Making a living in the auto industry - not sales
Discussion
Is it possible these days to make yourself a living in the automotive industry without having to be a used car salesman?
I did run a specialist vehicle workshop for 7 years but it didn't make enough money to overcome the challenges small businesses must transcend before they become stable long term.
Essentially I'm saying used car sales does not have a great rep and the workshop side of things is ultimately more likely to cost you money than make it for you. Of course the other issue with sales is you must invest a lot of capital in stock so it's a difficult business to jump straight into.
Aside from those options what else is there that can bring home the bacon?
I did run a specialist vehicle workshop for 7 years but it didn't make enough money to overcome the challenges small businesses must transcend before they become stable long term.
Essentially I'm saying used car sales does not have a great rep and the workshop side of things is ultimately more likely to cost you money than make it for you. Of course the other issue with sales is you must invest a lot of capital in stock so it's a difficult business to jump straight into.
Aside from those options what else is there that can bring home the bacon?
GroundEffect said:
Become an engineer for an OEM or one of the higher Tier suppliers? Some don't require a degree - for example Horiba MIRA test engineers don't have them in many cases.
I was thinking more along the lines of small businesses rather than being a worker in a large firm somewhere. Work in someone else's large equipped garage.
I was working for myself for years and it was tough especially at Christmas when ppl were skint so work was light or asking could they pay later etc exactly when I was also skint and needed cash for my own Christmas.
I closed up and took a job in a Haulage companys garage. There is no stress whatsoever, there is a never ending line of inspections and repairs to do, I dont deal with customers or invoices, and as long as you are good at the job and have a decent turnaround on jobs you will get handsomely rewarded, with holiday/sick pay, pension etc all sorted.
I had a few customers that I liked working with (a race team, car club members etc.) I didnt sell my equipment I moved it to my garage at home so still do those jobs in the evening or weekends but on a very pick and choose basis.
I dont regret it at all.
I was working for myself for years and it was tough especially at Christmas when ppl were skint so work was light or asking could they pay later etc exactly when I was also skint and needed cash for my own Christmas.
I closed up and took a job in a Haulage companys garage. There is no stress whatsoever, there is a never ending line of inspections and repairs to do, I dont deal with customers or invoices, and as long as you are good at the job and have a decent turnaround on jobs you will get handsomely rewarded, with holiday/sick pay, pension etc all sorted.
I had a few customers that I liked working with (a race team, car club members etc.) I didnt sell my equipment I moved it to my garage at home so still do those jobs in the evening or weekends but on a very pick and choose basis.
I dont regret it at all.
andyxxx said:
High quality chauffeur/private taxi?
Dent removal? (I always struggle to get them to turn up)
I suppose the dent removal business does have a lack of supply despite there being a demand for it. But the required skill and time to properly repair paintwork on mobile jobs is enormous and the margins aren't great as people think it's £50 to have a dent removed. If it's £15-20 of fuel to drive to a customer and then 3 hours work on site you're looking at super slim margins. Then you get all the 'come-backs' when your patch of paint you put on does not match the manufacturers quality / colour and the customer is disappointed. I can see why there is a shortage of people operating in that market. Dent removal? (I always struggle to get them to turn up)
ingenieur said:
andyxxx said:
High quality chauffeur/private taxi?
Dent removal? (I always struggle to get them to turn up)
I suppose the dent removal business does have a lack of supply despite there being a demand for it. But the required skill and time to properly repair paintwork on mobile jobs is enormous and the margins aren't great as people think it's £50 to have a dent removed. If it's £15-20 of fuel to drive to a customer and then 3 hours work on site you're looking at super slim margins. Then you get all the 'come-backs' when your patch of paint you put on does not match the manufacturers quality / colour and the customer is disappointed. I can see why there is a shortage of people operating in that market. Dent removal? (I always struggle to get them to turn up)
Smart repair and paintless dent removal is a different bag
Classic car New Old Stock. Buy up job lots and identify then sell on line and at shows. However to quote Alan Sugar “To be a good seller you need to be a good buyer” buy low sell higher.
Lots of 80s stuff now valuable and people looking to take to concours condition.
Also opportunity to buy some old vehicles and strip. Maybe rent a yard. Sell off the valuable parts then scrap the rest
Also do exchange service on diffs, gearbox, distributors so you have them on the shelf at a premium then re com their old unit back to the shelf. Build up a core bank and then churn.
Probably not going to be a Millionaire but definitely can make a living especially if you have some knowledge and spanner skills.
Turn a hobby into a job.
Lots of 80s stuff now valuable and people looking to take to concours condition.
Also opportunity to buy some old vehicles and strip. Maybe rent a yard. Sell off the valuable parts then scrap the rest
Also do exchange service on diffs, gearbox, distributors so you have them on the shelf at a premium then re com their old unit back to the shelf. Build up a core bank and then churn.
Probably not going to be a Millionaire but definitely can make a living especially if you have some knowledge and spanner skills.
Turn a hobby into a job.
Sogra said:
Classic car New Old Stock. Buy up job lots and identify then sell on line and at shows. However to quote Alan Sugar “To be a good seller you need to be a good buyer” buy low sell higher.
Lots of 80s stuff now valuable and people looking to take to concours condition.
Also opportunity to buy some old vehicles and strip. Maybe rent a yard. Sell off the valuable parts then scrap the rest
Also do exchange service on diffs, gearbox, distributors so you have them on the shelf at a premium then re com their old unit back to the shelf. Build up a core bank and then churn.
Probably not going to be a Millionaire but definitely can make a living especially if you have some knowledge and spanner skills.
Turn a hobby into a job.
I guess breaking is a good business as lots of people get into it. Lots of 80s stuff now valuable and people looking to take to concours condition.
Also opportunity to buy some old vehicles and strip. Maybe rent a yard. Sell off the valuable parts then scrap the rest
Also do exchange service on diffs, gearbox, distributors so you have them on the shelf at a premium then re com their old unit back to the shelf. Build up a core bank and then churn.
Probably not going to be a Millionaire but definitely can make a living especially if you have some knowledge and spanner skills.
Turn a hobby into a job.
It would be a slow burner though, you'd have to know what sells before buying (as per Mr Sugar).
It's also a very messy business with a lot of trouble from environmental services, plus renting premises. There is also the issue of competing with the types who steal cars and break them and don't have the overhead of legitimately acquiring vehicles.
Also... another one where you get grief from customers who don't know what they're ordering and have to return items. Or buy something from you and then say it is unsatisfactory condition and want free returns.
What about mobile air con specialist?
Not sure whether it is enough income for you but should be relatively low capital investment. I had a guy come round and fixed the air con on my car.
It's normally going to be the compressor, condensor or the evaporator that leaks then it's a matter of taking things apart to get to them. They say it normally takes about three attempts to fix/repair. And that was the case for me.
We've now reached the stage in the UK where aircon is considered an "essential" for our cars so there should be enough business out there. It's just whether you would find the job rewarding.
Not sure whether it is enough income for you but should be relatively low capital investment. I had a guy come round and fixed the air con on my car.
It's normally going to be the compressor, condensor or the evaporator that leaks then it's a matter of taking things apart to get to them. They say it normally takes about three attempts to fix/repair. And that was the case for me.
We've now reached the stage in the UK where aircon is considered an "essential" for our cars so there should be enough business out there. It's just whether you would find the job rewarding.
ingenieur said:
I guess breaking is a good business as lots of people get into it.
It would be a slow burner though, you'd have to know what sells before buying (as per Mr Sugar).
It's also a very messy business with a lot of trouble from environmental services, plus renting premises. There is also the issue of competing with the types who steal cars and break them and don't have the overhead of legitimately acquiring vehicles.
Also... another one where you get grief from customers who don't know what they're ordering and have to return items. Or buy something from you and then say it is unsatisfactory condition and want free returns.
It’s fair to say there is always a problem for every solution. It would be a slow burner though, you'd have to know what sells before buying (as per Mr Sugar).
It's also a very messy business with a lot of trouble from environmental services, plus renting premises. There is also the issue of competing with the types who steal cars and break them and don't have the overhead of legitimately acquiring vehicles.
Also... another one where you get grief from customers who don't know what they're ordering and have to return items. Or buy something from you and then say it is unsatisfactory condition and want free returns.
Tescos have competition from Sainsbury’s or Asda, Mc Donald’s from KFC. Customers unfortunately are part of the deal but you build them into your business plan. Eg what percentage of goodwill write off will be acceptable
The messy side of it I think is an irrelevance. Take off what you need then let the really hard part go to the scrap man. Buy off ebay. The sum of the parts is worth more than the whole.
Product or industry knowledge are what makes the money invest the time and effort and receive monetary rewards. Maybe start part time whilst still working and build your knowledge base
Don’t forget the New Old Stock Route
Possibly depending on your knowledge base and requires less room would be 79s and 80s Japanese motorcycles
All the easy ones with high profit business opportunities are gone but success is a direct result of effort
Or
become a Motor Industry influencer post on the gram or do it Naked on Only Fans I hear people pay a fortune for that particularly if they can see your feet.
There’s your opportunity. Bare feet with used 10w40 on them. Maybe soak them in a bucket and sell on only fans.
Good luck. I have worked in the motor industry all my life and it’s been good to me but it ain’t been easy.
How about tracker/comms installations? I generate the PO’s for our mobile fitter. He’s that busy, he only comes on a Friday. 10 at a time and charges £65 per unit. Really easy to fit, 20-30 minutes each.
Try and get in with Masternaut. They’ve been bought out by Michelin and supply all the big fleets. No out lay apart from a bag of hand tools and a van/car to get about in. There’s tonnes of work for those guys. They’re picking and choosing their work at the moment.
Nationwide are also desperate for fitters too.
Try and get in with Masternaut. They’ve been bought out by Michelin and supply all the big fleets. No out lay apart from a bag of hand tools and a van/car to get about in. There’s tonnes of work for those guys. They’re picking and choosing their work at the moment.
Nationwide are also desperate for fitters too.
Do you have any academic qualifications?
It seems like you have some engineering qualifications or experience?
Unless you are hell bent on wanting to work for yourself, I'd suggest you take a look at working for an OEM, possibly via an agency. Such as a warranty auditor or similar.
Or you could work in a dealership in a non front of house role, such as sales admin, workshop control. But these roles don't really pay.
It seems like you have some engineering qualifications or experience?
Unless you are hell bent on wanting to work for yourself, I'd suggest you take a look at working for an OEM, possibly via an agency. Such as a warranty auditor or similar.
Or you could work in a dealership in a non front of house role, such as sales admin, workshop control. But these roles don't really pay.
MDMA . said:
How about tracker/comms installations?
In my experience everyone who I've ever come across that fits commercial tracking systems and camera systems are generally the biggest bodgers in the business. I've yet to find one that is consistently good and actually gives a damn about what they are doing.
Matt_E_Mulsion said:
MDMA . said:
How about tracker/comms installations?
In my experience everyone who I've ever come across that fits commercial tracking systems and camera systems are generally the biggest bodgers in the business. I've yet to find one that is consistently good and actually gives a damn about what they are doing.
leef44 said:
What about mobile air con specialist?
Not sure whether it is enough income for you but should be relatively low capital investment. I had a guy come round and fixed the air con on my car.
It's normally going to be the compressor, condensor or the evaporator that leaks then it's a matter of taking things apart to get to them. They say it normally takes about three attempts to fix/repair. And that was the case for me.
We've now reached the stage in the UK where aircon is considered an "essential" for our cars so there should be enough business out there. It's just whether you would find the job rewarding.
Realistically a couple of grand would get you the basic equipment needed to be a mobile AC specialist but it can be a tough market as most garages now have AC equipment and are happy to just pump gas in and hope it lasts long enough for the three weeks of summer we have each year!Not sure whether it is enough income for you but should be relatively low capital investment. I had a guy come round and fixed the air con on my car.
It's normally going to be the compressor, condensor or the evaporator that leaks then it's a matter of taking things apart to get to them. They say it normally takes about three attempts to fix/repair. And that was the case for me.
We've now reached the stage in the UK where aircon is considered an "essential" for our cars so there should be enough business out there. It's just whether you would find the job rewarding.
Doing basic recharges and locating leaks are the easy part, you would need the experience of knowing what the gauges are showing to know what the possible faults are. If you know what you are doing it should be fixed first time.
blue_haddock said:
Realistically a couple of grand would get you the basic equipment needed to be a mobile AC specialist but it can be a tough market as most garages now have AC equipment and are happy to just pump gas in and hope it lasts long enough for the three weeks of summer we have each year!
Doing basic recharges and locating leaks are the easy part, you would need the experience of knowing what the gauges are showing to know what the possible faults are. If you know what you are doing it should be fixed first time.
In my case, it was the compressor that was detected with a leak. Got it fixed. It worked for a few weeks then leaked again. I had moved by then so local garage put a dye in and regassed. Worked for a couple of days then could detect from the dye that the leak was now the condensor. Got that fixed and regassed again and now it has been working fine.Doing basic recharges and locating leaks are the easy part, you would need the experience of knowing what the gauges are showing to know what the possible faults are. If you know what you are doing it should be fixed first time.
It was an old car (2005) and air con had not been working for a number of years but I finally decided to get it fixed.
I think I'm an outlier and you are right that it would be a tough market that many consumers would not get to the bottom of it to be fixed.
leef44 said:
blue_haddock said:
Realistically a couple of grand would get you the basic equipment needed to be a mobile AC specialist but it can be a tough market as most garages now have AC equipment and are happy to just pump gas in and hope it lasts long enough for the three weeks of summer we have each year!
Doing basic recharges and locating leaks are the easy part, you would need the experience of knowing what the gauges are showing to know what the possible faults are. If you know what you are doing it should be fixed first time.
In my case, it was the compressor that was detected with a leak. Got it fixed. It worked for a few weeks then leaked again. I had moved by then so local garage put a dye in and regassed. Worked for a couple of days then could detect from the dye that the leak was now the condensor. Got that fixed and regassed again and now it has been working fine.Doing basic recharges and locating leaks are the easy part, you would need the experience of knowing what the gauges are showing to know what the possible faults are. If you know what you are doing it should be fixed first time.
It was an old car (2005) and air con had not been working for a number of years but I finally decided to get it fixed.
I think I'm an outlier and you are right that it would be a tough market that many consumers would not get to the bottom of it to be fixed.
ingenieur said:
It usually is old cars where it has to be fixed. Corrosion or accident damage would be the main reasons for getting a leak. Also mechanics who fix one part of the car might hit the system or bend pipes to get to certain other parts.
Thanks, I think that explains it. There was a dent already on the bumper due to some guys playing around with a small digger who hit my car while I was parked up. Of course they did not admit liability even though it was so obvious from the inprint of the digger tracks on my bumper.Anyway, the second fix found the mechanic could not place the bumper back properly because the dent was impinging on the condensor. He pushed the bumper back out using a hot air gun.
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