Doesn't improvise mechanical professional who wants to and becoming a garage owner is not for everyone. There is a big difference between tinkering for yourself or your mates as an amateur and fixing cars professionally. Being the head of a car mechanics business requires skills beyond pure technique. The success of your garage will rely on your ability to manage, organise, create team cohesion and stay ahead of the customer's expectations. A mindset businessman, understand mindset, is what makes the difference in the long run. If you are about to open your repair shop, these recommendations will be very useful.
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<Boldness, more boldness, always boldness ! Yes, you will always find someone to discourage you from starting up and there will be no shortage of reasons : economic situation, coronavirus crisis... A businessman has to show a certain amount of courage and a good dose of nerve to create his business.
For all that, these fine qualities are not enough. If you want to open your own repair shop, be aware that you will find yourself alone in making decisions for the good operation of your establishment. And that your decisions will impact your company, your employees, but also your personal life.
Entrepreneurship requires the impossible equation of being a genuine enthusiast with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
A company is a structure in constant motion and you are the instigator of this motion. Don't know where to start ?
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When you become a garage owner, it's because you have a passion for mechanics, but rarely for accounting and scheduling ! Sorry to disappoint you, the success of your workshop will not only depend on your technical prowess, but also on your ability to organise the work and keep track of your expenses and income. All things that will keep you away from the workshop maid and the bustle of the bays.
Managing, is also about delegating to the right people. Use an accountant to help you keep track of your expenses, income and tax deadlines. It is normal that you do not master all the legal obligations to which you are subject. Don't ignore the expertise of a professional, especially in the financial field.
Being in the boss's suit has its advantages, but it comes with a lot of responsibility and the job is sometimes thankless. Remember, when you were a mechanic or even a workshop manager, you sometimes had a hard tooth or easy criticism of your manager. But you probably only had a partial view of the situations and issues.
Management cannot be learned, it must be experienced. It is through contact with your teams that you will refine your style, that you will make mistakes, that you will learn in short. If you haven't already done so, here's something to consider about your ability to manage people. A good manager is :
According to an IFOP poll reported by the website Capital, 40% of British people do not trust their garage and even have a frankly unpleasant opinion of it. There are some rankings that one would gladly do without. Like it or not, most people feel they are being ripped off by mechanics, who are accused of inflating the bill. Of course, many motorists know nothing about their car and its maintenance and expect their mechanic to work miracles, in record time, and as cheaply as possible, while they can. But most of them also want to be listened to and understood. You will soon learn that clear and unambiguous communication is the key to any successful partnership.
On the other hand, when you have gained the trust of a customer, you become HIS garage owner. They will recommend you to everyone around them and the name of your company will circulate by word of mouth. The ultimate recognition.
Do you think you're on top of your customer relations ? We have written a comprehensive article on this very subject. In it you will find the mistakes you should not make in order to maintain a healthy relationship of trust with your customers.
Our blog offers information, news and advice on the daily life of garage owners ! Don't hesitate to share your experience, your projects in comments, we will be delighted to read !
Image sources:
1- Marie CHASLES / Author: Shocks / License ID: #144980215 - stock.adobe.com
2- Marie CHASLES / Author: Auremar / License ID: #297707341 - stock.adobe.com