How to Open an Auto Repair Shop?

[LeChristian]

Including your own workshop address, the name of the repair shop, scale, and main investments, these materials need to be submitted when registering with the industrial and commercial administration department. If you possess repair skills, you can save a significant portion of expenses, which is also beneficial for entrepreneurial development, as the core technology is in your hands. In fact, starting an auto repair shop requires not only technical skills but also a team, including sales and administrative staff.

[StDallas]

I recently opened an auto repair shop, and the whole process was quite complex. It started with market research—finding a good location, like near main roads or residential areas with high foot traffic to attract more customers. Then came budgeting: the initial investment was substantial, covering rent, tools, and hiring staff, easily costing 200,000–300,000 RMB, so thorough preparation or applying for a small loan was necessary. Don’t forget legal compliance—obtaining a business license, environmental permits, and fire safety inspections was time-consuming but mandatory. Location was also crucial—I chose a shop next to a parking lot for convenient customer drop-offs. When accumulating equipment, I started with basics like lifts and toolboxes, gradually expanding. Defining core services, such as oil changes and tire replacements, helped avoid overextending early on. I recommend networking with peers to learn from their experiences and avoid pitfalls. Hiring skilled technicians through interviews and training them on safety protocols was essential. The whole process took about six months to stabilize—patience and planning were key.

[DeOmar]

As someone with over a decade of experience in auto repair, I believe technical expertise is the core. First, ensure you understand automobile structures: fundamentals like engines and brake systems must be solid. Don't skimp on investing in key equipment: wrenches, diagnostic tools, and lifts must be available—quality tools are both efficient and safe. Hiring skilled technicians is crucial: find experienced partners and train together in new technologies like EV maintenance to keep up with industry changes. Never neglect financial management: be meticulous when purchasing tools and negotiate with suppliers to save costs. Safety management is paramount: workshops must be well-ventilated, waste oil disposal must comply with regulations to avoid environmental pollution. Start with small-scale operations, like focusing on routine maintenance, build reputation before expanding. Always prioritize customers: avoid overcharging during repairs to earn trust and secure repeat business. Address issues promptly to prevent minor faults from escalating.

[VanIsla]

I started a small car repair shop with a focus on cost control. Choosing a suburban location with lower rent, I began by renting a small 200-square-meter space to reduce financial pressure. I planned my funds carefully: using savings or a small loan to gather over 100,000 yuan, and buying second-hand tools to save on expenses. I kept the service scope simple, such as tire changes and brake inspections, which are easy to handle and minimize losses. Obtaining a business license was crucial: applying for permits from the industrial and commercial department, and not forgetting environmental filings—time-consuming but necessary. When hiring, I looked for one or two reliable technicians, sharing profits to reduce risk. For marketing, I used small tricks like posting flyers in residential areas and near car shops to attract local customers. During repairs, I emphasized quality: using original parts to ensure durability, as satisfied customers naturally bring word-of-mouth referrals. I kept meticulous financial records to avoid overspending.