Q: I am planning to open my own shop. Right now, I am looking for equipment. Do I stay with one supplier for the overall discount? Or, do I stay with a nationally named tool company or the parts store?
A: Don't do this alone! Before signing on the dotted line, you need to have an attorney, an accountant, a banker and mentor in place. No two shop setups are alike. And, these individuals will tell you the options available, financing choices and term selections for those big dollar purchases. Counting your pennies now, the dollars will compound in the future when you open the bay doors.
Q: I am always loosing sockets or leaving a tool under the hood of a vehicle. Is there insurance I can purchase that will reimburse me for loosing tools?
A: Tool insurance is out there. But, not the type you are looking for — loss from carelessness. If you are prone to forget things inside engine compartments, or misplace tools, you may want to investigate “large purchase” — like a scanner — insurance. Or, there is another type of insurance that covers all your tools for a single loss. Meanwhile, I recommend getting a magnetic tray and keeping your tools in a cart – all congregated in one spot for easy a roll call.
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business Senior Reporter William Schertz at [email protected].
Pam Oakes is a retired, 20-year owner of nationally awarded automotive shop Pam's Motor City Automotive and Tires, an ASE-certified technician, automotive author, automotive speaker, automotive patent holder and host of "Car Care for the Clueless” Daily Edition, a syndicated radio talk show airing on dozens of stations coast-to-coast. And, yes, she still "turns wrenches" — but just for fun, nowadays.