You don’t need to be a petrolhead to see the attraction of a career focused on cars. The vehicle aftermarket is a strong retail and service sector, and there are plenty of ways would-be business owners can get into the industry.

5 ways you can be your own boss

1. Bring mechanical experience

Tinkering with cars is your weekend hobby, so why not turn your knowledge into a business opportunity? There are plenty of mechanics based at local garages, but why not take this a step further? Rather than joining their ranks, you could be helping them do their jobs more efficiently.

2. Take your service to the customer

Make it super easy for drivers to maintain their vehicles – take the service to them. Mobile businesses are at the heart of the vehicle service industry. If you like to be on the move, changing your work place keeps things interesting.

Franchisees work in all sorts of niche service areas – replacing tyres or brakes, repairing paint work, fixing windscreens, care detailing.

3. Get behind the wheel

Why not drive a truck and take your skills on the road? The automotive and aerospace, manufacturing and shipping industries all rely on service providers to deliver essential solutions that keep their commercial operations moving. And there’s plenty of choice, from providing professional tools to fluid transfer and hydraulic solutions.

4. Show your retail flair

Customer service is important in every business, but in retail it’s upfront and centre. It’s crucial to understand how your products can help the customer achieve their goals, whether they are looking for a battery for a boat, fancy car accessories or a new set of tyres.

5. Harness your business acumen

Yes, everyone who buys a franchise needs to show some business smarts. However, in the car rental space, like the car dealership sector, an understanding of business needs to be hard-wired. You’ll be working in a dynamic and changing sector, so systems and staffing are just as important as purchasing, and maintaining the cars themselves.

Which brand meets your needs?

When you’ve fine-tuned the environment and type of work you want from a car business, it’s time to look at the brands on offer.

Snap-On Tools delivers, quite literally, premium tools to mechanics. This is a mobile retail service, which has a long history of working with the best – including NASA, in the US where the brand began in 1920.

Franchisees operate within a territory, sharing their knowledge and expertise with vehicle trades professionals. It’s an opportunity to share the passion, build great relationships, and become your own boss.

Redspot is also part of a global business, alongside sibling brand Enterprise, aiming to shake-up the car rental market. There are 2500 franchised units around the world, so you will get support from local and international teams.

Rapid Tune is an award-winning Victorian based automotive repair chain that has extended its footprint to Queensland. Auto One, Midas, Bob Jane T-Marts, Goodyear Autocare, Bridgestone Select, Jax Tyres & Auto… the list goes on when it comes to premises-based businesses.

The car detailing and repair market is a busy space. Car Care started out in 1987 and now has more than 80 car-detailing franchises across Australia. Jim’s Car Detailing and Express Car Cleaning are among the line-up of brands operating here with brands such as Superfinish Express, What Scratch?, Wheel Change U and TowFix trading in niche service areas.

Thinking of retail? Think Battery World, Battery Zone, Autobarn…

Check out the full list of auto-related franchise brands here.