How To Start A Small Engine Repair Shop. Start Your Own Repair Company From Scratch Be Your Own Boss

[@larrygould8246]

Best wishes for you and your business. I am sure with as hard and efficient you are there should be no problems.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I appreciate that Larry! It will be interesting for sure!

[@donwilliams5841]

Wish you luck in your new endeavor Martin. I'm a hobbyist fixing mowers. I'm retired and do it for something to do. I buy mowers really cheap and flip them . Make a few bucks on each one and buy tools/ odds and ends for stock. Blades, air filters etc. Would never sell a mower knowing it isn't right. Can't do it. I do sell them as is though. Waiting for warm weather to return here in NH to get going again . No heated shop here!.....good luck.....👍

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Thank you Don! It is really a fulfilling hobby to have isn't it? I am the same way, if it is not right we will estimate the repair but some we can not control whether they fix it or not. I wish you well also Don! I have family up in Raymond, RH. I love the area but those winters are brutal!

[@donwilliams5841]

@SmallEngineEdge1 I'm about 40 minutes northeast Raymond in Rochester. Great town ...yes...right now its in the 20s and windy. What state are you in?

[@bellowsjeep3999]

Cool idea for a channel! I’m definitely subscribing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I just started my side hustle and plan to do it full time when I retire. I definitely appreciate any help you can provide! I’ll be watching!

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Thank you for watching and subscribing! I have learned a lot over the years getting all of this going (took a ton of costly mistakes without guidance) I am excited to share the process to get going most efficiently with everyone!

[@andym1223]

I started small engine repair at 14 after I bought my first backpack blower. Used to cut grass but realized fixing the machines I used to cut was so much more fun and profitable. After high school I shut my business down for 2 years to try automotive repair. Right before graduation we registered the business and made it official. but after I graduated and started doing auto repair full time my experience just went downhill. I started my business back up a year ago part time and my garage was full almost all spring and summer. I recently leased a shop and went full time with it back in November. Even in the off season I’m generating plenty of revenue. Multiple shops closed nearby so I’m one of the only ones left in my area. There is nothing like getting up in the morning and working for yourself, and looking forward to each new day because you get to do it again. There were tons of challenges along the way and there were many times I thought I was going to have to give up. Never thought I’d be this far by now. I’m nervous but also excited for spring time.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

That is awesome! Great job you are doing and it definitely pays off! The closing of shops around seems to be because of age. The last things I read said under 10% of the remaining people in the small engine repair business are under 40. That is crazy! It is fulfilling and there is unlimited potential. I have plenty of struggles along the way and these were ultimately (very expensive) lessons that taught me how to do better. I wish you the best in your endeavors! There is no stopping you now!

[@Big_Johns]

No better way to say it Martin..... stay honest and take care of every customer. Thanks brother.

[@IndRepair]

Yes sir! Thanks John!

[@Big_Johns]

Anytime bud 👊🏼

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Got to get better about switching back and forth from on channel to the other for responses ugh!

[@Big_Johns]

🤣🤣 it happens brother. 👍🏼

[@JerryCochran-hi7mz]

$500,000. That’s crazy. You must live in a big city.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

There are about 130,000 people in Bloomington/Normal which kind of runs together. There are quite a few smaller towns around here but most have 1,000 or less. Crazy how far it has come in such a short time no doubt

[@beegekhaos3171]

I really look forward to this channel growing. I fart around with small engines in my garage as a fun time fill, hobby

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I appreciate that! Definitely a good thing to be into. It could turn into something more you never know!

[@rickbroerman9267]

Wow I think I am going to love this channel 👊👊👊

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Thanks for watching Rick!

[@philliphall5198]

Good information for those who want to know and learn, it’s a tuff world but lots of crooks in every thing now 😮😮😮

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

It sure seems that way in every industry people try to cut corners and maximize profit at the expense of themselves and their customers. It does not help being this way for anyone

[@GregFosselman]

best of luck to you. i have done the same gig for 20 years as a hobby and to help people out in the spring its more than i like at 68 yrs old but in good health i will do it until i can not.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Thank you! It is a great hobby, side gig, full time job or anything you want it to be if you do it right! Sounds like you have been kudos to you for lasting so long at something like this!

[@steveriggenbach90]

I’m watching both. Real life lessons.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Thanks for watching Steve! Will be covering a lot!

[@dennisoneal8505]

Martin, I'm retired, so Proabley will not start a small enfine repair shop. I like your videos. Your style of instructions, and I find it interesting. I'm going to subscribe to show support for your channel.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I appreciate that! Welcome to the channel!

[@fartsackjack7081]

HOW AWESOME BROTHER .....BEST BOSS EVER !!!!!

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Yes sir! Thanks Mike!

[@jrocha6511]

Hi , just joined your Channel and just started this side hustle 2 years ago with self propelled and push mowers . Love to learn and id love to learn riders and zero turns but have no experience ?

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

That is awesome stuff. This is a great business to be in! Learn how everything works piece by pieces and system by system. If you are doing well repairing lawn mower start to get into other equipment and learn each system of the riders and zero turns. I have a bunch on videos on these topics and so do many others that are better at a lot than I am. With all the information out there the sky is the limit for you no doubt! Keep on pushing and let me know if I can help with anything that comes up you will go far!

[@stevestewart1438]

Martin I am stoked to see what comes next here. I told you i enjoyed the repair vids you do and it helps me see things with another set of eyes if that makes sense. I was skeptical of this course but this 1st vid knocked it out of the park. I have been doing this stuff for a long time, but never to your level...mainly helping family and friends and at 65, im here to tell you i needed a push like this to get it going again. I have a shop, tools, and just about anything you could imagine to go to the next level...cant wait for the next installment

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I am really excited too! I have always wanted to do videos on this subject but just didn't seem right to do on the original channel since most mentioned it was something that would not be useful to them. I appreciate your support! I wish for you to go far and get it knocked out of the park!

[@outlet6989]

Hi Martin, I'm ready to watch your channel. I have a couple of suggestions concerning starting a business like yours. The government can help you get a Small Business Loan. You will need to show your business plan and a breakdown of the cost of the tools and equipment your business will need. If you plan to offer pickup and return service. Add the price of a truck and trailer, even if you already have them. You might get more funds than you expected. Apply for a business license if your local government requires one. Incorporate your business as an LLC, a limited liability corporation. Obtain liability, including medical coverage, from an insurance company. I suggest becoming a power equipment dealer and a service center for their products. This is where the real money is. If you don't think like a business, you can expect to fail regardless of the amount of time, effort, and money you put into your business. If you start small, please consider my suggestions as your business grows.

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for the great tips here! The financial part of things is something I will go over in a later episode after the basics here. The business license is a must to start off regardless of if you will do it with or without a loan. I do not recommend starting out with incorporation as there are quite a few fees and many more regulations when you do this. It gets expensive pretty quick to file articles of incorporation and taxes cost more each year to file. A sole proprietorship business just filed for DBA (doing business as) will suffice for most people during the initial stages. Once you are making around $60,000 per year the incorporation makes sense (and will save you money then). Dealers make very little margin on equipment sales and it requires quite a bit of money and risk up front. The service is what they make the money on. We have seen probably 60 or so companies come in and want us to be a dealer. After looking at the financials it has never made sense for us to take anyone on. The most recent being Stihl with contracts and costs of displays minimums space, orders, stocking, etc. I do not like to be told how to do things, so I avoid all of these for that reason also. I like freedom. In my opinion being a dealer has more drawbacks than upside in most cases. I do not want to be a salesperson. I want to be in the repair business. Insurance is a must regardless of which way you are doing it for sure. There are many ways to do it, of course

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Got to get better about switching back and forth from on channel to the other for responses ugh!

[@outlet6989]

@@IndRepair Hi Martin, I enjoyed reading your reply. My comment was intended to help potential new business owners plan what might be necessary for a successful start-up. Of course, which route they decide to go is up to their individual needs. They should always consider what might happen when their new business is running. There is always a possibility that a customer might be injured while doing business at their shop. A lawsuit can cost them their business and everything related to it. Depending on how their home liability and medical insurance policy is written, their company may not be included unless they have a rider on their insurance policy, which will cost them more. Hope for the best and always plan for the worst.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I understand completely and appreciate your input on everything it is well worth mentioning! I have been sued twice over the years and will speak more about the details coming up. The next episode (after the tool episode coming tomorrow) will be about setting up the business and we will cover many of the legal, insurance and liability parts related to this and what to expect if you are ever sued or have an accident at your place of business (or at home if doing this home based). Your insight is great and it should be appreciated by many to come!

[@Tylerboy9938]

What would be a good small business software to use for small engine repair? There is so many small business software’s out there,you start chasing your tail. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

We use Quickbooks for everything now because it integrates for an accountant really well. We used Peachtree for years at the beginning and it seemed to work pretty well for our needs. The online Quickbooks is around $100/year which honestly seems kind of expensive to me, especially since I used a $30 Peachtree software for the first 5 years or so. There are other better softwares that integrate price files for the bigger companies but much more than we need

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Hey, Martin! Subscribed and getting notifications, even though this isn’t something I actively study. I’m here to support you! Good luck with this new channel, brother! 🔧👍

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

I appreciate that! I understand all people doing this type of work will be different as you mentioned at one point. I think the same principals apply overall to every small engine repair shop and could be useful to anyone doing this work or similar. Thank you for your support!

[@OutBackSmallEngine]

What software do you suggest. I've been doing small engine repair since 2019 as a side hussle but now I'm close to retirement I looking at getting into it a bit heavier and am interested in the billing and inventory keeping.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

We use Quickbooks for everything now because it integrates for an accountant really well. We used Peachtree for years at the beginning and it seemed to work pretty well for our needs. The online Quickbooks is around $100/year which honestly seems kind of expensive to me, especially since I used a $30 Peachtree software for the first 5 years or so

[@JCT442]

Do you maintain a supply of common use spare parts or do you order everything as needed? Best of luck with this new endeavor.

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

We have always maintained a supply of common use parts. From the start just really spark plugs, common air filters and a few blades then ordered everything else. Now we stock belts, blades, air/oil filters, switches, bearings, spindles, tires, batteries and much more but that came with time and the money to do it. When you have stuff in stock you can get them out much quicker and everything is smoother. During the busy season not having stuff really puts you in a spot of having too many pieces of equipment around, especially when you are small. Now we have 4,000 square feet but it is constantly full

[@bdixon2668]

How do you keep your yearly certifications for Stihl, Echo, Exmark, Kawasaki…? I want to do this but, you can’t buy parts unless you buy aftermarket stuff and most customers don’t want that so, you’re stuck buying parts from a local dealer, at retail..I literally have people wanting me to do this but, you can’t buy parts…

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

You do not need a yearly certification for most of these companies in order to get parts. We use distributors that we can buy from at a discount and get these parts without issue. Some of them are not as good of a discount as a dealer would have, of course. Then you do not have to jump through all the hoops of being a dealer either. If you want some specifics for different companies and how to source them email me at [e-mail] and I will help with this. For Stihl we go through a local dealer for parts. I contacted them when we were having issue sourcing, and they agreed to give us a 25% discount if we used them solely for all the Stihl parts we needed. It is a beneficial relationship to have and many times just calling and asking is all it takes. Every other company we have a distributor just like the big guys and you do not need to be a dealer to get these relationships or accounts

[@bdixon2668]

@@SmallEngineEdge1I currently work, as a tech and sales for one of the biggest Exmark, Stihl, Echo, Scag,Toro dealers in the south. Echo Master and Stihl Silver, one class from Vanguard Master. I can’t figure out how you write ten warranties a week not being a dealer. Hell, we can keep the lights on, with Kohler head gaskets and Stihl blowers. (Or, anything customers put Stihl Ultra in..😬😆😆)

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

@@bdixon2668 That is awesome, sounds like you have some great experience! I am not sure what the comment about writing warranties is about. Warranty work pays much less than non warranty work most times so I prefer to stay away from it. Only authorized dealers are able to do warranty work for most companies. When the companies that do not have someone authorized in the area call and ask if we will do the warranty work we always turn it down. I understand people can make money on these types of repairs just not what we prefer to be doing

[@philliphall5198]

You have to put money back into the business and pay your bills first Every thing has to be paid before you see a profit Stay off tool trucks for several years or forever 😊

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Definitely agree there!

[@fartsackjack7081]

I WANNA GO WITH YOU GUYS ......

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Escaping lol

[@robertmcmahon2744]

Wow. Seems like I'm staring into a mirror and doing my own video. I share the same philosophy and principles your talking about. Starting out as a hobby 7yrs ago, it has turned into a decent side gig. Learning as I buy and flip items. Now working on other people's stuff. Picking up tools and work equipment as they cheaply come up. Auctions,estate sales, clearance sales, ect. Word of mouth by customers is my BEST form of advertising. Be honest in what you do, but don't sell yourself short. Give value, Get paid. To all good luck. Proud to be subscriber #8 on your new channel. Peace out and God Bless. 😎✌🖖🙏🤝🔩🔧

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

Seems like you are doing well with what you do and that is what matters! Word of mouth gives you the most credibility and people love to talk about their great experiences. You are very right there that you should not sell yourself short and make sure not to let others take advantage of your kindness (if that is who you are). I am sure you will go so far!! Great job!

[@robcole332]

So what are you doing with your repair business you have now

[@SmallEngineEdge1]

@@robcole332 I have some good guys and my daughter works up front so they will keep on keeping on. Will be a huge change, but I have always wanted to get out of the area. Talked the wife into it and we have everything working towards this