The automotive industry is one of the biggest markets in the United States. It’s a half-trillion-dollar industry, making it one of the most profitable in the world. Not to mention, if you’re an automobile enthusiast, getting into the auto industry is an excellent way to make money being around something you love. There’s an adage that “When you do what you love, you never work a day,” and it’s true.
One of the best things about the automotive industry is that there are plenty of services you can provide. Whether you’re a salesman or mechanic, there’s a place for you in business. Continue reading to get some great business ideas for motorheads.
1. Auto and Diesel Maintenance and Repair
Almost every type of business, from general industries to the construction industry, relies on the trucking industry to ship or deliver supplies and products. If you have a certificate from an automotive and diesel technology program, starting your own repair shop could be the best move you’ve ever made.
There are over 15 million diesel engine trucks on the United States’ highways, and they log over 400 billion miles annually. As you can imagine, that means service trucks require a lot of maintenance.
Diesel mechanics provide services that not even regular mechanics can provide. Diesel engines are so large and diesel technology is so advanced that you won’t have to worry about much competition as a diesel technician. Furthermore, being that the trucking industry keeps the United States economy moving, you have job security as few other professionals do.
Since being a diesel mechanic requires you to work with heavy-duty equipment and power tools, it would be wise to enroll in an OSHA certification program. Visit OSHA’s webpage to learn more about how OSHA outreach training can help to make your shop a safer place for you and your teammates.
If there’s a downside to opening your own diesel repair shop it’s that diesel mechanics have to work extra hard to drum up business. One of the best ways to attract business to your shop is to reach out to trucking schools and companies to try to build partnerships. If you offer discounts for consistent work, you should be able to grow your business client by client.
2. Car Dealership
If you love cars and people, starting your own car dealership is the ideal business idea. As mentioned in the introduction, the auto industry is worth over $500 billion, and with the right marketing strategy and team, you can get a large slice of that pie for yourself.
The main key to succeeding in the automotive industry is hiring the right people. As you bring people on board, you want your entire team to feel like they belong to something more than themselves.
Whenever you’re in a business that thrives on sales, company culture, chemistry, and team-building activities are integral to the success of the company. It’s imperative to get all of your team members on the same page and striving towards the goal of making the dealership a success.
One of the best ways to build synergy among your team members is to schedule fun company outings that allow them to get to know each other personally. Salespeople are competitive, but you want them to learn to cooperate together as much, or even more than, they compete with each other. Sponsoring corporate events and company outings is a great way to get them all working together to make your business the best it can be.
3. Car Detailing
If you’re looking for a low-cost way to break into the automotive industry, there’s no better business to start than an auto detailing business. You can start your own mobile car wash for less than a hundred dollars and become profitable the same day. The key to succeeding in car dealing is providing excellent customer service and going beyond your customers’ expectations. Anybody can wash a car, so it’s up to you to show customers why they should pay you to do it for them.
