Opening a Shop: The Numbers You Need to See First

Mobile vs. Shop: The Trade-offs

MOBILE: + Low overhead + Flexibility + Customer convenience - Weather dependent - Limited services (no paint booth) - Capacity limited by drive time SHOP: + Weather-proof + Full service capability + Higher perceived value + Walk-in potential - High fixed costs - Location dependent - Customers must come to you

Startup Costs

LEASE COSTS: Security deposit: $5,000-15,000 First/last month rent: $4,000-10,000 Lease signing fees: $500-1,000 BUILDOUT: Floor coating/drainage: $3,000-10,000 Lighting upgrades: $2,000-5,000 Electrical work: $2,000-8,000 Plumbing (if needed): $3,000-10,000 Paint/walls: $1,000-3,000 Waiting area: $2,000-5,000 Signage: $2,000-8,000 EQUIPMENT: Lift(s): $3,000-8,000 each Air compressor: $1,500-4,000 Pressure washer: $500-2,000 Water reclaim (if required): $5,000-15,000 TOTAL STARTUP: $35,000-100,000+

Monthly Fixed Costs

Rent: $2,000-5,000 Utilities: $300-800 Insurance: $300-600 Internet/phone: $150-250 Water/sewer: $100-300 Trash: $100-200 Security: $50-150 Misc: $200-400 TOTAL MONTHLY FIXED: $3,200-7,700 This is before payroll, supplies, or your salary.

Break-Even Math

Example shop: Fixed costs: $5,000/month Variable costs (labor, supplies): 40% of revenue Target owner salary: $6,000/month Break-even calculation: $5,000 + $6,000 = $11,000 minimum needed At 40% variable: Need $18,333/month gross $18,333 ÷ 22 working days = $833/day minimum At $300 average ticket = 2.8 jobs/day minimum At $400 average ticket = 2.1 jobs/day minimum

Location Requirements

Space Needs

• 1-2 bay shop: 1,500-2,500 sq ft
• 3-4 bay shop: 3,000-5,000 sq ft
• Height: 12+ feet for lifts
• Drainage: Floor drains required
• Parking: Space for customer vehicles waiting

Zoning and Permits

• Commercial/light industrial zoning
• Business license
• Water discharge permits (varies by area)
• Signage permits
• Occupancy permits

Location Factors

• Visibility and traffic (if walk-ins matter)
• Proximity to target customers
• Parking and accessibility
• Competition nearby
• Demographics of area

When a Shop Makes Sense

• You're already maxed out mobile
• You want to add PPF, tint, or paint work
• Weather limits your working days significantly
• You have capital to invest and survive slow months
• You want to build an asset you could sell

When to Stay Mobile

• Still building clientele
• Don't have capital reserves (6+ months expenses)
• Your market values convenience over facility
• You prefer flexibility and low overhead