Junked cars are basically those cars that get damaged or old for some reasons like from natural disasters. The junk car business has evolved quite recently and is profitable as many people want to sell or buy wrecked cars from junkyards.
Junkyard or automotive salvage yards collect items that are no longer needed. It can be from automobiles, furniture, junked appliances, etc. These scraps are then reshaped and recycled to meet the specific requirements. The business owners who deal with automotive parts gather dismantled cars from vehicle companies and individuals. They offer their services either for short-term and storage facilities or as the final resting place for the cars.
Are you planning to start your own junk car recycling business? Here’s the step-by-step process to learn how to start a junk car business.
Startup Requirements for Junk Car Business
The startup capital requirements for starting a junk car business are comparatively low. Even so, there’re some basic things that need to be in hand before you start investing in the old scraps.
- Garage
After picking up the car, you’ll need a commercial or industrial place with the necessary equipment to keep the car and prepare the scrapping.
- Call Center
Set up a call center or receptionist to attend the calls regarding the business.
- Tow Truck(s)
To transport junk cars safely and efficiently, you’ll need a professional service. In that case, tow trucks are the best option. You can offer your clients a free junk car pick-up and convenient towing service for junk cars, totaled cars, salvage cars, etc.
- Industry Knowledge and Skills
You need to have knowledge about scrapping materials, car values, parts value, and other competitors to succeed in the junkyard business.
- Online Presence
Have you decided how your clients will find you? People are more tend to search online to get any company details. Therefore, having a top-quality business website can be helpful and eventually a profitable idea for you.
Steps to Start A Junk Car Business
- Make a business strategy
If you want to open a junk and salvage business, first make a proper business strategy and know the essential factors. A well-organized plan will give you a clear idea of the business’s benefits and limitations.
You can begin with deciding whether you need a small land or a larger one with a high upfront cost. Besides the land, there’re other basic things you need to consider like fencing, security system, equipment, store inventory, office, etc.
Meanwhile, your largest ongoing investment will be in the salvation process. That includes buying equipment, materials needed, car crusher, labor, etc. Additionally, administrative costs, marketing expenses, and property insurance will be included in the budget.
- Form a business entity
The next important step is to form a business entity, register your business legally and obtain all essential permits and licenses. For that, you can contact your local administrator with authorization to understand the process and initiate the paperwork.
The most common business structures are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, and Limited Liability Companies (LLC). Registering the business legal entity as a Corporation or LLC gives protection from being personally liable in case the junk car business is issued.
- Apply for business tax
It is important to register your business under local and federal taxes. Based on the business structure and location, you require to apply for the Employment Identification Number or EIN in order to register your business for tax.
This will provide your tax and legal advantages as well as personal liability protection.
- Open a business account
Once you complete the paperwork, apply for a separate business account and credit card. Thus, it’ll be easier to separate the fund for your junk business from personal expenses. Or else, the bank can take possession of your personal belongings like the home, car, or other valuable assets.
Furthermore, having a business credit card is very helpful in building your credit history. So, you can later raise funds and invest them whenever required.
- Study the competitors
While you’re opening a junk car business at the location, it’s a smart move to check out your other competitors. You can search online to know who has the same business in the same location.
If it’s a huge competition, you can think about shifting to another town. Otherwise, if you’re willing to fight for clients, you need to come up with something different that gives you benefits over others. For example, you can offer instant cash when someone comes to sell their junk car.
- Take advice from experienced entrepreneurs
When you finally know your competition, it’ll be wise to talk to somebody who is already in this business for a long time. If you think the local junk car business owners will give you advice, you’re being unrealistic. It will be a loss for them if they teach you about business.
Thankfully, the car junkyard business owner from another town is a good resource to get advice as long as they don’t take you as a direct competitor. Also, many experienced entrepreneurs willingly give advice to new business owners.
- Marketing and promoting the business
In order to become popular in the junkyard business, you must conduct a marketing strategy to compete with others. So, for promoting your business, you can put a large signboard in a crowded area where people can see it.
In addition, start a business website with all the updated information and create a network with other communities. Advertising on social media like creating a business Facebook page is also a good option to promote the business.
Conclusion
Starting a junkyard car business may seem challenging, but if processing it correctly, you can be successful. Make sure to learn the market demand and car values while running the business. A clear insight will be helpful to generate revenue