[Epoustouflant]

No, it's well known that running a mechanical only shop is a bitch. Rates are lower than other automotive work - the capital & insurance required is absolutely insane.

Body shops are where it's at - but you need to avoid insurance work and build an aftermarket clientele, that can be hard. They're also under constant environmental regulation reviews.

You can branch out from a custom body shop into detailing (PPF, coatings, polishing) and parts & accessories very easily (wheels & tires is 50% of the aftermarket), while doing light mechanical work such as oil changes, brake replacements, plugs, exhaust installs etc as easy upsells.

Once you establish a relationship with your customer via paint & body, you can sell him anything.

Source: I used to have a business that developed innovative paint products to body shops of all sizes.

[cfm56d7b]

It's very difficult to make more money as an automotive shop without specialty services and marketing these services to target audience better than competition. The basics of running a more profitable business still apply.

[mecheng77]

If a shop is successful good on them because it is a huge investment in capital and that never ends. Every brand and even model has their own specific tools. Especially for Euro cars, I don't know how you can work on more than one brand, they are just so different.

The good part of that, nobody works on their own cars. I think the ppl on these forums are unique, among my friends and co workers maybe 1 or 2 work on their cars. Back in the day when everyone had a 305 Chevy and it was dirt simple, I think it was more common.

I think it's much easier to start a construction company. The tools you use don't change and aren't that expensive. There is always lots of demand and everyone has to live in a home so the demand won't change: Reno's or new builds. Every contractor I talk to has waiting lists.

[mahdeys]

I am a diesel mechanic and started my own shop as a nobody in this town. I am in the middle of nowhere as of right now. Opened my shop in June of 2018.

The work ethic you put forth is what will get you new customers and a ton of referrals that will sustain you in the slow season. I finally hired my night time help and pay him $48/hr with most lunches paid for by me.

I'll have over $1,000,000 in revenue done by the end of September with a large portion of profits reinvested back into the company on software and special tools. I'm the only indy shop that has both GM and Ford factory software in the tricounty area.

Just picked up an Amazon account too. (They use sub contractors, amazon does not own the vans per se)

So yes, it is worth being a shop owner in the automotive side if you are good. A big secret to success, common sense. If you are a mechanic with no commen sense, YOU WILL FAIL.
Oh, my labor rate is $115.

[Alfisti]

Where is this mythical "Tri county area" ....i hear this all the time, is it one place or anywhere near 3 counties??

[Matt Devo]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Where is this mythical "Tri county area" ....i hear this all the time, is it one place or anywhere near 3 counties??

anyone who lives in one thinks it's their three states

but typically it's NY/NJ/CT

(edit: above applies to 'tri-state area', I have no idea WTF tri-county area means, or what backwards part of the county uses counties for anything)

[Torgus]

No one is driving right now. Probably the worst time to open up a shop.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Torgus

No one is driving right now. Probably the worst time to open up a shop.

Tell that to all the drivers clogging up the roads around the DC Metro area. It's not as bad as pre-shutdown but it's no walk in the park either.

[383vett]

Its difficult to run this type of business in today's world because of government regulations, employee rights and benefits, and complexity of today's vehicles.

[chassis]

Machine shops that have a following for engine parts (heads, headers, blocks, pistons, etc.) can be a good gig IMO. It can be an add-on to other machining work for manufacturing companies in a 100 mile radius.