Convenience can sell your business.  Today’s consumers have become accustomed to services like Amazon and Instacart, and while an entirely different model, focusing on convenience can help grow your auto repair shop business.  Rescuing someone from the roadside and getting them on their way is certainly one of the best ways to build customer loyalty.  This bodes well not only for immediate returns, but also long-term revenue.  A merchant cash advance is a great way to get the funding necessary to get started, as there are several investments you’ll need to make:

Essential Tools and Equipment

If your auto service has never included any kind of company vehicle, your biggest single investment will involve purchasing a van or truck with plenty of room for equipment, employees, and any customers who may need a lift. You’ll want to install a GPS system if it doesn't already have one. You should also equip your mobile mechanics with mobile devices to help them receive and respond to trouble calls efficiently.

Your Mechanic notes 6 essential tools for mobile auto technicians:

1. A high quality scan tool with multiple vehicle coverage
2. Jack and jack stands
3. Air compressor
4. Brake bleeding kit
5. Good assortment of clips and leads for multimeter
6. Throttle/brake pedal depressor

These are the bare essentials.  The more tools and equipment you can fit in your truck or van, the more services you can offer to your customers. Stock the vehicle with essential tools of the trade for handling the most common emergencies.

Marketing Budget

Marketing drives business and getting the word out about your mobile services will require an investment in digital, traditional, and creative tactics.  Social media promotions, customer reviews and local search listings alone can help build your online presence.  Print shops can create stunning vehicle wraps for your mobile mechanic van, including your company colors, logo, slogan and contact information. Keep plenty of business cards, brochures, and branded promotional items in the van (and in your shop) to keep your clientele thinking about your service. It also makes sense to distribute these items around local hotels, business suites, restaurants and any other areas where stranded drivers could use some guidance.

Convenient Payments

The reason mobile mechanics succeed is because of the convenience they provide and this should not be overlooked when it comes to payment. While you may have to include some sort of markup to cover basic trip expenses, you can roll it into a flat-rate menu to ensure fair, predictable prices. Your employee smartphones, or the vehicle itself, should also have access to a mobile point-of-sale program for easy credit card payments anytime, anywhere.

Roadside services come as a part of many insurance packages and aligning with them can help develop your customer base.  Any new enterprise, or expansion of an existing one, requires a certain amount of planning and capital to move forward.  A merchant cash advance for your auto repair shop can help get you on the road in as few as 7 days!