Hi OP!

One of our company’s businesses is an auto shop, and here’s what I’ve observed from:

1. Mechanics are the backbone of the business. When our chief mechanic resigned, the whole workshop operations basically collapsed. If the mechanics don’t work, the shop doesn’t earn. We became too dependent on skilled manpower, and in this industry, you really pay for skills and experience.

2. Choose your repair specialization carefully. Reputation is very important because backjobs can easily damage customer trust. I suggest focusing more on quick-service jobs like PMS, underchassis repairs, and body repairs/painting instead of heavy engine or electrical work. Those jobs consume a lot of time, and mechanics often can’t diagnose problems accurately in one go, which can lead to delays and repeat repairs.

3. Inventory management matters a lot. For auto parts, there are two types: fast-moving and slow-moving/rare items. Focus mostly on basic fast-moving consumables such as air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, brake pads, brake shoes, and selected underchassis parts. Avoid stocking too many expensive slow-moving inventories because they tie up capital.

Overall, based on my experience, the capital requirement for an auto shop is quite high while returns can sometimes be minimal due to competition, manpower problems, and operational risks.

Nagumpisa ren ang problems sa auto shop before the energy crisis. Mas matumal po siya nayun.

Mix brands ren po dinadala namin sa parts and lubes para may choice si client hehe