Service-tech trying to go self-employed. Parts + data?

[FakeCarGuy]

I'm just wondering if there are any other dealership techs that have gone freelance and found the best way to sort this kind of stuff out? I'll regularly be doing servicing so I don't want to pay retail prices for oil and stuff like that obviously.

I am a fully qualified level 3 service + maintenance tech - but my site has recently closed down. Now got all of my tools at home so it's proper easy to sort out other people's cars because I finally have access to my main set of tools 24/7 - but I no longer have access to AutoData or parts at (near enough) cost-price.

EuroCarParts are great sometimes since there are quite a few by me and they can really help you out in a pinch when you really need a specific part ASAP - but i'm pretty sure that they would not be the most cost-effective place to consistently source parts from.

I of course don't mind paying for something like AutoData either - but just wondering if there are any better alternatives for someone who is simply after basic tech specs and service data too.

I would just join another garage, but whilst I'm young I want to continue with my education - and considering I have my own tools and experience (as well as professional certification) - i thought I might as well work for myself and earn decent money whilst keeping my schedule flexible (considering I can easily make a day's wage working at a bar or whatever from 1 standard job, i think I would be stupid not too. I've done the training and paid for the tools - now it's time to capitalise on it).

[FakeCarGuy]

said:

Yeah, I had a similar arrangement which was great for extra pocket-money, but I no longer work at the garage, and kinda need to avoid a 9-5 to give me time to finish my studies. The whole point of going self-employed is to get rid of time commitments. I'd literally make half of what I make in a week in the garage on the Saturday alone doing private jobs - so I know I can sustain myself with it. The problem is just now figuring out the best way to source parts and technical data.

I've got a Halfords Trade Card, and to be honest, the prices don't seem tooo bad. Just wondering if there are any better alternatives for someone in my position.

[rallycross]

You’d start off setting up simple trade accounts ( no credit just pay as you go) with the 3 top local motor factors - probably ECP , AtoZ ( Nappa) and your biggest local one.
Their sales guys will all compete to get your business once you start spending regular money then with some trading history they will give you credit accounts with better deals and monthly invoicing.

[paintman]

^^^^What he said.

This is worth a read: https://businessadvice.co.uk/entrepreneurship/how-...

Note particularly the insurances esp public liability.

A good accountant is well worthwhile & I'd suggest having a chat with one sooner rather than later.
Look for a firm that advertise as accountants AND business advisers.

[Hawkshaw]

I was a freelance tech (for want of a better description) most of my life.

Just get out of the motor trade while you are still young enough to do something else.

[Dynion Araf Uchaf]

if you are doing driveway servicing, the majority of your work will be oil and filters, some spark/glow plugs, light bulbs etc.

Diagnostic work requires some serious kit, patience and the ability to repair.

However I think you need to do two things to make as much money as possible - actually one thing - plan.

You need to have the parts you think you need as you arrive to do the job, so if you know your servicing an e46 330i tomorrow, you need those parts at the end of the day before. You'll possibly have to collect them, else you'd need a big order for them to deliver for you.

Secondly and as stated you need to get an account with a motor factor, the more you spend the more discount you'll get - you should be getting about 30%.

[FakeCarGuy]

Hawkshaw said:

I was a freelance tech (for want of a better description) most of my life.

Just get out of the motor trade while you are still young enough to do something else.

That’s the whole point though pal haha. I want to do an engineering degree apprenticeship- but i need a couple of A Levels for it - so I’m going to study privately for the next year - and thus it would be great if I could keep my schedule flexible by just working solo. It wont be a long term thing.

[Hawkshaw]

Good for you, sir. But be realistic about how much you can expect to earn. You won't make much, if anything, on parts, so you will just be selling your labour. In an 8 hour day you will struggle to do more than 4 hours that are actually chargeable - the rest of the time you will be doing admin, dealing with timewasters, solving problems, and general running around. Then your overheads have to come out of that 4 hours, so if you work out a realistic hourly rate, is that going to be competitive with all the other driveway mechanics in your part of the world? Then you'll be too shattered to study much in the evenings....Sorry if this seems pessimistic and I truly wish you well, but am speaking from experience.

[seabod91]

Give blue square a ring if they’re still going. I was a tech and was sick of awful pay. With blue square you are basically a contractor and are self employed. Money was 20 quid an hour give or take and it was not taxed. I definitely didn’t close down my ltd company and start a new one before the tax year was up. I got out as although pay is good for what it is I have a family and sometimes a job could come up 2 hours drive one way and although you can decline I couldn’t. Covid put an end to it all for me.

But as others have said. Get out.

It’s the worst paid trade there is and for the stress not worth it.

[Belle427]

Maybe stick to basic servicing where the expense for a technical data subscription is not really needed.
I’ve crawled around on my driveway for 30 odd years and I’m starting to feel it now at Almost 50.
My dad has done it for getting on 50 years and could still jump over my head!
He always had a full time job and did cars on a weekend for some extra cash.
Doing larger engine jobs like heads off etc really is soul destroying if it’s not your own car, especially on modern stuff.

[105.4]

Hawkshaw said:

Good for you, sir. But be realistic about how much you can expect to earn. You won't make much, if anything, on parts, so you will just be selling your labour. In an 8 hour day you will struggle to do more than 4 hours that are actually chargeable - the rest of the time you will be doing admin, dealing with timewasters, solving problems, and general running around. Then your overheads have to come out of that 4 hours, so if you work out a realistic hourly rate, is that going to be competitive with all the other driveway mechanics in your part of the world? Then you'll be too shattered to study much in the evenings....Sorry if this seems pessimistic and I truly wish you well, but am speaking from experience.

Around here, there are no driveway mechanics.

I’m more than capable myself, right up to cam belts, clutches, and even engine swaps, but time is always, always an issue for me as I generally work 10-14 hour days, 6-7 days a week.

If the OP is in the right area, then he may be sitting on a goldmine doing servicing at peoples homes and office car parks.

I’d happily pay £50 p/h to a decent, high quality mechanic who could do jobs on vehicles at my home.