Auto repair shops manned by auto mechanics popularly called motor mechanics are common sights in Nigeria. In big cities, you can find auto mechanics in almost all street corners.
Motor mechanics are technicians skilled in the repair and servicing of motor vehicles. When your car has a fault, the first thing you are likely to do is to call your mechanic. As dirty the job may look, smart Nigerians are making huge money from it.
My bank account officer once told me that he knows a scruffy looking mechanic who deposits over N20,000 into his bank account every day. This money is the turnover he makes from his auto repair shop daily.
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How Samson makes over N20 million annually as an auto mechanic
Samson is a 21 year old chartered Accountant. Samson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the age of 20. He started writing ICAN exams while he was at the university. Few months after his 21st birthday, he became a chartered accountant.
Samson usually takes his dad’s car for repairs and he sees how the auto mechanics spend money on food, beer and women. So, he started researching about the business.
Samson later knew his dad’s mechanic makes an average of N40,000 every day. He was shocked when he found out the money good mechanics make in Lagos.
His entrepreneurial spirit was re-awakened. He went on the web to get information and data about setting up an auto repair shop. Samson watched over 200 YouTube videos on how motor vehicles are repaired.
Samson understudied motor mechanics in his area. After 18 months, Samson was confident that he could repair any motor vehicle.
Samson raised N500,000 to start the business. He rented a space along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway. Samson imported few computerized diagnostic equipment and repair tools.
Samson hired three skilled motor mechanics who were hitherto jobless.
Samson designed a website and used some digital marketing skills to advertise his business.
He started by asking his dad’s friends, church members, street residents and friends to bring their cars to his auto shop for repairs.
Within a few weeks, Samson already making about N200,000 monthly. He was encouraged to spend money on adverts which brought more customers.
Samson added a blog to his website. The blog has articles on auto repairs and how people can care for their cars. This blog increased the leads to his business.
Samson went for further training on transmission and AC repairs. This would later make millions for Samson.
Today, Samson has over 200 customers and makes about N20 million annually.
Samson projected that his business will make over N100 million within the next 5 years as he plans to add heavy duty trucks and diesel engines repairs to his business.
How you can make money as a motor mechanic
Do not let your certificate stop you from making money from this fantastic business. If you have passion for auto repairs, you can make good money.
Get yourself trained and get the right equipment and people to work with.
A lot of motor mechanics in Nigeria do not have the required skills to repair modern cars equipped with OBD. This is a gap an educated auto mechanic can fill and make money.
Find a space to build your auto repair shop.
Contact companies and ask if they can engage you on a retainership contract to repair their fleet of vehicles.
Engage in added services like carwash, painting and other allied work.
Never cheat customers and make sure your staffers have great customer service skills.
Give discounts and do promotions to encourage repeat business.
There is nothing dirty in making money. Yes, being an auto mechanic may be dirty but the money you will make from it is not dirty.
Do like Samson and make millions for yourself as a motor mechanic.