Hi ! New member ( pro autobody/painter)

[Phil V]

Just thought I'd introduce myself as a new member. I hope to learn on this site and share some knowledge about Autobody/paint I've picked up over the last 31 years of doing this type of work as a profession. I currently own and run a small body/paint shop (I intentionally keep the business small, I like it better that way. Had a large shop with several employees a while back and decided it wasn't worth the headaches and stress). Over the last 30 years there have been many excellent bodymen and painters who went out of their way to help me learn new and better ways of doing this type of work. They expected nothing more than maybe a "thanks" for their effort. Its only right that in that same spirit that I pass on some of that information that I've picked up along the way. I hope to be a productive member of this site.

 

[TAZ]

Very good Phil!
Welcome and thank you for joining the Flames Board!

 

[big stinkie]

Phil,

Good to have you aboard. I've been doing this for about 12 months as a hobby. Each day I get dumber. I learn one thing, but find out there are two more things I don't know. Hope you can add as much as some of the other 'well-tenured' auto-body guys have.

BTW, got any pictures of your work you could share with us?

Andy aka "Big Stinkie" (don't ask...you don't wanna know.)

 

[kevsLX]

Hey Phil! (Kevin M from Autobody Pro board).

 

[rex]

Welcome Phil.30+ years eh?,you have to be part insane to have lasted this long.I've only been in it 20 years and the friggin insurance companies are about to drive me over the edge

 

[shaunboy]

HI PHILL
GOOD TO HAVE YOU HERE ,I'VE BEEN IN THE TRADE FOR ELEVEN YEARS .MY DAD HAS BEEN IN IT FOR FOR 42 YEARS NOW AND STILL LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ashleyrose]

Hello Phil,

I think you have a great attitude. My husband and I would like to start an auto painting business to help us get by in the winter time. We own and operate a successful seal coating business in the summer but the season only lasts from april to November. This leaves us with quite a few months on our hands. With my hubby's love of cars and my love of painting, I think we could make a go of the auto painting business, and set up a shop on our property. BUT I wonder if you wouldn't mind sharing the earnings potential if one is willing to work HARD and Long hours? Say if we could do one or two low cost paint jobs per day? Is this a 30k a year business or closer to a 100k per year business? Thanks for your help.
Ashleyrose

 

[ezrider]

you didnt mention how much automotive painting or body shop experiance the two of you have, pay is based on amount of experiance,as for opening a "Part time " shop there are many hidden cost to opening a shop, Scott just opened his shop not too long ago he can fill you in on that subject. as far as cheap paint jobs , in this business you get what you pay for, places like Macco are for the most part phased out now becouse of that reason.it can be a $30,000 a year bussiness and it can also be a $100,000 a year business name and reputation have a lot to do with it and you dont get the two of them over night.Good luck with which ever route you choose

 

[TAZ]

Hello,
I just opened up in February and I do not regret it one bit!. I just hired my first employee last week. And my wife just turned in her notice yesterday (she had been there 5 years) to work full time at the shop.

The guy I hired is one damn good detail oriented prep guy. I worked with him at the dealership. He had been there for 9 years.

Funny how my business worked out though. First came the website, then came the business. Most of my work is out of state (although local is *really* picking up). I started out doing quite a few jobs at the dealership I worked at the end of last year.

The more you put in your business, the more you will get out. Although I do not work hard at work, I come home and spend quite a bit of time answering emails, and keeping an eye on the site.

A couple of suggestions for you. Watch the material cost. Material $ will eat you up! Also make sure you (or an employee) you hire has experience in all phases of painting and bodywork.

A good painter will make between $50K and $65K a year working for someone.
I will say my first year gross will be well beyond what I had anticipated when I first opened.
It was a good move for me!

Good luck to you Ashelyrose if you decide to pursue your new line of business.