I am considering the idea. It would just be me and a helper to start, so it would be a small operation with room for maybe 3-4 cars indoors. I would rent warehouse space and buy airtools, a lift, test equipment, manuals, etc.

So:
What would be the minimum indoor square footage needed?
Do you perform general repairs or a specialty, such as body work?
How much is the initial investment?
What are your ongoing expenses?

I know money can be made, since a local indy isn't even accepting any new customers due to high demand. There is a need for quality repair work in this area.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

The owners of this forum I believe have a M-B shop...I think they opened up a new facility, but it didn't work out? I remember that was what happened...you'll have to ask for more details...anyhow, they most likely will have the most insight into opening a M-B shop...they don't frequent the Open Discussion area though...so you'll most likely need to E-mail them...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

It wouldn't be limited to M-B. But I would probably want to advertise it so theres not a bunch of Cavalier and Neon owners coming in either. Not that there's anything wrong with them.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Not being an expert or even qualified to suggest but common sense:

1500 sq. ft min.

General repairs if you are a skilled mechanic with years of professional experience. Body work only if you are a skilled craftsman with many years experience. When you own your own shop, guessing won't work. Would not recommend both businesses together.

Probably at least 75-100k to start, double that in a year.

Monthly lease,utilities,insurance,salaries,hazard waste disposal,waste disposal,tools,special tools,literature(manuals and alike),permits, and alot of 6 10+hrs days, just to name a few. Not a business for the meek.

What is your automotive field of expertise?

I would get a ASE certified mechanic on board for the demanding work, as well as a hourly gofer to do detailing, deliveries, etc. I would help out on the floor also but my focus would be running the business. I have to get a sense for how many good mechanics are out there looking for work.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Well....here's some advise........DON'T.



.

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[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."

Based on your experience?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Based on running a shop of my own since 1976.

Go get ( Good. ) IT training and study computer tech' real hard...or go into the medical field.....some kind of therapy for instance.

The headaches with staff is not worth it.....I had 60 staff in the UK...I now work alone.....not much money to spare but I think I'm good at my job and have a 18 year base of customers too...I'm 60 years old and don't see this trade as a good investment for someone looking to start in it....

Start up costs are outragous......electronic test equipment...I don't have a lot but I do have dual screen lab scope...latest MB/BMW/VW/Audi scanner and other test tools....hand tools..... two lifts....air tools....factory books galore...
pullers....crank tools.....valve grinder....seat cutters......blah blah blah.....
Estimated cost of current equipment around $60,000.00 and that's just for me.

Do me/us a favour.....try something else......you have not had to deal with Joe Public yet, have you ?.



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[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."

If I ever open a shop, I'm gonna have a big sign over the counter:

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

This man shares his wisdom, listen to him. A very good friend owns a shop. It is very small and he has about 2,000 sqft, one lift, all the scanning tools as well as hand tools. He is ASE certified and is very intelligent. His biggest problem? Getting good help. That is why he has been working alone for 15 years now. He invites me out to work when he gets a special project or back when I was between jobs he let me earn some money. He has a very good client base as he specializes in high end foreign cars and British imports. He would also tell you.....it is not worth the effort.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Thanks for the insight. By my very rough estimates, I would have to drum up about 2K worth of business daily. Thats like 3 details and 4-5 service/repairs per day. Yes finding the right help would be critical. The demand for decent reliable service is already there.

The goal is not to necessarily make big bux, but to do something I think I would enjoy. I am currently in the IT field. I've made a good living at it, but the writing is on the wall. That whole business is outsourcing, downsizing, and consolidating in a big way.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Drop a line to our fellow member engatwork, here on the forum. He has started his own little shop next to his home, and seems to be doing alright.

Mike

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

www.myspace.com/mikemover
www.myspace.com/openskystudio
www.myspace.com/speedxband
www.myspace.com/openskyseparators
www.myspace.com/doubledrivemusic

I ran my own shop for about 6 years. Looking back at that time I should have charged more and taken on less jobs. The best advice I can give is specialize. That doesnt mean in one brand but maybe in one model. I used to specialize in 94 to 98 discovery's and range rover county's. I did those cars because there was a void of mechanics willing to work on these models of cars and they are easy to fix. Also there is a work around for most specialized equipment on these models. So find something you like and stick to it. People will pay up for someone they trust and like. And one other thing no goddamn girly posters and and calenders in the shop!