How to open an auto body shop: step by step
Scratches, dents and collisions happen every day, and demand for bodywork follows the size of the fleet. A report published by Brazilian newspaper Diário do Comércio pointed to higher demand for automotive services at year-end, a sign there is room for anyone looking to invest in auto body and paint work. But opening a body shop takes preparation. Here is where to start.
How to open an auto body shop
Write a business plan
The first step is to study the market and, based on that and your own situation, put together a business plan. It brings together the business's ideas, research, calculations and needs, which reduces risk when you open.
Choose the location
With a map of local competitors in hand, choose your site by evaluating:
- accessibility
- rent
- local traffic
- lot size
- suitable space for body and paint stages.
Define your services
Beyond panel repairs, think about what will set your body shop apart. Services such as customization, tuning and color changes can attract a different type of customer. For each service you offer, make sure the team is properly trained.
Get the equipment and tools
Have all the equipment and tools needed for every stage of the services you offer. Starting a business by turning away jobs for lack of equipment leaves a bad impression right away.
Use a management system
A repair shop management system speeds up access to customer and vehicle data and offers features such as work orders and estimates. It helps organize operations from day one. To see how to set up the space after opening, read about how to organize a body shop and check out more tips on running a body shop.
Count on Onmotor
Created in 2009, Onmotor is repair shop software that brings together custom reports, invoice and work order issuing and other features. Learn about the Onmotor system and our company, or talk to our team.