Getting Started with a Small Engine Repair Business
Stepping into the small engine repair industry can be an exciting venture if you have been fixing them for years. The only difference is that before you used to fix generators, and lawnmovers as a hobby. But now, you will be doing it to earn a handsome living and make a good name among others. However, it’s not something that you can start or learn overnight.
Before you start your venture, there are things you should know. And that’s the reason why we are here today. In this blog, we will let you know everything to help you understand how to start your small engine repair business. Also, you will learn how small engine repair shop software can help you streamline and optimize your ongoing processes. Stay with us.
- How Much would it Cost You to Start this Business?
The startup cost for a small engine repair shop varies depending upon your business size, location, and number of employees. As a newbie, you can expect the initial expenses to range from $10,000 to $50,000. This includes everything from buying tools & equipment, machines, and renting a location.
Other expenses can include licensing and insurance fees as they are necessary to comply with local regulations. In addition, you also need to equip your outlet with small engine repair shop software. To ensure success, you need to carefully plan all your expenses.
- Equip your Shop With All the Vital Tools
Now you have found the right location to start your business, it’s time to look for the essential tools for your small engine repair shop. These include all the equipment from spark plug testers, to carburetor cleaners, to digital tachometers, and valve spring compressors.
If you are unsure what tools to buy, you can surf the internet or ask your fellow repair shop owners. However, make sure you have all the essential tools that can help you quickly and efficiently fix all types of small engines.
- Ensure you Have Enough Inventory
Inventory management is one of the challenges repair business owners like you face everyday. If you don’t have the right parts in stock, you will not be able to serve customers right on time. That’s why, having all the repair parts and accessories in your inventory is a must.
Contrary to this, if you are unable to track stock, you may lose sales opportunities. And this may happen often when you rely solely on manual methods such as paperwork. As a result, you may experience errors, and missed entries.
Imagine a customer steps into your store and wants you to fix their lawnmover. You take a look at it and ask them to pick up the machine after almost 2 hours. Though, when you open it, you realize that you don’t have the required part in the inventory. Now, you need almost 6 to 7 hours to order it.
This can lose customer’s trust in your business. Therefore, you must equip your lab with small engine repair shop software. It will always notify you whenever you are running low on stock. In addition, you can also reorder parts from your desired suppliers, and vendors. Thus, you don’t have to look for the contact details of suppliers every time you need something.
- Target your Audience
To get the first customer, it is vital to know whom you are targeting. This also includes how to make them purchase from you. For that, you must know what group of people would be your target niche. Are they the business owners who offer warranties on their generators, and lawn mowers? Or, they are just the normal people who have these small engines for their household chores.
If you are unsure which machines you should repair, you need to go in depth about Once you have identified your potential customers, it’s time to enhance your engagement. By this, we mean you need to advertise your business in the best way possible.
You can also use software for small engine repair shop. It will help you send promotional messages and emails. This way, your customers can learn about the services you offer and small engine accessories you offer.
- Hire the Right People
The last part is to have the right people to do the job for you. As a business owner, you will not always be the one who is fixing small engines. Instead, most of the time, it will be your employees, and technicians who will do this for you.
That’s why, choose wisely. Hire the ones who have the right experience, and skillset. Only then can you offer a great repair service to your customers.
Final Words
Setting up a small engine repair business can be tough as it requires a lot. However, by following this guide, and having the initial cost, you can easily set up your small engine repair business.
