Starting a Home-Based Small Engine Repair Business

Lawnmowers, string trimmers, snowblowers, chainsaws and rototillers are but a few of the many types of home and garden equipment that are powered by small engines. This small engine-powered equipment can be found in garages and sheds at nearly every home. Small engines require occasion repair and regular maintenance - a task that many people would prefer, or often times need, to let someone else perform.

The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports in their occupational projections data that 29,400 people worked as outdoor power equipment and small engine mechanics during 2008. BLS projects that this occupation will add nearly 2,000 new jobs over the decade from 2008 - 2018. This would represent at increase of 6.4 percent over the decade. Median annual wages are reported to be "low" at $28,920. 13 percent of people working as outdoor power equipment and small engine mechanics are self-employed.

Getting Started

A good tool collection, some shop space in a garage or barn and, of course, some mechanical skills are the essential requirements for starting a home-based, small engine repair business.

Maintaining a small inventory of commonly used parts and supplies can save on trips to the local parts supply store or on time waiting for orders placed with online parts vendors. Most areas have certain makes of power equipment that are common based on what local retailers sell. Once you get an idea of what equipment is common in your area it may be worthwhile to stock common parts and supplies for that equipment. Maintaining a large, extensive inventory will likely be cost prohibitive for most home-based, small engine repair shops though.

You may also decide in advance which types of equipment you want to service and repair, or if you will service any equipment that a customer brings in to the shop. Some small engine repair shops may specialize in particular types of equipment, while others may work on most any small engine-powered equipment.

Once your business is established you may consider contracting with power equipment manufacturers to provide warranty service for their equipment. This can be a good way to expand your business and to build your customer base at the same time.

Marketing

Advertising in a community newspaper (for those who live in smaller communities) or classifieds paper can be an affordable way to reach new customers. These papers usually offer affordable advertising and discounts for long-term advertising agreements.

Vehicle lettering or signs is a good way to advertise your business wherever you drive or park. This is particularly useful when you are making parts runs or picking up and delivering customer's equipment to their homes or businesses.

Brochures and business cards can be posted on community bulletin boards. Posting several business cards allows potential customers to bring your business card and contact information with them after they see your brochure.

Direct mailings to new homeowners can also be an effective way of reaching new customers. Include a business card or refrigerator magnet with a brochure or letter introducing your business. New homeowners either already have power equipment or will likely soon purchase power equipment. There is a reasonable chance that they will also need someone to service and maintain the equipment. New homeowner mailing lists that match your criteria can be purchased online at a reasonable cost.

Cautions

Small engine repair shops will deal with fuel, oil, and other hazardous materials. This business may involve purchasing, storing, selling, and disposing of these materials. These materials are governed by federal, state, and possibly local regulations. As in any business, it is a good idea to make sure that you are in compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations concerning your business.

Business insurance can be a good idea for any business. Carrying business insurance on your home-based, small engine repair business can protect you in the event of damage or loss to customer's equipment while it is in your shop. Insurance can also protect you if a customer is injured while visiting your small engine repair shop.

Local zoning and land use laws vary considerably from area to area. Check with your local town, village or city clerk or county clerk to find out if you can operate a small engine repair shop at your home.

Conclusion

Starting a home-based, small engine repair business can be a good business for someone with good mechanical skills, a decent tool collection, and shop space in a garage or barn. Nearly every home has some type of power equipment, with some homes having many pieces of small engine-powered equipment. The wide popularity of small engine-powered equipment, and the fact that most people cannot repair their own power equipment, means that there should be no shortage of customers for any good, small engine repair shop.

SOURCES

United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site accessed on 7 October 2010.

Business Idea Center: Small Engine Repair. Entrepreneur. Site accessed on 23 November 2010.

Christi Bell, Andrew Crow, and John Eric Humphries. Steps to Success for Rural Entrepreneurs: Starting a Small Engine Repair Shop. Document accessed on 23 November 2010.