Start An Auto Parts Shop - Business Ideas
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
If you want to start a retail business in the automobile industry, consider an auto parts business.
The auto parts business is one of the most successful businesses in the world. There are many Auto Parts Businesses in the United States, Canada, and the UK, where most are part-time.
Listed are the steps on how to start an auto parts shop business.
- Pick a location
- Do your market research
- Secure all permits and licenses
- Open a bank account for business transactions
Starting an auto parts shop requires a great deal of effort, dedication, and most importantly passion.
If you're interested in how to sell auto parts, or selling auto parts online, you can use this page as a guide for everything you'll need to know.
Key Stats
Startup Costs
Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs | |
---|---|---|
Equipment & Supply Expenses |
$66 |
$1,200 |
Retail Business Expenses |
$1,250 |
$11,650 |
Inventory Expenses |
$350 |
$14,750 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs |
$75 |
$9,636 |
Software Expenses |
$0 |
$425 |
Website Costs |
$13 |
$215 |
Total Startup Costs |
$1,754 |
$37,876 |
Case Studies
Successful Businesses
Business | URL | Rank | |
---|---|---|---|
Advance Auto Parts |
shop.advanceautoparts.com |
8,032 |
|
Car Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories |
griotsgarage.com |
180,456 |
|
Hollander Parts |
hollanderparts.com |
266,351 |
|
MiamiStar |
miamistar.com |
283,437 |
|
Overlander |
overlander.com |
332,277 |
|
Goldwagen |
goldwagen.com |
344,988 |
|
The Auto Parts Shop |
theautopartsshop.com |
372,381 |
|
LP Aventure Inc |
lpaventure.com |
374,184 |
|
Workshop Software |
workshopsoftware.com |
406,157 |
|
CULT CREW |
cultcrew.com |
413,114 |
|
TAG Motorsports |
tagmotorsports.com |
448,553 |
Pros & Cons
Pros | Description |
---|---|
Rewarding work |
Starting a auto parts shop can be really rewarding work. After all, you are solving an immediate issue for your customer and you're working on something you truly care about. |
Meaningful business connections |
You never know who you will meet as a auto parts shop. This could be the start of an incredible business opportunity! |
Daily physical activity |
Auto Parts Shop's typically involve a much greater degree of movement than other lines of work. Most days, you will spend your day walking, running errands for your business, and performing a multitude of tasks. This can have a positive impact on energy levels and your overall health. |
Amazing perks and discounts |
Working in the auto parts shop comes with its perks! As a seller for these products/services, you typically also get to enjoy industry perks and discounts. |
You are your own boss! |
With starting an auto parts shop, you are the one to make decisions for almost all of the operations. Calling the shots can be empowering and liberating! |
Local Community |
One of the best parts of starting an auto parts shop is that you can develop a local following by selling your products at craft shows, farmers' markets, or even local storefront businesses! This gives you access to additional revenue streams and loyal customers. |
Cons | Description |
---|---|
Crowded Space |
Competition is high when it comes to your auto parts shop, so it's important that you spend a good amount of time analyzing the market and understanding where the demand lies. |
Finding The Right Supplier |
Most businesses in this space go the supplier/manufacturer route, which isn't a bad thing! However, finding the right supplier can take a lot of time, energy and trial/error. If done properly, this process can save you months (if not years) of time and energy. More on this below in the "finding a supplier" section. |
Motivation of employees |
If you plan to have a sales/content team on board, finding creative ways to motivate them can be a challenge. It's important that you're able to offer great incentives and a good work environment for your employees. |
Low margins |
The gross margins for your auto parts shop are typically around 43%, which can make it more challenging to incur new expenses and maintain profitability. |
High employee turnover |
In the auto parts shop, employee turnover is often high, which can be quite costly and time consuming for your business. It's important to try and avoid this as much as possible by offering competitive pay, benefits, and a positive work environment. |
Taxes |
As a auto parts shop, you typically pay self-employment taxes which can be quite high. It's important to understand what you will be paying in taxes each year so you can determine if the work you're taking on is worth it. |
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings