s why you are not making money. You need to value yourself and your service. A shop with employee, you should take home at least 250K if you run it right

[@MrObsvenchilde]

A cheap scanner doesn't have bi-directional but it does have live data.

[@Stephenibrahim91]

Great information, Nice getting all this from you. Thank You Sir.

[@Joe77yang]

Thank you so much for your insights! I'm just about to start my own shop.

[@kipperminlo2828]

Hey, really great informative video. I really appreciate it and the simple straight forwardness the video has, great job!

[@LuckyLopez777]

I appreciate the comment 😁

[@MrAutospec]

Wow!!! Great respect to that sane man! Thank you for your wisdom!

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

Started a hybrid and EV repair shop recently, and I’m trying to figure out how to market it because it’s specialized and targeting just those who own hybrid or EV is difficult

[@Hennysgarage]

I can help

[@tmac4jesus]

I’m thinking of doing an ev shop as well. How are things going?

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

@@tmac4jesus 6 months into the business and this month is the first time I never have to Uber for a whole month to pay my business rent. When I first started my doors were always closed and it only open when I get a call from a customer to have their hybrid fixed. Used to come home late at night really tired from driving for Uber and dealing with entitled passengers just to see my place and feel good knowing I have a place of my own called a hybrid repair shop. Now business is starting to pick up. In about a year I should quit Uber for good. Believe it or not I was able to open this business just by driving Uber full time normally 12 hours a day 7 days s week.

[@al-aminhussain8052]

That's why sometimes specialising isn't a good thing as your losing customers outside of that niche 💯💯

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

@al-aminhussain8052 recently I have been getting customers that most shop would deem a headache and turn away on regular cars. Mostly electrical problem. Such as a Mercedes plug in hybrid that someone left window open got rained in now does not work oh boy. I am also starting to learn how to work on dual clutch power shift transmission

[@billycurtis5788]

im looking to open my shop and this video was very informative!

[@modified15r]

You will need a parts cleaner., wall mount strut compressor , cherry picker and a press for wheel bearings and such. Tire machine and balancer are nice to have but not necessary when first starting out.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Mdavied2023]

great job i just finished city license like you said i do license before i signup the lease. i will start my shop next week i like all recommendation the only thing you missed how to organize you shop i hope you make it on next video kkkk thanks

[@Steven-sk6vm]

bought an autel ms 909. I get it tomorrow - excited about future projects i'll be able to tackle with this gadget !

[@LuckyLopez777]

Nice you will love it 🙌

[@handle1x1]

Daytona Jack is the same as Snap on Jack

[@tonyt3345]

Can you talk more on the consignment side of selling your vehicles as a wholesaler? (The pros and cons)

[@LuckyLopez777]

i talk about it alot on other videos. dont do it!

[@tristanmcdaniel33]

This was great to me I’m tried of working for people I wanna start my own shop and do Ls swaps and build donks

[@Couple_a_Cooks]

Thank you for the great information her lucky, really appreciate it!

[@LuckyLopez777]

No problem 😁

[@iGaRaai90]

Those transmission Jack's can help with gas tanks too.

[@BlystoneTireAPR]

Just subscribed, this definitely helps me plan for the future. Really great video thank you!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tommykaira7619]

Love your videos man!! You’re the best!!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thank you so much 🥳

[@darrrenmays9512]

Great content!!! I'm almost complete with my shop. I have a little set back as my day job has relocated me overseas. However, the work continues on the shop. Another challenge is finding young people interested in working in the auto industry, a whole another subject!!! Are your vendors delivering the parts to your shop? I assume they are, who has time to go pick up parts daily...

[@LuckyLopez777]

Most vendors like O’Reillys AutoZone etc. they all deliver parts and in some places they actually have parts runners which are a third-party company

[@daniel-gh8wz]

Shoot i wish i could in a auto shop i just have no experience or education

[@zealandwylie489]

I’m 23 years old. I have around 3-4 years experience and have a good amount of tools. I have the funds to be able to start a decent shop but I just don’t know if I will be able to manage working the desk and wrenching at once. I live in West Virginia with a lot of trucks and I was wondering if a customs shop would be more profitable than a regular shop.

[@Onwaxwings]

You not ready bro. Get customers first, do jobs in your driveway if you have to. This video is " good " advice but it's not good advice if you know what I mean

[@bobsides59]

WTG Lucky!!! Umm dude the tall and wide life is still 2” too short for me! 🤷‍♂️you have a lot of great info, it would be nice if you put a list together and placed it under the call for consult page. Give video number count and item: Ex 2:13 Lifts - XYZ brand, no China stuff, 2:20: Low rise floor Jack., 2:43 single pole, 2;47: transmission Jack. Had surgery this afternoon to fix my broken left foot. We will see how it all Works out.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Sorry to hear that Bob hope you get better soon 😁👍

[@bobsides59]

@@LuckyLopez777 thank you Lucky. I had a great Podiatrist who by all accounts and people I spoke with said she’s the best around and the best in the business. Now on to healing and watching great videos of yours.

[@raymondreiff8170]

Also for the New Guy's in this Business located in a Northern rust belt State, Looking for good Content on Rust bucket Vehicle's Try South Main Auto from New York, ERIC has some of the Best Content on that subject and He's good at what He does, Thanks Lucky for your Updates 👍🇺🇸.

[@jongeo6841]

Very informative, Thank u, one question to ask can I start a workshop not being a mechanic myself? Will hire some good guys for the job to be done.

[@luissoco]

Golden words!

[@hamidlogari1]

Thank for useful information I appreciate right on point.

[@udokapeace2197]

Thanks for your update

[@vigilanceviggie2193]

Thank you this was helpful and informative

[@Hiphopfev3r]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@Dc-hz2mh]

Can you speak to any tax benefits/write offs, depreciation, etc?

[@bryanfugate2272]

Lucky: Great video, working on my car at home, I can't imagine opening a shop with out a cat lift. Out of curiosity did you get your lifts installed since your last video? Also I wasn't aware you could get lifts used.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Yes. We just installed them

[@jerbear7952]

It sucks but I opened my 5 bay shop without any lifts. I had 3 full time techs before I got a lift. The trick is to understand the jobs you can and can't do. Brakes, suspension, tune ups, interior work and tons of other small stuff don't need lifts.

[@thebeardsgarage]

My issue is Amazon or online parts companies have retail prices cheaper than my “wholesale” prices from any on my suppliers. So I can’t mark up parts at all.

[@ricardogalicia6535]

Just opened my shop, can you make a video on how to get customers? Thanks

[@blazindragon296]

I'm just do side work; was curious how hard it is to turn it to a potential business. also, I have my own shop at my house so overhead should be very low. if anything, electricity will go up if I do more work.

[@DaddyNashville]

you mentioned more videos on the topic. where are those?

[@kendraputerbaugh4321]

What’s your go to shop manager? I have demo a couple but trying to decide. Curious what your go to would be?

[@gabrieltumaeletse6181]

Thank in Swaziland great stuff Sir

[@aldomartinez6249]

A friend shared your video so i can get some ideas on opening up a shop. Very well explained and I got some information from it but im looking for opening a motorcycle repair shop. Do you have anyone you can recommend that basically lays out what's needed similar to how you did for cars? Thank you

[@bartonr62001]

Towards the end is why

[@amar_abdin]

Great info! 🙏

[@LuckyLopez777]

🙌😁

[@sMFq11]

Jags and Range Rover I agree with you lol

[@susanhansen1525]

keep the good work

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@KANDiagnostics]

As being a new shop owner I'm trying to follow your example ,Been in auto repair for 25 years I've now opened my own shop, I have my LLC, I have My ASE master certification and a business license,my question is how much Should I be charging for my parts, Should I charge the list price for the part or should I charge the online price that a customer could buy the part , And some customers like to bring They're own part.The auto parts stores that I deal with give me a 12 month 12000 mile labor and And part warranty If the part fails,,, The next question will be a tax question Should I use my EIN to buy the Part and pay tax on the list price of parts, Or do I pay sales tax when I buy the park And then pay sales tax on the profit I made only part, Just trying to keep Uncle happy and keep him off my back, I hope these questions make sense I'll ask my tax accountant They tell me it's up to me on how I should Charge out for part And collect for sales tax,, They don't seem to answer my question or I'm asking the Question in the wrong way

[@jerbear7952]

1. Don't install customer parts. People buy cheap parts. You have no idea of the quality and they will blame you when it fails. These are also cheap customers and you don't want cheap customers. 2. Charge at least retail. Customers don't do their own work or shop for parts. I charge 100% markup. 3. Don't be cheap. Do good work at slightly over reasonable prices.

[@dougslifer5330]

Glad I saw this Vid we are currently in the process of setting up shop and didn't think about the the completing the Lease situation which I will def do. We are looking at a 1000 sq ft shop currently with small office. Do you think that is large enough or should I be looking bigger? Won't be doing anything major Tune ups, oil changes, small repairs, and extra space for the cars that I flip.

[@LuckyLopez777]

Congrats. 1000 ft.² is a good start you can put two lifts in their. And it will be good to have cheaper rent Going into 2022 because we’re not sure how the economy is going to transition

[@mmmenne]

I’m Listening appreciate you! Starting up soon have a new 30x40 on my land metal building have 6K to buy what u been talking about I have planned on purchasing same equipment. Shop tall enough and 2 bay on 30’ side with 10’x10’ roll up doors. I have lots of tools no fancy toolbox. Been turning wrenches for 30 years for other people it’s my turn. Do you have any thing else that might help me I live on the East Coast Atlanta Georgia west of Atlanta but half hour. Thank you so much. Have a blessed day.

[@daddyregzbuddies8457]

Great very informative

[@DKLGalactus5]

First there are no mechanics going into the field, second if you are a good mechanic, you will not stay at a regular shop, the good mechanic will migrate to the dealer. fourth you may not customers I have seen many shops where people just pass them by no one goes into them. then comes the permits, the cost hazardous disposal, insurance, fire department inspections. after you get old and have lost interest of working on cars, you will be broke. while other people are getting ready to retire with a decent pension. yes I have seen this before. in business they say if your not growing you're dying.

[@cindyabanto6597]

How to apply for an EPA ID FEDERAL number ? I’m having trouble with hazardous waste codes ?DO1 K073 etc..

[@soemoe3995]

Great video Lucky, thanks. I can't open yet but all are great advice. I am working for small repair shop now. I want to do side job on my own time but parts are expensive. Where do you recommend to buy parts at cost price not list price? Or any cheaper site to buy? Thanks.

[@LuckyLopez777]

you need to set up a commercial account with your local part stores. go apply for a mobile mechanics licines then sign up with all the vendors

[@soemoe3995]

@@LuckyLopez777 Thanks a lot 🙏.

[@themachine8009]

Do u have to pay auto parts stores a fee for having a commercial account with them?

[@poechado]

What you got the computer setup, printer and all the receipts and stuff like that?

[@akautocollisionltd.7480]

Thank you.

[@roshanmuhsin9748]

Hey it was my passion to always own and run a small garage. What’s the best was to start looking? Do you recommend fresh start vs take over a existing. Any help is appreciated Thanks

[@Dutters.dirtbikes]

Serious question. Iv considered opening my own shop because it rather sucky being the mechanic. But I’m still a good tech with 7 years experience and 4 years training. Main goal is happier life and bring home 120k a year profit and keep that as my happy income to not get too stressed out. Not looking to strike it rich. I’d have $80k towards opening my own shop. But having a hard time deciding if it’s right for me. Any advice on how I can decide 🤷🏼

[@warrenlewis3977]

People are going to be hating on you and jelous. Don't let them discourage you from from your goal. These shops fail due to the owner having "demons". Coke, pills, hookers, whiskey, taking jobs he has no experience with, etc. Don't take jobs because ur broke, or take jobs that you have to " feel ur way through". Good luck 🙏

[@boss302whr]

Lol firestone isn't a "parts monkey" shop. They do diagnostics just like the dealer. They don't just read a code scanner and replace what ever part pops up like when you go to auto zone. idk about the other places you mentioned but i worked at firestone for 10 years and have met some of the best technicians. Are all firestones made equal, I'm going to say no, but don't be "that guy" where you think your all high and mighty with your fancy shop and talk bad about other places.

[@juanlanda2441]

They just try to upsell $5000 per car 😂

[@rexhepbajraliuchannel7104]

Thanks for good information 👍 how hard is to get license from DMV ?

[@zamanthacasares]

What is the approximate cost of starting up a small mom and pop in Texas ? I actually don’t know much about cars but know great mechanics who don’t have their own shop . I’m looking to invest into a business . Thank you !

[@sixfivesixfive4997]

Can you post where I can buy the car lefters and website please

[@LuckyLopez777]

Just google Ben PAC also there’s a lot of other manufacturers try to find somebody local that sells used equipment in your area

[@teelee8760]

I wanted to open a small repair shop. Generally how much money is needed? excluding tools and equipments.

[@LuckyLopez777]

10-20k

[@teelee8760]

@@LuckyLopez777 thanks

[@germainebellow1543]

I was wondering if you went to school for mechanic in a different country could you use your certificate from there or would you have to retrain in the US if you plan on opening a shop here?

[@Asif-Raja1]

Have you got answer?

[@tonyt3345]

As a wholesaler can I put my cars on another dealers lot to sell, and is that consignment?

[@LuckyLopez777]

You can but I don’t recommend it.

[@tonyt3345]

@@LuckyLopez777 Why is it wrong? 'I'm using another license dealer that is retail.

[@yomigbadegesin4268]

Hi, I’ve been trying to contact you, sent a couple emails but got no response. I’m guessing I have the wrong one off your IG. How can I reach you?

[@LuckyLopez777]

It just depends on what you’re trying to reach us for. My email is in the description of every video. Or you can go to our website and book a consulting call

[@higherregion]

lucky, finally car prices are dropping....

[@LuckyLopez777]

Yes it slowed down quickly lol.

[@shoobidyboop8634]

1. Hire a mechanic.

[@minitrucks9994]

I do 22 hour job in 6.5 hours

[@boxer8657992]

Did you just say sell your tool box and buy lift? 🤯 are you a mechanic 👨‍🔧???

[@LuckyLopez777]

@@boxer8657992 having a lift is more important than having a fancy toolbox. You can buy a cheap toolbox and then just make sure you have a lift that will make you more money.

[@boxer8657992]

@@LuckyLopez777 yes. That makes sense. Sell expensive tool box and then buy lift and cheap tool box. I don’t like expensive tools. I think they are waste of money.

[@tommykaira7619]

Okay… Lucky is so handsome. Please be bi at least 😜

[@mdpalashmiya7587]

I have twelve years long car mechanical work experience gear box suspension ac electric and computer programming diagnosis work experience education board background ssc i am interested to work in foreign foreign country interested in car work im from bangladeshi

[@Vic_NuRom]

*an

[@fishhuntadventure]

The hand waving and POINTLESS pointing in the corner of the frame is way stupid and more than annoying.

[@tommykaira7619]

Love your videos man!! You’re the best!!

[@LuckyLopez777]

Thanks for watching 😁🙌