6 Steps To Become a Small Engine Repair Shop

People are in constant need of the service of a repairer for small engines. These small engines are constantly used and in the process they develop one fault or the other. You can start making money as a small engine repairer by simply learning the trade. Some small engine repair specialists charge as much as $250 to $500 to repair a small engine depending on the fault the engine has.

All you need is determination and zeal to work hard. To effectively offer the engine repair services, you will need to open a shop where people can bring their small engines to and pick it up after repairs.


You can make money from focusing on repairs of spoilt small engines. Some of the machines that fall into the category of small engine include; Cart engines, Water pump, Mini bikes, Lawn mower, Gas trimmers, Outboard motors, Portable heaters, leaf blowers, Chain saw and many others.


A small engine repair specialist buys spoilt engines for people at very cheap prize, but repair and refurbish them and resell it at a higher price. This is because many people out there can’t afford to buy brand new small engine machines; therefore you can make money by selling repaired engines for them at a cheaper price than the normal price than is sold in the market.

If you think you have a penchant for the repairs of small engines, then you may want to consider the following tips on how to start a small engine repair business around this line.
Starting a Small Engine Repair Shop – Sample Business Plan Template

1. Get Training On Repairs

You have to get intensive training on small engine repairs even if you have a natural talent for dismantling and fixing spoilt engine. You have to go for a specialised training to get up to date on how to repair newly manufactured small engines. There are schools that specialise on small engine repair training; you can take a course or two from such training schools. Intensive training is necessary so that you can offer people more value for their money.

2. Get Business License

The next step is to get a business license to enable you successfully start and run your repair shop. You should also get a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to run a small engine repair shop. Remember to get business license to cover some liabilities that will arise as you go about your repairs. Another important document you need is a small engine repair business plan template; this is to help increase your chances of success.

3. Lease a Space For Your Shop

The next step after getting your business license is to get a space that will serve as your repair shop. Your shop should be located in a busy environment that is easily accessible to people. That is where people can easily locate your shop and get their engine for repaired.

After you find the perfect location for your shop, order for machines and equipment that you will need to handle your repairs. This equipment and one to use them effectively should be part of the training course you will get in your training school.

4. Hire Workers

You will need to employ other workers. Mechanical engineers or employees that have also undergone small engine repairs training to help you handle excess work load in your shop is important. Workers with some years experience or that have previously worked in a small engine repair shop will be a better option for you.

5. Accounting System

You need to have an accounting and bookkeeping system to keep track of your incomes, and expenditures. Without this, you may not be able to keep track of your shop’s progress and you can hardly meet your business goals if you don’t keep track of your finances. You don’t need a professional accounting skill to handle your business booking and accounting procedure. There are some simple and basic accounting software on the internet that will help you keep track of your finances.

6. Advertise Your Business

If your repair shop is located in a strategic or busy area of the city then you can easily attract customers to it. You can also share fliers to your neighbours and home owners to notify them of your small engine repair shop. Also, word of mouth adverts from clients who you did a good repair job can also get you some customers. Just know that your client base will pick up as long as you are a professional in what you do.

You can take the first step today by enrolling in a repairs training school, after graduation, if you are low on cash, you can work a little for a repair shop whilst saving up money to start yours.