In this post, I will show you How to start a mechanic workshop in Nigeria. A mechanic business in Nigeria, like any other business, needs you to do some heavy research and fact finding to make sure you become a success.
On close observation, mechanic business is a very lucrative business, however, like other business; it must be located in a strategic place in order to jobs into cool cash. I must emphasize the fact that a mechanic workshop business is capital and management intensive.
Starting a mechanic workshop business is a competitive business, but if you learn what to do to maximize your odds of success before venturing into the business. To start a mechanic workshop business, you will decide how you want to your day to day operation (working hours), Shop rental fees, what type of cars would be fixed at your workshop (automobile, collision repair, medium – heavy truck, school bus, transit bus, truck equipment), will you provide home services, how many apprentices you intend having, vehicle options, set up at an ideal location, and follow all regulatory requirements for running this type of business.
If you can handle the risks involved with mechanic workshop business, you are good to go. If you are a person that can deal with automotive problem and can provide solutions for any car trouble, then starting a mechanic shop is the best idea for you. However, before becoming a mechanic or putting up your own shop make sure that you got proper license.
We have complied a few guidelines to walk you through the processes you need to go through in order to start your mechanic workshop business established in Nigeria.
1. Get Adequate Training If You Are a Newbie
It is important to note that if you have not been trained on the nitty-gritty to become an auto mechanic, then you need to get trained. The duration of the training depends on your ability to grasp what you are being taught. It is always advisable to enrol at an established auto mechanic workshop or at best, a technical school.
2. Acquire A Garage/Workshop.
Having successfully completed your apprenticeship alongside a proper licence to operate, acquiring a garage/ workshop will follow suit. Ideally, your mechanic shop should start within a strategic location where you are well known. I would advise you stay close to major roads. Even If you are not going to rent a garage to run your business, it is very important that you register the business with the Corporate Affairs commission (CAC).
You should put into consideration a large garage where you can possibly add lifts, car wash, reception, toilet neat and comfortable for both workers and customers as we posit a brighter future for the business. On top of that, ensure the workshop has a correct drainage installed in case.
3. Acquire Good Specialty Tools
With a workshop now in place, starting a mechanic business also means all your tools must be in place. Not just tools, nice specialty tool to fast track your work and make your workshop distinct from existing mechanic workshops. Tools such as ring and open end spanners, voltmeter, diagnostic scanners, hand held mechanics lamps, air guns and lines, micrometer, dial gauge, tachometer, rolling oil pans, circlip pliers Cooling fluid pans, bearing pullers. Others include; simple pipe bender for making a special exhaust joiner, cooling system tester to suit different radiators, tire changer accessories, tire pressure gauge, air Pressure Regulator, tire lever, wheel balancer accessories, brake lathe accessories, wheel ramps and safety equipment like goggles, ear protection, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spill kit, signage, oscillating fan, exhaust extraction reel.
4. Hire capable hands
Venturing into a mechanic business undoubtedly one will need more hands. You will need at least one or two employee to handle some mechanical works. The hiring process ideally should start months before fully setting up your mechanical workshop. This to ensure they are capable of any job assigned to them and selecting the best candidate for your mechanical workshop who would be able to work even in your absence.
5. Advertise Your Mechanic Workshop
The best strategy to adopt to be able to secure clients is to print your business card, move around offices, organisations, to inform them about your workshop. The business card should be informative clearly stating the nature of services you provide and how you can be contacted. Offer discounts on common repairs and oil changes and finally, take your business to social media platforms.
6. Make alliances with car dealers.
It is true that some car dealers have their own mechanical shops attached to their businesses but you can take advantage if those who do not have to grow your business. Take a bold step by approaching dealers asking them to refer customers to your business based on negotiation. As a way of payback, you could also advertise their business when your customers want to purchase a new car.
7. High Display of Competence and Integrity
One crucial aspect of the business is your ability to convince your customers to return to your workshop and this is only possible when you display competence and integrity at every given opportunity.
It is pertinent to note that most of the clients you would be working for are people who will be coming to your workshop for the first time. If you give them any reason to doubt your competence, you are likely not going to get a repeat business from them. You must ensure that you do a perfect job that will make them long for service and also earn you referrals.
If you care about your work, customers will care about using your workshop to do all their mechanical repairs and servicing, so you need the right tools and equipment to do a broad range of work.
The above guidelines should help you on your way to start your own mechanical workshop business.
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