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Thinking of starting a collision shop? Good call! A collision center, also known as an auto body shop, is among the most lucrative ventures in the auto industry.
With auto usage increasing daily, the collision business is also a long-term investment. That is not to say that everything is handed to auto body shop owners on a silver platter. In fact, running a successful collision business requires more than just fixing cars.
Learn about the critical tasks and systems you should have in place to start and run a profitable collision shop and offer a snippet of the tasks you’ll be handling.
How to Run a Profitable Collision Shop
Starting a collision shop is brilliant whether you’re an experienced auto technician who just got bit by an entrepreneurial bug or an auto enthusiast looking to venture into the industry. Here’s how to ensure you start and run one successfully:
Invest in Quality Equipment
A range of quality equipment allows technicians to deliver the necessary precision and accuracy in auto repairs. For instance, frame machines enable technicians to accurately straighten and align the car’s frame, ensuring its safety after repairs. Paint booths provide a controlled environment that ensures smooth, even, showroom-ready auto paint jobs. The result? Customers enjoy increased satisfaction, which leads to repeat business.
Aside from happy customers, investing in a variety of quality equipment for your collision shop means you can provide multiple services under one roof. This improves customer convenience and implies that your collision center can handle any auto body repair project, ensuring no business is lost and profitability is maximized. Quality equipment is also more durable and dependable, preventing downtime for repairs and maintenance.
Digital Market!
Digital marketing is critical if you’re to run a profitable collision business. With the increasing internet and social media use, more people are turning to online platforms to find the services they need, including collision repairs. By tapping into automotive digital marketing services provided by automotive consultants, collision businesses can ensure they’re among the first options when potential customers search the interweb for auto repairs.
Digital marketing will also enable a collision center to reach a wider audience and connect with potential clientele efficiently, primarily because they can target specific audiences. This ensures marketing efforts are channeled to individuals interested in their services instead of a generalized market, thus reducing marketing budgets. A solid digital presence also increases a collision’s shop visibility, attracting even more customers.
Hire Skilled Technicians
A collision shop is only as good as the technicians who work there. Hire skilled technicians with collision repair experience certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These technicians will be able to provide high-quality repairs and keep customers coming back.
Keep Good Records
Good record-keeping is essential for any business, and a collision shop is no exception. Keep detailed records of all repairs, including parts used, labor hours, and customer information. This will help with billing and accounting and be useful in case of any warranty issues.
Implement a Quality Control System
A quality control system in a collision shop includes tasks like regular inspections, audits, and customer feedback. By implementing these measures, you can ensure that the work done by your technicians meets or exceeds industry standards and that your customers are happy with the service they receive. A sound quality control system will also help improve the reputation of your collision center. You can build a reputation as a dependable and trustworthy business by consistently providing high-quality repairs. This can help to attract new customers and increase profitability.
Lifting a Jeep in a Collision Shop
Jeeps are among the most structurally robust vehicles in the world. But that doesn’t make them immune to auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), jeeps are among the top SUVs in crashes. A separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that jeeps have a higher rate of rollover crashes.
While these statistics are undoubtedly disappointing, they do make Jeeps a regular on the list of vehicles that hit collision repair centers.
So, how much does it cost to lift a jeep?
The cost can vary depending on several factors, ranging from the type of Jeep and lift to the location of the collision center. But generally, a basic lift, which typically includes new coil springs, shocks, and control arms, can range from $500 to $1,000. This type of lift is ideal for jeep owners looking to increase the height of their Jeep for off-roading or to improve its appearance. For a more comprehensive lift kit, which includes larger tires and wheels, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
This lift is suitable for those who want to improve their Jeep’s off-road capabilities and performance. Additionally, labor costs can vary widely depending on the location and the specific shop; labor can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500. The cost of lift kits can also vary depending on the kit’s brand, quality, and features.
Starting a Profitable Collision Shop
Running a profitable collision shop requires a combination of several key elements, including having a well-trained staff, investing in quality equipment, and creating buzz around your business through digital marketing. When it comes to the cost of lifting a Jeep, it can vary widely depending on the type of lift and the type of Jeep.
