If you’re thinking of setting up shop as a mobile mechanic, there are a few things to consider before getting started. In this article, we’ll share the key things you need to know to become a mobile mechanic, including the required qualifications, what to research, how to formulate an effective business plan, the services you can offer, and more.
What is a mobile mechanic?
Mobile mechanics provide vehicle maintenance and car repair services. Unlike standard mechanics, mobile mechanics travel to customers at a requested location instead of being based in a garage. Although being a mobile mechanic has restrictions, like being unable to lumber as much heavy equipment as a standard mechanic, it also puts your services exactly where your customer needs them.
There are also many services you can offer as a mobile mechanic, including:
- Battery replacements
- Air filters
- Engine oil changes
- Moving parts under the hood
- Tyre rotation and replacement
What to consider when becoming a mobile mechanic
If you’re not already in the trade of repairing cars, you’ll need to get some qualifications under your belt. There are a few different routes to becoming a mobile mechanic.
College
One of the options is taking a college course before applying for a trainee motor mechanic position with a garage.
Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
- Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Alternatively, you could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing one of the following courses:
- Level 3 Diploma in Auto-Electrical and Mobile Electrical Operations
- Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement
To get accepted onto these courses, you’ll usually need the following:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
Another route is an apprenticeship at a local college or training provider. You could also train as a vehicle mechanic in the British Army or do an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship.
With an apprenticeship, you’ll get on-the-job training and could be permanently placed as a mobile mechanic once you get your qualification.
To do an apprenticeship, you’ll usually need the following:
- Some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Head to the dedicated mobile mechanic government careers page for more information.
Setting up your mobile mechanic business plan
Once qualified, it’s time to draw up a business plan. An effective business plan requires putting some time aside to research and understand the market you’re operating in. It should also give insight into your potential profitability in the industry.
To do this, you should consider the following:
- Researching your target market – Your target market could cover people of all ages. Alternatively, it could target a specific group, such as professionals who own luxury cars.
- Researching buyer personas – Whatever the audience, developing buyer personas for your target audience can give you a vivid picture of your customer’s needs. Consider analysing things like the target customer’s occupation, motivations, and goals.
- Researching your competition – Reading website pages of local mechanics to see their most popular services and how much they charge is an excellent place to start. This will provide insight into the size of your market, how much you could charge, and how you can separate yourself from the competition.
Decide what services you will offer
From repairing mufflers to replacing exhaust systems, you can offer a suite of services as a mobile mechanic. Consider whether you’d like to become a specialist in a particular service or type of car or prefer to market yourself as an all-rounder.
The services you can offer include:
- General automotive repair
- Repairing and replacing car engines
- Brake repair
- Wheel alignment
- Repairing car transmissions
- Repairing and replacing exhaust systems
- Repairing and replacing mufflers
- Electric vehicle repairs
- Oil changes
Decide on your prices
As a self-employed mobile mechanic, it’s up to you to decide on the rates you’ll offer. To help you get the price right, look at how much other mobile mechanics are charging in your local area. Websites such as Yell and RAC are handy tools.
It’s also wise to weigh up your profit margins. Calculating your expected incomings and outgoings will give you a good idea of how profitable your business could be. It’ll also highlight areas where you could reduce overheads, such as reducing waste or rent.
Decide on your marketing strategy
When it comes to executing your marketing strategy, it’s essential that you make your services as accessible and widespread as possible. To help land your first customers, consider incorporating some, if not all, of the following:
- Create a website – A website is a fantastic way to showcase your customer reviews. It also gives your customers information on your services and how they can reach you.
- Use social media – With so many of us signed up to Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and the like, social media is a highly effective way of reaching new and existing customers. Consider optimising your profiles with high-quality images, detailed descriptions and contact details.
- Use leaflets and flyers – Although they’re more old-school than the channels above, leaflets and flyers are a great way of gaining instant attention in your local area, especially as older generations may not be on social media.
- Word of mouth – You could also try circulating your services with family, friends, and auto repair conferences. By asking people to share within their network, you’ll give people a chance to help spread the word about your repair services.
Think about finances
Perhaps not the most exciting part of the process, but financial management is essential for any mobile mechanic. So, once you know the total outgoings of your business, think about how you’ll afford the initial costs. Do you have enough money in the bank? Or do you need to consider taking out a start-up or business loan?
Running your own business means you’re also responsible for keeping track of income and expenses. If you’re not on top of your finances, you risk paying incorrect taxes, which can result in an audit or penalties.
To help stay on top of your finances, you could:
- Have separate personal and business accounts
- Create an invoicing system
- Use technology to track finances daily
How to register as a mobile mechanic
If you’re a self-employed mobile mechanic, it’s a legal requirement to register your business with HMRC so that you can declare earnings and pay tax. You can either register as a sole trader or a limited company. You’ll also need to check whether you need a licence as a mobile mechanic in your area.
What equipment do you need to become a mobile mechanic?
Becoming a successful mobile mechanic means investing in the right tools for the job. The tools you’ll need will depend on your services, but you’ll certainly need basic equipment like a good drill, screwdrivers, and a wrench. OBD scanners are also essential for any mobile mechanic, as they help save time and money by diagnosing car faults. Car and heavy-duty jacks might be worthwhile, too.
Get mobile mechanic insurance
Mobile mechanic insurance is a type of motor trade insurance that can help to protect your business against risks specific to mobile mechanics. Mobile mechanic insurance with ChoiceQuote can provide protection against day-to-day risks that standard policies may not cover, such as if an accident is caused by negligent work or theft of tools.
At ChoiceQuote, our motor trade insurance specialists can provide guidance to help you explore insurance options that may suit your business needs. This can assist in identifying cover that aligns with the specific risks your business may face.
Get a quote online or call 0800 062 2312.
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