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How To Start An Auto Body Shop In 8 Steps

From creating a business plan to seeking out funding, here's what you need to know before you start an auto body repair shop.

WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY

Editor & Senior Staff Writer

Last updated on Updated February 28, 2024

REVIEWED BY

Lead Staff Writer

Opening an auto body shop can be an extremely lucrative venture. The automotive collision repair market brings in billions of dollars in revenue each year, and studies show that revenue will only continue to grow in the years ahead. Isn’t it time you got your share?

If you’re thinking about starting an auto body shop, this guide is for you. We’ll go through all of the steps of starting your own business, including reviewing potential costs, hiring employees, and other critical steps to building a successful business.

How To Start A Body Shop

With careful planning, you can simplify starting an auto body shop and improve your chances for a successful business. Start by following these simple steps.

Step 1: Create A Business Plan For Your Body Shop

Preparations for your auto body shop start before you even begin building your business with the creation of a detailed business plan.

A good business plan outlines how to get from your starting point (launching your business) to your goal. Every entrepreneur has a different goal, from creating a sustainable career to starting a chain of auto body shops. Regardless of how big or small your goal is, the most important thing is to set a concrete goal and create a map of how to get there.

Not only will a business plan keep you on the right track, but you must have a plan to present to investors or lenders when you’re seeking capital.

New to writing a one-page business plan ? At a minimum, here’s what you should include:

• Executive Summary: A concise summary detailing each section of your business plan
• Overview: A description of your business, including the legal structure, location, and type of business
• Market Analysis: An overview of your market and a definition of your target market
• Competitive Analysis: Strengths and weaknesses of your competition
• Management Team: The members of your management team and their responsibilities within your organization
• Financial Projections: A forecast of the financial future of your business

Step 2: Find A Location For Your Auto Body Shop

As you plan your body shop, location is key, but there are a few other considerations to weigh before you put your name on a lease or mortgage:

• The property should be convenient for your customers.
• The property should be located in a high-traffic area or off a major road.
• Create a business plan for both options, calculate costs, and determine which makes the most sense financially.
• While you’ll lose some flexibility in terms of branding, a franchise’s working business model takes the guesswork out of starting your business.

Step 3: Register Your Auto Body Business

Before you open your auto body shop to the public, you need to register your business. Not only will you be seen as a legitimate business by your customers, but registering is also required when you want to hire employees, protect your assets, or seek capital from investors.

To register your business, you need to first determine what form of business entity to establish. There are several business structures to choose from, including:

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. This is best for businesses with just one owner. Sole proprietors can file their business profits and losses on their personal income tax returns. No paperwork is required to register as a sole proprietorship.

However, this structure isn’t without its drawbacks. Raising money as a sole proprietor is difficult, and you are personally responsible for the liabilities of your business.

Partnership

A partnership is a good choice for companies that will be owned and operated by two or more people. There are several different partnership types to consider:

• General Partnership: Doesn’t require filing with the state and has few requirements
• Limited Partnership (LP): One partner has unlimited liability and the others have limited liability. The personal assets of the limited partners can’t be used to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the business.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Used by professional service businesses, this type of partnership offers personal asset protection for all partners

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

With an LLC, a business owner will receive liability protection without paying the high tax requirements of corporations.

Corporation

This is the most complex and expensive business structure. More regulations and tax requirements are put in place for corporations. This structure is best for businesses that plan to raise capital through the sale of stock.

The type of structure you select for your business varies based on the number of owners that you have and the future plans for your business. In most cases, however, single owners of auto body shops lean toward LLCs, while businesses with more than one partner select the partnership business structure. Before choosing your business structure, talk to your accountant and/or lawyer to find out which makes the most sense for your business.

Once you’ve determined your business structure, you’ll need to select a name for your business. Choose a name that reflects your brand and the services you offer. You also want to choose something catchy and/or easy for customers to remember.

Your business will need to be registered with city, state, and federal governments. You’ll also need to sign up for an employer ID number through the Internal Revenue Service if you plan to hire employees. To learn about the specific business license and permit requirements in your area, contact your local Chamber of Commerce, Department of Revenue, or Small Business Administration office to learn more.

Step 4: Calculate The Startup Costs For Your Auto Body Shop

One of the first steps to starting your own business is to calculate your startup costs. To do that, begin by making a list of everything you need for your business.

One of the biggest expenses for your new business will be equipment and tools. While your list may look a little different, some of the most common equipment and tools in this industry include:

• Hydraulic lifts
• Pneumatic tools (air tools)
• Air compressors
• Diagnostic machines
• Wheel balancers

In addition to equipment and tools, other costs to consider include:

• Business licenses & certifications
• Business insurance
• Employee onboarding & payroll
• Monthly rent or mortgage payments

You should expect to spend at least $50,000 to get your shop up and running. However, as you make a list of your costs and research pricing, this number could potentially rise.

Before you seek funding for your business, a good rule of thumb is to always overestimate your costs by about 30 percent. For example, if you calculate that your expenses will be $200,000, plan to seek $260,000 in funding. In other words, always plan for the unexpected.

Step 5: Get Funding For Your Auto Shop

Most entrepreneurs don’t have the funds to cover startup costs out-of-pocket. Instead, they rely on loans or other types of funding to launch their businesses.

New businesses face challenges when trying to acquire a business loan. Most lenders want to work with established businesses with high revenues and solid business and personal credit histories. If you haven’t started your business, meeting these requirements is impossible.

Fortunately, there are options available for new businesses. While you may not be able to walk into a bank to get a business loan (yet), you may be able to benefit from these funding sources:

• Personal Savings : Use your own funds to avoid monthly payments, interest, and fees.
• Friends & Family : Borrow from friends and family using traditional debt financing (repay over time with interest and fees) or equity financing (offering ownership in your business in exchange for capital).
• Personal Loans For Business : Use your personal credit score and income to qualify for a personal loan for business to cover startup costs. Compare personal loans for business to find the best deal.
• Lines Of Credit : Draws from your line of credit can be made as needed to cover unexpected expenses, emergencies, or to fill revenue gaps. If you have a revolving line of credit , funds replenish and are available to use again after repaying borrowed funds (plus fees and interest). Read more about the best lines of credit for business .
• Business Credit Cards : You can use a business credit card as often as you wish provided you stay within your set credit limit. The best business credit cards can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted and be used for online or in-person purchases.
• Rollovers As Business Startups (ROBS) : With rollovers as business startups , or ROBS, you can leverage your retirement funds without paying penalties and taxes for early withdrawal. A ROBS provider will get everything set up for you legally and ensure you maintain compliance in exchange for a one-time setup fee and monthly maintenance fee.

While some traditional loan options may be off the table in the early stages of your startup, there are ways to obtain the capital you need to get your auto body shop off the ground. Learn more about startup funding options available to launch your business.

Step 6: Choose Business Software For Your Auto Body Shop

Business software helps you more efficiently run your business, from keeping up with customers to tracking your finances for tax purposes.

Accounting Software

Accounting software allows you to track and record all financial transactions, including accounts receivable and accounts payable. You’ll also be able to run financial reports that may be required to receive financing. These reports will also come in handy come tax time.

Most accounting software also offers additional tools including bill payment, payroll, and invoicing. You can purchase accounting software or pay a fee to subscribe to an online service.

Unsure of which software is right for you? Start your search with our picks for the best accounting software for small businesses .

Auto Repair Invoice Software

Accounting software often has a feature that allows you to create and send invoices. However, you might want to invest in specialty software for auto body repair shops.

Auto repair invoice software includes a variety of tools that can be used to:

• Track service requests
• Create invoices & estimates
• Track leads
• Manage inventory
• Manage orders

Payment Processing Software

To accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital payments, you’ll need a payment processing service . The payment processor serves as the communicator between your customer’s bank and your bank, allowing you to process credit, debit, and other forms of payment. Kick off your search with the best credit card processors for startups .

For your auto collision business, you might want to consider getting a point of sale system. With the best POS systems for small businesses , you’ll be able to process credit cards, scan barcodes, print receipts, track inventory, run reports, and perform other functions.

For a fee, your business can receive the software and hardware needed to best serve your customers. There are even free options like Square that offer many of the features you need to get started.

Step 7: Hire Body Shop Employees

While you may start your collision center as a one-man operation, you’ll have to learn how to hire employees if you want to grow. These employees may include:

• Auto body & glass repairer
• Front-desk receptionists

Do some research on salaries in your area to get an idea of potential costs. There are additional expenses associated with hiring employees, including:

• Employee training
• Background checks
• Drug testing
• Employee benefits

When you’re ready to hire employees, you can find quality candidates by asking for referrals from friends, family, colleagues, and industry connections. You can also post your jobs on online job boards. Learn more about how to find and recruit employees for your business .

Step 8: Promote Your Auto Body Shop

Before you even hold your grand opening, you need to start your marketing and advertising efforts. Start by getting your business online, then throw in a few old-school advertising tactics to spread the word about your new business.

Social Media Profiles For Your Business

Setting up your social media profiles is free and easy. Consider starting with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Add your logo, contact details, and important information like services provided and hours of operation.

As you build your business, you can update your profiles with specials, coupons, photos of your completed work, and other information.

Business Website For Your Body Shop

These days, any small business owner can create a professional website with easy web builders that feature templates, drag-and-drop design, and other tools to create a website in just minutes.

Your website should be a reflection of your brand, so make sure to choose templates, photos, and colors that best represent your shop. Your domain name should also represent your brand, so make sure it’s easy to remember and avoid numbers, symbols, or very long URLs.

Your website shouldn’t be overly complicated, and it should be easy to navigate. Include key information such as:

• Hours of operation
• Contact information
• Certifications, fee estimates, rental services, & other standout features
• Coupons & specials

As your business grows, you can add additional features such as a signup option for email newsletters or online scheduling.

Online Advertising For Your Body Shop

Consider paying for social media ads or pay-per-click ads on search engines, or sign up with Yelp For Business. These options are affordable for new businesses and are easy to set up.

Traditional Advertising For Your Collision Center

Look beyond the internet to advertise your business. Consider placing flyers or door hangers in the area around your business to bring in new customers. Before you take this route, make sure to understand the local laws in your area regarding the posting of flyers on public and private property.

You can also explore options including radio and TV advertisements and mailers. However, these ads are typically quite expensive, so hold off on these options until your business is bringing in steady revenue.

One of the most important things to remember is that word-of-mouth advertising is one of the best forms of advertising. If you perform a great service, your customers will tell others about your business. Keep customer satisfaction high to increase those referrals and draw in more revenue for your body shop.

The Bottom Line On Starting An Auto Body Shop

While you may be itching to get your auto body shop off the ground immediately, take the time to plan out your business to increase your chances for success.

The hard work doesn’t stop after your grand opening, either. You’ll need to continue working hard to bring in customers, increase your revenue, and become a successful entrepreneur. Make sure to check out our other resources to help you every step of the way, from finding the best equipment financing to upgrade your shop to purchasing garage liability insurance to protect your business.

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How to Write an Auto Repair Business Plan: Complete Guide

• January 24, 2023

👇 Check all our resources on auto repair businesses 👇

Whether you’re looking to raise funding from private investors or to get a loan from a bank (like a SBA loan) for your auto repair shop, you will need to prepare a solid business plan.

In this article we go through, step-by-step, all the different sections you need in your auto repair business plan. Use this template to create a complete, clear and solid business plan that get you funded.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary of a business plan gives a sneak peek of the information about your business plan to lenders and/or investors.

Though the executive summary is the first and the most important section, it should normally be the last section you write because it’s the summary of the different sections included in your business plan.

Why do you need a business plan for your auto repair shop?

The purpose of a business plan is to secure funding through one of the following channels:

• Obtain bank financing or secure a loan from other lenders (such as a SBA loan )
• Obtain private investments from investment funds, angel investors, etc.
• Obtain a public or private grant

How to write an executive summary for your auto repair shop?

Provide a precise and high-level summary of every section that you have included in the business plan. The information and the data you include in this segment should grab the attention of potential investors and lenders immediately. Ensure that the executive summary doesn’t exceed 2 pages in total.

The executive summary usually consists of the 5 major sub-sections that include:

• Business overview : introduce your auto repair shop and its type or concept. For instance, you may offer a body repair shop, auto glass repair shop, auto systems expert shop, etc. Also, provide a brief of your shop’s size and a list of services offered
• Market analysis : introduce the market and mention the service radius, average income of the target audience , and their demographic distribution. Also, mention the problem that your auto repair shop will solve alongside the total competitor count within your service radius
• People : introduce the management team and their industry experience. Mention your business partner(s), if any. Give an overview of the staffing requirements and the reporting hierarchy
• Financial plan : how much profit and revenue do you expect in the next 5 years? When will you reach the break-even point and start making profits ? It is ideal to include a chart depicting your key financials such as revenue, gross profits, and net profit
• Funding ask : what loan/investment/grant are you seeking? How much do you need? How long will this last?

Auto Repair Financial Model Template

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

2. Business Overview

The Business Overview segment of your auto repair shop’s business plan will introduce your company and try to answer some important questions that potential investors and lenders may have . Here is a sample list of questions that you must try to address in the company overview section:

• Why are you opening an auto repair shop?
• Where is your shop located? Why did you choose that location?
• What type of auto repair shop will you open?
• What services will you offer? At what prices?
• What will be your operating days / hours?
• Who is your target audience?
• How many customers can you serve per week / per month?
• What will be the legal structure of your company?

a) History of the Project

Any business must have three components:

• Passion & experience of the business owner
• The rationale behind you starting this business today

Passion & Experience

You must be passionate about the business and demonstrate the same to the potential lenders and/or investors through the business plan.

Also, you must have some experience or training in this type of business. Maybe, you worked as a repair technician somewhere, or maybe, you have the necessary training & education.

The business must try to resolve some issues in its current area of operation. For instance, there may not be any dedicated auto paint repair shop in the area and residents there need to travel far to get the job done. Thus, an auto paint repair shop there will solve the problem that auto owners face.

b) Business Model

Describe the business model that you will adopt in this sub-section. Here you must answer the 2 following questions:

• Will you acquire an existing auto repair shop and remodel it, or will you start your shop from scratch?

What are the different types of auto repair shops?

For example, you may open any of the following types of auto repair shops:

• Auto System Expert : In this model, you will specialize in the survey of a vehicle’s key systems such as breaks, gears, engine, etc. This model has a high revenue potential
• Auto Repair Service Technicians : This is the most standard model where you will perform basic checks like electricals, oil fluid levels, etc. This model thrives on regular repeat customers since vehicle manufacturers recommend servicing every 10k to 12k miles or every 12 months. So, those who drive a lot will be more likely to pay regular visits
• Auto Body Repair Service : In this business model, you will be dealing with vehicles involved in accidents and crashes. Though it is highly unlikely that you will get regular (or high volume) customers, the revenue earned per sale is very high. The model involves fixing broken parts, scratches, replacing damaged parts, etc.
• Diagnostic Technicians : In this model, you will perform skilled checks for underlying vehicle issues. Such issues cannot be seen from the surface and hence, require a higher level of skill compared to regular service technicians
• Auto Glass Repair : In this model, you will focus on repairing glass-related auto parts such as windows, windshields, etc. This model also has high-income potential for each order, but there will be times when you get customers who don’t want a complete replacement and require fixing only small cracks, scratches, etc.
• Auto Repair Painters : In this model, you will engage in vehicle repainting and stylizing & visual customizations as per customer requirements. The revenue potential of this model is often tied to pollution levels. Thus, places with high environmental pollution will offer more customers looking for a fresh coat of paint

c) Products & Services

It is needless to say that the products and services you will offer will depend on the auto repair shop model you are selecting. It is very important to outline the products & services that you will offer so that the investors know exactly which offerings will attract more revenue for your business.

Here is a sample list of products & services that you may offer (but remember to list only those that are relevant to your business model):

• Brake repair services
• Tire rotation services
• Tire change
• Transmission services
• Oil & filter change
• Scheduled maintenance

Make sure that you are listing all services because generally auto repair services will not offer hundreds of products & services. They are quite limited and hence, listing them all is possible.

d) Pricing Strategy

In addition with the list of services you offer, provide an estimated price range for specific services. There should not be extreme differences between you and your competitors .

For example, you cannot charge twice as much as your competitors charge for a simple oil & filter change. If you try to do that, you will fail to attract customers.

Include a pricing list for the products and services that you will offer. You don’t need to provide precise numbers. Average pricing will do.

For example, you can provide an average price range for tire replacement because tire prices will vary depending on the manufacturer, model, type, country of origin, etc.

Offering a pricing list, or at least average prices, is important as it will allow investors to tie your pricing strategy with your financial projections later on (more on that below).

e) Legal Structure

Finally, your business overview section should specify the legal structure of your business.

Is this a corporation or a partnership (LLC)? Who are the investors? How much equity percentage do they own? Is there a Board of Directors? If so, whom? Do they have experience in the industry?

3. Auto Repair Market Overview

A complete understanding of the market where you want to operate is important for the success of your business.

For example, if you want to open an auto glass repair shop in an area where most of the vehicle owners usually come for regular servicing, it might not be a viable business model for the area.

Similarly, if your auto repair shop is located in a low-income neighborhood where only a small percentage of the residents own private vehicles, your business may not succeed.

Break this section into three sub-sections that will include:

a) Market Trends

Understanding market trends will not be easy. It may require a lot of research, unless you already have strong experience (as a car mechanic for example) in the area.

The best way to perform your research will be to talk with your potential customers. Also, you can study competing auto repair shops to get an idea of the type of customers they receive, the services they provide, etc.

Some common questions you may ask the target audience include:

• What type of vehicles do they drive or prefer to drive?
• How many vehicles do they have in a family?
• What type of auto repair services do they usually require?
• How often do they go to a repair shop?

b) Competition analysis

Studying your competitors’ business models is vital. You need to understand what makes them successful or why they fail. A clear understanding of their products and services, marketing strategies, etc., will allow you to provide a better service.

If your competitors are offering nearly the same products & services, then what is their market share and how do they market their products & services to attract new customers?

It is always a good idea to do some research (if necessary, physically visit your competitors without revealing your business intentions) and create a comparative table summarizing their product & service offerings, marketing strategies, target audience, etc.

Here is a sample table that you can use:

The table you will create will depend on what information you need and want to include based on your proposed business model.

c) SWOT Analysis

Try to provide a SWOT analysis . It must be crisp and highly focused. SWOT stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats.

Here is a sample that you can use as a reference:

• Strengths : 20 years of experience in car body repair and customization service, a team of highly specialized diagnostic technicians, etc.
• Weaknesses : Startup cost, zero reputation, little marketing experience
• Opportunities : High accident-prone zone, no car body repair shop within a 15-mile radius
• Threats : Low-cost service providers

A clear understanding of your strengths and weakness along with opportunities and threats in the real market can help you to design your marketing strategy . It also helps potential investors to assess the risk and reward profile of your business.

d) Customers

This is the sub-section where you will provide a detailed analysis of your target audience. You will expand the data points your provided earlier in the Business Overview segment.

Some important points that you must include in your customer analysis include:

• Age and gender distribution (you can get local demographic data from census.gov )
• Driver gender ratio
• Number of vehicles per family
• Average monthly income and disposable income
• Average bill size per visit
• Average yearly spending on auto repair services
• Vehicle type & brand preferences

You can add as many data points as required to validate your business decision. The idea here is to display your deep understanding of the target audience and the needs, preferences, and expectations. This knowledge can help you to tailor your products & services to attract new customers.

4. Sales & Marketing

This is the section of your business plan where you outline your customer acquisition strategy. Try to answer the following questions:

• What are your Unique Selling Points (USPs)?
• What are the different marketing strategies you will use?
• How do you intend to track the success of your marketing strategy?
• What is your CAC or customer acquisition cost?
• What is your marketing budget?
• What introductory promos and offers do you intend to provide for attracting new customers?

What marketing channels do auto repair shops use?

A few marketing channels that auto repair shops typically use are:

• Signage, billboards
• PPC ads, Facebook ads, etc.
• Print media
• Loyalty programs
• Online local listing (Google Business)
• Content marketing (share content like vehicle maintenance tips, safe driving tips, etc.) on platforms like blogs, social media, etc.
• Word of mouth

You must have a fair and nearly accurate estimate of your marketing budget. Therefore, make sure to budget for marketing accordingly in your financial projections.

What are your Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)?

In other words, how do you differentiate yourself vs. competitors? This is very important as you might need to win customers from competitors.

A few examples of USPs are:

• High quality service
• Location : you store is closer to a busy road and/or to where your customers live
• Partnerships with car manufacturer brands that refer you to their customers
• Loyalty reward programs : X number of free tune-ups, alignments, and brake services per year

Your USPs will depend on your business model, competitor analysis , and target audience. Whatever your USPs are, it should appeal to your potential customers and attract them.

5. Management & People

You must address 2 things here:

• The management team and their experience/track record
• The organizational structure: the different team members and who reports to whom

Small businesses often fail because of managerial weaknesses. Thus, having a strong management team is vital. Highlight the experience and education of senior managers that you intend to hire to oversee your auto repair shop business.

Describe their duties, responsibilities, and roles. Also, highlight their previous experience and explain how they succeeded in their previous roles.

It is also important that you explain how their experiences and qualifications help you in implementing the auto repair shop you are proposing. If they have specialized training and education (such as automotive technician training, collision & auto body repair training, etc.), add that information.

Organization Structure

Even if you haven’t already hired a service manager, mechanics, helpers, and other relevant staff members, you must provide a chart of the organizational structure outlining the different teams, roles and their reporting lines.

6. Financial Plan

The financial plan is perhaps, with the executive summary, the most important section of any business plan.

Indeed, a solid financial plan tells lenders that your business is viable and can repay the loan you need from them. If you’re looking to raise equity from private investors, a solid financial plan will prove them your auto repair shop is an attractive investment.

There should be 3 sections to your financial plan section:

• Your historical financials (only if you already operate the business and have financial accounts to show)
• The startup costs of your project (if you plan to purchase new repair equipment, renovate your facilities, etc.)
• The 5-year financial projections

a) Historical Financials (if any)

In the scenario where you already have some historical financials (a few quarters or a few years), include them. A summary of your financial statements in the form of charts e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit is enough, save the rest for the appendix.

If you don’t have any, don’t worry, most new businesses don’t have any historical financials and that’s ok. If so, jump to Startup Costs instead.

b) Startup Costs

Before we expand on 5-year financial projections in the following section, it’s always best practice to start with listing the startup costs of your project. For an auto repair business, startup costs are all the expenses you incur before you open your auto repair shop and starting making sales. These expenses typically are:

• The lease deposit for the commercial space you rent (if you don’t buy it)
• The design and renovation of the existing facilities
• The auto repair equipment

Assuming you do not buy the land and the building but decide to rent instead, typically startup costs are anywhere from $67,200 to $225,500 for a typical small (5,000 sq. ft.) auto repair shop.

c) Financial Projections

In addition to startup costs, you will now need to build a solid financial model over 5 years.

Your financial projections should be built using a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel or Google Sheets) and presented in the form of tables and charts in your business plan.

As usual, keep it concise here and save details (for example detailed financial statements , financial metrics, Key Performance Indicators , key assumptions used for the projections) for the appendix instead.

Your financial projections should answer at least the following questions:

• How much revenue do you expect to generate over the next 5 years?
• When do you expect to break even ?
• How much cash will you burn until you get there?
• What’s the impact of a change in pricing (say 20%) on your margins?
• What is your average customer acquisition cost?

You should include here your 3 financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement ). This means you must forecast:

• The number of customers over time ;
• Your expected revenue ;
• Operating costs to run the business ;
• Any other cash flow items (e.g. capex, debt repayment, etc.).

When projecting your revenue, make sure to sensitize pricing and the number of customers as a small change in these assumptions will have a big impact on your revenues.

7. Funding Ask

This is the last section of your auto repair shop business plan . Now that we have explained what your auto repair business model is about, what’s your strategy, where you go and how you get there, this section must answer the following questions:

• How much funding do you need?
• What financial instrument(s) do you need: is this equity or debt, or even a free-money public grant?
• How long will this funding last?
• Where else does the money come from? If you apply for a SBA loan for example, where does the other part of the investment come from (your own capital, private investors?)

If you raise debt:

• What percentage of the total funding the loan represents?
• What is the corresponding Debt Service Coverage Ratio ?

If you raise equity

• What percentage ownership are you selling as part of this funding round?
• What is the corresponding valuation of your business?

Use of Funds

Any auto repair business plan should include a clear use of funds section. This is where you explain how the money will be spent.

Will you spend most of the loan / investment in paying your employees’ salaries? Or will it cover mostly the cost for the lease deposit and the machines and equipment?

Those are very important questions you should be able to answer in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry, this should come straight from your financial projections. If you’ve built solid projections like in our financial plan template for auto repair shops , you won’t have any issues answering these questions.

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• Sample Business Plans

Auto Repair Shop Business Plan

Not everyone has the talent and technique to repair and restore cars, and if you have those skills, you might have thought of starting an auto repair business.

After all, most people prefer the autonomy having a business offers. But with autonomy comes responsibility. And to fulfill that you’ll need an auto repair business plan.

If you are planning to start a new auto or car repair shop, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample auto repair shop business plan  created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new auto repairing shop, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of  services-related business plans.

Industry Overview

In 2021, 162000 establishments had a combined annual revenue of $115 billion in the US auto repair industry.

The growth has mainly come from the increasing number of cars on the road. Also, the growing mileage consumption has played a huge role.

Opening up a car repair shop requires you to pay for construction costs, labor, and equipment.

As the auto repair business is a profitable one it attracts a lot of competition, and to stay ahead of it you’ll need skills and a proper business plan.

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Things to Consider Before Writing an Auto Repair Business Plan

Select what area of repairs you’ll work on.

Auto repairs shops take up a variety of jobs like repairing and painting car bodies, transforming old vehicles, or doing tire and mechanical repairs.

So, it is necessary to decide what you want to do before getting started. Specialization helps you get more expertise in the area and makes you more reliable for the job to customers.

Pick a suitable location

An accessible location is a must for an auto repair business. Your location would also rely on the niche you’ll be working on. Tire repair services are usually on the road to make them accessible for emergencies.

While transformation services are mostly opened inside the city for easier pickup and drop.

Hire an efficient team

An auto repair business’s success relies heavily on the quality of services you provide. That helps you retain customers and get more. Hence, it is important to have a team that can provide quality services to your customers.

Apart from that, it is also important to have a team with good technical and soft skills to understand your customer’s problems better.

Formulate marketing strategies

Marketing your business is essential to attract customers and building your brand’s identity. Hence, it is important to have a marketing strategy for all the platforms your target audience uses to find repair services.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

A business plan helps you leverage the best of your resources, and get the maximum out of your efforts.

A business plan also comes in handy if you need funding or loans for your business, as investors and banks prefer to see a business plan before they give the money.

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for. It will also show you the different sections that entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample auto repair shop business plan template for you to get a good idea about how a perfect auto repair shop business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Auto Repair Shop Business Plan Outline

This is the standard auto repair shop business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Keys to Success
• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Business Structure
• Startup cost
• Products and Services
• Market Trends
• Target Market
• Market Segmentation
• SWOT Analysis
• Sales Strategy
• Local Publications
• Community Events/Organizations
• Commuter Advertising
• Customer Loyalty Programs
• Direct Mail
• Pricing Strategy
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Download a sample auto repair shop business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free auto repair shop business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your auto repair shop business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

After  getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample auto repair shop business plan template into your business plan and modify the required information and download your auto repair shop business plan pdf or doc file.

It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

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Auto Repair Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

You’ve come to the right place to create your Auto Repair shop business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Auto Repair shops.

Auto Repair Business Plan Example

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Automotive Repair business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is a startup auto repair shop located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Company is founded by Tim Martinez, an experienced auto mechanic who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage an auto repair shop during the past 15 years while working at Fast Cars Auto Repair. Now that Tim has experienced managing an auto repair shop, he is ready to start his own company, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair. Tim is confident that his auto repair skills, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable auto repair shop of his own. Tim is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of auto repair shop operations – sales and marketing, customer service, and financial reporting.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will provide reliable auto repair services for customers in the St. Louis area. Tim’s Timely will be the go-to auto repair shop in St. Louis for convenient scheduling, quality work, and timely repairs. The Company will be the ultimate choice for busy individuals, providing the best customer service in the area.

Product Offering

Auto Repair will provide the following repair services for most vehicle makes and models:

• Brake repair
• Powertrain repair
• Muffler & exhaust repair
• Heating repair
• Electrical system repair
• Wheel alignment and repair
• Preventative repair & maintenance

Customer Focus

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will target personal vehicle owners in St. Louis. The Company will also target small businesses who use a vehicle for their company’s operations such as delivery drivers, plumbers, and other mobile businesses. No matter the customer, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will deliver the best communication, service, and results.

Management Team

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be owned and operated by Tim Martinez. Tim is a graduate of Missouri University with a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology. He has 15 years of experience working as an auto repair technician and manager of another local shop. Tim will be the Company’s CEO and the Head Auto Repair Technician. He will oversee the day-to-day operations, auto repair equipment management, and auto technician staff’s activities.

Tim has recruited his former administrative assistant, Jen Jackson, to be the Company’s Chief Operations Officer and help oversee the auto repair shop’s daily operations and customer relations. Jen has a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She has worked in the auto repair industry for many years and understands what it takes to effectively run this type of business.

Success Factors

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of auto repair technicians who will be able to diagnose and repair a wide variety of vehicle issues in a timely manner.
• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair makes it easy for customers to schedule appointments, pay for service, and check on the status of their vehicle through a user-friendly customer app.
• The Company offers competitive pricing and discounts for regular customers.

Financial Highlights

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is seeking $250,000 in debt financing to launch its auto repair business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the auto repair shop and purchasing auto repair equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Auto repair shop build-out: $100,000
• Equipment, supplies, and materials: $40,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $90,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Company Overview

Who is tim’s timely auto repair.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is a newly established auto repair business in St. Louis, Missouri. Tim’s Timely will be the first choice for vehicle owners in St. Louis and the surrounding communities for its reliable and timely repair services. The Company is able to service almost any vehicle make and model and has the ability to accommodate customers’ busy schedules.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to guarantee the quality of its repairs thanks to the latest and most reliable auto repair equipment and technology combined with stringent quality control standards. The Company’s team of highly qualified professionals experienced in a wide range of automotive issues will be able to provide timely diagnosis and repair. Customers can easily schedule appointments, check on their vehicle, and make payments using the Company’s customer app.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair History

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is owned and operated by Tim Martinez, an experienced auto mechanic who has gained valuable knowledge during his 15 year tenure working as an auto repair technician and manager at another local auto repair shop. Now that Tim has gained the experience and knowledge of how to manage an auto repair shop, he is ready to start one of his own. Tim has begun recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running an auto repair shop – sales and marketing, customer service, and financial reporting.

Since incorporation, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Tim’s Timely Auto Repair, LLC to transact business in the state of Missouri.
• Has begun negotiations to purchase the warehouse that will become the shop.
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include past customers, local businesses, and friends and family members to start spreading the word about the new shop.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, auto repair technicians, maintenance workers, and sales personnel to work at Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair Services

Industry analysis.

The United States auto repair market is valued at $78B with approximately 280,000 businesses in operation and over 614,000 employees working in the industry across the country. The auto repair industry has grown steadily over the past five years. Much of this growth can be attributed to more vehicles on the road combined with an increasing age of the vehicles in service. Additionally, rising disposable incomes have led to more people foregoing DIY repairs, and instead, taking their vehicles to industry operators when they need to be repaired.

One of the biggest challenges facing the auto repair industry is the growing shortage of technicians as many are retiring and there are not enough new technicians joining the field to fill the vacancies. Additional challenges include increased digitization and evolving technologies. Industry operators will need to keep up with the latest innovations to remain competitive.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will target vehicle owners in St. Louis. The Company will also target small businesses who use a vehicle for their company’s operations such as delivery drivers, plumbers, and other mobile businesses. No matter the customer, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will deliver the best communication, service, and results..

The precise demographics for St. Louis, Missouri are:

Customer Segmentation

Tim’s Timely will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individual vehicle owners
• Delivery drivers
• Mobile service providers who use vehicles for their business operations (e.g., plumbers, HVAC, mobile pet grooming, non-emergency medical transport, solar panel installers, etc.)

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Fast Cars Auto Repair

Established in 1975, Fast Cars Auto Repair is one of the largest auto repair companies in Missouri. The company provides a wide range of repair and maintenance services for many vehicle makes and models, with a focus on sports cars, luxury cars, and race cars. Fast Cars Auto Repair’s leadership team continuously introduces new technology and repair training for its staff to ensure all technicians are equipped to repair the latest model vehicles. The company has four locations in St. Louis, with more being built in the near future.

JP’s Affordable Auto Repair

JP’s Affordable Auto Repair is a small auto repair shop catering to local vehicle owners in St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding areas. JP’s Affordable Auto Repair provides efficient service at affordable prices. The company provides same day and 48-hour repairs for an extra fee. The owners of JP’s Affordable Auto Repair have been in the automotive business for over 40 years, so they keenly understand the ins-and-outs of running an auto repair shop.

Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair

Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair is a trusted St. Louis, Missouri-based auto repair shop that provides superior service to vehicle owners in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. The company is able to provide a wide variety of repair services for both personal and commercial vehicles. Dependable Dan’s Auto Repair has been family owned and operated since 1999. The company prides itself on being the number one choice for quality auto repair services at competitive prices.

Competitive Advantage

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

• Skilled team of auto repair technicians who are highly skilled and trained in a wide variety of vehicle issues to provide reliable results for almost any make or model.
• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair makes it easy for customers to obtain the Company’s services. Customers can schedule appointments, check on their vehicle, and make payments through the convenience of the customer app.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Tim’s Timely Auto Repair provides reliable results in a timely manner for most vehicle makes and models.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The Company will enlist the help of a marketing director to create accounts on social media platforms such as Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.  The marketing director will ensure Tim’s Timely maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and informative content.

Professional Associations and Networking

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will become a member of professional associations such as the Automotive Service Association, Auto Care Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, and the International Automotive Technicians Network. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the Company’s customer network.

Print Advertising

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The Company will also send direct mailers to local businesses who may be interested in auto repair services.

Publications

The Company will invest in advertisements in major industry publications such as Auto Body Repair News Magazine, Auto Inc., and Auto Service Professional publications. Additionally, the Company will invest in local advertising through newspapers, magazines, and community newsletters.

Website/SEO Marketing

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will create a company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Tim’s Timely is able to provide. The Company’s marketing director will also manage the Company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “St. Louis auto repair shop” or “auto repair shop near me”, Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the Company’s superior repair services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair.

Operation Functions:

• Tim Martinez will be the CEO and Head Auto Repair Technician. He will oversee the auto repair technicians, repair process, and the auto repair equipment maintenance. Tim has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Jen Jackson – Chief Operating Officer who will manage the bookkeeping, customer relationships, and help oversee the daily operations for the Company.
• Andrea Miller – Accountant who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Bill Smith – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the Company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.

Milestones:

Tim’s Timely Auto Repair will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

11/1/2022 – Finalize contract to purchase property.

11/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Tim’s Timely Auto Repair management team.

12/1/2022 – Begin build-out of the shop and purchase equipment and supplies.

12/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan.

1/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for auto repair technicians.

2/15/2023 – Tim’s Timely Auto Repair officially opens for business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Tim’s Timely Auto Repair are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the Company’s auto repair services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff an auto repair shop. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, auto repair equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of vehicles serviced per month: 450
• Average fees per month: $15,000
• Overhead costs per year: $140,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Auto Repair Business Plan FAQs

What is an auto repair business plan.

An auto repair  business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your auto repair company business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your auto repair  business plan using our Auto Repair  Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Auto Repair Companies?

There are a number of different kinds of auto repair companies , some examples include: Auto Service Shop, Transmission Repair Shop, and Body Repair Shop.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Auto Repair Business Plan?

Auto repair companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. A thorough  business plan for auto repair shop will show investors you are well-prepared to start a business on your own.

Auto Repair Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Auto Repair Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their auto repair businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an auto repair business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Auto Repair Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your auto repair business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Auto Repair Business

If you’re looking to start an auto repair business, or grow your existing auto repair business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your auto repair business in order to improve your chances of success. Your auto repair business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Auto Repair Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an auto repair business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings is the other most common form of funding for an auto repair business.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

If you want to start an auto repair business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your auto repair business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your mechanic shop business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of auto repair business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an auto repair business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of auto repair businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the auto repair industry. Discuss the type of auto repair business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of auto repair business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of auto repair businesses:

• Auto Service Shop : this type of auto repair business focuses on routine servicing of cars and trucks, such as oil changes and tire rotation.
• Transmission Repair Shop: this type of business focuses on maintenancing, diagnosing and repairing transmissions in all types of cars.
• Body Repair Shop: this type of repair shop focuses on repairing damage to the body of a vehicle, primarily cosmetic damage due to collision.

In addition to explaining the type of auto repair business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, amount of monthly revenue, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the auto repair industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the auto repair industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your automotive business plan:

• How big is the auto repair industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your auto repair business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your mechanic business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: car owners, truck owners, luxury vehicle owners, classic vehicle owners, and businesses that own vehicles such as car rentals, car dealers, delivery businesses, and repairmen.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of auto repair business you operate. Clearly, luxury vehicle owners would respond to different marketing promotions than truck owners, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most auto repair businesses primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other auto repair businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to choose from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes auto parts stores (for DIY repair). You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other auto repair businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be auto repairs located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What types of vehicles do they maintenance and repair, or what types of maintenance and repairs do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide better maintenance and repair services?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a car service business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of auto repair company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to auto repair, will you provide car rental services, repair financing or any other services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your auto repair company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your auto repair business located in a busy retail district, industrial area, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your auto repair marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your auto repair business, including speaking with vehicle owners in person or on the phone, maintenancing and repairing vehicles.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to repair your 50th car, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your auto repair business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your auto repair business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing auto repair businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing auto repair shops or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, how many cars will you repair per week? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your auto repair business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing an auto repair business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your shop location lease or descriptions of repairs you are working on.   Summary Putting together a business plan for your auto repair business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the auto repair industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful auto repair business.  

Auto Repair Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my auto repair shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Auto Repair Shop Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of auto repair shop you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an auto repair shop that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of auto repair shops?

Where Can I Download a Business Plan PDF?

You can access our business plan pdf download here.

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you. Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Table of Contents

Complete Guide on Auto Repair Shop Business Plan (2023)

Success in the auto repair business starts with a good plan. Your shop’s future depends on it. One mistake can be a big problem. That’s why you need to make sure you have everything in place for a successful auto repair business.

In this blog, we’ll help you create a strong business plan for an auto repair shop, whether you’re starting out or already have a shop. We’ll also give you a business plan sample for an auto repair shop that you can use. 

Let’s get started!”

Looking to expand your auto repair shop? Schedule a demo now.

What is an auto repair shop business plan? 

An auto repair shop business plan is like a roadmap for your car repair business. It’s a document that explains your business idea to potential investors or partners.

Imagine you’re planning a long road trip. 

Before you start, you make a detailed plan with the places you want to visit, the things you want to do, and the route you’ll take. 

Similarly, an auto repair shop business plan is like that plan for your car repair business. It’s a written guide that outlines what your business wants to achieve, how it will do it, and why it’s a good idea. 

You use this plan to show to others, like investors, so they understand your business and may want to be part of it. It’s like the master plan for your car repair adventure!

Why you need a business plan for auto repair shop: 

You will understand your business better:.

• Your business plan is your GPS. It gives you a clear route to your goals.
• Identify and tackle obstacles with confidence by sticking to your plan.
• It’s your guide for financing, hiring, operations, and branding.

It will give you a Smooth Driving:

• Prevent hiccups by investing wisely.
• Your business plan helps you choose the right people, processes, technology, and marketing.
• Ensure your investments align with your long-term goals.

Make your business sustainable: 

• Map out a sustainable and viable business model.
• Secure funding, plan expansion, and achieve growth milestones.

It will give you Clear Path:

• Engage in a regular enjoyable activity.
• Form habits that help you focus and organize thoughts.
• Find solitude to regain focus on business goals.
• Personalize your approach for clarity and success.

Creating an auto repair shop business plan: 

Understanding the basics.

It is important that you first clever the basics before you create a business plan. 

For that, you need to understand the type of your business. There are many types of business such as startup business plan, internal business plan, and strategies plan.

For an auto body repair shop business plan, you need to form some key elements in your company such as market, company description, sales strategies, management, product/service, fundings, financial projections. Etc. 

Company Description: 

This chapter is the heart of your business plan. Here you will tell your story. Why do you want to start an auto repair business? What is the mission behind it? You will explain your services. 

This is your chance to give a unique identity to your repair shop. This can help you gain competitive advantage. Let’s discuss these things one by one: 

Overview: 

Give your readers a sense of what your auto repair shop is all about. You can tell the essence of your shop here. You need to discuss the history of your business, founders; story, and company culture, 

Mission Statement: 

Articulate the core purpose of your business – what it aims to achieve and how it serves its customers or clients.

Vision Statement: 

Describe the future you envision for your company. What impact do you want to have on your industry, community, or the world?

Products or Services

Now discuss what you are offering. Describe your services that show a unique value proposition. It is important that it is relevant to your auto repair customers. 

Market Positioning

Marketing and branding is very important to have a successful auto repair business. Focusing on market positioning is crucial. You need to touch on points like target audience, competitive advantage and market niche. 

Short-Term Goals: 

These could include milestones like launching a new product, reaching a specific revenue target, or expanding your customer base.

Long-Term Goals: 

Detail your overarching aspirations, such as becoming an industry leader, expanding globally, or achieving a certain level of market share.

Market Analysis

You need to know what you are dealing with on a daily basis. 

What do your ideal customers want? What is trending in the market? How can you attract more and more customers? 

For this, you need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the auto repair market. There are three things you need to cover: 

Target Market: 

Understand your audience. Check out the following things in your customers: 

• Income level 
• Values 
• Lifestyles 
• Purchasing behaviors

Address the market needs: 

You need to find out the needs of your market. Identify the pain points of your customers.

Pro tip: you can conduct surveys or focus groups to find out the pain points of your target audience. 

After finding out the paint points, come up with unique selling point that covers the needs of your market. Clearly articulate how your products or services stand out and provide distinct advantages over competitors.

Analyzing the Competitive Landscape: 

In every market, competition is a reality. By analyzing your competitors, you gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. Find out direct competitors that offer similar services. 

After finding your competitors, you can set your business apart by offering better services from them. 

Market Size and Growth Potential

Assessing the overall market size and growth potential provides a snapshot of the opportunity at hand. It helps you understand the scope of your market and whether it’s expanding or contracting.

Industry Trends: 

Now you need to collect data related to auto repair shops. This can help you in finding industry trends. Find out the merging technologies that you can use in your shop. 

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Now we know our services and market for the auto repair shop. But how are we gonna sell our service to the market

That’s here, you need marketing strategies for your auto repair shops. Follow the following steps to define your strategies: 

• Identify the platforms you’ll use to reach your audience. 
• Craft a consistent and compelling message that resonates with your target audience.
• Plan the creation and distribution of valuable content that educates, entertains, or solves problems for your audience. 
• Detail how you’ll guide potential customers through the sales journey, from initial contact to making a purchase.
• Explain how you’ll attract potential customers.
• Describe how you’ll build relationships with leads over time. 
• Outline the steps you’ll take to convert leads into paying customers. 
• Allocate funds to different marketing strategies
• Explain how you’ll measure the effectiveness of your marketing and sales efforts.
• Identify the KPIs you’ll monitor, such as website traffic, conversion rates, click-through rates, and customer acquisition cost.

Organization and Management

Now, you need to discuss the management of your auto repair shop. Highlighting key team members and explaining their roles adds depth and credibility to your business plan.you can discuss the following things: 

• Organizational Structure
• Hierarchical Chart.
• Functional Divisions
• Key Management Team
• Founder(s) and CEO
• Executive Team Members
• Responsibilities and Roles
• Founder’s Role
• Key Executives’ Roles
• Team Strengths and Expertise
• Relevant Experience
• Growth Plans
• Recruitment Strategy

Product or Service Line

In this chapter, you’ll provide a thorough exploration of your products or services. You can discuss the following things: 

• Introduction to Your Offerings
• Detailed Description
• Development and Design
• Intellectual Property
• Product Life Cycle
• Future Development
• Visuals and Media
• Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
• Pricing Strategy
• Regulatory and Compliance
• Sustainability and Ethics

Financial Projections

In this chapter, you will do a proper financial analysis. You will discuss the financial dynamics of your business. 

1. Profit and Loss: 

In this, you will show projected profit and loss for the forecast period. Below is an example from the business plan for an existing auto repair shop. you can use it to make your own a profit and loss sheet. 

2.Cash flow projection: The next thing is the cash flow projection. Cash flow is critical for business sustainability. Illustrate how cash moves in and out of your business, highlighting periods of potential cash shortages and surpluses. This helps in planning for working capital needs and managing liquidity. Below is an example that you can use:

3. Balance Sheet Projection

Provide a snapshot of your business’s financial position, including assets, liabilities, and equity. This showcases the overall health and stability of your business.

4. Break Even Analysis

Determine the point at which your business becomes profitable. A breakeven analysis helps you understand how much revenue you need to cover all costs. Below is an example of a business plan for an existing auto repair shop. You can see to understand better.

Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning

No business journey is without its obstacles. Recognizing potential risks and challenges upfront and having a plan to address them is crucial. 

This chapter focuses on identifying risks, evaluating their potential impact, and outlining strategies to mitigate their effects.

First thing is to identify the risk. You can see the picture below to identify risks. 

After identifying risks, you need to come with risk mitigation strategies such as: 

Preventive Measures: Outline steps you’ll take to prevent risks from occurring. 

Mitigation Plans: Describe your plans to minimize the impact if a risk does materialize. 

Crafting a business plan is a labor of love. It’s more than a document; it’s your business’s roadmap to success. Each chapter contributes to the bigger picture, forming a comprehensive strategy that aligns your ambitions with actionable steps. Now that you have this guide, take the first step towards creating a winning business plan that paves the way for your entrepreneurial journey.

You can also take your auto repair business to the next level with a good auto repair management software. Moreover , torque 360 offers all-round automotive management software as well. It includes many features such as scheduling, invoicing , estimating , digital vehicle inspection , repair order management , technician portal , POS integration , and marketing solutions. 

About the Author: Torque360

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Auto Body Repair Business Plan Template

•   Auto Body Repair Business Plan Template (Microsoft Word)  –  $47.00
•   +Add Excel Worksheet (Recommended)  –  $35.00
•   +Add PowerPoint Template and 4 Funding eBooks  –  $65.00
•   +Add Business Startup, Finance, Marketing Documents 781 Templates  –  $185.00
•   +Add Operational, Employee and Policy and Procedure Templates  –  $35.00

How to get funding for your Auto Body Repair business!

“Here’s the ‘Perfect Solution’ to getting your Auto Body Repair business funded quickly…even if you don’t have a clue on how to write a business plan and don’t have the budget to pay a professional to do it!”

If you want to get your Auto Body Repair business organized and funded then here’s the perfect solution:

Did you know that a well-written and researched business plan is the key to getting funding for your Auto Body Repair business?

But most entrepreneurs neglect this aspect of their startup.

That’s usually because they are not knowledgeable enough to write a business plan on their own.

Or do not have the budget to pay a professional business plan writer.

But if you’ve ever wanted to start a Auto Body Repair business and you need to write a business plan to get funding then our Hybrid Fusion Business Plan Template is for you .

Our Hybrid Business Plan Template is not just high quality, in-depth and researched, but also a business plan that has examples for you to insert your own market and business specifics into.

An Auto Body Repair business is a great business for those interested in entrepreneurship.

The auto body repair business offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals skilled in the craft of restoring vehicles to their former glory. Operating an auto body repair shop allows entrepreneurs to showcase their expertise and craftsmanship while providing a valuable service to their community. Beyond simply fixing dents and scratches, auto body repair professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of vehicles on the road. Moreover, the satisfaction of seeing a damaged vehicle transformed into its original condition can be very satisfying for both the repair technician and the vehicle owner. Ultimately, the auto body repair business thrives on a foundation of trust, reliability, and dedication to quality workmanship, making it a fulfilling venture for those passionate about automotive restoration.

And with our business plan template, you’ll be able to seek funding from investors and be up and running in no time.

With modifications (Like the name of your company and owner’s bio, market, financials, company images and location specifics) you can customize this business plan for your exact needs.

Here’s why a free business plan template can risk your chances of funding:

Lenders and investors see thousands of business plans and they know when you’re using a generic free template because the “Wording is just not right.”

You can have the best idea for your venture and pitch it to them perfectly, however when you leave and they review your plan what will it really say about you?

And free isn’t really free if it costs you your funding .

Why leave the future of your business to chance?

Our business plan templates are written for your specific market and references are included.

Start your business off the right way with our comprehensive Hybrid business plan template.

As part of this package, you will receive our Auto Body Repair business plan template, which contains the following sections:

• Executive summary
• The enterprise
• The business concept and need
• Industry/market overview.
• Growth strategy and implementation summary
• Management plan
• Risk factor
• Use of proceeds

Click here to view sample pages of this exact plan.

Depending on which version of the business plan options you purchase (more on that in a moment), you’ll receive the following:

34 page Auto Body Repair business plan template with references.

• This Auto Body Repair business plan template will be delivered via digital download in fully editable Microsoft Word and includes a Auto Body Repair business pre-written example text, general industry research, references, and narrative already completed for you.
• Red instructional text above each section is included to let you know what to insert in that section. In some areas, you can just add your information, in others you will need to use the example text as a basis to write your own business specifics such as what sets you apart, your local market, your business team, etc.

Click here for screenshots of the plan you will be receiving.

Auto Body Repair Financial Template in Microsoft Excel (recommended )

This Excel template will allow you to enter financial data specific to your business and will produce proforma financial statements for use in your business plan. The worksheets (Set-up, Start-up, Sales, Headcount, Inventory, Operating Expenses, Capital Budget, Equity & Debt, and Amortization Schedule) contain instructions, questions for you to answer, and boxes (cells) for data entry. Cells in which you are to answer questions or enter data are yellow. Purple cells contain formulas that will be calculated automatically.

Click here for screenshots of these documents.

Business Funding Package with PowerPoint and 4 eBooks

(A must-have if actively seeking investment). Includes a business Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow template “Pitch Deck” to show lenders and investors your concept at a glance. It includes 12 slides with instructional text for you to insert your specific business images and information into.

This funding package also includes the Funding eBook bundle to educate you on your funding options and how to best present your business concept. These 4 eBooks guide you through individual interventions, second-party arrangements, corporate funding options, government interventions, managing business cash flow, quick start funding overview, exit strategy, common mistakes to avoid when pitching your concept, and much more.

Business Startup, Finance and Marketing Templates to show investors that your business is prepared to launch

Business Assessment Documents. Vital documents to make sure you are prepared for your venture. Includes: Business Plan Guidelines, Strategic Planning Checklist, Trend Analysis Checklist, Executive Summary Template, Market Study Outline and Business Analysis Worksheet. 6 Documents to help get you organized.

Business Startup Documents. Essential Documents to Help Launch Your Venture. Includes: Board of Directors Documents, Confidentiality Agreements, General Administration, Basic Financial Checklist, Franchise Feasibility Test, Startup Cost Worksheet, Franchise Comparison Worksheet, Strategic Management, Organization-Wide Goals and much more. 66 Documents to help you get started.

Raising Capital Documents. Practical documents to help you get started raising capital. Includes: Government Grants and Program Worksheets and Guide, Loans and Borrowing Documents, Investment Analysis Summary, Bank Loan Request Sheet, Loan Application Review Form, Loan Calculator, Pledge of Shares of Stock, General Continuing Guaranty, Due Diligence Checklist, Promissory Notes, Investment Analysis Summary, Term sheet for potential investment and much more. 51 Documents to help you obtain funding.

Online Startup Documents. Key documents to establish your online presence. Includes: Advertising and Marketing Online documents, Confidentiality Agreements, Content and Copyright Agreements, Hosting Agreements, Software and License Agreements, Website Development Agreements, Website Notices and Checklists and much more. 72 Documents in total to help you online.

Finance and Accounting Documents. Vital documents for your finance and accounting business needs. Covers: Banking, Bookkeeping, Buying and Selling of Shares, Financial Statements, Government Grant Programs, Insurance, Investments, Investors Relations, Invoices and Billing, Loans and Borrowing, Raising Capital and much more. 169 Documents in total to help with your business finances and accounting.

Employment and HR Documents. Key documents you need as you grow your venture with employees. Covers: Compensation and Benefits, Contractors and Consultants, Employee Records, Employee Reference Letters, Firing and Termination, Hiring Employees, Insurance, Managing and Motivating Employees, Policies and Documentation and much more. 267 Documents in total to help manage your workforce.

Sales and Marketing Documents. Crucial documents as you grow your venture with marketing and sales. Covers: Addressing Complaints, Customer Relations, Market Analysis, Purchase orders and price quotes, Sales and Marketing Management, Sales Agreements and Contracts, Sales letters and much more. 142 Documents in total to help grow your venture.

Advertising and Marketing Online Documents. Documents to get your name and brand online effectively. Includes: Affiliate Program Agreement, Agreement for Internet advertising services, Co-branding agreement terms and provisions checklist, Co-branding agreement, Free linking agreement, Press release template, Website Cross Sponsorship Agreement, Website Linking Agreement. 8 Online Marketing Documents to help develop your online presence.

Business Operational Plan, Employee Handbook, and Policies and Procedures Templates

Show your investor that you are ready to launch by completing these vital foundational documents prior to starting. They include:

Operational plan template for you to describe your business’s mission and operations, including information on your strategic content, company objectives, key performance indicators, key assumptions and risks, goals, and more.

Employee handbook template to create for your current or future employees explaining your policies and what you expect from them and what they should expect from you.

Policies and procedures template (an addition to your employee handbook) to communicate the culture of your business, your standards on employment, schedules, compensation, benefits, hiring policies, and other workplace policies to protect not just your business but also your employees.

*These are templates for you to complete as operations and employee requirements vary per business. Please view the sample pages.

(Delivered in digital Microsoft Word format)

That’s a lot of information! But don’t be overwhelmed. We have offered each item individually so you can choose what you need or all of them. Scroll down to learn more.

See what our customers are saying about our business plan templates.

“The plan had some great points that were very beneficial and important to my business. I hope other clients are able to see the value you are able to provide in their business plans, just like myself. I would highly recommend you to other prospective entrepreneurs. It’s been a pleasure and I look forward to execute my business plan.”

Kristina K.

“Honest Business Plans has given me the tools and inspiration to pursue my business venture. Not only was the template helpful in helping me form my business idea it really explains how it would benefit my company.”

Mikio VanDrunen

“Shawn has been a tremendous help to me and my business ventures. His templates were extremely helpful to me with regard to moving my business from the conceptual phase to something that could be successfully implemented.   Furthermore, his business plan example and associated materials allowed me to organize and structure my venture according to how I wanted to run and grow my business. I also found the process much easier with the materials (as opposed to doing everything on my own), since they provided a solid blueprint for my business.   I would recommend Shawn and his team to other entrepreneurs and business owners without hesitation. They have been great to work with!”

Kevin Cisney

The best part about our plans is that the TIME-CONSUMING parts are DONE for YOU.

Our Hybrid Fusion Business Plan Templates save you time as most portions are already completed for you, including the general narrative, market research and format are already researched and written for the Auto Body Repair industry.

What makes our Hybrid Fusion Business Plans Different?

Here are just a few reasons why our Honest Business Plan Template is the best solution to begin planning your venture:

• Formatted layout for investor and lender use.
• A full narrative written from scratch for your industry.
• Red instructional text guides you through each section of the business plan, explaining what each section is about and what to include, ensuring a polished, professional plan.
• Written in a persuasive way to show investors the true potential of your venture.
• Hybrid Fusion Cross between a business plan sample and template to make customization more realistic.
• Simple Pricing: Straight forward pricing no long-term subscription or obligation. Purchase and instantly download and edit.

Click here for sample pages of this Auto Body Repair business plan template.

But we don’t want to sell you on EASY.

We want to make sure you obtain a researched market-specific business plan template you are able to build a realistic and truly investor-friendly business plan upon.

Real investors and lenders see 3 to 15 business plans a day.

With the big “Corporate” business plan template companies luring you in with an “Easy” business plan those very lenders see right through them.

With our plan templates, you will have something extensive, unique as well as researched to set you apart from the “Corporate” generic business fill-in-the-blank plan templates.

Know exactly what you will be receiving by viewing our sample pages for this business plan here.

Do it yourself and not only save but learn more about your business as well.

• Each complete plan takes us about 160 to 200 hours to research , write and create and is written in a way to make it easy to understand yet investor friendly. A professional business plan writer would charge a minimum of $650 to create a unique business plan of our length.
• This is the viable solution you have been looking for. A comprehensive template with full narrative specifically for your industry. Our business plans are investor friendly, and offered at a fraction of the cost of a professional business plan writer.
• We stand behind our quality. Our plans are in-depth and researched. If you are able to find a more researched, referenced, comprehensive, Auto Body Repair business template for the Auto Body Repair industry for a lower price we will refund your money.
• Don’t believe the MYTH of “Fill in the blanks” business plan templates. Each venture is unique as is each market. If someone promises you a “fill-in-the-blanks” template or automated way to create your business plan then you are effectively getting a generic plan. Our hybrid business plan offered here is researched written and formatted specifically for the Auto Body Repair industry.
• Before purchasing, please understand the usage of this document (Yes, you will have to put in some work)  we are honest about what we offer and provide screenshots of the documents you will be receiving so there is no misunderstanding.

A customized or turn-key document from a reputable professional business plan writer starts at $950 and a cost upwards of $5,500 or more (A Google search will show you this).

We are attempting to help you get started on a budget hence we are providing our extensive hybrid fusion business plan documents as a starting point for you to build your plan upon.

30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE.

Like any business, there are risks. I am so confident that this is the most comprehensive Auto Body Repair business offering out there that if you are able to find a more comprehensive Auto Body Repair business plan package that includes a 35+ page business plan template and matching Excel worksheet for a lower price, I will refund your money. Click here for terms and conditions.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A TURN-KEY SOLUTION, BUT AN EDITABLE TEMPLATE THAT IS MEANT TO SERVE AS A FOUNDATION/BASIS/OUTLINE ON WHICH YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL AUTO BODY REPAIR BUSINESS PLAN WITH SOME EFFORT.

THE BEST TIME IS NOW

There is never a better time than the present to start your Auto Body Repair business as the necessity for expert vehicle repair and restoration services remains paramount in today’s automotive industry. The resources we provide will help jump-start you. However, in the end, only you can choose to make a difference in your life.

*This is a Business Plan Template/Outline in Unlocked and Editable Microsoft Office and should only be used as a starting point/foundation to write your own plan. You will need to edit it for your needs.

CHOOSE THE OPTIONS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU. SSL Secured Checkout via PayPal or Credit Card. Your future Auto Body Repair customers are waiting.

Order Now Below

Disclaimers (Please read prior to purchase)

-This is an editable example business plan template, which is in between a business plan template and a sample. This is NOT a complete Turn-key business plan. Modify and use this Hybrid business plan template as a foundation to create your own plan. View Sample pages to see exactly what you will be receiving.

-We are unable to make any changes to this plan or excel sheet or pitch deck or documents for you.

-By purchasing these documents, you agree not to resell, copyright, or post them online.

-Digital Download for Microsoft Office XP 10.0 in Windows XP and higher versions.

-Will also open in Microsoft Office for Mac, however, some formatting issues may be present and will need to be corrected. For this reason, we are unable to guarantee 100% direct compatibility with Microsoft Office for Mac.

-This is a large Microsoft Word file. Please keep in mind that we are not responsible if your computer processor is unable to render them quickly. We have tested these files on multiple MACs and PCs and they render fine on our end. However, we are unable to account for or guarantee how the files will perform on your end due to various extensions and operating system performance. Although rare, if you are having rendering issues you may need to attempt to open and work on the Microsoft Word files on an alternative, newer or faster computer.

The best time to start is now. Purchase with confidence. SSL Secured Checkout and 30-Day Money Back Guarantee if you are able to find a more comprehensive and up-to-date plan and funding package combination for a lower price point.*

Thanks for scrolling down to the bottom of this page! Whether you purchase from us or not I wish you much success in your Auto Body Repair venture!

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Auto Body Shop Business Plan Template

Explore Options to Get a Business Plan.

Are you interested in starting your own Auto Body Shop Business?

Why write a business plan?

• Business Plans can help to articulate and flesh out the business’s goals and objectives. This can be beneficial not only for the business owner, but also for potential investors or partners
• Business Plans can serve as a roadmap for the business, helping to keep it on track and on target. This is especially important for businesses that are growing and evolving, as it can be easy to get sidetracked without a clear plan in place.
• Business plans can be a valuable tool for communicating the business’s vision to employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
• Business plans are one of the most affordable and straightforward ways of ensuring your business is successful.
• Business plans allow you to understand your competition better to critically analyze your unique business proposition and differentiate yourself from the market.
• Business Plans allow you to better understand your customer. Conducting a customer analysis is essential to create better products and services and market more effectively.
• Business Plans allow you to determine the financial needs of the business leading to a better understanding of how much capital is needed to start the business and how much fundraising is needed.
• Business Plans allow you to put your business model in words and analyze it further to improve revenues or fill the holes in your strategy.
• Business plans allow you to attract investors and partners into the business as they can read an explanation about the business.
• Business plans allow you to position your brand by understanding your company’s role in the marketplace.
• Business Plans allow you to uncover new opportunities by undergoing the process of brainstorming while drafting your business plan which allows you to see your business in a new light. This allows you to come up with new ideas for products/services, business and marketing strategies.
• Business Plans allow you to access the growth and success of your business by comparing actual operational results versus the forecasts and assumptions in your business plan. This allows you to update your business plan to a business growth plan and ensure the long-term success and survival of your business.

Business Plan Content

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Consumer Analysis
• Competitor Analysis & Advantages
• Marketing Strategies & Plan
• Plan of Action
• Management Team

The financial forecast template is an extensive Microsoft Excel sheet with Sheets on Required Start-up Capital, Salary & Wage Plans, 5-year Income Statement, 5-year Cash-Flow Statement, 5-Year Balance Sheet, 5-Year Financial Highlights and other accounting statements that would cost in excess of £1000 if obtained by an accountant.

The financial forecast has been excluded from the business plan template. If you’d like to receive the financial forecast template for your start-up, please contact us at [email protected] . Our consultants will be happy to discuss your business plan and provide you with the financial forecast template to accompany your business plan.

Instructions for the Business Plan Template

To complete your perfect Auto Body Shop business plan, fill out the form below and download our Auto Body Shop business plan template. The template is a word document that can be edited to include information about your Auto Body Shop business. The document contains instructions to complete the business plan and will go over all sections of the plan. Instructions are given in the document in red font and some tips are also included in blue font. The free template includes all sections excluding the financial forecast. If you need any additional help with drafting your business plan from our business plan template, please set up a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our consultants.

Ongoing Business Planning

Want a bespoke business plan for your auto body shop business, our expertise.

Website Design & Development for Auto Body Shop Businesses

A Guide to Social Media for Auto Body Shop Businesses

auto body shop Business Plan Template FAQs

What is a business plan for a/an auto body shop business, how to customize the business plan template for a auto body shop business, what financial information should be included in a auto body shop business plan, are there industry-specific considerations in the auto body shop business plan template, how to conduct market research for a auto body shop business plan, what are the common challenges when creating a business plan for a auto body shop business, how often should i update my auto body shop business plan, can i use the business plan template for seeking funding for a auto body shop business, what legal considerations are there in a auto body shop business plan, auto body shop business plan template faqs, what is a business plan for a/an auto body shop business, how to customize the business plan template for a auto body shop business, what financial information should be included in a auto body shop business plan, are there industry-specific considerations in the auto body shop business plan template, how to conduct market research for a auto body shop business plan, what are the common challenges when creating a business plan for a auto body shop business, how often should i update my auto body shop business plan, can i use the business plan template for seeking funding for a auto body shop business, what legal considerations are there in a auto body shop business plan.

How to Start a Body Shop Company – Sample Business Plan Template

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Automotive Industry

Do you want to start an auto body shop company from scratch? Or you need a sample auto body shop business plan template? If YES, then i advice you read on. In the news, we hear of auto accidents every now and then. This is regardless of whether it was caused by a drunk driver, or not. Accidents always occur on a regular basis and people will always require auto body work. This is why all over the world we see that body shops have continued to spring up on a daily basis. This is because of the never ending need for it.

Body shop business is a money-spinning career opportunity. Operating a body shop can be hard work, but you can be rest assured to smile to the bank at the end of the day. When you run this type of business you assume the role of a problem solver because you help solve a rightful problem. However, it is imperative to note that starting this trade requires a whole lot of focus.

If you are decided and are really enthusiastic about knowing what the body shop business is all about and how to start yours, then it becomes important that you take these step below really seriously. The steps to be reeled out in this article are such that has helped those who have thriving body shop businesses. Now, let us see those steps that are indispensable when it comes to opening a body shop.

Starting a Body Shop Company – Sample Business Plan Template

1. learn a lot about body shops.

The first rule of thumb is that you must learn everything you can about auto body works, as well as painting cars. This is because you would grasp a whole lot, when you research on a topic that isn’t too clear. You can consider reading books on auto body works; ask those who are already in the line of business how they have been able to cope in the past years, how much it took them to set up a body work business, amongst many other questions.

2. Learn the Skill

Even though this skill may be difficult to learn, but you have got to give it a shot if you want to delve into this business. It is imperative that as you start a business, you learn the skill involved in it. That said, and then you may consider attending a vocational or technical auto repair program. This singular can put you in a top position in the industry because you are able to put all you have learned into practice.

3. Work in an Auto Shop

If you aren’t satisfied at the level of knowledge that you have been able to garner, then you can look at finding a job and serving in an auto body shop for a certain period of time so that you can learn the basics. When you put yourself in this position, you may also learn the day to day running processes of a body shop company.

4. Register Your Business

This is not the type of business that you can possibly start at home. This is because of the noise that some of the machines used in this industry emits. Much more than that, operating a body shop from home may mean that you would be exposing yourself as well others to very harsh chemical odors that may be hazardous to the health. So, do ensure that you do all the paper work that registering a business entails.

5. Generate a business plan for your auto body shop

There are very vital templates that must be included in your body shop business plan. They include; what services you offer and your eventual business intention. Also, you should have financial projections like;   revenue and expected expenses, short term and long term business goals. It should also include a comprehensive analysis of your competition in the area you want to site your body shop.

6. Pool Resources Together

This is one business that may gulp quite a lot of money. Therefore, you would need to secure funding for your body shop. You may consider angel investors who are all out scouting for businesses to promote. You can also seek a loan facility from a bank or a micro finance bank. If you are lucky and you find an angel investor, do ensure that you have a well packaged business plan to tender.

7. Discover a location for your auto body shop

You would need a space where a garage with several bays can be built. There should also be some office spaces attached. You may need to tell your realtor to find this space in a commercial area that can be visible to a lot of people who may need your services. This business must be located in the heart of town.

8. Insure Your Business

It is important that you purchase an insurance policy for your auto body shop. Do ensure that this includes a general liability protection, as well as property coverage. Also, it is important that you have workers’ compensation insurance for your employees.

9. Hire Workers

More often than not operating a body shop means that you will hire mechanics for your business. This means that you will need to take into service mechanics that are proficient and have been through a training program.

10. Procure Equipment

If you do not have a relationship with parts suppliers, then it is important that you do so. This is so that you can offer affordable services. Once you secure them, then you can purchase the equipment that you will need for your shop. This will comprise of lifts, tools and the initial parts inventory.

11 . Advertise your auto body business

Having a solid advertising strategy is very vital. Here are some marketing steps that you may consider adopting; leveraging on the internet, advertising through the radio and on television, as well as the print media. You may also consider offering discounts to new customers so that they can stay attracted to your service.

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Money blog: Major buy now, pay later firm collapses - warning issued to customers of big high street chains

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and advice. Let us know your thoughts on any of the topics we're covering using the comments box below.

Tuesday 25 June 2024 20:43, UK

• Major buy now, pay later firm collapses - warning issued to customers of big high street chains
• Nvidia shares slide after briefly becoming world's most valuable company
• PrettyLittleThing deactivating customers' accounts for making too many returns

Essential reads

• Women in Business : 'Her baby was choking' - How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back to dealership six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• Barcelona to ban all holiday apartment rentals by 2028
• Basically... Guarantors
• The mortgage chokehold facing old-age Britons
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

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A major buy now, pay later platform has collapsed into administration.

Payments have been suspended for Laybuy users, who number in the hundreds of thousands, according to savings platform Raisin UK.

The lender has disabled its website and app, with customers unable to create accounts or receive and make payments.

"At present, the administrators are not accepting any new transactions for Laybuy; however, it is critical that customers continue to make their repayments as normal," warned Kevin Mountford, Raisin UK founder.

If administrators can sell the business, customer debt would be sold on and they would be expected to have made all their payments, he said.

"This news will be incredibly frustrating for their customers across the globe and will be unsettling news for the thousands of users in the UK who have used Laybuy for purchases from leading retailers like Amazon, Marks & Spencer and Next."

He called for buy now, pay later platforms to face better regulation to protect customers, especially given they contribute to credit scores.

Two Bristol-based start-ups are trialing whether urine passed at Glastonbury festival can be used as eco-friendly fertiliser, reports The Times .

Peequal, which provides the UK's largest music festival with female urinals, and NPK Recovery have developed a way to recover nutrients that encourage plant growth from waste, such as nitrogen and potassium.

This week, Peequal will collect thousands of litres of festival-goers' urine to be processed at NPK's lab, before it is administered to plants in a greenhouse.

Premier League clubs raked in a record £6bn in revenues in 2022-23, but their combined losses grew too - by 16%.

Deloitte's Sports Business Group report found pre-tax losses for the top-flight clubs of £685m over the period.

Wages and costs associated with player transfers were blamed for the red figure.

Read more here ...

Thames Water is not in line for nationalisation should Labour win the election, its shadow business and trade secretary has said.

"I wouldn't want to see a nationalisation. I think there should be a solution that falls short of that," said Jonathan Reynolds in a Bloomberg TV election debate.

Thames Water has been plunged into crisis, with representatives of its multinational syndicate of shareholders refusing to inject the billions of pounds of funding required to bail it out.

Just one week ago, Nvidia became the world's most valuable company.

The chipmaker - whose shares had risen nine-fold since the end of 2022 -  overtook Microsoft  as its stock market valuation reached $3.34trn (£2.63trn).

Since then, the shares have fallen by 13%, declining in each of the last three trading sessions.

That has been enough to clip more than $500bn (£394bn) from  Nvidia's  stock market valuation.

So what's going on?

Read my analysis here ...

Amazon has announced another Prime Day sale next month. 

The discount event, which is only available to Prime members, will be held on 16 and 17 July. 

It typically takes place twice a year - once in July and again in October, with deals dropping regularly on a range of products. 

Based on last year's event, Which? expects the online giant to offer discounts across most of its departments, including electronics, kitchen appliances, baby products and health and personal care.

The consumer website predicts an Amazon Fire TV Cube, Ring Stick Battery Cam, Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 air fryer and Shark cordless vacuum could be some of the big ticket items on sale. 

If you aren't already a Prime member, you might be able to sign up for a free trial before the sales begin, and then cancel it before you get charged. 

To do this, you should cancel within 30 days, or you'll be switched automatically onto a regular membership, which is £8.99 a month.

If you're a student, you can get six months for free. You'll need to prove your course enrolment by providing Amazon with your university email address. 

Just 18% of companies in the UK are led by women, and while data suggests female entrepreneurs are on the rise, men still receive more funding and are entrusted with higher average loans to get them started.

In an eight-part series every Tuesday, Money blog reporter  Jess Sharp  speaks to women who are bossing it in their respective fields - hearing their stories, struggles and advice for those who want to follow in their footsteps.

This week, she has spoken to Jenni Dunman, the founder and owner of Daisy First Aid... 

Many people dream all their lives of starting a business - for Jenni, it was literally an accident.

"I was on a day off and went for a coffee with a friend, she had her daughter in a high chair, her daughter choked, and she didn't know what to do," Jenni explained.

"Being a police officer, I already had first aid training, so I was able to pick her daughter up and give her back blows, remove the blockage really quickly and she made a full recovery.

"I went home to my husband that night and said 'why don't parents know this really basic stuff'."

The genius idea of first aid classes aimed at giving medical attention to children was born - and now, having started with just £400, Daisy First Aid is on the brink of going global.

It has been quite a journey for Jenni, who left education at 16, moved out of her family home and worked three jobs just to make rent. 

Living in Crystal Palace in southeast London at the time, she says she wasn't surrounded by the best crowd and after losing a child and ultimately trying to take her own life, she decided to make a drastic change. 

"I went through a really dark time in my life and sort of decided at that point after hitting rock bottom I either had to try again and be successful or completely change my life," the 44-year-old said.

Jenni joined the Metropolitan Police. 

"I wasn't living in a particularly nice area or hanging around with particularly nice people, so I decided I was just going to completely cut ties with everyone," she said.

Back in the days of her training, the police would cover the cost of accommodation and food for new recruits during their 18-week course, she explained. 

"I basically had somewhere to completely restart my life. It completely changed my life. I loved it."

Jenni eventually worked her way up to detective sergeant, met her husband in the force when he came to her rescue, and was one of the first officers on the scene during the 7/7 Bombings.

"I think probably that's where I found my love for first aid initially," she said. "I really loved that side of things". 

The emergency situation that sparked her idea 

Several years later and now a mother-of-two, Jenni was finding it difficult to juggle work and her busy home life. 

It was while she was pregnant with her third child in 2013 that she came up with her business idea, sparked by the incident in the cafe.

"They do all these amazing parenting classes but if your baby stops breathing, or they choke, or they have a seizure, why aren't they taught this basic first aid?" she said.

Jenni started searching online at what big organisations were already offering, and found a gap in the market with classes directed solely at parents. 

One pavilion, two customers and a friendly favour 

Initially, she started by setting up one first aid class in her local pavilion in Sutton and putting a post on Facebook inviting people and their babies to come along. 

The two-hour class taught people about the signs of meningitis, how to deal with burns and seizures, and broken bones in a way that was "simple and easy to remember". 

Her initial start up costs came to £400, which was mostly spent on mannequins for the class.

"I had two bookings, which both paid £25, and I asked all my friends to join me to make it look busy, so they all came with their babies and we had a great class," Jenni said. 

After that, word spread quickly and she started getting more and more customers as her business organically grew. 

"I took a career break from the police and I started getting bookings from London, Surrey, Kent... I realised I was actually onto something," she said.

Learning, learning, and more learning

As her company blossomed and she struggled to fill demand, Jenni started looking into how it should be structured. 

From the beginning, she wanted a work-life balance that she hadn't been offered in the police, and worked her hours around the school run and pick up. 

Using Google and teaching herself, she came across the idea of franchising. 

"I knew nothing about starting a business, I knew absolutely zero, so I very much learnt along the way. I learnt how to franchise and tried and tested the model," she said. 

"I took on two franchises, who were both female police officers who lived in other areas, and taught them how to grow their business and do what I was doing.

"It just sort of exploded beautifully and really quickly scaled into what it is now, which 115 franchises across the UK with plans for worldwide expansion.

"We have helped to save hundreds of thousands of babies' lives." 

'I get offers for investment - but I turn them down' 

Daisy First Aid is now planning to launch in Dubai by the end of the year, with Jenni having aspirations to take it to Australia and Europe as well.

"What was supposed to be a little business for me, to help me get a little statutory maternity pay, has ended up being life-changing for me and my other franchisees," she said. 

Unlike many businesses, Jenni has never taken any investment, funding the initial set up herself and growing it ever since. 

"I probably get offers of investment twice a month, but I have never taken investment, so I own 100% of the business. Some people think I'm crazy, but I'm just really happy," she said. 

"The model we have works so beautifully and we know we can replicate that anywhere."

What about the challenges? 

Jenni said the "biggest battle" she had overcome was her own mind, and it was something she still had to work on every day.

"I think that most of us are taught from our parents, our ancestors and beyond, to just survive life and stay safe... you know, go to school, get a job, get a pension, retire and then you die," she said.

"I really think now that we can remove those blocks just to open up because we are meant for more." 

She explained how she has had to work for the last 20 years to get over the fear of failure but also the "fear of bragging and success". 

"By far, my biggest challenge is myself and my own self sabotage," she added. 

"There are so many fears that we all have that stop us from achieving more."  

Jenni's advice 

Jenni confessed that she was "massively obsessed" with learning, and advised others to research and teach themselves the skills they lack. 

"All the information is out there online, whatever you need, you can find it out, but also don't be afraid to ask other experts for help," she said. 

She recalled the first time she hired an accountant, and she asked him to explain everything to her like she was 10.

"Sometimes as entrepreneurs, people expect us to know everything, but we're never going to know anything. We can be brave enough to ask other experts, though.

"There are so many people who will give up their spare time to help you, and there is so much information online, so it doesn't have to be costly." 

She also takes these five daily steps to keep her mindset positive:

• Practice gratitude - take time to remember and feel grateful for positive things in your life 
• Set out your goals - write them down and illustrate them
• Be mindful of your words - stop moaning and don't be negative. Changing the words you use out loud and in your head can have a positive impact
• Create a wave of happiness - do one thing a day to make someone else happy - it will encourage them to do the same
• Leave positive reviews and give compliments - if someone has done a good job, tell them about it.

HSBC is the latest lender to announce a wide range of mortgage rate cuts as swap rates improve.

While the details of the changes won't be published until tomorrow, brokers believe the move will prompt more reductions from other high street banks.

And if a Bank of England rate cut comes in August, "all bets are off", Katy Eatenton, mortgage specialist at Lifetime Wealth Management, told Newspage.

"Summer is here and the sun is finally shining over borrowers, who have been in the swap rate shade for too long," she said.

While the market has been lethargic over the election period, these reductions could "be the starting pistol to a campaign of 'summer sizzlers' from lenders", said Andrew Montlake, managing director at Coreco.

He said the period could be a "good time to bag a deal" before a new government is elected.

HSBC is following in the footsteps of Barclays and MPowered Mortgages, which cut their rates yesterday.

Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages, said: "Rate cuts across the majority of their range will be welcome by all types of borrower, and will accelerate the reaction from other high street lenders."

But a broader market shift is still needed to truly spark the housing market, said Ranald Mitchell, director at Charwn Private Clients.

Nestle is abandoning its new recipe for Nesquik milkshakes following a backlash from shoppers.

The food giant swapped out maltodextrin for rice flour in an attempt to improve the product's texture, but consumers complained it left a "vile sludge" in their drink.

The food giant is returning to the original ingredients for the products, strawberry and banana-flavoured milkshake mix, next month, The Grocer reports .

"The new recipe for banana Nesquik is utterly disgusting with a vile sludge left at the bottom of the glass. Your quality control has messed up big time here," posted one shopper on X.

Another wrote: "Whatever you have done to the strawberry powder recipe, please change it back. 

"I opened a new tub yesterday and it tastes weird and gets really thick at the bottom. I have a pint or two a day and it's never been like this."

Others took to Reddit to vent: "The last two weeks have been miserable with the sludge at the bottom and I thought I had a ruined batch of powder."

Sky News has contacted Nestle for comment.

A spokesperson for the company told The Grocer: "Our aim is always to have the best possible recipe on the market and we sometimes make changes that aim to improve on existing recipes.

"On this occasion the change has not been popular with consumers and we have listened to their feedback.

"We can confirm the old recipe is going back into production and it should be in stores in July. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused."

By  James Sillars , business news reporter

We're going to start with some more big movements for Nvidia's share price.

The AI-leading chipmaker claimed the crown from Microsoft last Wednesday to become the world's most valuable listed company.

The stock was going great guns and up by 170% in the year to date at that point.

However, the stellar rally stopped in its tracks, and Nvidia's shares have since entered so-called correction territory, according to analysts.

Nvidia's market value was, at one stage, more than 10% below its peak, losing around $430bn over three days.

It's now worth $2.91trn, according to LSEG data.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, wrote this morning: "The selloff hit suddenly, right after the company stole the status of the world’s most valuable company from Microsoft.

"There has been no bad news regarding the company's fundamentals on the newswire, no analyst downgrades, no soft forecasts, no rumours of slowing sales.

"It's just that the end of last quarter and the first half may have brought some investors to take some profit and go to the sidelines."

Nvidia currently stands at number three in the value table behind Microsoft and Apple.

Elsewhere this morning, the FTSE 100 has opened flat following a 0.5% gain on Monday.

It is trading at 8,287 - up just five points.

We are still keeping a close eye on the oil market as costs climb. A barrel of Brent is $1, up on yesterday at $86.

The latest increase was attributed to new forecasts of strong demand during the traditional US summer vacation (forgive the Americanism) season.

The number of job vacancies across the country has marginally increased this month, but there are areas where companies appear to be hiring more. 

Research by Adzuna found London has the most job vacancies, with 154,506 roles being advertised, followed by the South East with 131,973 - an increase of 1.2% since April. 

In Northern Ireland, the number of opportunities has fallen by 1.5% to just 7,790.

In terms of cities, Cambridge offers the most chance of finding a job with just 0.34 unemployed people per role and 7,276 jobs available. 

This is followed by Guildford (0.49) and Exeter (0.63).

Bradford remains the hardest city to find a job, with 7.94 jobseekers per role. 

Rochdale and Middlesbrough also have high jobseeker-to-role ratios, at 4.86 and 4.57 respectively. 

Monthly advertised salary figures have also fallen for the first time since October 2023, down 0.11% to £38,765. 

This is despite the recent National Living Wage hike to £11.44 per hour.

While slightly weaker salaries could help relieve some tightness in the labour market, it may also suggest increasing vacancies for entry or junior-level roles with lower salaries.

In comparison, annual salaries are still up 2.69% compared with May 2023. 

Unsurprisingly, London was found to be offering the highest average salaries at £44,863, which is up 1.47% on last year. 

Wales was the region with the lowest typical salary at £34,048. 

Basically… a guarantor is someone who agrees to cover another person's bill in the event they can't pay it.

Guarantors are sometimes required when taking out a loan or mortgage, or moving into a rented property, if the person responsible for the bills doesn't meet income requirements.

For renting, a landlord might also request a guarantor if the tenant has limited renting history, a low credit score or other factors that would deem them at risk of missing payments.

Who can be a guarantor, and what are they responsible for?

The simple answer is - almost anyone.

Often it'll be a parent - especially for young people renting for the first time or taking their first steps onto the property ladder - or a spouse.

But friends and other relatives can be guarantors too.

The basic requirements for being a guarantor are:

• Aged over 18, or over 21, depending on who is making the request
• Good credit history
• Financial stability - a certain amount of savings or income

Being a homeowner will also make you more desirable as a guarantor, as it shows that you have a way of covering costs if you need to. You usually have to live in the UK too.

What the guarantor is legally responsible for can vary depending on what's written in the guarantee.

In the case of renting, the guarantor is usually responsible for paying rent if the tenant can't for any reason. They might also have to cover repairs if the tenant damages the property.

In extreme cases, the guarantor might be called on to cover legal costs faced by the landlord due to the tenant.

What happens if the guarantor can't pay?

If you can't pay the lender or landlord what you owe, they may turn to your guarantor at this point, if another agreement can't be worked out.

In the rare event that the guarantor can't - or even won't - pay, they could be taken to court. It's likely that remediation action would be taken before it gets to this point, but the guarantor signs a legally binding contract, so it can happen.

Not paying the debt could also impact the guarantor's credit history.

Read other entries in our Basically series...

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Auto Repair Service Business Plan

Start your own auto repair service business plan

Quick and Dirty Auto Repair

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

Between having a high level of commuting traffic, and an equally high level of tourism traffic on local highways, there is a constant significant demand for auto repair services and auto parts. Convenience is a must for most middle and upper-class consumers and travelers. Where can they go to meet their needs?

Quick and Dirty Auto Repair aims to offer high-quality auto repair services and a full range of auto parts. QDAR focuses on personalized service to its customers by offering convenience and rapid service. Additionally, QDAR is technologically savvy with computerized monitoring of all parts inventory, to ensure that parts are always in stock while keeping a balanced level of inventory to maximize inventory turnover. Finally, QDAR has strong vendor relationships with the most service conscious vendors who are capable of shipping major parts rapidly (on an overnight timeline in most cases).

The market of auto repair services and parts sales is very fragmented. The majority of auto shops usually offer either repair services or parts inventory. The niche where QDAR positions itself represents auto centers that offer both auto services and parts at one convenient location. Middle and upper class customers to whom QDAR will cater its services are less price sensitive as they value the convenience of quick turnaround (on any model/make of car) and high quality of services.

CompetitionWhy Us? Quick and Dirty Auto Repair aims to offer high-quality auto repair services and a full range of auto parts. QDAR focuses on personalized service to its customers by offering convenience and rapid service. Additionally, QDAR is technologically savvy with computerized monitoring of all parts inventory, to ensure that parts are always in stock, while keeping a balanced level of inventory to maximize inventory turnover. Finally, QDAR has strong vendor relationships with the most service conscious vendors who are capable of shipping major parts rapidly (on an overnight timeline in most cases).

There are over 400 auto repair and auto parts competitors in the local area. Only a quarter of these competitors offer both auto repair services and auto parts inventories. Among these, only a few are major national chains. The remainder are small privately-owned establishments. QDAR will compete well by focusing on convenience and offering a high level of customer service. Additionally, its honest reputation will be a major factor in repeat business and building a large base of regular, loyal customers.

Quick and Dirty Auto Repair aims to offer high-quality auto repair services and a full range of auto parts. QDAR focuses on personalized service to its customers by offering convenience and rapid service. Additionally, QDAR is technologically savvy with computerized monitoring of all parts inventory, to ensure that parts are always in stock, while keeping a balanced level of inventory to maximize inventory turnover. Finally, QDAR has strong vendor relationships with the most service conscious vendors who are capable of shipping major parts rapidly (on an overnight timeline in most cases).

Expectations

QDAR’s analysis is based on the averages of the first-year figures for total sales by units, and for operating expenses. These conservative assumptions make for a more accurate estimate of real risk.

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

Our investment is $250,000:

Jake Brakes $62,500

Blair Horn $62,500

Yugo Ford $62,500

Gaz Motor $62,500

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving.

Between having a high level of commuting traffic, and an equally high level of tourism traffic on local highways, there is a constant significant demand for auto repair services and auto parts. Convenience is a must for most middle and upper-class consumers and travelers. Where can they go to meet their needs

Our Solution

Target market, market size & segments.

QDAR has a focus on meeting the demand of a regular local resident customer base, as well as towed vehicle drop-ins from local and freeway traffic traveling on nearby freeways. QDAR has established relationships with a few major local tow truck companies for referral business of stalled vehicles requiring a tow to an auto repair facility.

The company estimates that about 80% of revenues will come from the established local clientele and 20% from the local and freeway traffic tow-ins. The table below further estimates the total market potential of the type of services rendered by QDAR in the Portland metropolitan area.

4.1 Market Segmentation

QDAR focuses on the middle and upper-income markets. This market looks for high quality, rapid service with as much convenience as possible. Most individuals in this market segment are willing to pay an extra premium within the pricing of auto repair services to avoid the common inconveniences of having a vehicle tied up in a repair shop.

Local residents regular customer base QDAR wants to establish a significantly large regular customer base. This will establish a healthy, consistent revenue base to ensure the stability of the business.

Emergency towing local and freeway traffic Emergency towing of local and freeway traffic comprises approximately 20% of revenues. Convenience, regular referrals from tow truck companies, and high quality, rapid service are critical to capturing this segment of the market.

Current Alternatives

There are over 400 auto repair and auto parts competitors in the local area. Only a quarter of these competitors offer both auto repair services and auto parts inventories. Among these, only a few are major national chains. The remainder are small privately-owned establishments. QDAR will compete well by focusing on convenience and offering a high level of customer service. Additionally, its honest reputation will be a major factor in repeat business and building a large base of regular, loyal customers.

Primary competitors are engaged principally in the retail sale of automotive parts, tires and accessories, automotive maintenance and service and the installation of parts. Larger competitors have adopted the "supercenter" store model, a freestanding, "one-stop" shopping automotive warehouse that features state-of-the-art service bays. These "supercenters" carry thousands of stock-keeping units and serve the automotive aftermarket needs of the "do-it-yourself," the "do-it-for-me" (automotive service), tire and "buy-for-resale" customer sectors.

Large competitors’ stores typically carry the same basic product line, with variations based on the number and type of cars registered in the different markets. A full complement of inventory at a typical supercenter includes an average of approximately 25,000 items.

Automotive product lines usually include:

• Suspension parts.
• Ignition parts.
• Exhaust systems.
• Engines and engine parts.
• Oil and air filters, belts, hoses, and air conditioning parts.
• Wiper blades.
• brake parts.
• Chemicals, including oil, antifreeze, polishes, additives, cleansers and paints.
• Mobile electronics, including sound systems, alarms, and remote vehicle starters.
• Car accessories, including seat covers, floor mats, and exterior accessories.
• Hand tools, including sockets, wrenches, ratchets, paint and body tools, jacks and lift equipment, automotive specialty tools and test gauges.
• A selection of truck, van, and sport utility vehicle accessories.

Additionally, a number of competitors have electronic work order systems available amongst their various service centers. This type of system creates a service history for each vehicle, provides customers with a comprehensive sales document, and enables the service center to maintain a service customer database.

Our Advantages

QDAR’s competitive edge is the heavy focus on customer convenience by offering unlimited shuttle service, rapid turnaround on auto repair jobs, and a referral network of a few local major tow truck companies.

Keys to Success

Our keys to success will include:

• Expedient and convenient auto repair services.
• Growing and maintaining a referral network of local towing service companies.
• A wide range of auto parts inventory that is (nearly) never out of stock.
• Rapid order and delivery of major auto parts items.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

QDAR will focus on its target market, the middle and upper-class market, and establish a reputable image from that target market’s perspective, by offering convenience, expedient auto repair services, customer service excellence, and by working with local towing companies.

QDAR will focus its sales strategy on effectively reaching the target customer segment of upper and middle-class customers. For this purposes, the company will employ direct sales staff. At the same time, the company will further strengthen its relationships with the tow truck companies to capture auto repair needs of the local and highway traffic.

QDAR has the core competencies amongst its large crew to work on all makes and models of domestic and foreign vehicles. With ten service bays at each location and all employees focused on superior customer service, a quick turnaround is always the standard at QDAR. QDAR strives to be accurate and honest with customers in terms of quoting cost estimates and repair completion time estimates. QDAR employees focus on delivering what they promise. This focus on building strong customer relationships based on trust and integrity will be the catalyst in establishing a strong regular customer base.

QDAR utilizes the highest degree of technology in managing a full range of auto parts inventory. The goal is to never be out of a specific part while maximizing inventory turnover. Strong vendor relationships have been established with the most reputable vendors in terms of shipping time of major parts.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table.

Key Metrics

Our Key metrics are: 

• Average gross margin
• Average revenue per engagement
• Repeat business
• cost of inventory and training 
• # of tweets and retweets which tell us which customers are saying what 
• # of return customers 
• # of business relationships 

Ownership & Structure

QDAR is incorporated in the state of Oregon. It is privately owned by Jake Braques, Blair Horne, Hyugo Ford and Gaz Môder. To attract additional financing, the owners may consider taking QDAR public several years down the road.

Management Team

QDAR has a strong management team that will allow them to execute on this exciting idea. QDAR has four partners, Jake Braques, Blair Horne, Hyugo Ford, and Gaz Môder. Jake has a background of sales, 12 years at the nation’s second largest Ford dealership. He will be overseeing the sales and marketing for the organization. Blair’s background is in management from Siemen’s automobile division where he was a Vice President overseeing a department of 565 people. Hyugo is also a product of the auto industry, specifically the auto repair and parts sales industry. Hyugo spent six years at NAPA Auto Parts and then seven years at Repair-It, Oregon’s largest independent auto repair facility. At both organizations Hyugo had multiple roles within the organization allowing him to bring to QDAR a broad skill set. Lastly, Gaz brings QDAR 10 years of finance and administration experience. Gaz was trained at GM and later in his career took a position at Delco Parts. The incredible breadth of skill sets and knowledge that the management team possesses will allow QDAR to accomplish their lofty sales goals.

QDAR is an exciting business opportunity that addresses the unmet need of having a full service auto repair facility that also has a complete retail parts center. These distinct but complimentary services will have benchmarked customer service, something that the industry is not known for having. QDAR will be led by a seasoned management team of four, all of whom have extensive industry experience.

Personnel Table

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Key assumptions.

Our key assumptions are: 

• People need cars to get to their jobs on time and make money. 
• Cars break down 
• Not everyone has the ability to pay for new parts and expensive service. 

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

We will be buying $350K long term assets mainly shop equipment. The rest of the money will be spent on legal fees. 

Sources of Funds

Each of the founders will contribute a fourth of the initial investment of $250K. We are also taking on a long-term loan and some credit card debt.

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash Flow Statement

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The Fair of Nijni-Novgorod

Edna dean proctor.

  Was ever such a crowd?

Here Turks and Jews and Gypsies,

  There Persians haughty-browed;

With silken-robed Celestials,

  And Frenchmen from the Seine,

And Khivans and Bokhariotes,—

  Heirs of the Oxus plain.

Here stalk Siberian hunters;

  There tents a Kirghiz clan

By mournful-eyed Armenians

  From wave-girt Astrakhan;

And Russ and Pole and Tartar,

  And mounted Cossack proud,—

Now, by the Tower of Babel,

Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Take a first-rate trip to Russia's fifth city

Ershov_Maks/Getty Images

Although it's Russia's fifth-largest city, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Nizhny Novgorod. Notwithstanding that another Russian city is simply called " Novgorod ," the current name of the city just doesn't have a memorable ring to it. (By contrast, its name during the Soviet years — Gorky, like the famous author — was much more iconic.) At any rate, this city of just over a million around six hours east of Moscow is more than worth a visit. These are just 12 reasons why!

Tour the Kremlin's 13 Towers

Like most every other city in Russia, Nizhny Novgorod is home to a Kremlin. (The word "kremlin" means "citadel" in Russian, and has nothing to do with the modern Russian government) One thing that elevated the Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod above others in Russia (with the possible exception of the Moscow Kremlin and one or two others), however, is the fact that its wall has 13 towers. During the summer months, at least one free walking tour per day operates from the main entrance of Nizhny Novgorod's Kremlin.

Climb Russia's Longest Staircase

Named for one of the most famous Russian pilots of the early aviation age (Valery Chkalov), the Chkalov Stairs connect two of Nizhny Novgorod's public squares, which sit on the upper and lower embankments of the Volga River, respectively. Built in 1943 (during the period when Nizhny Novgorod was known as Gorky), the Chkalov Stairs currently have the distinction of being the longest staircase in Russia.

Go Wild at Limpopo Zoo

One thing that surprises many travelers to Nizhny Novgorod is how amazing its zoo, colloquially known as Limpopo is. In addition to being home to a tropical botanical garden (which, not surprisingly, is indoors), the zoo hosts a variety of reptiles, mammals and birds. There's also a small sculpture park on the grounds of Nizhny Novgorod's zoo, including both original and replica pieces.

Shop (or Just Stroll) Along a Storied High Street

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street has been the de-facto "Main Street" of Nizhny Novgorod for more than 200 years. Well, minus the Soviet Union period, during which the cafes that once (and now) lined it became somewhat worthless, since intellectual conversations were basically forbidden. These days, you can come here for a cup of Russian tea then shop at the dozens of boutiques you'll find on either side of the street.

Sun Yourself at the Spit

Nizhny Novgorod sits at the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, with the triangle of land at the point they meet being known as the Nizhny Novgorod Spit. Ignoring the unfortunate double-meaning of its name for a moment, this is actually a wonderful place to get a tan, if it's summer in the city and the sun happens to be shining. Even if not, photographers will enjoy a trip here for a view of the Kremlin and city center across the Volga.

Marvel at the Open-Air Museum of Rozhdestvenskaya Street

Like Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, Rozhdestvenskaya Street has long been one of the most important streets in Nizhny Novgorod. However, while the former has become a primarily commercial artery in recent decades, the charm of the latter is in its well-maintained buildings, which hearken back to the mid-18th century. In fact, some locals go so far as to consider Rozhdestvenskaya Street an "open-air museum."

Ride Russia's Newest Cable Car

Russian investment in infrastructure isn't quite as dramatic as that of, say, China, but the Federation has nonetheless built a selection of interesting and modern transportation systems since the fall of the USSR. Among them is the just-opened cable car, which travels from the center of Nizhny Novgorod over the Volga River to suburban Bor. At any rate, a ride over the river and back is definitely worth inclusion on your list of things to do in Nizhny Novgorod.

Taste Traditional Shchi Soup

Shchi is one of Nizhy Novgorod's most delicious local specialties, available in most every local restaurant that serves Russian food. From above, a bowl of shchi seems incredibly complicated, with a colorful palette that suggests the inclusion of dozens of diverse ingredients. In fact, the magic of shchi is in its simplicity. Building on the traditional pan-Russian recipe of cabbage, pork fat and salt (yes, just three ingredients), locals in Nizhny Novgorod sometimes add minced meat or egg whites as bonus items, then top the tangy soup with a dollop of sour cream.

Survey Amazing Russian Orthodox Architecture

Think the only amazing Russian Orthodox churches are in Moscow and St. Petersburg? Think again. Nizhny Novgorod boasts several amazing examples of Russian Orthodox architecture. From the brilliant golde domes John the Baptist Cathedral near the Volga River, to the expansive grounds of 14th-century Pechersky Ascension Monastery, Nizhny Novgorod is an architecture buff's dream!

Take a Look Back in Time

Nizhny Novgorod's historical center is relatively large and well-preserved, but a stroll (or 10) through it isn't the only way to get a feel for the city's centuries-long past. Head to the Russian Museum of Photography, which not only showcases a variety of images of Nizhny Novgorod that date back a century or even longer, but also spotlights the equipment Russian photographers have used throughout the years, and notable figures in Russia's photography history as well.

Visit the Convent from the Movie "Salt"

You'd be forgiven if you've entirely forgotten the 2010 film "Salt." However, if you remember any destination from this spy thriller, it's likely the facade of Makaryev Convent, which is located within day-trip distance of Nizhny Novgorod. Having served as a monastery from its consecration in the early 15th century up until the beginning of the Russian Revolution, Makaryev became a convent after the fall of the Soviet Union , and is now home to 22 nuns.

Take an Excursion to a 12th-Century Tea Town

Another worthwhile day trip from Nizhny Novgorod is to the town of Gorodets, which sits about an hour to its northwest. With a history dating back to the 12th century, Gorodets boasts an interesting array of architecture and museums, including one dedicated to samovars. 

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• The Top 10 Things To...

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Located about 400km east of Moscow , Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most important centers of cultural, economic, and political activity in European Russia . Widely considered, after St Petersburg and Moscow, to be Russia’s ‘third city’, Nizhny is fast becoming a hot-spot for Russian and global tourists alike, attracted by the city’s up-and-coming reputation and stunning landscape.

The Kremlin

Jutting out from the cliffs that overlook the meeting point of the great Volga and Oka rivers, Nizhny Novgorod ‘s ancient Kremlin boasts of some of the best views in the city. Designed by an Italian architect, the 13 magnificent towers and the 12 meter high walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin date back to 1500. On this very spot in 1612, heroes of Russian history Kuzma Minin and Count Dmitry Pozharsky defeated the invading Polish army in extraordinary circumstances. This moment has become legend in Russian history and a statue in honor of these two lies at the foot of St Basil’s in Moscow. The Kremlin is the historic center of the city where you will find an art museum and the lovely Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, as well as a striking monument to those that fought in the Second World War and its flame eternally flickering on in their memory.

Ride on the cable car

Completed in 2012, taking a ride on Nizhny Novgorod’s cablecar has fast become a favorite activity of tourists. The trip offers unparalleled opportunities to view the city’s gorgeous natural landscape from this bird’s eye position. The 3660m long gondola lift connects Nizhny to the town of Bor and stretches across the Volga River for 900 panoramic meters. The gondola acts as both a convenient means of transportation and a fantastic sight-seeing expedition – come at sunset for a golden-bathed view of the river and surrounding landscape.

The house-museum of Maxim Gorky

During the Soviet era, Nizhny Novgorod, birthplace of celebrated Russian writer Maxim Gorky , was renamed ‘Gorky’ in honor of this national hero. This home has been preserved in a state as accurate as possible to how it was left by Gorky and is so successful in this that it would seem as though the writer still lived there. The museum ‘s historic interiors and authentic furnishings will transport you back to the 1900s and the creative world of this icon of Russian literature. Come and make the most of this unique experience to delve into the childhood world of this Russian father of social realism. Museum booklets and guided tours are available in English.

Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka

A yarmarka is something akin to a fair, and this historic former market place was restored in 1991, the site now playing home to a superb modern exhibition center. The city’s yarmarka plays host to international events, fairs, and conventions. In 2011, for the 20 year anniversary of the fair’s refounding, a vast array of exhibitions were organized, attended by thousands including members of the British royal family, Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Gorbachev , and Margaret Thatcher . The fair is not only a buzzing center of business and culture, it is also one of the city’s most impressive sights.

The Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum

Located inside Nizhny Novgorod’s ancient Kremlin, the building that houses this art gallery was once the home of the governor of the city. The exhibits are wide-ranging and include everything from 14th century religious icons, to work by 20th century contemporary Russian masters. Particularly dazzling is the collection by Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. There is also a large arts and crafts collection which demonstrates the exquisite handiwork of Russian artisans throughout history.

1. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street

Bolshaya pokrovskaya street.

An excellent spot to soak up the best of the city’s atmosphere, this pedestrian street lies in the heart of Nizhny Novgorod. The beautiful Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is constantly buzzing and provides new and exciting sights at every turn. Gorgeous buildings and fountains tower on all sides – showcasing the best of Nizhny’s architecture. Quirky shop fronts and lovely local souvenirs will have you pausing at every window while the charming cafés will draw you in with their tempting aromas. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street transforms by night into a vibrant hub of evening activity and is the place to come for a night-out in the city. The bars of this street are favorites with Nizhny Novgorod’s student population.

The Chkalov Staircase

An idyllic spot from which to watch the sun’s rays set over the city, this monumental creation was constructed by the Soviet government and is unique to the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The staircase derives its name from pilot Valery Chkalov who, in 1937, became the first man to fly from Moscow to Vancouver through the North Pole. A monument to Chkalov stands at the top of the stairs. The construction of the staircase cost almost 8 million rubles – an immense sum at the time. Over 1,500 stairs connect the city center with the river embankment – making Chkalov’s landmark the longest flight of stairs along the Volga. Nowadays the staircase is a favorite meeting place and relaxation spot for locals.

The Rukavishnikov Estate Museum

The Rukavishnikovs were a family of immensely wealthy merchants originating from the region around Nizhny Novgorod. This superbly restored palace , their former home, has been transformed into a museum of Russian history and gives a realistic snap-shot of life for the wealthy under tsarist rule. The ornate 19th century interiors and exquisite facade are sure to dazzle with their beauty while the lush green of the surrounding natural landscape provides a tranquil getaway from the city center. Lavish furnishings, priceless antiques, and glistening gold will transport you back in time to a world of balls, carriages, banquets, and tsars. Join the world of Russian noble ladies and gentlemen for a day in this stunning palace.

The Sakharov Museum

Nizhny Novgorod’s Sakharov Museum is dedicated to dissident Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov . The nuclear physicist and human rights activist was exiled for six years to the very flat in which the museum is now housed. Sakharov’s support for civil reform and improved human rights in the Soviet Union earned him harsh persecution from the Russian government, but also, in 1975, a Nobel Peace Prize . Sakharov was incarcerated here until 1986 when a KGB officer arrived to install a phone in the flat. Just after the phone was installed it began to ring: the caller was Mikhail Gorbachev, ringing Sakharov to inform him of his release. This phone is now one of the museum’s most treasured artifacts.

The National Centre of Contemporary Art

Inside the walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin can also be found one of the best modern art galleries in Russia. Linked to galleries in both St Petersburg and Moscow, this top-ranking exhibition center houses regularly changing displays of both Russian and international art as well as interactive exhibits and a media library. Progress is also on-going of adding a concert hall, extending the exhibition areas, and creating a restaurant. These additions aim to make art contemporary, not simply a detached, unrelatable concept, but bring it closer to the Russian people.

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Abortion United Evangelicals and Republicans. Now That Alliance Is Fraying.

The southern baptist convention, long a bellwether for american evangelicalism, voted to oppose the use of in vitro fertilization..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. And this is “The Daily.”

The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country, voted at its annual gathering last week to condemn IVF fertility treatments. Today, my colleague Ruth Graham on the story behind the vote the Republicans scrambled and prompted, and what it could eventually mean for the rest of the country.

It’s Monday, June 17.

So, Ruth, you write about religion for “The Times” and you were covering the big annual meeting of Southern baptists last week. And they made a pretty big decision. Tell us about it.

The Southern Baptist Convention, it’s the biggest Protestant denomination in the United States. They have almost 13 million members, more than 45,000 churches. It’s a huge group.

And Southern Baptists know their political power. And they are basically a barometer of evangelical sentiment in the US. You know, what they say kind of indicates what the typical evangelical cares about in any given moment. And fun for reporters, they all meet once a year in this giant gathering that any church can send delegates to. The delegates are called messengers.

So this year that meeting was in Indianapolis. There were almost 11,000 messengers there in the convention center. And one of the important political topics they took on this year was something they have never discussed as a full body before, and that’s the ethics of in-vitro fertilization.

OK. So this very important conference of Southern Baptists takes up IVF. In other words, the medical procedure that allows people to get pregnant through fertilization in a lab. So what do they say?

So a lot of Southern Baptists historically have not taken issue with IVF per se at all. They view it as a technology used to create life. You know, it’s used by families who desperately want to be parents, and they view that as a positive thing.

But the procedure does involve, typically, the production of more embryos than will be used by the couple that created them. And those embryos end up sometimes discarded, sometimes frozen indefinitely, sometimes donated, but not used in the way that they were originally created to be used. So some Southern Baptists do take issue with discarding those excess embryos. And the reason is they say life begins at conception.

This is sort of a core anti-abortion belief. The moment that the sperm meets the egg, that is the stuff of life. There’s a verse in Psalms, “You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

And you’ll hear that cited in Christian anti-abortion spaces a lot as evidence that God cares about and views as fully human human beings at the very moment of conception. And that would include these frozen embryos.

Right. If you truly believe that life begins at conception, you probably would not agree to abortion at any stage of gestation. And that same logic would apply to IVF. So when this issue gets raised at the conference, what happens? What are people saying?

So there’s a resolution that comes to the floor. Resolutions in Southern Baptist language are nonbinding. This would not be a ban. It’s just a statement of concern that’s meant to summarize Southern Baptist opinion on this particular topic.

So the language that’s proposed calls on Southern Baptists to reaffirm the value of human life. And then it narrows in on human life in an embryonic stage. And it urges them to just use reproductive technologies, fertility treatments that are consistent with that view of human life.

What does that mean?

They’re actually walking a pretty fine line here. They stopped short of saying that a Southern Baptist should never use IVF under any circumstances. They’re calling attention to these excess embryos and saying that, you know, Baptists really should only use reproductive technology with attention to life at this embryonic stage. And the resolution also goes so far as to ask Baptists to call on their governments to restrain these kind of technologies that violate the dignity of, as they put it, quote, “frozen embryonic human beings.”

Hm. So they’re also actually asking people to pressure their governments to respect this position, basically?

That’s right. It’s light on specifics, but that’s the suggestion.

But Ruth, why did they decide to raise this issue now? I mean, IVF obviously has been around for a long time,

Right. So back in February, there was a case that reached the Alabama Supreme Court that had started when a group of families in the state filed this wrongful death claim over a mistake at a fertility clinic where their frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed. They sue, and the state Supreme Court ends up ruling not only in their favor, but says really clearly that frozen embryos should be considered children. So the Chief Justice writes, “Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing His glory.”

So really putting out this religious argument for human life in embryonic form. So that case lands like a bomb.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

The stunning decision from Alabama’s Supreme Court has enormous and immediate consequences for fertility care.

And it really caught a lot of people off guard. You know, all along the spectrum.

A third fertility clinic in Alabama has shut down after the state Supreme Court ruled embryos are children.

The court offered no clear roadmap for what is and isn’t legal.

And it just places this question about the ethics and the legal aspects and all of this, it just puts IVF into the national conversation.

We’re concerned that with the new ruling, we may have to limit fertilization of eggs, which will limit success of treatment, limit efficiency, increase cost, and of course, risk to patients.

It’s a stressful process already. And I don’t need the added stress, and no woman does, of whether or not this might be moral to go through to have children when this is my only path.

And there’s this really strong backlash to the idea that embryos should be protected with the force of the law as full human beings. Because IVF is broadly popular, including among many Republican voters.

Alabama House of Representatives and the Senate have passed a law that restores access to in vitro fertilization. Doctors at clinics have told ABC News the new language will give them enough reassurance to resume IVF without facing legal risks.

Ultimately, the state legislature, the Republican governor work really quickly to reinstate it in the state. But it opens up this new conversation among conservative evangelicals who are broadly anti-abortion. And they’re starting to think should we think about this IVF conversation in the same way that we’ve thought about abortion? Should we be pushing on this more?

So most of the country takes the lesson from the Alabama case that IVF is not something to be interfered with. But for some in the evangelical community, they take the opposite lesson, it sounds like.

That’s right. For some evangelicals, this feels like the perfect moment to bring IVF into the abortion conversation and start to turn the tide against it. One of these people is an ethicist in Kentucky. His name is Andrew Walker. He works at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. It’s a major Southern Baptist seminary in Louisville.

And he’s been wanting to bring IVF into sort of the mainstream Southern Baptist consciousness for a while. He first started writing about it about five years ago. He actually published an essay in a sort of mainstream evangelical publication about it, got a lot of pushback, never felt it was the right moment to bring a resolution to the meeting, but he’s had this tucked in the back of his mind because he has this pretty clear conviction that IVF does not comport with Christian anti-abortion values.

So when the Alabama ruling happens, and the backlash, and the broader conversation, Andrew Walker thinks, you know, this is the moment. So he calls his friend and mentor, Dr. Al Mohler, who’s the president of the seminary where they both work. And he says, let’s do it.

Let’s start crafting a resolution for the meeting this year. And we’ll see if it gets forward. We’ll see if it gets discussed. We’ll see if it gets approved. But we’ve got to strike while the iron is hot here.

And did Baptists like Walker understand that a resolution like this would have potentially quite bad implications for mainstream Republican politicians? Like, wasn’t that the lesson of Alabama?

Yes. And I talked with both Dr. Walker and Dr. Mohler about this. And they both said they were completely aware of that. They didn’t love it, but they both felt that that was not their highest priority. That was not their highest responsibility.

And if anything, Dr. Mohler said this in particular, he wanted to nudge Republicans on the issue. He actually said he wanted to do more than nudge Republicans. He wanted to call them out. And so this would be a really high profile way to show to Republicans, look, we’ve got thousands of mainstream Southern Baptists in a room here who are all expressing collective alarm and opposition to IVF as it’s commonly practiced.

OK. So Baptist leaders nevertheless put this proposal to a vote on the floor. Tell us about how that went, when they put this proposal in front of thousands of other evangelicals.

It was really dramatic.

[CHRISTIAN CHORAL MUSIC]

We’re in this cavernous convention hall where, over the course of the last few days, there’s been singing of hymns. People have heard sermons. There’s been prayers. They’ve sent missionaries out. They’ve been sort of together in the work of making their convention what they want it to be.

Microphone 3A, would you give us your name, your church, and proceed with your discussion?

Yes. Daniel Taylor, messenger —

And then there’s this incredibly dramatic discussion and debate about the ethics of something so personal.

Thank you, Mr President. I rise to speak in favor of this amendment, out of both a heart for the unborn and for those stricken with infertility.

Anyone is allowed to come to the microphone under Southern Baptist rules. And you had two men come to the microphone to share really personal stories —

From my friends, the initial steps of IVF yielded six viable embryos. Four of the embryos were implanted and two were frozen for a time. Only one survived to term, their son and my godson. Because of him, I thank God for IVF.

One has a godson born via IVF.

I have a son because of IVF. I have another son 20 weeks old in my wife’s womb because of IVF.

The other has one child and his wife pregnant with a second via IVF.

I am for the sanctity of life and for the sanctity of embryos. I am against the idea that this technology is so wicked that it cannot be employed.

And both spoke about just loving these children and seeing the technology as a blessing from God.

I thank the authors of the resolution and the committee for the opportunity for the SBC to be a voice of biblical truth and clarity in this pressing cultural issue.

A woman came to the microphone, sort of on the other side.

In addition to my living children, I am the mother of four babies that I never got to hold. Two of those babies we adopted as embryos. Nothing in the process of IVF upholds the sanctity of life. There is no way to describe the treatment of embryos at any point in the IVF process as ethical or dignified.

To share that she had participated in embryo adoption, meaning that she had another family’s embryos implanted in her womb to try to bring those pregnancies to fruition. And in this case, she miscarried both times. But she had done that out of a sense of really moral obligation to these embryos as human life.

And it was quiet. I mean, people are really listening to these really personal stories and wrestling with them. This is personal for a lot of people in that room. But at the end of all this, it’s time to vote on the resolution.

So in the end, the language has been really carefully crafted to kind of bring Southern Baptists along on this argument. So it affirms that God loves all children, no matter the circumstances of their conception. It expresses empathy for couples trying to conceive. It says it’s a good and positive thing to want to have children, to expand your family.

And then it arrives at this point of saying that IVF, as it’s commonly practiced, is not an ethical option for Southern Baptists in most circumstances. So this resolution comes to a vote, to the thousands of people in that room. They’re all sitting in folding chairs. They raise their little orange ballots in favor or against. And the resolution passes overwhelmingly.

So this resolution ultimately passes. But how important is it really if it’s just an expression of sentiment, it’s not actually a directive to do something?

It’s hugely significant. This is the first major public statement that this group of influential evangelicals, frankly, influential Republican voters have made on this issue. And it really sets them up on a collision course with mainstream Republicans.

We’ll be right back.

So Ruth, you said that this vote really sets evangelicals on a collision course with mainstream Republicans. What did that look like?

So mainstream Republicans, in the wake of the Alabama ruling, have really circled the wagons to try to show that they are not only totally comfortable with IVF, but are going to go to great lengths to preserve it. And they see it as pro-family. They know that’s how most of their constituents view it. They want to really show that they see that as totally separate from the conversation about abortion and that they are going to be the ones to preserve access to IVF. And so on the very same day this happened in Indianapolis, in Washington —

I want to yield to the senator from Alabama, Senator Britt.

Thank you so much.

— Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, she’s an evangelical Christian, she gets up on the floor of the Senate and gives this impassioned speech supporting IVF.

I was proud to join my colleague from Texas in introducing The IVF Protection Act. I am —

She, with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, has put forward this bill that they say is intended to protect IVF access by blocking Medicaid funding to states that ban it outright. Democrats say that actually would not have done anything to fix the problem. And there are these kind of jockeying bills. But still, she gets up on the Senate floor —

Look, as a mom, I know firsthand that there’s no greater joy in this life than that of being a mother. IVF helps aspiring parents —

— and speaks, as a mom, as she puts it, in defense of IVF.

IVF access is fundamentally pro-family.

She’s wearing this really prominent cross necklace. And she talks about how supporting IVF is pro-family, that that’s the pro-family point of view.

We all have loved ones, whether they’re family members or friends, who have become parents or grandparents through IVF.

And she puts out a statement the same day, with Senator Cruz, and it’s signed by all of her Republican colleagues, including Josh Hawley, Marsha Blackburn, every conservative across the spectrum in the Senate signs on to this support for IVF.

So even the most conservative Republicans in Congress are coming out with this position that’s really at odds with evangelicals.

That’s right. IVF is hugely popular. Fertility treatments are widely used, including by evangelicals. Most people don’t even think negatively about this stuff, let alone want to ban it. So it’s a real dilemma for Republicans to watch evangelicals potentially turn in this direction.

So there’s pressure from the Southern Baptist Convention on mainstream Republicans, which I have to imagine is making Democrats pretty happy. I mean, I saw President Biden out there with a fundraising email the day that the Southern Baptists voted.

That’s right. I mean, Democrats are really leaning into reproductive rights right now. They’re putting abortion measures on ballots in November. They know that’s going to attract their voters. It’s going to attract independents.

They’re pointing out these restrictions. They’re talking about this stuff. And the vote last week from the Southern Baptists is another suggestion that there’s this movement out there that doesn’t just want to regulate at 15 weeks, not just at 12 weeks, not just at 6 weeks, but, you know, all the way down to the embryo in the lab. So I think Democrats see an opportunity here to exploit this growing divide between evangelicals and Republicans, at least on this issue.

And this is all going to be all the more salient ahead of a very important presidential election. I mean, we’re really hurtling down the tracks toward a big decision point for people.

Yeah, that’s exactly right. The Republican Party and American evangelicals have been in lockstep really since the 1970s. And now for Republicans, there’s this question about whether or not it’s still politically advantageous for them to follow where the anti-abortion movement is going on this stuff, because they’re pushing into places that are really deeply unpopular among the American population overall.

And the anti-abortion movement itself at this point is pretty divided on where it’s going to go next. So we saw the Supreme Court last week on Thursday, they maintained access to the abortion pill. There were divisions even within the anti-abortion movement over whether or not to bring that case forward. Some within that movement were skeptical of it. So you’re seeing sort of confusion and disagreement even internally on where to go after the overturning of “Roe v. Wade.”

Ruth, what about the broader population of evangelical Christians? There were 10,000 people at the Southern Baptist Conference voting on this. But what about everybody else? Where are they on this?

I think that’s still a really open question at this point. I talked to this young pastor from Georgia at the meeting, who was saying, you know, I don’t want to go back to the people in my church and tell them that the creation of their children and grandchildren comes from these immoral means. And the language of the resolution was careful around that, but it’s still going to be really hard to get that across and to just translate it for the people in the pews. And if you’re an ordinary Southern Baptist kind of reading the headlines and even reading the text of this, it’s a tough one.

At the same time, talking with Andrew Walker about this, who co-wrote the resolution, he acknowledged that a lot of Southern Baptists have not really thought about this stuff in terms of ethics and morality and connected it to the abortion question. But when he has one-on-one conversations with people about the topic and sort of walks them through, basically, the logic of the resolution, he said almost everyone comes away from those conversations with, at the very least, a sort of skepticism and a level of critical thinking around fertility treatments that they didn’t come in with. And that suggests that there’s at least sort of an openness to thinking differently about fertility treatments.

And the reason all this matters is obviously evangelicals are this hugely influential voting bloc. They’re used to having the power to turn their theological beliefs into policy. And when they come together, you get this political force, the same political force that worked for decades over a lot of obstacles and was eventually successful in overturning “Roe v. Wade.”

Now, IVF is different than abortion. IVF is extremely popular, including, at this point, among evangelical Christians. But if we find out that evangelicals are persuadable on IVF, it doesn’t just have implications for their personal spiritual lives. If this is the beginning of a moral awakening on IVF, and that’s a big if, it would have real implications for the rest of the country.

Ruth, thank you.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Friday, the Supreme Court struck down a ban on bump stocks which enable semiautomatic rifles to fire at speeds rivaling those of machine guns. The decision, by a vote of 6 to 3, split along ideological lines, had the effect of erasing one of the government’s rare firearm regulations that came from a mass shooting. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had exceeded its power when it prohibited the device by issuing a rule that classified bump stocks as machine guns. And —

[CROWD CHANTING]

— tens of thousands of demonstrators crowded onto streets in France on Saturday to denounce the rise of the country’s far right as the nation prepared to vote in snap elections set to take place later this month. French president Emmanuel Macron shocked the country last week by announcing that he was dissolving the lower house of Parliament after his party was clobbered by far right opponents in a vote to seat the next European Parliament. Critics, including some in Macron’s own party, warned that the president’s move to call snap elections opened the door to empowering the far right in France for the first time since World War II.

Today’s episode was produced by Rob Szypko, Sydney Harper, Stella Tan, Aastha Chaturvedi, and Rachelle Bonja. It was edited by Marc Georges and Lisa Chow, contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. See you tomorrow.

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Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Sydney Harper ,  Stella Tan ,  Asthaa Chaturvedi and Rachelle Bonja

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Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

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The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest denomination of Protestant Christians in the United States, voted at an annual gathering last week to oppose the use of in vitro fertilization.

Ruth Graham, who covers religion, faith and values for The New York Times, discusses the story behind the vote, the Republican scramble it prompted and what it could eventually mean for the rest of the country.

On today’s episode

Ruth Graham , who covers religion, faith and values for The New York Times.

Background reading

How baptists and the Republican Party took different paths on I.V.F.

Here’s what to know about the vote .

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We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

Ruth Graham is a national reporter, based in Dallas, covering religion, faith and values for The Times. More about Ruth Graham

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