Small Workshop for Cars and Vans

Private car owners, tradies and small businesses with vans or utes, and local fleets.

Labour charged at an hourly or fixed rate, plus a margin on parts, with repeat servicing and fleet contracts giving steadier income.

• Trade qualification in motor mechanics
• Diagnostics on modern vehicles
• Quoting and customer service
• Basic bookkeeping and stock ordering

• State licensing or registration for motor vehicle repairers, and extra authorisation for safety inspections, check with your state body
• Lease terms, council zoning and development approval for automotive use
• Public liability, property and 'garage keepers' type insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Environmental rules on waste oil, coolant, tyres and washdown, check with your state EPA
• High fixed costs, so cash flow can be tight in the first months

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, hoist, tools and diagnostic equipment. High fixed costs can make cash flow tight in the first months. These figures are estimates only.

Check state licensing or registration for motor vehicle repairers, and extra authorisation for safety inspections, with your state body. Also check lease terms, council zoning and development approval, environmental rules on waste oil, coolant and tyres with your state EPA, and insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, the work you take on and any fleet customers. Plan on at least about 35 hours a week. These are estimates only.