Article: States have different licensing requirements for auto repair business. Check your local motor vehicle department for information about the type of license that you will need to operate an auto repair shop in your state. To obtain a license in your state, you will need to: Fill out an application. Your motor vehicle department can provide you with an application to apply for your license. Meet eligibility requirements. In most states, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be allowed to apply. These requirements may include things like your age, credit, and criminal record. Provide required documents and information. You may need to include some other documents and information such as proof that the building you plan to use has been zoned for your business, your tax ID number, and color photographs of your facility. Pay any fees required to process the application. The application fee may be as low as $20, but if approved, you may need to pay $300 or more to obtain the license. Before approving your application, most states require you to have a minimum amount of insurance for liability purposes. This amount may be as low as $50,000 or as high as $300,000. Check with your state's motor vehicle department to determine how much insurance you will need to obtain for your business. You will need a clear financial system in place in order to operate as a business and to anticipate potential pitfalls. Consider hiring an accountant or a financial advisor to help you establish a budget for your expenses as a new business. An accountant can help you manage your taxes, your payroll system, and advise you on the best bookkeeping system to use in your business. You should also consider retaining a lawyer in case you face any suits or claims from your clients. Ask other mechanics in your area which lawyers they use and like. Your success as a business will depend on how you relate to your customers and potential customers Define your core values as a brand. What are three words your customers should think of when they think of your business? You might think of words like "honest,""loyal," and "dependable." Print eye-catching flyers. You can place them in places where lots of customers might congregate, such as gyms, civic centers, office parks, and the parking lots at universities and college campuses. Establish a loyalty program. You might offer your customers a free oil change after they come to see you for another service (like an engine repair or heating/air conditioning repair). You can also send coupons in the mail to your neighbors or consider offering a digital discount through a service like Groupon. Consider advertising on TV or on the radio. TV commercials and radio ads may also help you to reach a wider audience and gain new customers. Some car dealers have their own mechanical shops attached to their businesses, but others don't. You should consider approaching dealers and asking them if they could refer customers to your business. In return, you could also advertise for their business when your customers want to buy a new car.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Obtain a license to operate your business. Purchase insurance for your business. Fulfill your administrative needs. Implement a marketing strategy. Make alliances with car dealerships.