Small brake repair shop

Local drivers, small fleets such as couriers and trades vans, and general garages that outsource brake work.

Labour and parts per job, with a markup on parts. Fleet accounts and seasonal checks before winter bring repeat work.

• Certified or experienced brake technician
• Quoting jobs and managing a workshop
• Building relationships with fleets and parts suppliers

• Zoning and municipal business licence for an auto repair premises
• Garage liability, property and tools insurance, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Environmental rules for disposing of brake fluid, dust and old parts
• Provincial consumer protection rules on written estimates and returning replaced parts
• Equipment and lease costs before the first paying customer
• Quebec requires French-language signage and documents, so check the rules there

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000 CAD, depending on the lease, lifts and equipment, and insurance. Equipment and lease costs come before your first paying customer, so budget for them.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on how many bays you run, your pricing and how many drivers and fleets you win. The estimate assumes from about 35 hours a week.

Check zoning and your municipal business licence for an auto repair premises. Also check garage liability, property and tools insurance, WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, environmental disposal rules, consumer protection rules, and French-language rules in Quebec.