Starting a Small Business for the Auto Industry

make E Bike batteries.

Reconditoning all sizes of batteries would be an easier way to start a business. Selling E bikes and three wheel cars also. Three wheel cars may take off in the USA, because they are free of the four wheel regulations. At least that is my understanding. I am looking to see if auto lobbyists try to crush three wheelers in the cradle.

My husband I are going to open our small business and we found a great system to save money in telecommunications. Take a look <a href="http://www.smart-numbers.net/">0800 numbers</a>. we have been saving so much money. Yes its great to have our own business we do what we want, what we find the best and we are free. It's good.

Learn how to convert ICE vehicles into plug in electric ones. Set up a business doing that. Possibly buy appropriate vehicles, with bad engines, from junkyards. Or convert for people who bring one in. There are books and websites on the subject.

Convert vehicles to run on natural gas, methanol, ethanol etc. also.

ronwagn

Give us a little help, if you would be so kind. Are you going to stay an engineer? Or retire to become something else as an entrepreneur? What will you be doing, or what would you prefer to be doing in the business...no matter what it is. This is important as this is to be a business, not an avocation. Do you see?

Once you know your own role in the business, next will be to figure the best business organization. For example, if you are to do "engineering," then a partnership might serve your "business" purpose because engineering alone is not a business; neither are engineering skills business skills. When you've thought through all this, then it's time to begin narrowing down to a product or service. But keep in mind that good ideas alone just don't cut it; and the best of ideas can often have poor chance of business success. For example, converting vehicles from liquid to gas burning is great...but who will be the customers? And who will provide the gas where it is needed? And what would be the competition in, say, a municipal market where, say, gas fueled vehicles are mostly public busses? Do you see?

All that said, here's a "business" with high demand and ever decreasing supply of expertise: small engine service and repair. If you like to work with your hands and enjoy training and mentoring young people, this would be a natural for you. You could start by contacting manufacturers that sell power tools and equipment, and asking about opportunities as an authorized repair/warranty service provider. Most such companies (MTD, Electrolux-Husqvarna, Briggs & Stratton...the list goes on) are earnestly and continuously looking for "new blood" to service their products and help expand their markets.

Hi Stu.

I was looking for the "Rate button" to give you a GA but it was gone.

'secret ingredient' = Practice/employ what you know and do it as best as you can. All the time, every time. What ever you do and with what ever you are doing it with. This will create feed back from what you are working on, as well as the customer. A happy customer is worth more than all the adds in the world. Keep the learning process alive and roll with the punches. Good training will avoid knock outs. Dedicated training will make you a champ. People love champions and will pay and come back for more bringing with them new customers. I know this is just a variation on what you said but it is so important. Good Luck to the guest. Ky.

Thanks KY!

Stu.

Going back to the thread the Rate button was there for some reason. Job done. Hope your happy, not even being a costumer. Ky.

Ky and Richard,

I did omit to mention the one word which a terrible lot of people these days don't have in their small- business vocabulary, and that is: 'training'.

Every day with every one of your staff- train,train,train,- you can't do it enough.

A wise 'young' man, who heads up a very successful international business hereabouts, was talking to his boss, oh, 20yrs ago and he suggested to him that the retention problem would be ultimately solved by relentless training. The 'boss' said;"When we get through training then they'll only leave and someone else will get the benefit".

To which the 'young' man replied;" Yes, but some will eventually return to us if we've treated them right. And they'll have even more skills. And anyway, what happens if we don't train 'em, and they stay??

'Nuff said!

Cheers,

Stu

Richard,

The automotive industry in the US is a shambles.

In their haste to cut payrolls, they have eliminated their most exerienced and knowledgeable engineers and purchasing agents (I'm Allowed one OXY MORON for every 2000 posts, guys so knowledgeable purchasingagents stays)

As a result, There is noone in their organizations that can decide whether the commercially equivalent materials available today are in fact equivalent, so the rubbydubs on staff just tell their suppliers to make it to print out of materials that haven't been available since before sputnik.

This paralysis adds incredible costs to the entire supply chain.

If you have the testesterone to make good decisions based on your engineering savvy. This could be a nice franchise.

I see this foolishness every week from the names that many of you would consider to be top brands.

Except the Japanese transplants. Theyunderstand how to run an engineering organization. And how to engage organizational learning when there is a mistake.

milo

I would suggest you to Invest on some CNC Machines like Vertical center, Turning and grinding machines. Invest more on vertical center machines which Auto companies use most.

Also arrange for fixtures for machines which would help in machining of the auto components

You have to hire CNC programmers, Operators.

This would give you assured good returns for your investment.

If you want to get into manufacturing the CNC idea is a good one. Just don't forget qualifications for the required QA systems like ISO.

You could have a building full of brand new machines but no one will deal with you if you don't meet their quality requirements.

Dear gdevine,

Auto component industries main requirement is accuracy of the component this could be met with right fixture design and component program. The machine manufacturer would prove the component for you at little extra cost. As the company grows you can opt for certification like ISO. There are inspection machines which are common in auto component setup which would ensure all components are sent with high accuracy.

Opting to certify for ISO later is what a couple of companies I know did. And their machines are sitting idle.

Being in mechanical and having a bunch of automotive experience myself I can see why you may have some interest in going on your own. I've thought of it as well. One key ingredient that you will have to consider is sales. To bust into the auto world you will need some pretty strong sales efforts to get you there.

Personally I would stay away from automotive. It is very competitive, very finicky, and tough to find a niche. Profit margin is tight as well. Aerospace seems to be doing well these days.

Hi guest

There have been a few responses to your question and you have repeated it today without considering any of your input. If you want to run your business like that you will not have a chance or the chance of a snow ball surviving in hell. It is just simply rude to not respond to any thing suggested so far. Your age is no excuse what so ever. I don't even know were you are on this planet but you have lost me. Train.

How much automobile industry experience? Maybe consulting work and/or indirect employment (job shopping and temp) is the way to go. It can give insights into potential business niches. You have an income during your business planning phase. You continue to have a fall-back position apart from direct employment. It's a patient approach that might eventually get you right where you want be. It will be best if you are prepared to do some travelling...so family matters.

Be sure to get plenty of help from others who've been there, done that; because there are risks, but these are manageable to (and well rewarded for) those who know the ropes.

Richard,

What're your thoughts now?

I'm a bit on the side of Ky. Please tell us if you require more direction. Are we all wasting our time?

The guys have given you a good cross section of the industry. They've suggested lots of things which you could do to become involved in the auto industry. Was any of it of interest to you?

Most have suggested businesses which, it seems to me, that they'd like to engage in, and in which they see good returns for the money and time invested.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Stu.

hi everyone,

i have two suggestions.

first, building and installing wiring harness's for older classic cars.

the second. start making gasket kits. make them only to order. don't stockpile. equipment needed is a press. make your own stamps. you do this by buying cutting strips (comes in rolls). cut grooves in plywood. install strips. place over gasket material in press. cut. buy your gasket material in large rolls. have a roll stand for the different materials. keep your cutter sets in horizontal shelves. can be done in your garage. specialize at first in performance engines. ski mobiles, jet skis, motorcycle racing, anyplace where they are tearing down the engines frequently and rebuilding them. many enthusiasts rebuild engines weekly. a gasket set that would cost $130 at the dealers, can be made for about $5 to $10 in materials. sell them for half the going rate.

good luck.