If you enjoy working on small engines and have an eye for detail, starting a small engine repair service could be a good fit. This field is relatively stable and offers plenty of opportunity for growth, but it requires an extensive skill set to be successful.
If your skills are a bit limited, consider taking a small engine repair course at a vocational school or studying a detailed repair manual to fill in the gaps. A good manual will help you troubleshoot and diagnose problems with a wide range of small-engine equipment, such as lawn mowers and chainsaws.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement for a career as a small engine mechanic. However, some mechanics earn a postsecondary degree in small engine and automobile repair or gain experience on the job before applying for this career.
You can start your small engine repair service from home, but you may want to consider opening a commercial storefront if you want to build a larger customer base. You’ll need tools for repairing small engines, a work van for picking up and delivering customers’ gear, and a space to store your equipment and vehicles.
Some small engine repair shops specialize in a specific type of power equipment, such as lawn mowers or snowblowers. Others offer a comprehensive service and repair all types of small engines.
Make a list of the equipment you’re willing to fix and put it on your business card. It’s a great way to attract customers and increase your potential revenue.
Your customer’s satisfaction and their desire to recommend you to friends is also important for your business success. Be sure to include testimonials from previous customers in your advertising and marketing materials.
Do your homework before launching this business, including researching the local economy and how much competition you’ll face. You’ll need to have a strong marketing plan and a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from the competition.
Get your business in front of your target audience by targeting specific keywords and promoting your small engine repair services. This can be done by pay-per-click advertising, social media marketing, or hosting a webinar.
Identify your target audience by using market research or surveys. Having a clear understanding of what your clients need will help you tailor your service to their needs. For example, if you know that your clients own a lot of lawn mowers, consider specializing in servicing this particular type of equipment.
Use your expertise to educate your customers about their equipment and how you can keep it running efficiently. You can do this in person, on a video seminar or by hosting a webinar.
Your expertise should be communicated to your customers in a way that’s easy for them to understand, so that you can provide the most comprehensive service possible. This will ensure that you have repeat clients and continue to thrive in this industry.
As your small engine repair shop grows, you may need to hire employees. This will allow you to handle more complex tasks, such as rebuilding engines. It also can increase your productivity. You’ll also need to purchase the equipment and supplies necessary for running a small engine repair service, so be prepared to spend some money up front.