Starting your own car diagnostic centre can be a good way to become more financially secure. This should not be difficult for you if you are tenacious and have the creative ability of a successful entrepreneur.

This article offers some tips that will help you to make a living with your own registered car diagnostic centre. If properly implemented, this can be a great way for you to start make money. Let’s get into it.

• What is a Car Diagnostic Test?
• What Are The Costs Involved in Opening a Registered Car Diagnostic Centre?
• How Much Does it Cost to do a Diagnostic Test on a Car?
• How Much Does a Diagnostic Test Cost UK?
• Is a Car Diagnostic Test Worth it?
• How Long Does It Take to Do a Car Diagnostic Test?
• 7 Ways for an Auto Repair Shop to Find Extra Cash
• 6 Ways to Increase Auto Repair Shop Profits
• How To Start Medical Diagnostic Center
• Can Car Diagnostics be Wrong?
• How Can I Test my Car With my Phone?
• Are Dealership Diagnostics Accurate?
• How Can I Make Money With my Car?
• 10 Best Electric Car Business ideas & Opportunities
• How to Start a Transportation Business in 8 Steps

What is a Car Diagnostic Test?

A car diagnostic test can determine if your vehicle has issues with its engine, exhaust, transmission, ignition coils, oil tank, throttle, and more.

Car diagnostic tests are usually done in dealer shops and mechanics, while you can also do it by yourself at home. Though sounds complex, a car diagnostic test could be done in a short period of time and at a low cost by yourself.

Read Also: Top 24 Unique Odd Jobs That Can Make You Wealthy

A normal car diagnostic test should only take a few minutes to complete. Every car diagnostic test starts with check engine light code reading, AKA OBD2 Codes reading, and this will only take several minutes. The mechanics will plug in a car diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes which indicates where the problem is. 

After pulling the Diagnostic Trouble Codes, the mechanics will then do some investigative work to get a more accurate picture of what is functioning incorrectly and how best to fix it depending on the error codes that appeared. 

If you decide to take your vehicle to an auto shop, you should be prepared to wait a little bit before the test and stay afterward to discuss what issues were found and how they can be resolved.

What Are The Costs Involved in Opening a Registered Car Diagnostic Centre?

Costs for starting a shop vary, but generally include:

• Business license: $50 to $100.
• ASE certifications: $36 registration fee, one time, plus $39 per certification, except L1, L2, and L3 certs which are $78.
• Insurance: $4,000/yr.
• Mechanic’s hydraulic lift: $3,700.
• Diagnostic machine: $5,000 to $10,000.
• Shop rental fees: $1,500 to $15,000/mo.
• Mechanic’s tool set with specialty tools: $15,000.
• Total Cost: $50,000+

How Much Does it Cost to do a Diagnostic Test on a Car?

The cost of a car diagnostic test can vary greatly depending on your vehicle’s model, make, and the issues. Experts say you can expect to pay anywhere between $40 and $400 for a car diagnostic test in dealer shops, and that’s before any repairs are done.

Although there are places that claim they provide free car diagnostic services, they mostly have a hidden fee. For example, if you check in detail about the services of an auto shop, you can see that only the first part, Engine Light Code Pull Service, is free.

They will mostly conduct further investigations based on the code they got and continue to bill you for the labor fee for around $40 to $400. Also, if you decide to go to an auto shop, such as Autozone, to perform a Code Pull, they will mostly recommend you to buy the scanner at the place. 

How Much Does a Diagnostic Test Cost UK?

A special computerized scanner is plugged into your car to detect the faulty performance of your car’s engine or other components. This is only possible because of the many processors, sensors and microchips built into our cars. The diagnostic tool reveals any faults and relays a code to the mechanic. From here, it’s a much simpler process to understand your car’s problem and rectify the problem.

A diagnostic test will cost around £40 to £50 for most cars. Luxury vehicles and high-end sports cars can cost significantly more—somewhere in the region of £70. Fixter can save you up to 30% against Dealership rates, so be sure to get your free Fixter quote today.

A typical car diagnostic cost in the UK ranges between £44 – £54. The average cost is usually around £49 including parts and labour. Depending on your model and where you live, the price can be higher or lower.

Is a Car Diagnostic Test Worth it?

A car diagnostic test is a digital analysis of your car’s various computer systems and components. Modern vehicles are much more digitized than people may be aware of. Specialized software works whenever your car’s engine is powered on to monitor various features and create data reports that can then be collected and analyzed during a car diagnostic test.

Car diagnostic tests scan your car’s components and systems to check for issues with components like the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle, and many more.

Because car diagnostic tests require specific devices and expertise to read correctly, most tests are performed with mechanics or at dealer shops. However, you can also perform a car diagnostic test at home if you have the proper knowledge and equipment.

Car diagnostic tests are typically carried out when a vehicle’s dashboard shows a “check engine” signal or other warning light illumination. They can also be performed as part of regular maintenance appointments.

In most cases, drivers wait until they take their vehicles to a mechanic or auto body shop to perform a diagnostic. Many other drivers will wait until there is a malfunction or the “check engine” light flashes before they finally concede and take their car to their local mechanic.

Technically, car diagnostic tests are never “needed” in the traditional sense of the word. They’re simply tools that mechanics can use to accelerate the repair process by assessing issues quickly and efficiently. However, it may be a good idea to learn how to perform a simple diagnostic test yourself. With the right equipment, you can regularly test your car for issues and prevent any serious malfunctions from developing over time.

Should you decide to do this, it’s a good rule of thumb to perform a car diagnostic test once every season (quarterly).

How Long Does It Take to Do a Car Diagnostic Test?

Regular car diagnostic tests are performed with a basic scanner and diagnostic software, and they often take just a few minutes to complete. But merely carrying out the test is just the beginning of the maintenance process. After receiving information from the test, repairs or preventative measures must be considered and/or completed.

A car diagnostic test procedure is often carried out as follows:

• The test begins as the scanner examines the “check engine” light code. Your car’s computer produces a code alongside the check engine light that can indicate the source of a potential issue.
• Mechanics carrying out the test will typically plug a diagnostic scanner into the car to read these trouble codes and translate them into actionable information.
• Next, mechanics carry out investigative work to see where and what the problem might be. They may use the error codes mentioned above to narrow down their search area. For instance, the check engine light code might indicate that there’s a problem with the exhaust, so the exhaust will be the first area a mechanic will check
• After identifying any issues, a mechanic may decide to perform repairs, such as replacing damaged parts or cleaning dirty areas.
• The test may be repeated after repairs are finished to ensure it fixed the initial error.

7 Ways for an Auto Repair Shop to Find Extra Cash

For most auto repair shops, the daily focus is on fixing cars, not generating aggressive marketing plans. If you have happy customers who rely on your services, you may already be inundated with repeat work and referrals. After all, offering quality work at a fair price is certainly a recipe for repeat business and referrals.

However, the auto repair industry is notoriously volatile. When the economy weakens, even faithful customers will put off bringing in their vehicles for service. Because of this, it’s a smart idea for auto repair shop owners to prepare for normal ebbs and flows by developing strategies for generating more cash when it’s needed.

1. Selling Customers’ Cars on Consignment Thanks to sites like eBay and Craigslist, selling a vehicle has become much easier in recent years. The days of slapping a “for sale” sign in the back window of a used car and hoping for the best are over. For auto repair shops, online car selling is a potential gold mine.
2. Start a Subscription Plan Regular maintenance and occasional repairs are inevitable expenses that need to be factored into the total cost of vehicle ownership. A growing number of auto repair shops are now offering subscription plans for service and maintenance for their customers to keep these costs consistent throughout the year.
3. Offer a Seasonal Promotion There is a cyclical nature to many repairs. Customers want tune-ups before taking summer road trips and windshield wiper blades replaced before the rainy season sets in. Creating regular promotions around these seasonal repairs can generate new customers and more sales from existing customers.
4. Seminars You might be surprised by how many of your customers don’t know how to do simple maintenance tasks like checking their car engine’s oil level or the air pressure in their tires. A value-added service that you can offer that can get customers in your shop and scheduling appointments is to offer an informational seminar where you share your expertise and knowledge.
5. Form Strategic Alliances Auto repair shops are local businesses that rely on local customers. This means you share the same target market as many of the other business owners in your community. Partnering with non-competing businesses is a very effective way to leverage word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Ask for Reviews from Satisfied Customers Because so many customers have had bad experiences with auto repair shops, positive online reviews can be one of the best ways to generate more business. Like with traditional word-of-mouth marketing, online reviews help potential customers feel comfortable about taking their vehicle to your shop. The more reviews that are published, the more comfortable they will feel.
7. Kabbage  – While ongoing efforts will go a long way toward keeping business flowing throughout the year, there may be times when you need an influx of cash to expand operations, hire additional staff or bridge the financial gap during a slow period.

6 Ways to Increase Auto Repair Shop Profits

While it takes some extreme discipline and patience, your shop can be more profitable with just a few changes. Here are 6 ways to reduce cost and increase revenue that actually impact your bottom line.

1. Take a Disciplined Approach to Your Finances

No amount of tips or secrets will increase your profits if you don’t treat your finances with discipline. Driving more customers and increasing margins will be moot if you spend all that extra revenue right away. To increase your auto repair shop profits, follow these rules:

• Reduce Expenses. It never hurts to look through your expenses and cut extra services that aren’t contributing to your bottom line. For example, some shop owners cut their monthly trash pickup bill in half by switching to an every-other-week schedule or switching to a smaller dumpster. Other shop owners have cut the expense for off-site storage by selling off old items. And still, others have reduced expenses by price-matching their laundry services.
• Save, Save, Save. The last 20 years have been challenging for small businesses, from the 2008 financial crisis to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve all learned that it’s crucial to make hay while the sun shines! In addition, saving money every month is a long-term and foolproof plan that will prepare you if and when disaster strikes. Kurt Krans operates an auto shop that has been profitable for 33 years straight. Although more details are given in his interview with Ratchet and Wrench, Krans’ thoughts on saving money can be summed into one quote.

“Saving for the business’s future should be an expense of running the business, because it is absolutely essential. If you set an amount aside every month, and treat it as overhead, and factor that into all of your finances, you can maintain that.”

• Practice Patience. Increasing profits is a long-term game that requires discipline and patience. It can be incredibly tempting to buy that new TV for the waiting room or buy flashier uniforms for your technicians. Those purchases can add great comfort and service for your customers, just make sure you have the money before investing.

2. Schedule Appointments

Reducing idle time in the garage is key to increasing profitability. You’re already paying for the lights to be on all day, so if you don’t have cars in bays, you’re spending money without getting anything in return.

Scheduling repair appointments helps control labor costs. Make more accurate predictions of who needs to be in the shop and when, order parts in advance, and control your work mix.

One way to schedule appointments is to send out direct mail postcards that remind customers when their next oil change is due. Plus, you can add a link to a web page where customers can schedule their appointment online.

Customers will appreciate the convenience of pre-scheduled appointments. It reduces wait times since their vehicle has priority, and they can choose the time of day that works best for their schedule. Plus, regular maintenance reduces long-term costs for the customer and extends the life of their vehicle.

3. Inspect Every Vehicle

A lady took her car to the local shop for a state inspection and tire alignment. After a quick inspection, it was clear that her car needed new spark plugs and brakes! While she wasn’t expecting to pay hundreds of dollars on car repairs that day, it was clear that completing these repairs quickly would extend her vehicle’s life, so she obliged.

That inspection resulted in her local shop receiving 10x more revenue than what was initially expected!  A quick inspection, like Firestone’s Courtesy Check, could lead to the same bump in revenue for your shop.

Now, not every customer will go from an $80 bill to an $800 bill. The lady consistently experiences excellent service from this shop (and her alignment was thrown in for free), making those extra repairs easy to agree to.

4. Reduce Fees on Card Transactions

Are credit card transaction fees eating into your revenue? Spend some time researching merchant services for small businesses. Rather than paying a flat rate for both debit and credit transactions, services like Transnational will charge the wholesale cost of running a card plus a flexible processing fee. This pricing structure accounts for the card type (debit vs. credit) and results in savings for your auto repair shop.

5. Invest in Current Customers (and Employees)

It’s more expensive to attract new customers than current ones. So while you need a healthy mix of both new and returning customers, you can increase your auto repair shop profits by focusing your advertising on repeat purchases.

One of the best sources of new customers is your current ones! Encourage a referral program for your auto shop that rewards customers with discounts or gifts. Often the only barrier to getting referrals is just a quick question as they are checking out, “Do you know anyone who could use an expert oil change?”

To retain employees, invest in training and tools to help your technicians be more efficient and improve their work atmosphere. This can reduce turnover and improve the productivity of each employee.

6. Generate New Customers with Local Coupon Advertising

Is it possible to spend money on advertising and increase profits at the same time? Absolutely! The key is to find an advertising program that is low-cost and incredibly effective.

A program like Register Tapes Unlimited at IndoorMedia can bring tens of thousands of dollars in profit to your business year after year. Targeting shoppers at your local grocery store, the RTUI program puts your auto repair shop’s coupon right in the hands of qualified local car owners.

How To Start Medical Diagnostic Center

Accurate treatment needs accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis is the first step towards curing disease or disorder. The need for labs is increasing day by day as the number of patients and life-threatening diseases are increasing. The availability of medical diagnostic centers in all parts of the nation is very important. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to start a medical diagnostic center.

The demand for medical diagnostic services is high and according to the research paper “Indian Diagnostic Services Market Outlook 2020,” the market is expected to grow 21 % in the coming five years. So, if you want to start a diagnostic center of your here’s how you can start.

Registration and Licenses

The first step towards starting your medical diagnostic center is to get your business registered and acquire licenses in order to earn credibility. The medical industry is all about safety and hygiene. There are many rules and regulations to ensure the same. Following those rules will increase credibility, gain customer trust and satisfaction. To get your test reports accepted at hospitals and nursing homes, a license is required.

Getting registered :

• Trade license ( Shop Establishment Act ) – At nearest Municipality or Panchayat office
• Clinical Establishment Act
• Biomedical waste disposal body

For clinical establishment act Biomedical waste disposal body you can apply online on their respective websites.

The required license for diagnostic center are as follows:

• Accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) – This license is optional, it is applicable or large center only.
• Accreditation from Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
• Waste generation approval from the pollution board in your state
• Fire Department NOC
• Municipality NOC

Qualification Requirement

You must be a qualified pathologist and must have the required license to practice from the Medical Council of India. You will require a biochemist, pathologist, and microbiologist. Lab technicians must have a Diploma or Bachelors’s in medical lab technology.

Setup Requirement

The setup cost of the lab purely depends on the service offered and the investment you make. A good business plan is necessary to grow your business. As normal lesser investment then lesser will be the number of patients for whom the service offered.

If there is more investment and most importantly that spend adequately on infrastructure, staff, machinery, and software tools the higher will be serviced, and the higher will be the incoming and outgoing of patients from your lab.

Here we understand that the most important five parameters like infrastructure, space. staff, equipment, and software tools which decide the total entire setup planning and organization.

Infrastructure Requirement

The setup was due to give focus on the infrastructure of the lab because it may help staff work efficiently without any disruption. There should be a very clear layout planned for various rooms and treatment areas so that all the planned activities of each department are done smoothly. There must be the availability or accessibility of various services of the lab should be well communicated to the patients who visit the lab for tests.

The other most important thing is that the level of cleanliness should be always kept high. As this relates to the medical activities, there may be some minor deviation from healthy surroundings which will lead to serious problems for both the patients and the staff working there.

Some facilities are necessary:

• Clean restrooms
• Waiting area
• Blood collection lab
• Lab equipment
• Processing
• Examination
• Storage and waste disposal
• Wheelchairs
• Other basis elements of hospital

Hiring Staff

Any organization is nothing but a reflection of its staff. You will need a highly-skilled team of professionals. Doctors, nurses, technicians, pathologists for the success of your pathological center.

The staff who is selected to work in the lab must have standard qualifications for respective designations. The recruiting process must go with various rounds if screening and the final resulting staff are efficient enough o handle the complex problems in the medical field.

The lab technicians who are appointed must have enough control and knowledge over the machines used in the lab. They should be provided with training and induction programs during the initial stages of their appointment.

The work and other operations of the lab will be achieved well if the training is given properly. The staff who are regularly working in the lab must be vaccinated with necessary medicines to protect them from the communicable diseases of the patients.

The staff who are appointed must be assisted by a medical representative who will perform the activation of updating the staff with changing techniques. The medical representative will be informing you and the staff regularly about the dynamic conditions in the medical field. Innovations, new medicines, and new techniques will be informed so that you make necessary changes in the methods of finding results.

Space Requirement

Space should be able to accommodate at least 100 patients. Patients should not be left to merge and sit together or have a congested environment due to insufficient space. Space planning is necessary to place things right at their place. Clubbing to two or more departments performing various activities should not happen possibly that may give misplaced results or any undesirable condition.

Software Tools

To set up a modern and hi-tech lab everything becomes computerized. This helps in working in an organized manner. This will eliminate errors in results and will be an efficient time-saving opportunity.

Having a record of their medical history will be possible with strong software tools and staff with adequate knowledge in this field. Diagnosis will also require efficient systems and programming to arrive at the results.

Here is a list of modern software that helps in lab management:

• Thinklab –  it is an easy-to-use software that keeps a track of medical records, scheduling & appointments, specialization based EMR, prescription management, case-based tracking, billing, inventory, analytics & MIS, alerts and notification, private chat, etc.
• ThinkWide–  A fully automated laboratory solution that helps in the supervision of nursing homes, polyclinics, medical shops, pathology, and radiology labs.

Equipments

The equipment required for the pathology lab has a different range of items. The smartest way to purchase them all by having a checklist otherwise you might miss one or two important items. If your lab is short of necessary equipment then it will be rated as low. Having a various range of testing tools is the only way to make your lab more productive for the patients coming.

We all know that the basic expectation of any patient will be the availability of all the required services in one place. From this, the most important part is the safety aspect of the purchased equipment. It is a better option to carry out preventive maintenance, than breakdown maintenance.

Some of the most important equipment needed in a pathology lab are as follows:

• Full auto analyzer
• Semi-auto analyzer
• Elisa washer
• Elisa reader
• Blood cell counter
• Microscope
• Centrifuge
• Regent and chemicals
• Deep fridge
• Dispensing scale
• Blood gas analyzer
• Colorimeter

Marketing Plans

Making locals aware of your services is another big task. A good marketing plan ensure an increase in awareness about services provided by your lab. By implementing a good strategy, you can attract more patients to your lab. In today’s modern world everything and everyone is connected to the internet. Generally, people rate the medical sector on the basis of services provided.

• Having tie-ups with hospitals will be a very effective method of marketing.
• Tie up with hospital or organization for mass checkup of locals provided at little lower costs.
• A Functional Website
• Facebook and Other Social Media
• Search Engine Optimization of your website
• Word of Mouth and Internal Marketing
• Automate your Operations

Can Car Diagnostics be Wrong?

It’s rare for a vehicle diagnostics error code to be completely wrong. However, replacing a part or making a repair that addresses the error code might not fully fix the vehicle’s problem.

For example, a misfiring engine might produce a P0300 error code that implies a spark plug or coil needs to be replaced. But it’s possible you have a blown gasket and a bad fuel injector, too. Replacing the spark plug won’t make the engine run normally. Professional vehicle diagnostics would easily catch the other issues.

How Can I Test my Car With my Phone?

Got a ‘Check Engine’ light on your dash, staring at you? Wonder what it means? Wonder how much it will cost you to fix? Wondering if you can fix it yourself, if only you knew what it meant?

Enter BlueDriver, a professional quality vehicle scan tool that’s simple to use.

• Download the free software (Android/iOS)
• Plug the BlueDriver into your vehicle’s OBD II (On Board Diagnostic) port
• Pair the BlueDriver with your Android or iOS device
• Fire up the app and start using it

Are Dealership Diagnostics Accurate?

While you might save some money initially by having your car diagnosed at an independent shop, it’s far better to get it done at a dealership.

Advanced Diagnostic Equipment

When you take your car to an independent shop, you’re getting your car diagnosed with generic equipment that is meant to diagnose any problem with any car. However, when you bring your car to a dealership, you’re getting your car diagnosed with advanced diagnostic equipment that is designed for your exact vehicle.

Your car’s engine control model or ECM has model-specific codes that should be read by an expert trained on your car for the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Less Expensive in the Long Run

In many cases, when you get your car diagnosed by an independent mechanic, they’re guessing about what is wrong with your vehicle. Of course, they’re making an educated guess based on the ECM code that comes up on their limited machine, but it’s a guess nonetheless.

Guesses can be very expensive when it comes to car repairs. At a dealership, your technician will make an accurate diagnosis and get the repair done right the first time.

Expertise

A dealership technician has to undergo thousands of hours of training on all vehicles under the dealership brand. They have to complete specific courses before they can be certified to work on your car.

This means that not only will your car be diagnosed quickly, but it’ll be repaired appropriately as well. You won’t need to bring it back over and over again until it finally gets fixed. Your car deserves the best technicians available and they’re at your dealership.

No Pressure

The goal of an independent shop may be to sell you expensive parts, but at a dealership, their goal is to diagnose the problem and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

You won’t be under any pressure to purchase parts because you’ll know that if replacement parts are needed, they are truly necessary; whereas with an independent shop, you might wonder if you really need those parts at all or if they’re just boosting their profit.

Genuine Factory Parts

If you do end up needing a replacement part, the diagnostic tool is not going to tell you or anyone exactly what part is needed. This is where your technician’s expertise is superior to an independent shop’s generic knowledge.

Your technician will be able to determine exactly which part needs to be replaced and use the genuine factory part that will immediately fix the problem. No substitutes will be used that could cause more issues down the road.

Your dealership can provide you with a quick diagnosis of your check engine light and ensure your car is repaired with the parts that have been specifically engineered for your vehicle.

How Can I Make Money With my Car?

If you’re looking for a side hustle or want to build an entire business that’s based out of your vehicle, here are 10 of the top ideas.

Corporate Car Service

You can still offer on-demand transportation service without driving for Uber or Lyft. Start your own service and work with corporate clients that need transportation to events or client pickup service.

Airport Shuttle Service

You could also specialize in transporting people to and from the airport. You may need a larger vehicle for this so you can accommodate luggage and large groups.

Car Rental Service

If you don’t want to actually drive your vehicle around in order to make money, use an app like Turo to rent it out to others. They pay a small fee and then drop the vehicle back off when they’re done.

Medical Transportation Service

Seniors and people with medical issues that prevent them from driving could often use reliable transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. Specialize in this area especially if you have a ramp or easily accessible vehicle.

Child Pickup Service

For those with a child care background, you could use your vehicle to offer pick-up and drop-off services for busy parents who aren’t able to get their kids from school or various after-school activities.

Equipment Transportation Service

If you’re able to physically pick up and move heavy equipment, you could offer that as a specialized service for clients or businesses that need to get supplies from one location to another. Your clients could include tradesmen with large power tools or companies planning on shooting video content with professional equipment.

Mobile Advertising Service

Advertise for other businesses using your vehicle. Just wrap your vehicle in advertising messages or add some signage to the top and lease out that space to various companies in your area.

Mobile Detailing Service

With just your vehicle and a few pieces of specialized equipment, you can offer clients car washing and detailing service. Then drive to their location to offer service.

Mobile Mechanic Service

Similarly, you can keep some basic auto repair equipment in your vehicle and drive to customers’ locations to perform basic repair or maintenance service.

Errand Service

As a general errand service provider, you can perform various tasks like grocery or dry cleaning pickup. There are apps like TaskRabbit that can help you connect with potential customers, or you can start your own and advertise it in your area.

10 Best Electric Car Business ideas & Opportunities

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

One of the most popular electric car related businesses that are springing up in the United States of America is electric vehicle charging station. The fact that electric vehicles require charging gives room for entrepreneurs to start electric vehicle charging station business.

It is important to state that charging times vary from one model of electric vehicle to another. An electric vehicle charging station, also called EV charging station is an element in an infrastructure that supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles.

Electric Car Repair and Servicing Garage

Electric car repair and servicing business is amongst the highly profitable electric cars related business ideas an entrepreneur can successfully start. As long as people use their electric cars regularly, there will always be reasons for them to visit an electric car repair and servicing garage if indeed they want these vehicles to continue to ply the roads.

This is because you can never rule out wear and tear when a machine is in use. People visit electric car repair and servicing garages for different reasons; it could be for routine servicing, major repair works, or for refurbishing their electric cars. For whatever reasons; there is always business for an electric car repair and servicing garage that is well positioned.

Car Wash Business

Another profitable electric car related business an entrepreneur who is all out to make money should consider starting is to open a car wash that is dedicated towards washing electric cars. The market for electric car wash is driven by the purchase of electric cars and the increase in consumer spending.

In essence, as the general economy of a country grows, more people will buy electric cars and they will patronize the services of electric car wash if their driving habits encourage them to do so.

Electric Car Sales Garage/Electric Car Dealership Shop

Electric car dealership shop is yet another electric car related business idea that is open to aspiring entrepreneurs. Opening an electric car sales garage/dealership shop might be capital intensive, but at the same time it is a thriving and profitable business especially if the business is well positioned and provides options for customers.

So, if you have the financial capacity and you are looking towards investing in the electric car industry, then one of your options is to go into electric car dealership business.

Upholstery for Electric Cars

Another electric car related business idea that an aspiring entrepreneur should consider starting is making upholstery for electric cars. Some people prefer leather car interior and other prefer fabric which is why electric car manufacturers should ensure that they manufacture electric cars with leather upholstery as well as electric cars with fabric upholstery.

If you are unfortunate to purchase an electric car with fabric and you want to change it to leather, then you would need the services of upholstery makers. If you are interested in starting an upholstery business, then you should ensure that you learn the trade. Upholstery business is a highly profitable and thriving business especially if the business is strategically located in places where there are loads of electric car owners.

Electric Car Panel Beating Services (Automobile Body Work) Business

Starting a panel beating services that is dedicated to taking care of electric cars is one promising electric car related business idea that is open to aspiring entrepreneurs. It is normal for electric car owners to carry out body work on their electric cars whenever they are involved in minor and major accidents.

Auto body work business is a thriving and profitable business and if you are interested in starting an electric car related business, then one of your options is to open an auto body repair workshop that is specialized in electric cars. Please note that you would need to learn the trade before you can successfully launch this type of business.

Electric Cars Spraying and Branding Workshop

Another profitable electric car related business idea an entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business in the electric car industry is electric car spraying and branding business. When the body of an electric car is worked upon or when there is a dent on the body of the car, mostly likely the owner would want to spray the whole body of the car in order for the car to look new and presentable.

So also, organizations brand their electric cars to suit their company’s color and also to carry their company’s logo and every information they want people to see; that is where electric car branding companies come in handy. It is important to state that before starting this type of electric car business you will be required to acquire the relevant skills.

Electric Car Electrical Workshop

Starting an electric car electrical workshop is yet another electric car related business idea that an aspiring entrepreneur can start. From the headlight to the sound system in the electric vehicle are all electrical components and once in a while these electrical components become faulty, hence the need for the services of auto electricians.

It is important to state that adequate technical training is required before you can successfully run this type of business. You can attend a technical school or college to acquire auto electrical skills and then specialize in working on electric cars.

Electric Car Tracker Installation and Repair Business

Another promising and profitable electric car related business idea that an aspiring entrepreneur can start is car tracker installation and repair business. Since the car tracking system came into existence, it has become very easy for fleet operators to comfortably manage their vehicles.

With the advent of this device, investing in transport, haulage and logistic business and even ambulance services have become a profitable venture because the tracking device helps keep the drivers under check, monitor the distance covered and also ensures safety of the vehicle.

Sale of Electric Car Customized Insurance Policy Cover

Starting an insurance sale business that is dedicated towards selling insurance policies to electric car owners is another electric car related business idea that an aspiring entrepreneur can successfully start. Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in every country hence there is a very large market for car insurance policy cover.

A vehicle owner has the option of either purchasing third party motor vehicle insurance policy cover or comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy cover before driving their electric vehicles. So, if you considering starting an electric car related business, one of your options is to go into the sale of customized insurance cover for electric cars.

How to Start a Transportation Business in 8 Steps

A transportation business is basically any business that has a hand in transporting people or goods. It can also have to do with providing transportation for other business owners who need help linking their product to their actual business.

These possibilities lead right into step one of how to start a transportation business: choosing the type of transportation business you want to start.

1. Choose the type of transportation business to start

As we mentioned above there are so many kinds of transportation businesses out there for you to choose from to start. You might consider what vehicles you already have at your disposal or what the market you plan to operate in is currently lacking.

Your options for transportation businesses to start include, but are not limited to:

• Taxi company.
• Senior transportation.
• Limousine rentals.
• Car rentals.
• Bike rentals.
• Trucking.
• Moving van rental or moving company.
• Medical transportation.

These are the basic types, but there are also emerging markets for things like scooter rentals, along with more traditional ones like school bus companies. You might already have an idea of which type of transportation business you want to start.

If not, though, a key part in your journey to starting a transportation business will be doing some research into which transportation type is most in-demand in your area.

You can do this research by conducting a market survey, examining possible competition, or checking in with locals in the area you want to start your transportation business in. This will come in handy when it’s time to write up a business plan for your company.

2. Choose a name and entity for your transportation business

The entity you choose might influence your business name, so you might want to choose the entity first. For a transportation business, some entities might make more sense than others. A limited liability company or a limited liability partnership might be good due to the fact that it would shield the partners from personal liability.

Your options for business entities include:

• Sole proprietorship: This is an unincorporated business that is owned by one person or owned by a married couple. This is the most common type of business entity in the United States, but it does leave you open to personal liability when it comes to debts and lawsuits, so it might not be best for a transportation business. If you choose to open your transportation business as a sole proprietorship, then the business will have your name as the business name, unless you file a DBA, or “doing business as.”
• Limited liability partnership: This partnership is an entity that protects the partners involved from personal liability and the debts and obligations of the business. They’re also shielded from the actions of other partners in the business. Limited liability partnerships differ from a general partnership where the partners manage the business equally and take on those liabilities and obligations equally as well.
• Limited liability company: On the other hand, an LLC is a business entity that means owners aren’t personally liable for the business’s debts or obligations. They are a bit more flexible than the LLP option and the LLC can choose to be taxed as a corporation or not.

Once you choose your business entity, you also need to choose a business name when starting a transportation business. If you decide to start your business as a sole proprietorship you may need to get a DBA. This is a name your business uses when it operates under a name other than your own, or the name that the business is legally registered as.

In most states, you can look up businesses that are already in existence there, and see if the name you want for your business is available for you to use. Usually, the Secretary of State’s office will have a registry you can search. You can also check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You’ll want to see if the domain name for your desired business name is also available before finalizing your name.

3. Write a business plan

This step involves some of the heaviest legwork and the most research, but it’s how you’ll get a very clear vision of your new business. There’s a lot that goes into writing a business plan, but it will be well worth it once you’ve finished. A lot of the puzzle pieces surrounding how to start a transportation business will come together in this stage.

The research you do for your business plan will help you prepare your transportation business for success, plus you can use it later on when you approach banks or investors about possible loans or investments into the business.

You can either come up with your business plan on your own or you can use a business plan template. No matter what you use to make your business plan, make sure it includes:

•  An overview of the business.
•  Market analysis.
•  Pricing plan.
•  Marketing plan.
•  Financial plan and projections.

Remember what we said about research? If you’re starting a transportation business, you need to make sure that there’s actually a demand for it before you start operations. If there’s no demand your business will not make it very long.

This research into demand is part of strong market analysis, along with research into what other businesses in the area are doing similar work and providing similar services. Through market analysis, you can identify pain points with competitors or gaps in the market, jumpstarting your success.

4. Register your transportation business and get an EIN

Now that you have the name chosen for your business, you have to register the business with that name so that it’s reserved. This is also when you’ll trademark the name if you need to, which can be done with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

To register your transportation business, you’ll likely have to visit the website for the Secretary of State’s office in the state you plan to operate your business from. That site should lead you to the business bureau or the business agency in your state, where you’ll find information on the specific paperwork you’ll need to submit to them. While some states allow businesses to register online, not all do, so be sure to check whether your state requires you file paper documents with them.

Some of the documents you’re required to file may vary depending on the business entity you chose. Typically, you’ll need to submit a form for your business entity, pay a fee, and — in some cases — publish a notice in the local paper. You may also have to file paperwork with the town or county you wish to operate out of as well.

You’ll use your newly registered business name to apply for an employer identification number or EIN. This is one of the easier processes you’ll have to go through when starting a transportation business. There are many benefits to getting an EIN, like making it easier to file taxes, identity theft prevention and it can help you establish your business credit.

Applying online for an EIN is quick and simple. Usually, within a few minutes, you can get your EIN right from the IRS free of charge and then use that EIN to register to pay your federal and state taxes.

5. Get licenses and permits

When starting a transportation business, there are bound to be more business licenses and permits required than if you were opening something like a boutique or a coffee shop. When you open a transportation business you’re taking on responsibility for people or for the items you’re transporting and the regulations around that can be more in-depth than they are for other things.

The SBA has a list of the issuing agencies for certain businesses that transport things via plane, ocean and more. For state licenses and permits, you have to check with your specific state and municipality. The registration requirements are highly dependent on the county your business will be operating in and its activities, according to the SBA.

For example, if you’ll be driving tractor trailers or other large vehicles, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license, as will any drivers you employee who will drive such vehicles, along with a commercial vehicle registration. These must be obtained through your home state. But there might be unforeseen registrations.

The Department of Revenue in Kansas, for instance, has their own resource page for trucking companies, where they discuss requirements like a liquid-fuel carrier’s license, the International Fuel Tax Agreement and trip permits.

You might want to consult a lawyer in your specific industry to make sure you’re following all rules and regulations, that you’re completing the proper registrations, and that you’re getting the right licenses. They vary by state and by specific industry, so you want to be sure you’ve covered all your bases.

6. Open a business checking account and get a business credit card

A business checking account and a business credit card are the next step when it comes to how to start a transportation business. You want to have both of these things to help keep your business’s cash and credit completely separate from your personal finances.

Getting a business credit card can also act as a form of funding early on if you’re having a hard time getting a loan. Paying off your credit card on time — or early if you’re able to — can help boost your business credit and make you a better candidate for a loan when the time comes.

Sometimes they even come with perks that can help your business. For example, there are some business credit cards, known as fuel cards, that are especially useful for truckers.

Having a business checking account as well can help you keep your finances separate and help you establish your credit further. Keeping your business money in and out of one account, that isn’t linked with your personal account, can be very helpful when it comes to things like filing taxes, applying for loans, or figuring out your monthly overhead, costs, and revenue.

The best checking account for your business will vary depending on your specific business needs and the type of transportation business you’re starting. For example, the best banks for truckers, who need a lot of flexibility, won’t necessarily be the best bank for a school bus operation that stays relatively local.

Some accounts, like the Chase business checking accounts, offer you a bonus when you sign up, and the ability to waive the monthly service fee. Other banks offer a high number of transactions per month if your business has a high volume of transactions or offer integrations with accounting software. Choosing the right one comes down to what your business needs and what type and how many transactions you’re processing.

7. Get any funding you need

Starting a transportation business isn’t a cheap venture. You’ll likely need to be investing in equipment, aka vehicles, for the business which can cost a lot up front, even if you decide to rent. These costs are inevitable and you’ll have to spend some money to start making money.

So you’ll probably be needing some financing as well. There are plenty of financing options luckily. As a small business that’s new, you might have a hard time finding lenders but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

There are grants, loans, funding and more available as startup funding to new business owners. You might even decide that your new business credit card can help you get started depending on your credit limit. Your other options for startup business loans include SBA microloans, small-business grants, family and friends, personal loans and crowdfunding.

8. Hire any employees you need

You’re probably going to need employees if you’re planning on transporting anything on any sort of scale other than small one-time trips that you can handle yourself. If so, you’ll have to find those employees and make sure they’re the right fit for your new business.

Some signs that it’s the right time to hire your first employee include having to turn down work because you can’t do it all on your own, never being able to take a break, and needing someone with skills that you don’t already have.

Once you know you definitely need to hire an employee, make sure you’ve got an EIN and your taxes are in order. Then you can move on to the part of hiring your first employee that involves writing the job description and interviewing and hiring candidates.

Read Also: 10 Best Survey Websites to Make Money Online

You should make sure your candidates have the training and the licenses they need to work for your business. You might also want to check their references to make sure they’re reliable and good employees and will be a valuable addition to your new business.

Don’t rush into hiring. If you don’t need any employees, don’t hire just because you think your business should be more than one person. You’ll be able to tell when the time is right and should take some time to vet candidates and make sure they have the correct skills before offering them a position.

Keep in mind that when you hire someone, you’ll also have to provide benefits, deal with payroll taxes, adjust your budget to reflect salaries and more.

Related Post

Best Owner-Operator Businesses

Top 9 Ways To Run A Successful Small Business

The Best Logistics Solutions for Oil and Gas

Conclusion

Ultimately, car diagnostic tests are beneficial tools that should be a regular practice of any maintenance checkup for your car. To avoid the inconvenience of taking your vehicle to a mechanic, consider purchasing the necessary equipment and carrying out your own regular diagnostic tests to ensure that your vehicle runs as well as possible.

A car diagnostic test will help to ensure that your car doesn’t suffer from long-term or catastrophic damage due to malfunctioning parts or computer errors.