Small car repair workshop

Private car owners, local tradies and small businesses with work vehicles, and sometimes insurers or leasing companies.

Labour charged per hour or fixed price per job, plus a margin on parts and consumables.

• Trade qualification and broad mechanical experience
• Diagnostics
• Quoting and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and stock ordering
• Managing staff or apprentices

• State licensing or qualification rules for vehicle repairers, so check with your state's licensing body
• Council approval, zoning and environmental rules for oils, waste and noise, check with your local council and EPA
• Public liability, property and 'garage keepers' cover, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Lease terms and the cost of fit-out and make-good
• Some work, like safety inspections or air-conditioning, needs extra authorisation or licences

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your equipment, fit-out and lease terms. Remember to allow for lease costs, including make-good at the end, and for insurance when planning your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many hours you work, whether you employ an apprentice or extra mechanic, and the mix of servicing and repair work. This is revenue, not profit.

Check your state's licensing or qualification rules for vehicle repairers. Also check council approval, zoning and environmental rules for oils, waste and noise with your council and EPA, plus insurance, and any extra authorisation for safety inspections or air-conditioning work.