Small engine equipment is everywhere, from the lawn mowers that homeowners use each summer to the chainsaws and weed whackers that landscaping companies rely on almost daily. When those engines break, most people turn to a specialist to help with the repair. If you’re experienced in working on small engines, opening up your own repair business could be a lucrative business venture.

Business Overview

Small engine repair businesses specialize in working with various types of small-scale machines in need of repair. These businesses diagnose, repair, and often maintain two-stroke and four-stroke engines from manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, and Generac. These small engines will be found on all types of equipment like ATVs, dirt bikes, snow blowers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles, motorcycles, pressure washers, outboard motors, chainsaws, and more. Many of these businesses work out of shops, though some may offer deliveries and drop-offs, while others may offer mobile services.

A small engine repair shop can earn revenue in many ways. The first revenue stream comes from repair services, whether the business is working with professional service providers, homeowners, or both. A business can establish a second revenue stream by buying broken equipment, repairing it, and selling it for a profit. A reputable small engine repair business can contract out its services to manufacturers in need of local repair services to fix products that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. A business can also offer additional services, like equipment rentals, to generate year-round and reliable revenue.

Industry Summary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of small engine repair mechanics is predicted to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is on par with average growth for all occupations. Engines for boats and outdoor power equipment have become more sophisticated, meaning that repairing and maintaining them requires more parts, technical knowledge, and workers. The development and popularity of electric motorcycles add more opportunities to this industry. The use of small engines in landscaping, tree work, and gardening should create a steady demand for repair services.

As of 2019, small engine mechanic employment reached 78,100. Of that employment, 25,700 employees were motorboat mechanics and service technicians, 17,400 were motorcycle mechanics, and 35,000 were outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics. By 2029, total industry employment should reach 80,300.

Industry Trends

Certain trends are shaping the small engine repair industry. According to Contractor Equipment, more products now have integrated internet functionality for easier diagnostics and performance monitoring. This higher-tech design captures more data, so repair technicians who know how to interpret that data can more quickly diagnose and repair the equipment. Available fuel options are also expanding, and equipment using gas, diesel, or propane is now commonplace.

There’s also been growth in electric tools. Battery technology continues to expand, as do hybrid engines. This increase in different power types means that repair technicians will need to be versatile to meet the market’s changing demands.

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Target Market

A small engine repair business may market to various audiences. Contractors and professionals who use their equipment daily will naturally need more frequent repairs than homeowners who occasionally use their equipment. A repair shop may specialize in certain types of repairs, such as working with newer products equipped with advanced technology or working with hybrid engines.

Skills, experience, and education useful in running a small engine repair business

Starting a small engine repair business doesn’t require a business degree, but certain skills and experiences will be helpful.

Background in mechanics. A mechanical background and experience in repairing engines is essential. Previous experience working in a repair shop setting will prepare a business owner for the challenges that come with running this type of business. Even if you do not have previous small-engine repair experience, numerous schools offer in-class and correspondence small-engine repair training that can lead to certification.

Troubleshooting abilities. Creativity and troubleshooting abilities can help a business owner to navigate any problems that may arise.

Attention to detail. Attention to detail is essential in this industry, and a business owner will use this skill in everything from diagnosing an issue to ordering the right replacement parts.

Organization talents. A repair business owner will need organization talents for everything from keeping track of parts to tracking which machine belongs to which customer.

Customer service skills. Strong customer service skills can help a repair business owner create positive experiences for customers, encouraging valuable repeat business.

Financial Overview

It is possible to start a smaller repair business out of a home garage, saving on the initial cost of a shop rental. This smaller business can cost $5,000 or more to start, while a full shop outfitted with a comprehensive supply of tools can cost closer to $25,000.

Common startup costs for a small engine repair business include:

Repair equipment
Workshop set up with tools, workbenches, and storage.
Truck and trailer
Shop renovation costs
Signage

Steps to Starting a Small Engine Repair Business

Step 1: Write Your Business Plan

Before starting your business, you’ll need to write a business plan. This business plan can help you get organized and highlight all of your business’s details, including your target market, the types of services you will offer, competitors, and how you will make a profit. You’ll need this business plan if you decide to apply for financing from a bank or investor. Multiple sources have also found that taking the time to develop a business plan increases the chance of a business becoming successful.

Step 2: Form a Business Entity

As you prepare to launch your business, you’ll need to decide which type of business entity is right. A business entity defines how your business is legally organized and operates. There are four main business entity types – a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Different business entities have different pros and cons regarding liability, costs, and administrative requirements. Consider talking to a business lawyer to decide which type of business entity is right for you.

Step 3: Name the Business

Finding the perfect name for a business can be challenging. Not only does the name have to resonate with your customers, but it also has to be available to use.

Related: Tips and ideas for naming a small engine repair business

Step 4: Select Your Location

You can start a smaller shop right out of your garage, but as that business grows, you may need to move to a larger space. Renting a shop can help your business to appear more professional and will give you more room to take on a larger volume of machines at a time. The size, location, and amenities available at the shop will all affect its rent price. A location in a higher-traffic area can support your shop’s visibility and make it easier for customers to drop off and pick up machines, but that type of location may come with higher rent.

Step 5: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

There is no specialized licensing for a small engine repair business but will likely need general business licensing from local, state, and federal sources. Common registrations include a sales tax permit, Employer Identification Number, and Occupancy Permit, among others.

Step 6: Find Financing

Starting a small engine repair business requires an initial investment, and if you want to reduce those startup costs or fund a large equipment purchase, you may need to find financing. You’ll need good credit to get a business loan and will also need to invest your own money in 15-25% of the start-up costs.

Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping your business and personal finances in separate business bank and credit card accounts makes it easier to track the business’s income and expenses.

Step 8: Get Your Marketing Plan in Place

A strong marketing plan will not only help to get your business started but can also help to bring in new customers on an ongoing basis. Common marketing techniques for a small engine repair business include social media marketing, online advertising, direct mail, print advertising, and even in-person visits to local landscaping and construction companies. Customer loyalty and referral programs can also help to build up your customer base.

Some shops will build relationships with commercial accounts such as lawn mowing businesses.

Step 9: Get Business Insurance

A small engine repair business needs several types of insurance for full coverage:

General liability insurance helps to protect the business if a customer is ever hurt while on the business property or as a result of the work the business has performed.
Commercial property insurance helps to protect the business from potential damages that occur to the shop or its equipment in an event like a fire.
Worker’s compensation insurance helps to pay for expenses that could result if an employee were hurt while working.
Commercial auto insurance covers a business-owned vehicle, protecting the business against expenses that could occur if the vehicle was in an accident.

The price of insurance policies varies depending on factors like the value of the business’ shop and equipment and how many employees are on staff. To get the best idea of what to budget for insurance, request quotes from multiple insurance providers. When evaluating the quotes, consider how the premiums, coverage exclusions, coverage limits, and other factors compare.

Step 10: Hire Employees

A small engine repair business owner may be able to handle all of the work themselves during the business’ early days, but as that business expands, it may be time to hire employees. According to Salary.com, small engine mechanics earn an average of $17 per hour, though that can range from $15 to $20 per hour.

Salaries aren’t the only expense that comes with hiring employees. A business will also need to budget for related expenses like paid time off and worker’s comp insurance.

Related: Hiring your first employee

Step 11: Set up an Accounting System

Setting up an accounting system for your engine repair business is critical to your business’s long-term success.

Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government, but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.

How Much Can You Potentially Make Owning a Small Engine Repair Business

Many factors will determine a small engine repair business’ profitability. The business’ revenue will depend on the types of repairs made, its location, its profit margins, reputation, and much more. A business owner can maximize its profits by identifying a niche with plenty of local demand, offering complimentary services like maintenance and cleaning, and even offering delivery and pickup for an additional fee to expand the business’ potential customer base.

Things to consider before starting a small engine repair business

When starting a repair business, it may be tempting to venture into all types of small engine repair. This can backfire, though. With such a wide array of machines, a business will need to learn many different systems and repair techniques and will need to establish vendor accounts with many different parts suppliers. By specializing in certain types of engine repairs, a business can establish itself as being the best resource around and more efficiently diagnose and repair the products that are brought in.

Some repair businesses have increased their revenue streams by not only repairing equipment for customers but by also buying used or broken equipment and repairing it to resell. This strategy can help expand the business’ customer base, reach customers looking to buy equipment, and then convert them into returning customers when they later bring their products in for maintenance or repair.

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