A custom exhaust shop is able to fabricate and install exhaust systems that are custom-designed for a vehicle. These systems can be a significant upgrade from a factory-fitted exhaust system and may even improve the vehicle’s performance.
Demand for custom exhaust work is high, which is why a custom exhaust shop has the potential to be a highly profitable business. If you’re hoping to get a custom exhaust shop up and running, you’ll want to follow these steps.
Step One: Obtain the Proper Certifications
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications are one of the most effective ways to establish credibility in your field. This national certification program is a way to prove you have certain qualifications. While obtaining an ASE certificate usually isn’t required, it can demonstrate your legitimacy and can put your business on the path to success.
ASE offers 58 certifications for the automotive repair and service industry, including a Parts Specialist Certification and certification for Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems. You can also become an ASE Certified Master Technician, which states that you’re fully qualified to work on all systems and components in vehicles.
To obtain an ASE certificate, you’ll need to register for the test or tests that will prove your qualifications. In addition to registering for the test, you’ll have to pay a testing fee. ASE certificates are recognized throughout the auto industry and are a worthwhile investment for any automotive business.
Step Two: Research the Market
Before you invest in your new business, you should take the time to research the demand for custom exhaust work in your area. Find out if there are competing businesses that fabricate custom exhaust systems. If you do have competitors, see if you can offer services that they don’t provide, such as custom side pipes or custom-built headers.
Market research is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the customers you’re targeting. Find out what kinds of vehicles your target customers are driving. Talk to prospective customers and see what’s important to them. Are they interested in improving the fuel economy of their vehicles, or are they primarily focused on changing the exhaust system’s sound?
While market research can take time, asking the right questions now can help you avoid problems in the future. It’s a way to minimize the risks associated with your investment while boosting your odds of success.
Step Three: Create a Business Plan
Business plans essentially function as a blueprint for a business. This document should explain what your business will be and break down the steps you’ll take to get your business off the ground. It should include many important details, including start-up costs, ongoing expenses, and marketing plans.
Creating a business plan is a great way to determine what you need to do in order to bring your vision into reality. Having a business plan will also make it easier to secure funding for a custom exhaust shop. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions won’t invest in a business if it doesn’t have a clear plan.
While the length and structure of a business plan can vary, most documents follow a similar outline. Your plan should include a description of your business and the services you’ll offer, the results of your market research, and financial projections. There are a number of business plan templates that can help you put your plan together.
Step Four: Secure Financing
From exhaust pipes to mufflers to welding equipment, you’ll need to invest in tools and supplies before you can open your business. In addition to these expenses, you’ll have to secure a location for your business. These expenses can add up quickly, which is why you may want to secure outside financing.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a number of programs that can help business owners obtain funding. The microloans program, which backs loans up to $50,000, is an excellent way to secure working capital. Long-term lending programs, such as the 504 loans program, can fund the purchase of costly equipment, like rotary auto lifts.
Step Five: Find a Location and Obtain a Business License
A custom exhaust shop isn’t the kind of business you can run out of your home. A business that works with vehicles will have to meet zoning requirements. You’ll need to find a location that is zoned for exhaust work and will provide ample space for your business.
After you find a suitable location, you’ll have to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for businesses. Industry regulations can vary based on location, which means you’ll have to look into the requirements for your state, county, and city. Speak with local authorities so that you can make sure your business is compliant with all local regulations.
Step Six: Create an Effective Marketing Campaign
Once you’re ready to open your custom exhaust shop, you’ll have to make sure people are aware of the services you’ll offer. You should explore different marketing strategies and find the best ways to draw in potential customers.
Every business needs a website, but your site can do much more than provide basic information like your phone number and operating hours. Adding a blog to your business can draw in local search traffic and improve your site’s SEO. Create posts that provide answers to common questions about emissions and exhaust systems, including posts about custom exhaust work.
A local automotive paid-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign can serve ads to people in your area that are interested in the services you provide. Since you’ll only be charged if a user clicks on one of your ads, these campaigns can provide a great return on investment.
Lastly, you should take the time to network with other local businesses. If there are local auto shops that don’t offer custom exhaust work, those shops may be willing to refer interested customers to your business.
Step Seven: Review Your Business Practices
Your work won’t end once your exhaust shop opens its doors. It’s important to periodically review your business practices so that you can identify areas in need of improvement. Evaluate every aspect of your business, from your expenses to your customer service.
If your business is struggling, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek out outside support. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides counseling, training, and other forms of assistance to small business owners that need help.