People admire the skill sets of a mechanic, but often wonder if mechanics can earn a worthwhile living. The answer is, absolutely yes. Leveraging one’s talent and skill as a mechanic is a great way to make money. Keep reading to discover the latest ways on How To Make Money As A Mechanic.
With the great majority of people in this country owning automobiles, there is no shortage of work, making mechanics essential to owners’ livelihoods. In essence, the demand is most certainly present. The difficult part is starting one’s own business, with multiple challenges, financial and otherwise. For instance, one needs a place of operation, many different tools, and the knowledge of how to use them, and even with all that, the business is likely to draw little attention unless it is advertised.
There is also the challenge of building a customer base, especially those who will afford you a chance to help them out and bring back their business. But many opportunities are relatively easy to apply to make money for mechanics, utilizing the enormous role that mechanics are tasked with in terms of servicing their clients. What are these methods? Let’s talk about 10 successful tips for making money as a mechanic.
How To Make Money As A Mechanic
1. Create A mechanic Online course:
Yes, you did read it well, have you ever thought of Turning your expertise into your own thriving business? Well, You only need to take action, bring your camera or just your mobile phone and press the record button. Try to devise ideas into chapters starting from basics to advanced techniques about mechanic.
So, i am done recording my tutorials what next? well, now you only need to design a beautiful and professional course website to upgrade your online business. But don’t worry you don’t need any programming skills neither designing skills. Thinkific will take it from here. The only course platform you’ll ever need that offers you : Set up your courses in no time flat and No coding required, Total control over your content, pricing, and data, and the most responsive support team in the industry ready to help.
2. Offer An Inspection Service
Mechanics often encounter customers who are trying to decide if they should replace their vehicle or a particular part, or if it is worth repairing the malfunctions. A service that mechanics can offer is to inspect the issue of concern. Even if the service of repair is not one that you provide as a mechanic, you can certainly offer the service for an extra charge, of inspecting the customer’s car, something that most people regard as a good idea anyway. The more detailed the inspection, the higher the price that a mechanic can ask for it.
These inspections often yield lingering issues or potential aspects that will soon become costly repairs. By mentioning these issues to the customers, a mechanic can offer to address them for a fair fee if the customer has the mechanic’s shop perform the service. Mechanics can also offer a maintenance schedule that will regularly identify things that can otherwise end up being costly ventures. By making the customers comfortable with such services, mechanics can offer to perform the repairs to save the customer money that the issue will cost them in the long run if the issue goes unaddressed.
3. Customer Vehicle Repairs
As a mechanic with a deep knowledge of vehicles and experience in car repair, you can keep most vehicles in running condition. It only makes logical sense that you would employ those same attributes to fix vehicles for a fee and help them keep their vehicles running too. As a mechanic, you presumably love fixing cars. You can apply the same passion to repairing your customers’ cars as you would your own. Don’t be ashamed of sharing that fact with your clients either.
While doing so would still require operating costs, insurance, and other expenses, you will be able to generate income and boost your profits by offering to come to your client’s home or place of business or at your shop to repair your vehicles.
Customers will experience a wide range of issues from oil leaks to the vehicle not starting when the key is first turned. When you help address these problems, customers are grateful, if your prices are fair, and you ensure their future business. If they are happy with your work and your services, they will even refer you to others who will come to you for help.
If you are a mechanic who is willing to travel to perform your services, you can charge even higher rates for anyone willing to bring you out to their property. You can offer your services as an independent contractor to some dealerships too, helping to take care of car issues for customers who bring their cars to be serviced there.
4. Side Hustles To Make Money As A Mechanic
Many mechanics use their know-how and skill sets to supplement their income by picking up jobs outside of their traditional place of employment. Some put the money aside to help them in their future dreams of opening their own shop, while others just save it, or spend it on important family-related matters.
Mechanics who have extra time outside of the responsibilities and schedules of their typical workday can pick up several small jobs that will entail only a couple of hours of work, but the happy customer will happily pay for the help.
Starting your own shop alongside a regular job would be overwhelmingly taxing, so doing those two things side by side is not recommended. But if you have spare nights, weekends, or holiday availability, you can make extra money by helping people out. Whether it’s an oil change for a busy parent on their property or a tune-up of a temperamental lawn mower, there is an endless supply of small jobs that people would pay to have help with.
5. Talk To Your Local Automobile Dealerships
Briefly mentioned earlier, we want to expand on the point of contacting local dealerships for work. The dealership is always looking for mechanics and since they need to service dozens of daily customers, they need to keep their mechanics on staff, which they do by providing competitive pay. Not only does working for local car dealerships generate extra income, but it also allows mechanics to gain invaluable experience working alongside others proficient in the field, and learn for when they will, perhaps, one day, open their own shop.
Some auto shops are owner-run, but many are franchise stores. Even if you are a mechanic working at a corporate store, there is no harm in contacting local dealerships. Taking work there will help you build up a healthy amount of traffic to your business, and establish a good relationship with clients.
It helps to think of these professional-to-client relationships as planting the seeds for something more, such as future jobs and extra earnings. After all, if you are passionate about working on cars, chances are you would do it for free if you wanted, but there is no shame in making a living with your skills.
By reaching out to local dealerships, you can promote yourself and explain what skills you have that they could benefit from. Dealerships always need to move cars, and many have some underlying issues that need to be repaired before the vehicle can get sold. This is where these dealerships find a mechanic invaluable.
6. Sell Car Parts Online
As you work on cars, you are likely replacing parts and many of the ones you extracted, could still be sitting in your shop. This inventory might occasionally prove useful in other vehicle-related projects, but mostly it is just taking up space. So why not inventory what you have on hand that could be sold, and market it to other shops and mechanics who might be looking for the very part you are looking to sell?
Mechanics encounter various parts, even if they aren’t big pieces of machinery in their day-to-date operations. This could be small parts or fluids that a mechanic could buy in bulk but simply doesn’t go through quickly enough as the demand for them might be minimal. In that case, perfectly good parts are sitting around collecting dust.
If you resell these to people who need them, you can charge them more than you would have paid for the part by unit, while still selling it at a price that is better than what they would have paid for it elsewhere.
While this may seem like a bold move, many mechanics will buy parts in bulk through a warehouse they are a customer of, meaning that they get great prices on the products. Then they will sell them on eBay or another secondhand marketplace, for more than that unit was purchased for, and profit from it.
Alternatively, a small investment in purchasing the rights to distribute a product from a particular brand. You can check spocket to Discover top dropshipping suppliers of original US/EU Mechanic products. Another option is to become an affiliate. What that means is a mechanic can sell parts to others, and for generating that sale, they keep part of the revenue as commission.
As a mechanic, you can use Shopify (Sign up for a free trial and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for $1/month on select plans) to sell car parts online. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create an online store and sell your products. You can easily add products to your store, set up payment options, and manage your orders.
You can also consider creating Logos, websites, packaging design and more that has to do with mechanic and sell them to your clients. Don’t worry you can do that easily using 99designs.
7. Repair And Remove Radiators
One of the most profitable skills a mechanic could acquire to make money is to learn how to withdraw and replace a car’s radiator. A radiator happens to be one of the most common parts of a car to break down early in its life, and simply knowing how to remove and replace the part gives a mechanic a leg up on those that don’t know how to do it.
Perhaps you are skeptical because you have not seen a lot of damaged radiators. Rest assured that this doesn’t mean many people don’t need them repaired. There are radiator shops that specialize in the skill, so there isn’t a lot of demand from standard mechanics to do it. Places that experience cold winters have an especially high need for the service, however.
The best part is that removing and repairing radiators is not very challenging if you know what to do. Before working on it, any grease, dirt, insect remnants, or other materials will need to be cleaned off of it first. Replacing the rubber sealing on it is important, as is not removing the radiator’s fins unless such action is recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Reach Out To Small Businesses That Do Not Have An Auto Repair Facility
Many don’t give enough consideration to this one basic fact: most cars are owned by individuals and small businesses. However, they don’t always have a place to have those vehicles maintained. If a mechanic was to offer them the ability to have their cars serviced, that mechanic could be their go-to for any maintenance and repairs that they have.
Some mechanics offer an on-call service. If the small business or individual has car issues or needs maintenance, they don’t have to look for a place to go, they have someone they can call to accommodate the needed services. Of course, getting such a great gig for extra income is one thing, keeping it is another. Therefore, the mechanics most successful in such endeavors are those that stay on top of the latest aspects of their industry.
The type of small business looking for such services can vary from small mom-and-pop shops to aftermarket firms offering specialty product lines for various makes of cars, or even another auto dealer. These are great opportunities for a mechanic to capitalize on in order to make additional profit.
9. Offering Car Rental Services
Some mechanics looking for additional income offer car rental services. The key is to prepare for what customers will need ahead of time. This is a particularly useful side business if it can complement the business’s work. Take for instance a shop that can work at 2 or 3 cars at once, but may have a 4th and 5th customer show up looking for repairs. As the shop’s resources are currently filled to capacity, it will be tough to accommodate these customers. In the meantime, they may not have a vehicle to drive as they are forced to leave theirs in the shop. This provides a useful opportunity to secure car rental services.
This can be either a service that provides loaner vehicles for an additional fee or a staff member who can drive the customers wherever they need to go while their car awaits repairs. But the latter means the resources of the mechanic are taxed more. It seems more sensible that the customer can be rented a vehicle and come back once theirs is fixed, saving everyone time.
10. Drive Testing For Dealerships
As an experienced mechanic, another great opportunity to make additional money is by test-driving cars for dealerships. During the test drive, the mechanic evaluates the car’s features, and performance, then documents their experience. This could be to test how the vehicle performs in different environments like poorly lit highways, mountain roads, or on a cold winter day.
Dealerships often allow customers to test-drive vehicles before they decide to purchase one. They want the customer to have the best experience so they want the ride to function optimally. Reaching out to the dealership and offering the services of an experienced mechanic that can recognize potential issues with the driving experience could be very intriguing as it is beneficial to the dealership’s ultimate ability to sell the car.
This is a great side job for a mechanic because it can be done part-time in addition to a mechanic’s regular duties, on top of not having direct interactions with clients.
11. Offer Car Detailing Services
While offering detailing services does not require mechanical know-how per se, it is usually an easy addition to append to a mechanic’s business. By offering detailing and car washing services, a mechanic’s business can make sure the client’s cars don’t just work great, but they look the part too. Some areas are especially inclined to have more of an interesting customer base, such as areas near college campuses.
The best part is, that starting a detailing business can be done from home. For about $100, you can secure a car detailing kit, and all the other accessories you need will be available at the local hardware store. When such services are provided, they can be offered in tiers. For instance, the low tier can include a car wash and car vacuuming. As the business develops, more tiers can be added with more detailing equipment such as metal balls, clay bars, and specialty cleaning agents.
12. Offer maintenance services:
Offering regular maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups, can help you build a steady stream of income and establish long-term relationships with customers. You can advertise your maintenance services through word of mouth, social media, and local advertising.
13. Provide roadside assistance:
Roadside assistance involves helping drivers who experience car problems while on the road. You can offer this service by providing jump starts, tire changes, and other emergency repairs. You can advertise your roadside assistance services through word of mouth, social media, and local advertising.
14. Teach mechanic classes:
Teaching mechanic classes or workshops can be a good way to share your expertise and make some extra money. You can teach classes at a local community center, adult education program, or through a private business. You can advertise your classes through word of mouth, social media, and local advertising.
There are several platforms that you can use to teach mechanic classes online. Some popular options include Udemy, Skillshare, and Coursera. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals when choosing the best platform for you.
15. Sell used cars:
Buying and selling used cars can be a risky venture, but if you have a good eye for cars and are familiar with their value, it can be a lucrative opportunity. You can buy used cars at wholesale prices and sell them at a markup to make a profit. You can advertise your used cars through word of mouth, social media, and local advertising.
16. Offer consulting services:
Offering consulting services can be a good way to use your expertise to make some extra money on the side. You can offer advice to other mechanics or to car owners who are looking for guidance on repairs or maintenance. You can advertise your consulting services through word of mouth, social media, and local advertising.
17. Start a YouTube channel:
Starting a YouTube channel can be a good way to share your knowledge and experience as a mechanic with a wider audience. You can create videos that demonstrate repair techniques, offer tips and advice, or review products. You can monetize your videos through advertising revenue and sponsorships.
Using tools like TubeBuddy and Vidiq can help you create and promote high-quality content on your mechanic YouTube channel. By following best practices and utilizing these resources, you can increase your visibility and build a successful channel.
18. Write a mechanic-related book:
Writing a book about mechanics can be a good way to share your expertise and make some extra money. You can write a book about a specific aspect of mechanics, such as engine repair or brakes, or you can write a more general book about mechanic techniques and tools.
19. Sell mechanic-related products:
You can make money by selling mechanic-related products, such as tools, parts, and equipment. This can be a good source of income if you have a good relationship with suppliers and can offer competitive prices. You can sell products online or through a physical store.
20. Rent out your garage:
Renting out your garage to other mechanics or car enthusiasts who need a place to work on their vehicles can be a good source of passive income. You can charge a hourly or daily rate for use of your garage, and you can make money even when you are not using it yourself.
21. Partner with a car dealership:
Partnering with a car dealership and offering mechanic services to their customers can be a good way to build a steady stream of income and establish a relationship with a reputable business. The dealership may provide you with a dedicated space to work and refer customers to you for repairs and maintenance.
22. Offer mechanic-related services online:
You can offer mechanic-related services online, such as consultations or virtual repair tutorials. This can be a good way to reach a wider audience and make some extra money. You can offer your services through a website or through a platform like Skype or Zoom.
23. Sell mechanic-related merchandise:
Selling mechanic-related merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and stickers, can be a good source of income if you have a strong brand and are able to design attractive products. You can sell your merchandise online or through a physical store.
Printful is a platform that allows you to create and sell custom merchandise online. You can use Printful to sell mechanic-related merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs with mechanic-themed designs.
24. Sell mechanic-related software:
You can make money by selling mechanic-related software, such as diagnostic tools or repair guides. This can be a good source of income if you have the skills to develop useful and user-friendly software that meets the needs of mechanics and car owners. You can sell your software online or through a physical store.
25. Offer mechanic-related services on a freelance basis:
You can offer your mechanic services on a freelance basis, either through a platform like Upwork or by finding clients on your own. This can be a good option if you prefer to have more control over your work and schedule. You can set your own rates and choose which projects you want to take on.
26. Create a mechanic-related blog:
Creating a blog about mechanics can be a good way to share your knowledge and experience with a wider audience. You can write articles and create videos about a variety of mechanic-related topics, such as repair techniques, tools, and best practices. You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, and selling products.
Here are some steps you can follow to create a mechanic-related blog using the tools you mentioned:
- Choose a blogging platform and hosting provider: Bluehost and Namecheap are popular hosting providers that offer packages with WordPress, a popular blogging platform. Select a hosting package that meets your needs and budget, and follow the instructions to set up your blog.
- Select a domain name: Your domain name is the web address that people will use to access your blog. Use Namecheap or another domain registrar to purchase a domain name that is relevant to your blog’s theme and easy to remember.
- Design your blog: Use Elegant Themes or another theme provider to select a design for your blog. You can also use plugins like Mangools or other tools to add functionality and customize your blog’s look and feel.
- Create content: Start creating content for your blog by writing articles, taking photos, or creating videos. Consider your target audience and what they would be interested in reading or watching.
- Promote your blog: Share your blog with others through social media, email, and other online channels. You can use tools like AWeber or Instapage to create newsletters or email campaigns, and use ClickFunnels or other marketing tools to create landing pages or sales funnels. You can also use SEO techniques to improve your blog’s visibility in search results.
- Create a logo: Use Fiverr or another platform to find a designer to create a logo for your blog. You can provide the designer with your vision and any specific instructions, and they will create a logo that reflects your brand.
- Schedule and automate social media posts: Use Tailwind or another tool to schedule and automate your social media posts. This will allow you to save time and ensure that you are consistently promoting your blog on social media.
By following these steps and utilizing these tools, you can create a successful and professional mechanic-related blog.
27. Participate in mechanic-related events:
Participating in mechanic-related events, such as car shows or racing events, can be a good way to promote your business and make some extra money. You can offer your services or sell products at the event, and you may be able to attract new customers and build your reputation.
28. Sell mechanic-related ebooks:
You can make money by writing and selling mechanic-related ebooks. This can be a good option if you have a lot of knowledge and experience as a mechanic and want to share it with others in a more in-depth way than a blog or YouTube channel allows. You can sell your ebooks online or through a physical store.
29. Offer mechanic-related services on social media:
You can offer your mechanic services on social media platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook. You can share pictures and videos of your work and offer services or products to your followers. This can be a good way to reach a wider audience and build your reputation.
30. Sell mechanic-related courses:
You can create and sell mechanic-related courses online, either through your own website or through a platform like Udemy. This can be a good way to share your expertise and make some extra money. You can create courses on a variety of mechanic-related topics, such as repair techniques, tools, and best practices.
Conclusion
Not only is being a mechanic a legitimate profession, but it can also be highly lucrative if the right opportunities are taken advantage of. A mechanic can be a jack-of-all-trades, adept at using a variety of tools, to have expert knowledge of a particular type of car. It is important to not make services that are outside the scope of a mechanic’s skillset as this will just be a measure of setting themselves up to fail, alienate customers and drive away business.
Customers appreciate honesty, so a mechanic who will be upfront that they are not comfortable or able to perform a job, and might even recommend they take their car to another professional, earns more credibility and trust in the eyes of the client.
When a job is completed, it is a great courtesy to reach out to customers to see if their issues have been resolved, and ask if they need anything else addressed.
Some mechanics also purchase broken-down cars, repair them, then resell them for profit, essentially flipping a car. If a mechanic is well-versed in this trade, it is a great way to make extra money by utilizing a mechanic’s skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How can you avoid failure as a mechanic?
How does one succeed as a mechanic? The job is not an easy one, but the key is to be an organized planner and hone one’s mechanical skills, stay updated on the latest features of the industry, and be a reliable resource for clients.
How much money does a mechanic make?
The bottom 25% of mechanics usually make around $32,000 per year, while the top 25% make around $58,000, while most fall somewhere in the middle. The amount made depends on multiple factors.
How much money does a mechanical engineer make?
In 2020, mechanical engineers had a median salary of $90,160. The highest-paid 25% of mechanical engineers earned $114,380, while the lowest-paid 25% made $71,880.
How much money does a mechanic make a year?
On average, mechanics in the United States earn $47,149 per year, or approximately $22.67 per hour.
Hi, my name is Idammah, and I am the founder of Genie Dollars, a website dedicated to helping people make money online. I have always been interested in finding ways to earn extra income and achieve financial freedom. That's why I started this blog – to share my own experiences and the strategies that have worked for me with others who are looking to do the same. I have personally tried a variety of methods for making money online, including affiliate marketing, POD, and freelance writing. While some methods have been more successful than others, I have learned a lot along the way and am constantly experimenting with new ways to earn an income online. Through my blog, I hope to inspire and educate others who are looking to start their own online businesses or simply want to supplement their income. I believe that with hard work and dedication, anyone can find success in the world of online entrepreneurship. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with my readers, and I hope that my blog can be a helpful resource for anyone looking to make money online. Thanks for stopping by!
