Free Auto Repair Shop Startup Costs Calculator

1. What type of facility are you considering?

New building or recently built Existing garage/facility Leased space in an industrial park Mobile repair truck

The type of facility affects renovation needs, setup costs, and overall project scale.

2. Approximately how many square feet will your shop occupy? Larger facilities may incur higher costs for flooring, structural work, and equipment installation.

3. What is the condition of the facility before you start?

Needs complete refurbishment Requires some upgrades Move-in ready (minimal work)

More extensive refurbishments will drive higher renovation expenses.

4. What level of repair equipment do you plan to install?

Basic (minimal tools) Standard (typical workshop tools) Advanced (professional-grade equipment) Top-tier (state-of-the-art diagnostics and lifts)

Equipment costs can vary widely depending on the sophistication and capacity of your tools.

5. How many technicians and support staff do you plan to hire initially? Staffing costs include training and initial payroll – more staff increases your initial expenses.

6. What level of facility upgrades (waiting area, office, signage) do you plan?

Simple and functional Well-finished, standard design Premium upgrades Luxury (high-end interior and branding)

Higher upgrade levels can boost customer perception but add to your startup costs.

7. Will you need any environmental or specialized repair licenses?

No specialized licenses Emissions test license only Full environmental compliance license

Obtaining permits and licenses may require significant fees depending on local regulations.

8. How extensive will your initial marketing campaign be?

Minimal (social media, word-of-mouth) Standard (local ads, basic campaigns) Significant (dedicated budget, multi-channel ads)

A larger marketing spend can help build early customer trust and visibility.

9. What type of management/repair shop system do you plan to use?

Basic (simple scheduling) Standard (integrated repair management) Advanced (inventory, diagnostics, online booking)

More advanced systems may offer better control but come with higher installation or subscription fees.

10. What level of initial working capital do you plan to set aside?

Low (about 1-2 months of expenses) Standard (a few months of runway) Comfortable (enough to handle unexpected delays)

Working capital covers rent, payroll, parts inventory, and other operational costs until you break even.

11. Will you set up a website or online booking system before opening?

No Yes

A dedicated website or booking platform can enhance customer convenience but adds to initial costs.

12. Have you already checked out our auto repair shop financial plan ?

No Yes

Our plan provides a detailed 3-year financial analysis with key profitability metrics.

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Do you want to open an auto repair shop?

A free tool to calculate the startup costs of your auto repair shop

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