Owing to the reasons that paintless dent repair is fast and efficient it is quickly becoming popular. But there is a dearth of trained professional technicians who are skilled in the techniques that are required for this trade. If after training you want to start your own business then here are some tips to keep in mind when starting your Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Business.
1. Survey the Market:
It is very important that you consider your potential market. Decide who you will work with? Do you have any connections at a body repair shop, wholesalers, car dealer, detail shop, service centre, etc who will hire you once you complete your paintless dent removal course?
2. Survey your Competition:
Collect information about how many paintless dent removal technicians there are in your area and how are they operating in your potential market. What are the charges for their services and what kind of a relation does your competition have with your potential market as well. Note all these things down for reference.
3. Register your Business:
Check out your state government's website and get information about how to register your business. Make sure that you choose a business name that connects you to the paintless dent repair industry and you could even use the words like dents, dings, dent repair, etc. Complete the entire registration process or even get some professional help.
4. What are your State's Requirements?
The rules and regulations vary from state to state and so it is important that you are completely aware of all the requirements for setting up a PDR Business. You may need business insurance, sales license, shop space, etc. You could ask a local dealer or the office manager of a PDR company what their dealers require from their vendors that is you.
5. Get Trained and buy the Tools:
You need to get trained at a very good academy so that you are well versed in the techniques and skills required in this business. You could consider the name Dents R Us for your paintless dent removing training. For more info check them out at http://www.dentsrus.com.au. You will also need to buy your tools for the job and you need to practice as much as possible.
6. Get Business Material:
You will need office stationery, business cards, invoices, etc and even some accounting material.
7. Don't quit your Current Job!
It is important that you keep your current job as you will need some income to support the business and the family till you are really on your way.
8. Practice on your Acquaintances:
As you begin your business you will need as much practice as you can get and one of the best ways is to practice with the cars belonging to your connections and acquaintances. Of course not many people will hand over the keys to their BMWs, until you are sure of your skills but till then you can even ask your local body shop to give you some work for no pay.
9. Pitch yourself:
You need to be your best marketing strategy. You need to start talking about your work to potential clients or people who will get you work. You need to show them what you are capable of and you need to convince them that you are only getting better and it is YOU that is working for them. Be responsible and you will get recommendations.
10. Legalities:
Last but not the least, finalise your legal businesses and tie up the loose ends in regards to conducting your business as a vendor to body shops to dealerships.
These are few things you could keep in your mind when starting out. Hopefully they have been of some help.