Sunroof fitting and repair workshop

Private car owners, used car dealers, panel shops and fleet or hire car operators who want leaks and faults fixed.

A fixed price per fitting, or labour plus parts for repairs. Dealer and panel shop work gives repeat bookings, and parts can carry a margin.

• Mechanical or auto trim experience
• Careful, precise hands-on work
• Diagnosing leaks and electrical faults
• Quoting clearly and dealing with customers

• Some states require a motor vehicle repairer licence or registration, so check your state's licensing body
• Cutting into a roof is a vehicle modification, so check your state road authority's rules on structural changes and whether the vehicle needs to meet certain standards
• Public liability, workshop and garage keepers insurance to cover customers' cars in your care
• Water leaks and rust after a poor fit can lead to warranty claims, so keep good records and photos
• Council rules on noise, waste disposal and hours for a workshop

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, equipment and stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own fit-out and tools before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on how many fitting and repair jobs you book and what you charge. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, so allow for your running costs.

Check before you start. Some states require a motor vehicle repairer licence or registration, so ask your state's licensing body. Cutting into a roof is a vehicle modification, so also check your state road authority's rules on structural changes and standards.