Small independent repair garage

Local car owners who want an alternative to the dealership, plus tradespeople and small businesses with a handful of vehicles.

Labour charged per hour or flat rate per job, plus a markup on parts, with regular income from maintenance contracts and seasonal tire work.

• Qualified automotive repair and diagnostics
• Pricing jobs and managing parts suppliers
• Customer service and bookkeeping basics

• Check whether your province requires certified technicians for automotive repair, and whether the shop itself needs registration
• Zoning and municipal licensing for a repair garage, and your landlord's rules on fluids and noise
• Garage liability and garage keepers insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire, with rules varying by province
• Environmental rules on used oil, coolant, tires and refrigerant, checked with your provincial regulator
• Rent and equipment costs are fixed, so a slow winter or quiet start can squeeze cash

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the unit you rent and the equipment you buy. Rent and equipment costs are fixed, so a slow winter or quiet start can squeeze cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many bays you run, the jobs you take and your pricing. Treat it as a rough estimate, not a guarantee.

Check whether your province requires certified technicians and whether the shop needs registration. Also check zoning and municipal licensing, landlord rules on fluids and noise, garage liability and garage keepers insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and environmental rules on used oil, coolant, tires and refrigerant.