How To Start a Mechanic Shop Business 

So you’ve decided to open up your own mechanic shop business, congratulations! The mechanic industry is broad and offers many different avenues to specialise in. Whichever road you decide to trek down, one thing is in common and that’s the process of setting up your mechanic shop business. 

We’ve narrowed down some of the top tips and ideas to help your business journey that bit easier. From networking to protecting your shop with Business Insurance for mechanics, our quick guide is here to help. 

All that fun paperwork 

Let’s start with the not so interesting bits of getting all the admin and paperwork stuff sorted for your business. This may involve arranging some of the following tasks: 

• Getting your business number and business name in place 
• Registering for tax (if applicable) 
• Sorting out your bank account details 
• Registering with any relevant associations 
• Revisiting your business plan 

Being a mechanic is a skilled profession and may require certain qualification in order for you to provide certain services. It is worth checking with your industry profession bodies if you are unsure if your have the right qualifications, registration details and licenses required before setting up shop. 

Phew! Now that your to-do list is looking a bit full, let’s take a look at some of the other nuts and bolts to help make your mechanic shop business dream a reality. 

Have a chat and network 

Networking not just within your own industry network is important, but also within your local community. Chatting to other businesses can open a whole host of opportunities and potential customers. Keep an eye on local events and don’t forget to embrace the wonderful world of social media to enrich your networking abilities. 

Engage with social media 

There’s a high chance that you are already exposed to the wonderful world of social media. It’s one of those vital marketing tools that are going to help elevate your mechanic shop business and get your name out there.  

The great thing about social media is that there are many different channels, and you don’t need to use all of them. It’s about keeping it consistent, simple and getting your name out there for people to see. Here are some of the benefits and ways you can use social media to grow your business: 

• Create a Facebook page and allow for potential customers to send messages, book appointments and connect with your business 

• Use Instagram to share photos of your business, especially projects like before and after work on vehicles 
• Join online communities on Facebook, especially industry specific and local community groups You will often find locals asking for recommendations for a local mechanic 

Expand your learning 

There’s always something new to learn that can enrich your knowledge and help with the running of your mechanic shop business. Thankfully for the internet there is a variety of many different courses online which are also often free!  

Running your own business means there are many aspects of the business which will require your attention. Maybe you want to learn more about the best practices of accounting, how to master the art of online advertising or just general principals of business basics.  

Business insurance for mechanics 

You’ve worked hard to get your mechanic shop up and running, so it makes sense that you want have the right things in place to protect it. This is where business insurance* can help. There are a variety of different types of insurances available to help safeguard things like your business assets and liability. 

These are some of the insurances you may want to look at: 

• Public Liability insurance*- This covers you if a third-party claim that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage or personal injury (not covered by the ACC). This includes defence costs cover. 

• Building Insurance*- Covers you for loss and damage to buildings you own, as a result of an insured event, e.g. fire, malicious damage. 

• Contents insurance*- Covers you for damage to your contents and stock, due to fire and other perils listed within the policy wording. 
• Portable Equipment insurance* – Covers you for loss and damage to your tools and equipment due to theft, fire and other perils listed in the wording, anywhere in New Zealand. 

Opening up your own mechanic shop doesn’t need to be stressful, neither does getting mechanic business insurance sorted*. From Public Liability insurance to getting your tools covers, insurance for mechanics is there for when you need it most. 

Visit bizcover.co.nz and get trade insurance for your trade business without drama and get on with your day. If you’d prefer to pick up the phone and chat you can find us at 0800 249 268. 

*This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. © 2023 BizCover Pty Limited, BizCover Limited is owned by BizCover Pty Ltd.