If you’re sick and tired of your job, now may be the best time to start an auto repossession business.  That’s because when foreclosures, loan defaults and bankruptcies are up, the repo business thrives.  When people can’t make their car payments, banks and dealerships pay good money to repossess their cars.

If you’ve thought about starting an auto repossession business, here’s what you should know, first…

Repo Business Fact #1 -  You Might Not Need Formal Training

While it’d be foolish to start a repo business without investing in training materials, most states don’t require you log training hours before you get your repo license.

In most states, auto repossession companies are regulated by the same agency that oversees private investigators and/or debt collectors.  The best way to find out your state’s repossession laws is to contact your state’s Secretary of State division or invest in a comprehensive repossession course.

Repo Business Fact #2 – You Might Not Need A Tow-Truck

That’s because most finance companies keep copies of the key codes to every car and truck they issue loans for.  All you have to do is find a locksmith to cut a key from the codes.  Although, that’s usually not necessary because a lot of banks keep spare keys on hand, already!

What that means to you is, you can team up with another person to follow you repo sites, and one of you can drive off in the car you’re repossessing.  While it’s not always that simple, it’s easier than investing in a tow-truck when you’re just starting out.

Repo Business Fact #3 – You Can Do It Part-Time

Because many auto repossession agents work at night, you can keep your day job (if you want,) and repossess cars at night.  Then, once you establish a good reputation in the business and you get more clients, you can gradually devote more hours to your new business.

Many new entrepreneurs get overwhelmed when they first think about starting a new business.  But, that’s not necessary, because if you keep your costs low and you build your business gradually, you can reinvest your profits as your repo business grows.  There’s no need to do everything at once – that’s a recipe for exhaustion.

Source by Dirk Windler

You know, one business you might consider is a mobile oil change business, where you go to the customer’s home or office and change the oil in their personal car or the fleet of vehicles. Changing the oil on an automobile is not very difficult and as long as you are careful in the way you do it you will not even make a mass. To start a mobile oil change business you will need a pickup truck, van or small trailer to put the mobile oil change equipment on to.

Mobile oil change equipment generally cost just under $10,000 for a complete set up. Marketing of the Mobil oil change business is not very difficult because everyone knows they must change the oil in their cars every 3000 to 8000 miles. Many manufacturers and automakers require this in their manual and if you do not change the oil in the proper interval you will void the warranty.

There are certainly a lot of choices in the automobile industry for businesses to start, but mobile oil changing is one that is often overlooked, but extremely simple and easy to start.

Source by Lance Winslow

Okay so, no doubt you were thinking out loud and you posed a question to the search engine asking about what sort of business should you consider right now knowing that the economy is problematic. Let’s see, you like cars right? You have a good working knowledge of the automobile, and you’d like to stay in the automotive sector; so, what kind of a company should you start and take advantage of all this, and test your entrepreneurial skills?

Well, I recommend a “car battery” rejuvenation, recycling, reconditioning, repair, and replacement business. And, I’d recommend that you make your business mobile, and go buy one of those new Ford Transit vans to work out of, perhaps a hybrid version of one? Now then, why would I recommend such a business to start as we come out of the recession with so many unknowns and an Administration that seems to be doing everything but hammering in the last nail of the small business sector coffin?

Simple, as the Founder of an online style think tank we do a lot of talking about the future, economy, politics, and business. You see, Toyota is ramping up production on Hybrids, Nissan Leaf is a huge market success even though they are selling them for less than it costs to make them, and both GM and Chrysler are expanding their hybrid models and coming out with pure electric cars, along with Ford which is already a leader in the industry like Toyota.

Meanwhile, Tesla Motorcar company got a huge inflow of cash from a Toyota Partnership and their IPO was quite successful and the first car company to go public in over 50-years. So, take it from me an automotive entrepreneur and founder of an automotive franchise service corporation – that’s where I recommend you look. You may email me with questions, and no, I am not offering such a business opportunity or franchise, I just think it would be a great new business model

Source by Lance Winslow

Automobile or Car dealership is a profitable and money-spinning business. By properly running this trade, thousands of cash may be earned subsequent to reduction of fees, sales commission, advertising costs and other expenses. However, a car dealership also requires considerable amount of investment, work and effort. This business may be taxing as it is usually open for transactions at least 12 hours a day from six to seven days in a week. But even prior to the actual running operation, a car dealer must first prepare and organize the essentials, and basics of his business.

Every business needs to have a plan. More so in car dealership as it involves quite a large sum of money. The business plan should be inclusive of start-up and monthly budgets, hour of operation, marketing and the likes.

Since car dealership requires a lot of money in order to begin, some are disheartened as they may not possess such a fortune for their desired investment. However if you do not have that kind of extra money or sufficient assets to control the financing, you may look to search for investors who themselves are looking for a hands off business with prospective profits and revenues. There may also be some financial organizations like banks or cooperatives which are offering assistance for large-scale businesses.

The location of the business also contributes to its success and hit. If you are an aspiring car dealer, you may choose to either situate your business on an empty land where you will build a particular infrastructure where the trade may be held accordingly or on a site where there is already an existing building which suits your business requirements. What’s essential is that there should be enough space for adequate accommodation of your car inventories for display. Some beginner car dealers may choose a certain location that has been previously occupied by another car dealership (which has closed down due to some reasons). If the chosen site is within range of other car dealers, it would be beneficial to all parties concerned that the brands and makes of the cars they are selling are not at all the same). Again in line with the location of the business, the car dealership must conform with the entire local zoning codes.

If you prefer a dealership of new cars, obtain a franchise. Dealer websites are useful tools to help you checkout the information on how to acquire a franchise. Some franchised car dealers may also agree with a possible partnership with you. There are also the acquiring of a business license that must be performed in order to legally run this business.

It would be to your advantage and benefit if you will hire help and assistance in the management and operation of the business especially in offering services for vehicles. Finally, deploy appropriate marketing and advertising promotions for your car dealership. Ads may be printed in reading material, flyers and brochures. There are also billboards and most of all the internet websites where your business may effectively be advertised and promoted.

Source by W Tsang

If you are an individual who enjoys driving, meeting new people, and making a fair amount of cash, you may want to consider starting up your own shuttle car service. These companies offer a number of benefits, including flexibility, limited start-up expenses, and wonderful pay. In this article, we will outline the basics to starting your very own shuttle car service.

Step 1 – Obtain your commercial driver’s license. In order to receive it, you must pass both skill and written knowledge tests. You must receive at least an 80% on the written portion, where as the skill test will involve real life driving in a vehicle resembling one which you will operate on the job. To find out more about testing locations and study guides, simply contact your location DMV.

Step 2 – Find yourself a reliable vehicle for your car service. If you are interested in limo service, shop for limos. Airport shuttles often pertain to passenger vans. Evaluate your options and proceed accordingly. Either way, it is recommended that business owners purchase newer vehicles, as it could turn into an embarrassing situation should your used limo brake down during a job. Check out various dealerships online and in person to find the best pricing in your region.

Step 3 – If you will be hiring employees, start with a dispatch operator. This individual with require excellent communication skills, and have experience working in the field. You can start by placing an ad in your local paper’s wanted section.

Step 4 – Shop around the insurance. You will require commercial insurance for your business, and should take the time to review various policies to find your company the best one possible. You will require insurance for your vehicle, property, and worker’s comp, to start. Many agencies offer discounts to those who require plans with multiple accounts (property, vehicle). Shop around and gather quotes before making a final decision.

Step 5 – Advertise! Make your name known to those around you. You can start by placing ads in your local yellow pages and print publications. Print up brochures and place them at local businesses affiliated with your type of service. Contract a web designer to make up a web site, and place ads online. Make sure you include all services alongside the hourly rate, and any special services you offer.

Step 6 – Once you’ve gained a few clients, make sure to place a strong emphasis on customer service. Word of mouth can often be the best form of advertising around. Utilize this resource and watch your new business flourish.

Source by Alfred Ardis

You can start car detailing business in three different ways: the Mobile way, the express way, and the site-based. Out of all these three, the mobile business is the quickest and the easiest to start Car Detailing (CD) business and there are many customers, who prefer to have their car detailed in front of their eyes. It is also the business where you require the least investment of not more than $2,000. But it requires lot of stamina and patience on your part plus the drive to the clients’ place to fulfill your obligations even under strenuous conditions.

You have to do the exterior detailing like washing, waxing, and polishing the automobiles. You also have to do the interior detailing like removing the stains from the upholstery, cleaning the carpets and other types of foot mats. You have to polish and shine the wheels and the tyres also. The most important thing, you should know to be successful is the products that are used for CD. You should know for which type of paint, finish, and upholstery, which product gives good results and is safe to use.

Nowadays, the Express Auto Detailing is also becoming a lucrative business, so you can think to start CD business at any of the car wash, or auto dealer. You can also tie up with hotels having concierge services, car shows, Limousine companies, RV dealerships, gas stations etc. All these places are very customer potentials and can give you steady business.

The Express Car Detailing services are becoming very popular amongst those customers who cannot afford the full auto detailing service or cannot leave their car for many hours. These customers love to have cosmetically well maintained and have some sort of external protection for their vehicle. Many automatic car wash businesses offer this type of service, where they wash the car, dry it and then machine wax the car, to give it protection for around three months. They also offer express interior detailing and express carpet detailing services to their customers.

The idea behind the offering the customers the “Express Auto Detailing” is to offer a quick fix solution in a quick fix time. The site based CD business is the full-fledged CD business. You have to start CD business with lot of investment. It is an independent service and also the most rewarding of all. You can do multiple servicing at a time and hence earn more. In this business the customer leaves his automobile in your hands and then comes back at the stipulated time to pick it up. You can offer you your customers multiple choices in detailing. Hence if you have the investment capacity and a centrally located place to start your full-fledged CD business, you can start car detailing business on your own.

Source by Richard Landon K.

So you want to start an auto repair shop business here are 6 tips to get you started off right.

1) First as with any business write a business plan.

Business that do not write a business plan usually fail you must know what you expect for the business. Where is it headed? Will you some day have a franchise or will you only have one location? What type of advertising should you do? How much will it cost for shop equipment employees tools lifts ect. You must write a plan to know where you are headed. You would not plan a trip with out looking at a map would you? Make sure to map out your business to see future plans.

2) Register for a business license:
Call your local SBA they are the best place to start they can tell you about loans, free publications and so much more. You must register your business with the local city hall call the court house to find out what licenses you will need as they vary from state to state. In my county you do not need a fictitious
name if the business is your name such as David’s Car Repair but if you want Elite Car Repair you must file with the state for a fictitious
name which can be done online.

3) Open a business account:

This is very important you will need an account just for the business to pay for business expenses. This is where a lot of businesses fail they spend business profits on personal bills. In the first few years of business the business must keep 80% of income to sustain itself and grow. I know it is tempting but be careful. Contact you local bank and get a no fee checking account for your business.

4) Get insurance:

You must have garage insurance if you will have employees you will need worker comp insurance and you should check into what ever other liabilities there may be for your area fire, hurricanes,tornado ect. Insurance can make or break your growing business if you have insurance and the shop burns down insurance will pay to replace your shop. Or if you have disability insurance for just your self if a one man business. If you break your wrench hand you can sustain the business for months until you get well.

5) Pick a location

The old adage location ,location, location is true with auto repair shops make sure to find a shop right by the interstate or main highway or if you can’t put you shop in the middle of your busy town. If you can find a shop location by the highway it will be very lucrative for your business.

6) Advertise

To me this is one of the most important things you can do for your shop. The old adage when you do not advertise a funny thing happens Nothing is true in the auto repair business. The first thing you do if your car needs repairs and you do not know any one to fix it for you. Most people would check the phone book go online check the newspaper. A good source of advertising is tow truck companies in you area. What do truck drivers see daily that is right broken down vehicles. Offer them a referral fee for every customer they send you. You could pick up 10 or more repair jobs a month from them alone. Marketing is very important in any business get creative have fun and always under promise and over deliver and you will be successful.

Source by David Lee Johnson

Marketing is important for any business – whether it is advertising in mass media or contacting people and telling them about your products. Even for the auto industry, all the marketing is done to ensure that more fresh and genuine automotive leads are generated. However, it can be difficult to generate positive leads by just using the aforementioned marketing techniques. Internet is the main tool that every consumer uses and for the business to flourish, it is very important that a dealer is using it too. There are several ways in which automotive leads could be generated online but indirect generation can be done by a dealership’s website.

Almost all businesses, whether large or small, have their own websites as it is one of the best marketing tools. A dealer’s website can include information regarding all the cars that are in his/her dealership, better offers on old models, loaning tips, test drive scheduling etc. This way, the consumers get to know more about the products and also get to know about the offers. If more and more users visit the site and get impressed by the details present, then they become automotive leads. The trick to make the website more visible is to buy the cheapest automobile leads (direct mail) and then send a simple offer mail (including the website’s name) to all the leads’ email ids. This way, the consumer can check the offer and if he/she likes it then he/she could also check the website to know about other offers.

It is a fact that almost 98 percent of the consumers these days go online and browse for the product before shopping out. Enhance the dealership’s productivity and automotive leads by creating a personal website.

Source by Robert Worley

A small percentage of car owners actually enjoy cleaning, shampooing, polishing, and waxing their cars. They take pride in the hours they commit to maintaining their cars in like-new condition. Many of them have taken this hobby and started a part-time and even full-time business detailing automobiles professionally. If you are considering making the jump from amateur to professional, there are some basic equipment upgrades you must make, some techniques you must master, and some very important marketing strategies you must be familiar with.

First, upgrade your equipment to professional grade. The wet/dry vacuum you have is probably adequate for basic vacuuming and shampooing. But if you wash with just a water hose, you will have to invest in an electric or gas powered pressure washer with a max output of about 2000 psi. Only a pressure washer will satisfactory clean engines, door jambs, wheels and wheel wells. Standard water pressure is not adequate to get into the tight spots in these locations. Next, if you polish and wax by hand, this will not produce the results expected of a professional. Buy a Cyclo dual head polisher for compounding, polishing and waxing–very safe to use and easy to learn.

Next, you should add some crucial skills to your arsenal that you don’t have as a hobbyist. Odor is a frequent complaint of customers: dog scent, tobacco scent, and food aroma. You need to know how to get rid of the source of the odor first, then apply a chemical to permanently eliminate the aroma from the interior of the vehicle and its heating and cooling system. Also typical is dog hair. Practice removing pet hair with latex gloves or a dog rock hair remover. It’s a time staking job that you can perfect ith repetition.

Stain removal is yet yet another typical service requested of pros. Foods stains, ink stains, regular dirt, and in many cases food coloring stains discolor leather, carpet, floormats, and fabric surfaces. You will need to do your research (the Internet is a excellent resource) on how remove every single type of stain completely. The ability to completely detail a car, however, isn’t as critical as the single most essential element inside success or failure of a detailing organization: marketing. If you don’t have a steady supply of customers, you will not make money, regardless of how good a detailer you are.

Small businesses with small budgets are getting fantastic results on Craigslist. Submit a professionally designed ad as often as possible to Craigslist’s automotive services section and you will get plenty of customers to get your business started. Yahoo and Google are heavily searched resources for automobile detailing items and providers. Make a simple site and optimize it for essential research terms in your City (ie, “Automobile Detailing in Phoenix).

Ask your consumers for Internet reviews. Hand out flyers in upscale neighborhoods. Distribute flyers to your customer’s neighbors. Let them know that you just serviced their neighbors’ car (“have a look”) and leave a brief message about openings you have that week. You should introduce your self to every automotive business business in your service area. The automotive community relies on referrals among mechanics, body shops, brake retailers, transmissions retailers, tint retailers, car washes, and so on. You must be a recognizable face. Detail a shop owner’s car at a discount to display your knowledge.

To conclude, you must initially equip yourself for professional service. Then master the unique problems that you will be asked to fix. As soon as you’re confident in your skills, you can publish an advertisement on Craigslist and create a web site that ranks great in research engines. Introduce yourself to automotive businesses in your area. If you offer a quality service and gain a reputation for excellent customer service, you will be a profitable and busy automotive detailer within 6 months.

Source by Bob Keppel

Buying cars or vehicles every time when you travel in a different locality or even for business purposes will work out very expensive for you. So, the best way to make better profit is to go for car lease hire. Car lease hire is the most cost effective manner.

Say for example of you is planning to use the car for about 3 years. To buy the cars for 3 years, you may have to invest lot of capital over the cars. This will work out very expensive and definitely people do not have the time and patience to do that. There is lot of formalities that gets involved in this. The ideal suggestion here is to go for car hire. By going for car lease hire, you save a lot of money and it works out to be very economical and cheap instead of going for own vehicles especially in the corporate world.

The cost of the car hire is basically determined on the number of miles that the car would travel. This is the scene on daily basis. However, if you go for car hire, some one can drop you instead of you driving i9t for yourself. If you are going for car hire for business purposes, then it would work out much cheaper for you. Every car company charges you VAT. If you are using car lease hire for business purposes, you can get a waiver based on the number of kilometers that you actually use the car lease hire.

When you go for car hire, you need not even try and think about the tax payment. The owner of the car leases hire or eve the user maintains it. So, you can easily go for car lease hire. However, I strongly suggest that you go for the contract only after reading and understanding the car leases

hire details. As the contract is for a longer period, it is always better to read, understand about the rules and regulations plus other house details.

Even the vehicle tax will be paid by the company. Based on the kinds of deal that you get into, car protection and servicing may be too included, and replacement cover in case of breakdown is also included. Some of the deals may also permit you to change or alter the annual mileage within the contract. Check if your business is registered for VAT. If Yes, there are other benefits too which can be listed out regarding car hire. You can claim back half of the VAT charged on the monthly leasing costs. Other tax benefits include up to 100 per cent relief if the car is used solely for business purposes.
Thus, there are lots of car hire. You must check the web site for more details and select the right one for yourself or even your company. This is definitely profitable and economical too though you would have had a good time by hiring.

Source by Brijesh Ghelani