Overnight Auto Repair Garage

[biz123]

Hi,

Me and 2 other people are looking into setting up a new garage in my local area but with a twist. We want to offer similar services to a normal garage but repairs and MOT's etc.. are done overnight.

The obvious benefit this gives to the customer is that they get to use there car again for work or whatever! All 3 of us have experience in either repairing cars or general automotive. We also have already got our eyes on a existing garage for sale and its about a 15 min drive from a major parts distributor/seller.

Basically I want to ask what you guys think... would you use the services and pay a premium for it ?


P.S Another advantage would be that we can service cars for business such as taxi firms or couriers and so on...

 

[Deleted member 9840]

Brilliant!!!! Go for it. (and yes i think a premium could be charged)

Steve

 

[stugster]

Hi mate,

Fantastic idea!!!!!

 

[RLD Plastering and Tiling Services]

I think this is a brilliant idea, wished i'd thought of it myself

 

[David Griffiths]

The concept is excellent, and I'm sure that there would be takers for it. The real question is not if everybody would pay extra, but whether enough people will pay extra.

Would the parts distributor be open at times to provide the parts when you need them? I know that the garage that I use orders parts for delivery the same day, and gets on with jobs that don't need parts until they arrive. Obviously, you'd pre-order anything that you knew you needed, but most garages are very good at finding a few extra things to do!

 

Good idea but watch how much of a premium you charge.

It may be better to keep your prices same as day rate ,certainly to get established and go for quantity of work.

I have an interest in a garage and price does matter.

Qustion where are you going to get parts from in the middle of the night.?

we have a supplier that delivers within 20 minutes.

Earl

 

[David Griffiths]

I think this is a brilliant idea, wished i'd thought of it myself

Well you have now! Will you do something with it? I'm sure that the OP won't mind unless you open up next door.

 

[Matt1959]

I'm sure you've thought of this but all my experiences of dealing with garages involve them in constant phoning of the parts suppliers to ascertain exactly what part is required ( a bit tricky during the night) and you can't do this until the vehicle is in bits:| Also, I think lots of parts factors deliver more than once a day - I think its good idea in theory but would worry about getting parts when you need them.

MOTS would be perfect though. MOT stations are linked by computer now - do these function during the night?

edit. Earl beat me to it on the parts thing

 

I think if you can't find a night time parts supplier.Then you may have to spend quite a bit on parts to cover the most popular models.

Setting up an MOT station is also not cheap.

I think if you could get contacts with the breakdown services it would help for instant repairs.

Its probably a good idea but I fear you may need quite a bit of capital to get it going.

Your also competing with mobile mechanics.e.t.c

Also are you near a large customer base.sounds like a job for a leaflet drop and local papers.

I also ask myself why the established garages have not done this sort of thing.?

Earl

 

[sm1]

This sounds like a really good and interesting idea! Good luck with it

 

[biz123]

woah! thanks for all the replies. Lots of positive comments.

As for getting parts this clearly is going to be the biggest hurdle to have to overcome. The parts store stays open till about 6.

I would have to diagnose the problems and get the parts before 6. Problem with this is that this reduces the amount of customers because people will not be back from work and there car might break down at half past 6 on the way back from work etc..

I am looking for parts suppliers who stay open later however I do not think there are many to be honest.. I cant think of any other solution!

 

[RLD Plastering and Tiling Services]

Well you have now! Will you do something with it? I'm sure that the OP won't mind unless you open up next door.

If i hadn't decided on a different service sector to start up in i might have, to the OP is it feasible to offer a 24 hrs service as opposed to just a night service, this way you get the best of both worlds and you could then grantee a 24 hr turn around.

 

[sm1]

Surely the breakdown companies need some parts 24/7, so could you not form an alliance somehow? Obviously breakdown companies won't carry certain parts you need.

Cheers

 

woah! thanks for all the replies. Lots of positive comments.

As for getting parts this clearly is going to be the biggest hurdle to have to overcome. The parts store stays open till about 6.

I would have to diagnose the problems and get the parts before 6. Problem with this is that this reduces the amount of customers because people will not be back from work and there car might break down at half past 6 on the way back from work etc..

I am looking for parts suppliers who stay open later however I do not think there are many to be honest.. I cant think of any other solution!

I suppose there may be a possibility dependent on how friendly your local parts supplier is to stock up on a sale or return basis.

Possibly offering a supplier a share in the business may make it appealing for them.with the added benifit that they would probably have a large customer base.?

Earl

 

[biz123]

Opening 24hrs is possible and you make a good point when saying I will get best out of both worlds.

As far as i know some breakdown companies do get parts 24/7 so thats something I will need to look into. But possibly they stock up on a sale or return basis which is what sirearl said. I did not think of that and is something I will look into ASAP.

One other thing is im worried wether people will be willing to pay a premium the business is going to be more costly to run compared to a standard garage so prices will have to be slightly higher. I will have to do more market research to get a answer for sure!

 

[sm1]

Ye - do the research - well worth it

It all depends on how much the premium is!

 

[willitbe]

Open a 24 hr motor factors too!!!!....lol

And commercial garages do this already

 

[Matt1959]

as regards paying a premium, possibly you would need to look at business users as private owners are tighter than a ducks a*re. Myself, I find it a real pain to get a vehicle to a garage, get a lift back and a lift back to the garage to get the vehicle once its done - time is money, so if this running around can be done in the evening/ early morning by a family member so much the better.

 

[biz123]

haha yeh unfortunatly i do not think I have enough initial money to invest in stocking up on parts and a distribution network maybe in the near future if all goes well lol

 

One other thing is im worried wether people will be willing to pay a premium the business is going to be more costly to run compared to a standard garage so prices will have to be slightly higher.

Disagree if your open 24 hours your overheads are less.

Earl

 

[Matt1959]

Disagree if your open 24 hours your overheads are less.

Earl

I'm sure theres something I don't know of but night work surely entails more light (electric) and more wages (night shift) for starters - I'm not sure why it would be less expensive ie its not like you have to shut down expensive machinery and start it up again (which usually justifies keeping things running 24/7)

 

[KM-Tiger]

I'm sure theres something I don't know of but night work surely entails more light (electric) and more wages (night shift) for starters - I'm not sure why it would be less expensive ie its not like you have to shut down expensive machinery and start it up again (which usually justifies keeping things running 24/7)

I think Earl's point was that if you operate 24 hrs, then fixed overheads like rent, rates etc are divided over 24 hrs rather than, say, 8 hrs. So the overhead cost per hour goes down.

 

[Matt1959]

I think Earl's point was that if you operate 24 hrs, then fixed overheads like rent, rates etc are divided over 24 hrs rather than, say, 8 hrs. So the overhead cost per hour goes down.

that'll teach me for posting after coming back from the pub - obvious really:redface:

 

[Mattonella Tile Studio]

The problem I see is that most of the time when the car goes in for a service the garage phone me after a few hours to say what needs to be done, what could be done but isn't urgent etc etc. How are you going to contact customers to discuss this in the middle of the night?

Now servicing on a Sunday would be something I'd go for.

 

[biz123]

we could contact then in the evening of the day that they bring in the car. They will just have to be aware of this. And anyway they would most likely want it to be done ASAP unless there was a increase in cost originally quoted or something. Sunday would also be a option and would only increase the customer base!

 

[razzles]

Hi,

This post might come over as negative but after 15 years+ in the motor trade never ever runs smooth!!

Why not get impressed stock from a local factor? or two?
Dont put all your eggs in one basket with a factor, we used make one call (just got lazy) now we always make 3+ phone call is amazing how much the same part can vary in price. Also worth a call to main agents as sometime they are cheaper. The same with tyres too, get one quote from the tyre people on the same site as us, phone another, phone back the first get them to match it and save £5+ on a £20 tyre.

How are people going to get from you and back again? Say drop car off at 6.30pm after work, then collect at 7am on way to work. Not as much public transport about at that time. Dark night people less keen to walk/ride bike. Less people about to get lift from. If it is harder for people to use you people wont. People just want it easy today and do not want to, as there is so much comperion about they just walk to another garage.
May a car collection / delivery service from home?
What happens when car needs tyres as they are illegal and it is 3am. You could get advanced pre authorsion for work. Harder with tyres as what make do they want budget, mid range, premium? Think you would need to get a great deal of information form customers when they left car to try and cover work that might be required. Check list? Make sure you know where locking wheel nut keys are kept.
What happens when you need main agent help / advise / parts / tech information.
What about the following true story:
Customer brings car in for service & mot in the afternoon.
Car is gets mot ok, then in for service, customer comes back from town to collect car. Tell them MOT fine, just finshing the service. Get call form workshop rear wheel bearing jsut fallen apart when removed rear wheel.
Make calls to local factors, nil stock. We are main agent but too late for next day delivery. Get car from from sale department, explain to customer they are ok send them off in different car. Tell them should be ready next. Order part from local factor arrives the next day - incorrect. All factors have the wrong information for the type of car. We then order part for the next day. Phone customer and tell them car wont be ready for another day. Now whats happens in the night? Customer returns in the morning to collect car on way to work and they cannot collect their car? May get a deal with a local car hire company for back up?
How much space do you have, we have cars coming and going all throughout the day, is every one going to leave overnight?
What hours are you going to open as you might need two shifts. Open at 5pm? Close at 10am - long day for one person.

 

[Jheath]

I agree that to get the best value from the overheads you should run 24/7. You'd need mechanics working three 8 hour shifts (like nurses) earlies / lates / nights. If you could keep busy your premises overhead per job would be 1/3 of the competitions. I can see parts would be a problem though. With planning, routine servicing could be done overnight (keep a stock of service items) then repairs / replacements during the day when the parts are available.
Good luck!

 

[C.J.Couriers Professional]

I think there is too much pessimism in some posts. Great idea, but you just have to get it right. If I really want my car to be fixed for morning, I don't mind a call at 3 a.m. to agree costs of repair or I give pre-authorisation for some repairs. If your wheel bearings fall apart I can't imagine anyone refusing to change them, it is one of the things that has to be done or you just don't drive.
24/7 garage is the best solution, if you add some recovery van to it, you've got the winning offer.
Just because somebody is in the business for a long time it is not a proof, that you are not right and your idea is not good.

 

[Jezclayton]

I also ask myself why the established garages have not done this sort of thing.?Earl

I understand that a number of Ford garages are offering overnight servicing on commercial vehicles (Transits).

In the same way that Sunday is no longer a rest day for many, once demand increases for overnight services suppliers will follow suit. It won't be long before you can expect to work 24hrs a day 7 days a week.

 

[razzles]

Not trying to "knock" the idea, just pointing out what happens. With the correct systems in place it should work. The systems would have to be good and well planned out thats all. If you are trying to offer a niche, try and and make it probelm free for the customer the easier the better. Maybe give them a form or an online form to fill out when they book. What shall we do if, brakes are low, what brand of tyres would you prefer, can we keep your car longer of needed, buget to spend upto, etc.
Why not put a webcam up so people could login and see you working on their car.

 

[biz123]

i understand everything you are saying and you give some very good points... in the end of the day i will have to find a solution to these problems but i think they are the worst case scenarios like any new idea there are teething problems but i think i will just have to work them out! I will keep you all posted on how it goes!

I think 24/7 is something I am definatly going to have to include along with maybe a car collection service and breakdown vehicle but it all depends on startup costs.... Another problem is actually getting permission to open 24 hours a day because I will have to consider local residents

 

[lockie]

You also need to choose the location well as local authorities may not allow 24-7 due to noise pollution.An impact wrench is a noisey tool to use and that noise will travel far at night.

 

We have a huge flat bed trailer takes 4 ton,amazing the amount of work it gets transporting various goods besides vehicles.

And no overheads with it, just hook it up to a 4 x 4.

Earl

 

[RLD Plastering and Tiling Services]

i think the 24/7 route is definately the way to go as long as you get all the right permissions. To overcome other problems such as overrunning on repairs could you possibly do a deal with a car hire firm that they give you preferential rates and you do the same on servicing and mot for their vehicle fleet, also don't know the trade that well myself but could it be that because you will be open overnight that you could offer a breakdown service for the likes of the rac or aa when they have to collect broken down vehicles off the motorway or i think someone posted earlier get a breakdown truck yourself (but cost might be an issue if your just starting) but how many people actually breakdown middle of night and have to wait until following day until a garage opens.

 

[razzles]

Maybe you should look into whos is about working, in the night.
Get in with some local recovery companies, to bring cars into you of a night. Let the local Police know you are open. Go round local 24/7 supermarkets, if people are shoppong at that hour, maybe they want their car serviced as well. Drop and collect to supermarket while car serviced. Contact companies that work through the night offer staff a deal / discount. (Factories, packing staff, hospital's, local radio stations etc)

 

[LINGsCARS]

My view is negative.

We could all run 24 hour operations (but we don't).

There needs to be a sound profitable normal business (9-5) here, first. Then decide to expand in to night time operations.

Few garages can make this work. There is a shortage of skilled staff anyway, and who would want to work through the night?

Sounds like a good idea, but I don't think it is. Other businesses usually have a motive for 24 hour operations (insurance is cheaper, staff are there anyway, or legal responsibility).

I would say, build a (very) profitable regular business THEN consider it. When it's costed out properly, I don't think it will be attractive (unless you have in house work, like a large motor retailer doing PDIs, to subsidise it).

What if a car isn't ready at 7am as promised? You can hardly wake people at 5am to tell them.

Bad, bad idea. Sorry.

 

I agree that it would be better to go for it from an existing business.

But there is an opportunity there ,as in my experience ( over 50 years of driving ).

Someone forgot to tell Motor vehicles that they may only break down between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

I think the basic concept is sound,but will require building up as any business and there are logistic problems to overcome.

If the OP was near to me I for one would consider investing in it.

And believe me to get my piggy bank open takes more than a sledge hammer.

Earl

 

[LINGsCARS]

If it was good, why don't existing operations make it work?

You need massive economies of scale here. You could make this 24 hour operation argument for any business or repair business.

The "emergency" bit is taken care of by AA, RAC or recovery. Like an emergency plumber.

The proper repairs and work takes place in the daytime in any business.

This could be any repair business: property repairs, computer repairs, fridge repairs, motorbike repairs.

It gets done in the day, not at night. Bad idea - will lose money. The only USP being the work is done at night? Crazy investment.

 

If it was good, why don't existing operations make it work?

You need massive economies of scale here. You could make this 24 hour operation argument for any business or repair business.

The "emergency" bit is taken care of by AA, RAC or recovery. Like an emergency plumber.

The proper repairs and work takes place in the daytime in any business.

This could be any repair business: property repairs, computer repairs, fridge repairs, motorbike repairs.

It gets done in the day, not at night. Bad idea - will lose money. The only USP being the work is done at night? Crazy investment.

Ling you of all people should know how the average driver hates to be parted from there beloved ,unlike some of the other products you mention.

And for many a motor vehicle is an intricate part of there working lives.

as to why don't other business's do as the OP suggests.Human nature dictates that if things are OK as is .Why bother.?

Like most successfull business's its who you know that very often determines there success allied to a few bob being dropped in the right quarter.

Earl

 

[KM-Tiger]

The only USP being the work is done at night?

Would definitely be attractive to anyone that earns money by having a vehicle on the road, and who will lose money if it's not on the road, eg minicab owner/drivers. If the potential earnings loss is more than the overnight premium it's a no brainer.

Whether that market is big enough is another question, but my guess is that it exists, so the OP could be onto a winner if he can get the details right.