How to Start a Custom Car Shop

It is very easy to open a custom car shop, especially if you have the idea about the basics of the business and the right equipment to use. On the process, you will learn a lot and eventually, you will get into your head and master then repair works and customization.

Now, if you have the knack but you don’t know how to start this business, let our tips guide you so you can sooner open the custom car shop of your own.

Have enough capital

Estimate how much you are going to spend in opening the business. Make sure to include every expense from paying the space, buying the equipment, processing the permits to the salary of your employees. Take down everything that you have to spend for and allocate funds for it.

Look for a wide space or building

The first thing that you have to do is look for an adequate building – preferably 40’ x 100’ to house all your customer’s cars. Make sure that the building has concrete, electrical, finishing, etc. If the building does not have these, install or have it added. Then, have it stocked with (4) 25’ bays. Don’t forget that your custom car shop needs to offer body work. Thus, you may need another 2 bays or less. The first bay is for the preparation and finishing while the other is for the painting booth.

Have the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Also, don’t forget the equipment that you will use for the body work. More likely, you’ll need to have the following:

• air compressor
• refrigerated evaporating system
• jitter bugs, dual-action sanders
• sanding blocks
• masks and paint suits
• a cabinet to keep solvents, paints, and cleaners
• HVLP guns of different sizes
• Lift
• Air tools (like impact, air nozzle, etc)
• Tools to stock boxes
• Parts washer
• Diagnostic machine
• Rebuilding counters
• Woodworking tools
• Fiberglass tools
• Electrical tools for stereo and complete body wiring
• Phew

The list begins but it does not end here. Be sure that you get these tools and equipment from reliable supplier.

Look for an Experienced Employee

Now that you have your space, tools, and equipment, the next thing that is you have to hire your staff. Choose employees who have experience in this work. Ask him about his experience and to what extent does he know about the work.

Do Your Homework

Think of ways that can make your custom car business a unique one. Draw a reliable, realistic business plan that you will follow as you start running the business. Get ready with the whims and requests of your customers. Once you have one, accept him. In a matter of time, you’ll find your shop with a lot of customers coming back and forth. Always update yourself with what’s the latest in the business so you won’t be out-dated. Always offer what’s new to your customers.