Dent repair for car dealers
Prepare used cars for sale by removing dents on dealer lots or in a small rented bay.
- A$6k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A dent repair service focused on trade work: fixing small dents on used and rental cars before they are sold or returned. You work from a small rented unit or bay, or at the dealer's yard.
Your first three steps
- Complete PDR training and build a photo portfolio of before and after repairs
- Visit local dealers and rental depots with a trade price list and offer a trial car
- Check council rules and costs for a small unit or shared bay if you want a fixed workspace
Who pays
Used car dealers, car rental companies, fleet operators and smash repairers who outsource small dent work.
How it makes money
Per-car or per-dent trade rates, with steady repeat work from a handful of regular dealers.
Skills that help
- Paintless dent repair technique
- Working quickly to a turnaround time
- Building trade relationships
Watch out for
- Public liability and garage keepers style cover for vehicles in your care, check with an insurance broker
- Reliance on a few big customers, so paying late or leaving hurts quickly
- Council zoning and approval if you work from a unit or home
- Trade rates are lower per job, so speed and volume matter
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: dent repair for car dealers
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a dent repair business for car dealers?
Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on tools, whether you rent a unit or bay, and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $4,000 to $16,000. Trade rates are lower per job, so speed and volume matter.
What insurance and rules should I check for trade dent repair?
Check public liability and garage keepers style cover for vehicles in your care with an insurance broker. Also check council zoning and approval if you work from a unit or home.
What skills and hours does dealer dent repair work need?
The estimate is typically at least around 30 hours a week. You need paintless dent repair technique, the ability to work quickly to a turnaround time, and trade relationships. Relying on a few big customers is a risk, as late payment or losing one hurts quickly.
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