5 things you need to know before starting an auto body shop in Butte MT
If you are going to open an auto body shop, you need to know several facts about this business and tips about how to start it effectively. Let’s talk about everything you need to know to start your auto body shop.
1. Your customers:
Your customers most of the time will be people who have suffered from an accident and their cars are damaged so they may upset and need their cars back quickly. Be patient.
Also your customers will tend to tell the story behind the accident. Be a good listener to build up your relationship with the customer.
Sometimes a customer will just want to change his car’s paint or simple jobs like that. Deal with your customers with full respect and meet their needs in time as you work with their main means of transportation.
2. Your staff and their skills:
Any auto body shop must have 3 main employees: auto body mechanic, metal fabricators and painters. You staff should have a set of skills which include the following:
• Noticing the small details.
• Metal fabrication and straightening.
• Installing new parts.
• Sanding.
• Body repair.
• Painting skills.
• Frame straightening.
• The ability to work for extra time is a skill too. Some vehicles will need it.
These skills are essential. They are what your business depends on to gain the trust of your customers.
3. The equipment:
You will need a long list of equipment to start your business. Here are the most common tools you will need in your auto body shop:
• Air compressor. Large and powerful one is better.
• Frame and body straighteners.
• Spray guns and filters.
• Paint equipment.
• Diagnostic scanners.
• A variety of clamps.
• Metal shaping tools.
• Battery chargers/jump starters.
These are just few tools. The list of the equipment needs a proper research before starting your business.
4. Get your business licensed:
You will have to get your business license in order to open a bank account and not to be closed by the government. You need to open a tax register too.
5. The advantages and disadvantages of opening an auto body shop:
There are a lot of advantages:
• Building a good relationship with your customer will make him/her go to your auto body shop if any auto repairs are needed.
• It is a guaranteed business. Cars are number one mean of transport in the world.
The disadvantages and challenges are many in this business.
• The job has a lot of problems. Problems with the employees are common. Meeting the needs of the customers can be a challenge.
• Painting is a toxic process that needs regular follow-ups and safety measures to avoid.
• The deadlines must be met. Sometimes customers need their cars quickly and it becomes a challenge. Having a good staff that can work extra time to get the job done will be perfect.
• Seasons affect work. Winter is full of work due to the high rate of accidents while work decreases during summer.
Starting a new business can be easy if you know everything about it. Opening an auto body shop may be a challenge regarding the amount of details that you need to know. Make sure to understand everything before starting your business.
1. Your customers:
Your customers most of the time will be people who have suffered from an accident and their cars are damaged so they may upset and need their cars back quickly. Be patient.
Also your customers will tend to tell the story behind the accident. Be a good listener to build up your relationship with the customer.
Sometimes a customer will just want to change his car’s paint or simple jobs like that. Deal with your customers with full respect and meet their needs in time as you work with their main means of transportation.
2. Your staff and their skills:
Any auto body shop must have 3 main employees: auto body mechanic, metal fabricators and painters. You staff should have a set of skills which include the following:
• Noticing the small details.
• Metal fabrication and straightening.
• Installing new parts.
• Sanding.
• Body repair.
• Painting skills.
• Frame straightening.
• The ability to work for extra time is a skill too. Some vehicles will need it.
These skills are essential. They are what your business depends on to gain the trust of your customers.
3. The equipment:
You will need a long list of equipment to start your business. Here are the most common tools you will need in your auto body shop:
• Air compressor. Large and powerful one is better.
• Frame and body straighteners.
• Spray guns and filters.
• Paint equipment.
• Diagnostic scanners.
• A variety of clamps.
• Metal shaping tools.
• Battery chargers/jump starters.
These are just few tools. The list of the equipment needs a proper research before starting your business.
4. Get your business licensed:
You will have to get your business license in order to open a bank account and not to be closed by the government. You need to open a tax register too.
5. The advantages and disadvantages of opening an auto body shop:
There are a lot of advantages:
• Building a good relationship with your customer will make him/her go to your auto body shop if any auto repairs are needed.
• It is a guaranteed business. Cars are number one mean of transport in the world.
The disadvantages and challenges are many in this business.
• The job has a lot of problems. Problems with the employees are common. Meeting the needs of the customers can be a challenge.
• Painting is a toxic process that needs regular follow-ups and safety measures to avoid.
• The deadlines must be met. Sometimes customers need their cars quickly and it becomes a challenge. Having a good staff that can work extra time to get the job done will be perfect.
• Seasons affect work. Winter is full of work due to the high rate of accidents while work decreases during summer.
Starting a new business can be easy if you know everything about it. Opening an auto body shop may be a challenge regarding the amount of details that you need to know. Make sure to understand everything before starting your business.