How to Write an Auto Repair Shop Business Plan + Free PDF

Looking for a free, downloadable auto repair shop business plan Word doc or PDF to help you create a business plan of your own? Bplans has you covered.

You don’t need to find a sample business plan that exactly matches your business. Whether you’re starting an independent garage, a specialty shop for imports, or an auto body shop, the basics of the plan will be the same.

More than 280 million registered vehicles were on the road across the United States at the end of 2022. With a vast majority of them being used vehicles, the need for skilled auto repair technicians is higher than ever.

In this article, we’ll cover the basic elements of how to write an auto repair shop business plan, from your marketing plan to your financials. We also provide a sample auto repair shop business plan PDF for you to download and incorporate into your own plan.

What should you include in an auto repair shop business plan?

Are you writing a business plan for your auto shop because you’re seeking a loan? Are you looking to clarify your path to creating a profitable, long-lasting business? 

Independent auto repair shops account for three-quarters of all used car repairs in the U.S., so there are numerous examples of successful business models to guide your business. 

But no two auto shops are exactly the same, so your plan will differ from others based on who you’ve identified as your target market, and what products and services you’re offering them.

Many business plans include the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Company overview and funding needs
• Market and competitive analysis
• Products and services
• Operational plan
• Business structure
• Marketing and customer acquisition strategies
• Financial planning and projections

One thing that makes an auto repair business plan different from many other service-based business plans is the sheer number of different products and services you might offer. 

For instance, besides providing auto repair services, you might also sell parts, accessories, and car care products. Each might require a different promotional strategy to maximize the number of sales you make.

You may also want to think about how you’re pricing your services and if you have specific staffing requirements or training programs.

Here’s an example of an auto repair shop business plan outline.

The 8 elements of an effective auto repair shop business plan

1. Executive summary

The executive summary is a high-level overview of your business plan. 

It shouldn’t be more than two pages, and even though it goes at the beginning of the plan, you should write it last. That’s because the executive summary is basically a condensed version of your business plan.

Your executive summary should include a mission statement that describes the purpose of your business and what sets it apart from competitors. Maybe you can guarantee a quicker service time than other shops in your area, or you offer a unique mix of services.

Your business plan helps you focus on these key factors that will help your auto repair shop thrive, and the executive summary makes your plan more credible to anyone reading your plan.

2. Company overview and funding needs

The company overview is a short summary of your auto repair shop, including its legal structure, location, and history. 

If you aren’t seeking a loan or investment for your business, you can likely skip this section. 

If you are writing the business plan for funding, clearly state: 

• How much you need
• What you will use it for
• How it will benefit the business

For instance, you may need funds to renovate your building, buy equipment, or place advertisements.

3. Marketing plan and competitive analysis

The marketing plan focuses on analyzing the auto repair shop market in your area, both in terms of potential customers’ needs, and how other shops in the area are (or aren’t) meeting those needs.

Researching your market involves researching local demand for auto repair services. For instance, a shop in a colder climate might have customers with different car issues than a shop in a warmer area. A shop in a lower-income market might get more customers with older vehicle models than one in a high-income market.

The market analysis should also examine your competitors, noting their strengths and weaknesses and how you can differentiate your shop.

4. Products and services

This section outlines the range of services your auto repair shop will offer. You can list them as bullet points, though you should also take some time to explain why you are offering them. 

Start with your most profitable services, and work your way down. Also, separate any unique services products that differentiate your auto repair shop from competitors (you’ll need to do market research to know which services will set you apart).

A list of products and services could include:

• Engine repairs
• Transmission work
• Suspension and steering
• Brake repair
• General maintenance
• Auto part sales

You can also include specialty services like:

• Classic car restoration
• Hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance 

5. Operational Plan

The operations section details the everyday functioning of the auto repair shop. It includes the shop’s operational hours, workflow management, and customer service policies.

The idea with this section is to cover the processes that you’ll deploy in your business to make sure your shop is operating efficiently, so you can maximize the number of customers you’ll serve and revenue you’ll bring in. 

Be sure to touch on how you’ll manage inventory, work with parts suppliers, and ensure equipment maintenance protocols are being followed. Also, outline safety procedures and environmental compliance measures you’ll implement.

6. Business structure and management

This section describes the organizational structure and management of the auto repair shop. If you skipped the Company Summary and Funding Needs section, include information about your legal structure here. 

Many owners choose to incorporate their business as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). This option strikes a balance between protecting the business from legal liabilities while providing flexibility in how they operate their business.

The management team section provides information about the auto repair shop’s key personnel. This includes the shop owner, managers, technicians and front office support. 

Briefly explain their roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and experience. 

7. Marketing and customer acquisition strategies

This section is where you’ll outline your strategies for attracting and retaining customers. You might want to offer loyalty programs for repeat customers, discounts for customers coming to your shop for the first time, or add-on services like a free car wash.

Cover the various marketing channels you’ll use, like local advertising or online marketing. Maybe you want to create a strong website and leverage social media. Or maybe you’ll rely more on partnerships with local businesses and participation in community events. 

Focus on how you plan to build a strong reputation to attract and retain customers.

8. Financial planning and projections

Your financial plan should give detailed financial projections, including sales, expenses, and profitability. If you’re running an existing business, you can start with your previous year’s numbers. If you’re just starting out, put in your best guess.

Set a goal for yourself — maybe you want to grow revenue by 5 percent. Create a 12-month cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet that rises by 5 percent from the beginning of the year to the end.

Then, run your business. 

As you compare your actuals to the forecast over time, you’ll see where you need to make strategic adjustments in order to reach your goal or if you need to revise your target. 

It’s totally fine to adjust your forecast over time — forecasts are just guesses, after all.

Building a successful auto repair shop business plan: Key considerations

Understanding your target customer’s needs is crucial to writing an auto repair shop business plan that you can use effectively. 

To ensure your business plan is the foundation of a growing operation, ask yourself whether you’re taking these considerations into account.

1. Service range

Vehicle owners have varied needs. 

You should offer a broad spectrum of services that meet as many of the needs in your market as you can realistically provide, from basic maintenance to specialized repairs. Catering to more customer segments than your competitors is a good way to set your shop apart.

2. Pricing strategy

Competitive pricing is crucial. You want to attract customers with reasonable rates, while ensuring profitability by bringing in more revenue than expenses. Researching your competitors’ prices should help inform your pricing decisions.

3. Technician expertise

Skilled technicians are vital to your reputation and your bottom line. Make sure your technicians undergo regular training so that they’re up to date with the latest automotive trends and technologies. 

Take some time to research technician wages in your area, to ensure you’re paying a competitive wage that will attract qualified employees.

4. Online presence

A strong digital footprint is essential. 

Even if you plan to rely on traditional advertising and word-of-mouth sales, a website that is search engine optimized can help you generate good online reviews and attract customers in your area who are searching for auto repair services online. 

If this isn’t an area of strength for you, consider hiring a website designer.

5. Shop environment

It may not make or break your business, but providing a welcoming environment at your shop signals to customers that you’re running a credible organization—a factor that might affect whether or not they return. 

Focus on cleanliness, organization, and professional service.

Download your free auto repair shop sample business plan PDF

Download your free auto repair shop sample business plan PDF now, or explore Bplans’ collection of over 550 sample business plans for other options.

There are numerous reasons auto repair shop owners can benefit from writing a business plan — you’ll almost certainly need to write one if you need a bank loan.

But even if you’re not seeking funding, writing a business plan increases your chances for sustained growth.