When we think of engines, we usually associate them with things like cars, commercial vehicles, and even ships! But, engines can be small as well as large. For instance, you’ll find them in lawnmowers, snow blowers, and outboard motors. In fact, there are scores of outdoor machines that get powered by small engines. As you can imagine, those motors will need regular maintenance and repairs just like the ones in our cars.
The thing is, some people cheat and just scrap their broken equipment. They assume that it will cost them a small fortune to repair, especially if they approach the manufacturer for help.
The repair of small engines isn’t as costly as say fixing motors in cars. Parts are affordable, and the work you need to carry out is quite straightforward and even quick in some cases. Take a look at http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Repair-a-Lawn-Mower-Engine./ to see just how quick and easy it is to repair a lawn mower, for instance!
There is a definite gap in the market for a small engine repair expert to cater to such customers. You might think it’s an unlikely business opportunity, but it can prove to be an extremely lucrative one. Here’s why:
Many people don’t know where to get their machines repaired
Sure, consumers could approach manufacturers for help. But, if they don’t offer direct repair services, they might get referred to authorized service centers. Often, the prices quotes from those companies are typically close to buying a completely new machine!
As an independent small engine repairer, you can offer your services to a broad audience. For a start, you’re not tied to a particular make or even a type of machine. Also, your prices will be more cost-effective for consumers, making you a more reasonable prospect for their repairs.
You can get overflow work from authorized repairers
Did you know that many authorized repair centers offload some jobs to trusted independent repairers? They can afford to do so because of the volume of work they get, plus the prices they charge. Typically, those authorized repairers have contracts with businesses and other organizations. They seldom deal with consumers that need a repair to their $300 lawnmower, for example.
Their usual line of work is repairing mid to high-end machinery used on a commercial or industrial scale.
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Setting up in business as a small engine repair specialist
Assuming you have plenty of knowledge and experience, the process for setting up a repair business is straightforward. You just need to register as a sole trader or company, get insured, and have suitable premises and repair equipment to get started.
While most repairs involve cleaning or replacing parts, there will be some tasks where you need to do some welding (such as with cracked metal). In those cases, it’s imperative you have protective clothing and masks for that work. Check out http://www.weldingoutfitter.com/collections/welding-helmets/miller to see an example of what you should get. Also, you’ll need to invest in a MIG welder or CO2 gas torch.
Once you’ve started, you should also consider other revenue streams to account for quieter periods, such as during colder winter weather. For example, you could buy broken machines, fix them, and sell them on for a profit.
To maximize the money you make, you should ensure that you sell your repaired goods at the right time. Lawn mowers, for instance, will sell well in spring and summer. And snow blowers will be in demand during the middle of winter.
Final thoughts
If you love repairing engines and mechanical devices, and you want to work for yourself, setting up a small engine repair business can prove to be a lucrative endeavor. A retail store will also make you more approachable by consumers, and you will doubtless get asked to repair machines for other businesses too.
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