Garage business ideas: opportunities and pitfalls. Small business in the garage: ideas that work
You will learn how to prepare a garage in order to implement your business ideas in it. How to start your own business with minimal investment and how is such income justified?
Today we often see on the pages of glossy magazines how “beautifully” famous businessmen live. But not many people think about their path to success, about where they started.
Let's figure out how to create your own business practically from scratch (with minimal investment). All we need is garage space and a strong desire.
Garage as a springboard for your business
Economists identify three main types of income. These are speculative sales, provision of services and production. Today we'll talk about the last two. And about how to rationally approach starting your own business.
One of the first questions every novice businessman faces is the question of production space. We want it to best suit the conditions of the activity we have chosen. Finding a suitable property is not easy, and if you find it, you are not satisfied with the rental conditions.
In this case, you need to turn your attention to the resource that is available. Perhaps we already have the necessary premises, and we just need to adapt it to the necessary conditions. This is a major garage.
A garage is a place to store all sorts of rubbish that used to be lying around in the closet.
Folk wisdom
Emptying the garage of unnecessary things takes a few hours (the car can be parked temporarily). But as a result, you get your own space, where you can implement your wildest ideas, and not worry about the landlord’s reaction.
You've probably heard more than once that some people make money by growing strawberries or mushrooms, raising rabbits or chickens in their basements, outbuildings, and garages. So what is the best thing for a novice businessman to do in such a utility room in order to receive a stable income? Let's find out!
What can you do in the garage to make money - TOP 7 business ideas that work
When the problem of finding premises has been successfully solved, it’s time to think about what type of business will “go” in your country, region, city, district.
Let's look at the TOP 7 business ideas, the implementation of which at first will not require large investments from you. But later they can bring considerable profit. The methods are designed mainly for men who know how to work with their hands.
Glass processing and cutting
At first glance, the service is not in great demand, but practice says otherwise. It is especially relevant for large cities, where there are many multi-storey residential buildings, industrial facilities, and factories.
In addition, modern trends in the furniture business dictate the use of a large number of mirrors and glass. It is clear that during operation they periodically break, which creates the demand we need.
To process and cut glass (mirrors) we will need:
- big table;
- wide selection of different types of glass (mirrors);
- ruler;
- roulette;
- guides;
- professional glass cutters.
Turner services
A workshop for the manufacture and processing of various parts (carpentry) is a popular and profitable type of activity. The service is in steady demand among small enterprises that do not have a turner, and at service stations. An undeniable advantage is the low competition in this service market.
A CNC machine will greatly expand the capabilities of material processing. And although its cost is significantly higher, it allows you to perform more precise and complex work, which has a positive effect on income.
![](https://i2.wp.com/startapoff.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/top-idey-dlya-biznesa-v-garazhe.jpg)
To create a lathe, we need the machine itself, a set of tools that every turner usually has, and, in fact, the necessary skills.
Furniture manufacture
Furniture is always in demand, and high-quality and inexpensive furniture is in high demand! If you can offer clients a flexible price and good quality, then a stable income is guaranteed.
Do you feel like a designer, are you able to work with wood, and do you have the necessary equipment? Furniture production is what you need!
Repair of household appliances
All people constantly use various types of technology.
It has two properties that interest us:
- She breaks down.
- It is subject to repair.
So, my neighbor opened a repair shop in his garage, and every day I see an endless stream of customers. I note that Andrey began to engage in this type of activity a long time ago (he worked from home), and by the time he opened the garage branch he already had sufficient experience.
Auto repair shop
An always relevant and extremely profitable idea for using a garage is car repair. Every day the number of cars on our streets increases. They also tend to break. Don't forget about damage in an accident.
A car service is a place where, with a heavy soul, you easily part with money.
Folk wisdom
If you understand car repair and have power tools, you know where to buy the necessary spare parts cheaply and quickly, then the established car service or tire service will always bring high dividends.
Manufacturing of ceramic products
If you have skills in artistic work with clay and have been involved in crafts, then you can easily master the technology of making ceramic products.
This process includes several stages:
- preparation of clay mass;
- product shaping;
- heat treatment (firing);
- glazing and decoration.
If all of the above is not an empty phrase for you, and at the same time you are a creative person who strives to make money from what you like, then this is a suitable option!
Car wash
If your garage is located near a traffic intersection and has water supply and sewerage connected to it (located nearby), it’s time to think about creating a car wash.
To organize such a business, it is necessary to improve the premises and the surrounding area. The floor must be concreted, have a slope (sand trap), and the room must meet the most stringent electrical safety requirements. Don't forget about special equipment.
Comparative characteristics of business ideas:
Line of business | Starting capital (RUB) | Payback period (months) |
Glass processing and cutting | 20 000 – 30 000 | 2 – 3 |
Turner services | 50 000 – 70 000 | 3 – 5 |
Furniture manufacture | 30 000 – 50 000 | 3 – 5 |
Repair of household appliances | 10 000 – 30 000 | 1 – 2 |
Auto repair shop | 100 000 – 150 000 | 2 – 4 |
Manufacturing of ceramic products | 5 000 – 10 000 | 1 – 2 |
Car wash | 200 000 – 300 000 | 4 – 6 |
How to prepare a garage for the implementation of a business idea - step-by-step instructions
Before using your own garage to organize your business, it should be properly prepared and maximally adapted to operational requirements.
Let's look at the basic steps.
Step 1. Insulate the room
Properly organized internal insulation maintains an almost constant temperature, which has a beneficial effect on the service life of both finishing materials and everything placed inside.
Conventionally, the insulation process can be divided into 4 stages:
- Thermal insulation of the floor. In 2018, expanded clay is very popular among the population. It is necessary to lay any waterproofing material in the prepared pit (45-50 cm), fill it with thirty centimeters of expanded clay, lay the reinforcing mesh and pour the screed.
- Insulation of gates. The insulation treated with an anti-corrosion solution is fixed to the surface, and a stronger material is placed on top of it. All resulting cracks are foamed.
- Insulation of walls. This process involves: preparing the wall surface, antifungal treatment, priming, laying thermal insulation material and covering it with a thick layer of isomaterial, plastering, painting.
- Roof insulation. It is enough to stick on any suitable material and take care of condensate drainage (you can use regular film).
Step 2. Let's communicate
My neighbor Andrey, whom I mentioned above, moved to the garage due to the fact that all the necessary communications passed nearby (even Wi-Fi “finishes off”).
Therefore, so that you do not have problems with their installation, it is better that they “run” next to your garage. Then you will save on both work and material.
Engage only licensed companies for work. They will install meters for you and provide you with all the necessary documents.
Step 3. We carry out finishing work (inside and outside)
There are several general requirements for finishing a garage:
- the floor must withstand the planned operating loads;
- the finishing material of the walls must be resistant to mechanical stress;
- The ceiling cladding must have a certain strength and resistance to evaporation.
Finishing materials have their own criteria:
- fire resistance;
- resistance to chemical attack;
- resistance to changes in humidity and temperature;
- ease of cleaning;
- guaranteed service life;
- acceptable, aesthetic appearance.
Where to get money for business
Even a novice businessman understands that to open his own business he will definitely need start-up capital.
But where can I get it?
Option 1. Accumulate
If you are a naturally thrifty and prudent person and observe a surplus in your incoming finances, then you can save without difficulty. The main thing is to set yourself a goal and work towards achieving it day after day.
Option 2. Find an investor
If your idea is progressive and fairly easy to implement, then you can “infect” others with it - those who have “extra” money. People with money are always ready to invest it in order to get a stable profit.
An interesting and promising business always attracts capital.
![](https://i0.wp.com/startapoff.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/kak-otkryt-biznes-bez-deneg.jpg)
It is important to legally formalize your relationship with the investor!
Option 3. Find a partner
A partner is a person who shares with you not only profits, but also losses. Often he has been with you since the very foundation of the business, so he knows all the nuances and pitfalls. He is the one you can trust. The partner has a strong motivation for joint activities and will always financially help the development of your common business.
Option 4. Take a loan
A loan, if you don’t have problems with banks, is the easiest and fastest way to find money to start a business. More than 90% of entrepreneurs start by taking out a loan from a bank or other lending institution.
The main thing to remember is that you need to repay the loan amount and interest on it in a timely manner. Therefore, once again, consider all possible risks.
Option 5. Receive subsidies from the state (under certain conditions)
State subsidies are somewhat reminiscent of a loan, but with “softer” conditions. If your idea falls under any government program, feel free to draw up a business plan and demand money from the authorities for its implementation.
You can find out all the information about current programs on the official Portal of the State Programs of the Russian Federation.
Keep in mind that in order to receive a subsidy, you will need to be able to convince the responsible government agencies of the success of your venture and go through nine rounds of... offices.
Is it worth investing in such a business - real reviews
If you have a garage and you are looking for ways to earn money and self-realization, to work for yourself and not for “uncle,” you will quickly realize that you have an excellent chance to quickly and at minimal cost open your own business. In any case, you will need a production space, and a garage is ideal for this.
The story I told of Andrey clearly illustrates that when a person has the necessary skills, desire and a small initial capital, everything works out for him.
This example is not isolated. One of my friends started his business in a small outbuilding. Now he remembers these days with nostalgia and awe.
Another was generally repairing electronics on his balcony. Now he has “grown” to a large office. They all give approximately the same advice: it is important to make the most efficient use of the available space, funds and time.
The opportunity to use the garage for work can provide an effective impetus for self-realization. It is usually believed that development will be possible exclusively in the automotive sector. But this is far from true. Within the walls of the garage, you can open the production of building materials, engage in livestock farming, or give preference to the food industry. It is important to correctly assess your capabilities and skills so that the “garage” business becomes promising. Like other types of entrepreneurship, it requires legal registration within the framework of legislation.
Business in a garage has its own specifics. There is not enough space to start a large project. But this can be a successful endeavor, which can then expand beyond the four walls. If the garage is owned by the owner, then you don’t have to worry about additional rental costs.
Algorithm for creating a business in a garage
When you start any business from scratch, you need to develop a strategy and a business plan. It is important to correctly assess your financial capabilities, calculate expected costs and analyze possible competitors nearby. The key point is the demand for the area that will be chosen for implementation. To find out its relevance, you can use data on the Internet as a basis. If your own funds are not enough, you can apply for a loan from a bank. The main thing is that it becomes a driving force, and not a burdening yoke.
The next step is registration. It is important to choose the form of ownership. If it is difficult to do this on your own, then it is better to consult a lawyer. Then you need to figure out whether you need to hire staff. Hired labor involves additional expenses for taxes, not counting wages. But this way the business will develop faster. An important point is the interaction and consent to work from representatives of the sanitary, epidemiological and fire services. If this is necessary, then you first need to make repairs in the garage. At the next stage, the necessary raw materials and equipment are purchased. You can make a trial series of products or services to check the relevance and rationality of the idea. In this case, there is no need to purchase a lot of materials; the minimum will be enough.
Idea No. 1 - production of building materials
Construction is a promising field that is gaining momentum every year. That is why it is rational to engage in the production of building materials.
The choice of assortment depends on the preferences of the owner, his skills and competitiveness. You can start producing paving slabs, cinder blocks, decorative cladding, etc. When making a choice, you should remember that space is limited and the scale of production must correspond to it. Also, such a business can be very expensive because expensive equipment will be required.
It is difficult to cope in the production of building materials on your own, so you will have to hire a small staff. To attract attention to production, you can resort to marketing tricks and sell goods at lower prices than competitors. But when using this strategy, it is important not to forget about your own benefit.
Idea No. 2 - auto repair shop
This is the most obvious idea. The garage space is ideal for car repairs. If, moreover, repairs have been made to these walls previously and you have the necessary equipment, then you can significantly save on materials. There must be an inspection hole to inspect the lower part of the car. You can also consider the option of repurchasing the car, repairing it and selling it at a premium. Recently, such a business has become very popular, but the niche has not yet been completely filled. This means that the competition is not very tough yet and you can try your hand.
It makes sense to open a car repair shop with experience in repair work. If the master is a beginner, then it takes time to establish himself and win over his client. The advantage of this way to earn money is that you can do it on your own and save on hiring labor. In the garage you can do not only car repairs, but also related businesses - window tinting, airbrushing, tire fitting, etc.
The more services the workshop provides, the more profitable it will be. Therefore, it is worth expanding the master’s qualifications and learning new directions.
Idea No. 3 - mini-wash
Such a business of your own does not require large start-up investments. Serious working skills are also not needed. That is why most potential businessmen are inclined to open a car wash.
To properly equip your garage, you need to perform several manipulations:
- Equip a drainage hole or well through which dirty water will be drained.
- Purchase and install a special pump.
- Install the battery with the heater element.
It is also important to seal the room using metal sheets. All these actions do not require large expenses and can be covered in the near future. Car washes are very common, so it’s rational to slightly reduce the price of your services so that the client wants to come to a “garage” wash.
If the owner does not want to handle the process himself, then he can hire employees. One or two people will be enough, especially if the garage is small and many cars will not fit at the same time.
Because car washes are popular, you can take out a loan to start a new endeavor. His return will be feasible.
Idea No. 4 - growing mushrooms
Such a business is considered very profitable, but at the same time very problematic. Oyster mushrooms and champignons are in demand because of their taste and reasonable price.
Growing mushrooms requires following strict rules:
- purchasing quality raw materials;
- You always need to maintain the optimal temperature (13 - 14 degrees). For this purpose, special climate control equipment and sensors for monitoring temperature indicators are purchased;
- the same scrupulousness must be shown when maintaining humidity in the garage (80 - 90%);
- installation of water supply and water drainage systems;
- organization of ventilation.
Business must be legally registered. The mushrooms themselves must be certified so that they can be sold to supermarkets, restaurants, and simply to customers directly. This document is issued by the sanitary and epidemiological service. To do this, she takes material and analyzes it for the presence of pesticides, herbicides, radioactive components and other harmful substances.
It is advisable to take training courses before starting to grow. Otherwise, you can lose the harvest due to inexperience and the money will be wasted. Advertising plays an important role in this business. Due to the fact that there is a lot of competition with other mushroom pickers and large supermarkets, the product must be well advertised. This way you can show the benefits of the purchase and point out the environmentally friendly conditions for growing the product.
Idea No. 5 - furniture production
This is an area that requires special skills and talent. Not everyone can handle such production. There are two options to get out of this situation:
- or the businessman himself takes training courses and does the work independently (with an assistant);
- the owner does not participate in the production process, but hires a specialist.
Many similar companies first take an advance payment from the client and purchase materials with this money. Therefore, this option does not require large investments. It is not necessary to make furniture parts yourself. It will be enough to purchase them from intermediaries and assemble the components into a single whole. If the main function of the enterprise is to directly manufacture furniture from scratch, then special equipment will be required. Because furniture is not cheap, then the profit promises to be good, which means you can think about taking out a loan to purchase what you need.
Production requires maintaining comfortable conditions inside the garage: it should not be damp so that the wood does not swell, and not too cold. Ventilation should also be good. Varnish and other materials for processing furniture have a pronounced odor, so ventilation is an important condition for compliance with production standards.
Idea No. 6 - paint production
Another way to make good money. Paint is always in demand. A special feature of this production is the fact that up to 1 ton of paint can be produced within 24 hours.
For your business to flourish, you must first purchase all the necessary materials and equipment:
- mixing mixer;
- dissolver;
- component dissipation equipment.
Sales areas can be different: the Internet space, you can offer goods to large construction supermarkets or small buyers.
Particular attention in this area is paid to security measures. The paint contains components that can be easily flammable. Ignoring these norms threatens emergency situations and conflict with regulatory authorities.
Also, before you start work, you need to think about how the neighbors in the garage will behave. If it does not stand alone, but is part of a garage cooperative, then paint production will affect neighboring residents. An unpleasant odor will definitely penetrate through the ventilation. Therefore, it is better to agree on this issue in advance, so as not to have to explain it later. In the same way, you can produce varnishes, various emulsions and liquids that are relevant in the repair and construction industry and design.
Idea No. 7 - forged accessories
A very creative activity that can become a calling for life. Forged products are very popular and are often used in everyday life. But desire alone is not enough here; you need to know blacksmithing and have experience so that clients like the work.
At first, this business seems expensive: you need to purchase expensive equipment and materials. In addition to the basic equipment for forging, you also need a welding machine and special paints for coating. But these investments are quickly recouped and the workshop owner can receive a stable profit.
You can make the following items:
- forged benches;
- arches;
- fencing;
- elements of furniture and decor;
- candlesticks;
- mirror frame and many others.
In this case, you can create your own store or website on the Internet, where you can post photos of finished works and take work to order. In large cities, fairs of forged products are often held, where you can exhibit your work completely free of charge.
Forged accessories are a niche that is not completely filled. There are not many real professionals, so you can show your talents and win an impressive clientele.
Idea No. 8 - breeding chickens and other small animals
Today, homemade chicken meat and fresh chicken eggs are in great demand. You can easily sell such products at a higher price than store-bought ones, and there will always be a customer. You can set up your own mini-farm in the garage, especially when the space allows you to do so.
First you need to think about the layout of the garage. It should be broken down into sections. It is imperative to insulate the room, otherwise the chickens will lay eggs poorly and gain little weight. Then attention is paid to ventilation. The specific smell of these animals and chicken droppings will not allow you to stay in the room for a long time if there is no working ventilation.
The costs of this option include:
- Purchasing the chickens themselves.
- Purchase of nets, drinking bowls, feed containers, etc.
- Food and vitamins.
- Trays for collecting eggs and means for cutting meat.
Over time, if the work takes off, you can buy automated devices that will collect eggs themselves, etc. It seems that there are a lot of costs, but the profits will also not be long in coming.
Do not forget that this business is also subject to registration and product certification. Due to outbreaks of chicken epidemics, inspection authorities will become frequent guests in the garage - chicken coop. The same method can be used to breed other small animals - rabbits, nutria, quails and other animals.
Profitability of a garage business
It is necessary to assess the level of profitability in the early stages. When a business plan is drawn up, a forecast is made as to whether the chosen business will be profitable. It is important not to make mistakes in the calculations, otherwise you can risk all your invested funds. To avoid mistakes, you should contact specialists. They will develop a strategy and calculate all the risks. Profitability will largely depend on the type of work, the cost of materials, the scale of the enterprise and the demand for the final product or service. It also matters whether hired labor is used.
If the garage needs to be renovated first, this will also increase costs. It is more profitable to pay attention to those areas that require small start-up capital. As the business develops, it will be possible to improve production by purchasing new equipment or expensive material. Advertising will be a separate column in the business plan. Proper press coverage of a business can be a boost to profitability. In the era of computer technology, advertising can take virtual forms. Posting on advertising websites and social networks is a free method to find clients.
A wide variety of ways to make money in the garage makes it clear that if you want, you can get benefits with minimal funds. And the right approach and calculation will not allow a newly-made businessman to go bankrupt.
The idea of owning your own business has recently attracted the attention of many residents of our country. But, unfortunately, some have to abandon this idea due to lack of material resources. The starting point for starting your own successful business can be a business in the garage at home. In this article, we bring to your attention several promising projects that can be easily implemented at home.
Production of metal products
If you decide to start production at home as a business in the garage, you can start manufacturing metal products to order.
It can be:
- Gates;
- Grilles on windows;
- Stairs;
- Fences and stuff.
To open a small forge at home you will need:
- Forging press;
- Horn;
- Welding machine;
- Bulgarian.
Experts say that a forge is one of the most promising and profitable garage business ideas. At the start, to open such a business you will need only 50 thousand rubles. The monthly income of a small forge is 25-30 thousand rubles.
Waterproofing a car with liquid rubber
This is the usual painting of the body with a special paint that creates an even polymer layer. It looks great and at the same time protects the surface from various external influences. To implement such a small business idea in the garage, you will need a spray gun and the paint itself. It takes 5-15 liters of paint to process one car, depending on its size.
Sold in a small garage, they can bring a good profit. You will need $400 (including advertising) to purchase equipment and supplies. You will earn $400-600 by painting one car. As you can see, the entire initial investment is recouped after completing one order. To organize a business in a garage, you don’t need to come up with any original ideas. From practice it is clear that if you complete several orders on weekends, you can earn good additional income.
Liquid stone countertops
Such products are not cheap on the market, despite their fairly low cost. The production of countertops is a simple, non-labor-intensive activity from which you can earn good money.
To work you will need:
- The basis;
- Dyes;
- Forms;
- Grinding tool.
To implement this, you need to invest 1.5-2 thousand euros. You can earn about 800-900 euros monthly in the production of countertops. Considering the consistently high demand for such products, we can safely say that this is one of the most profitable small business ideas in the garage.
Pet houses
If you are looking for business ideas with minimal investment in the garage, you should pay attention to such an area of activity as the production of houses for pets. Owners of cats and dogs spare no expense for their pets. They buy them cozy houses or booths, as well as all kinds of toys and so on. To produce such products you will need a special tool, the same as is used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture. It is also advisable to purchase a small circular saw. In this case, you will not have to buy blanks, since you can make them yourself.The starting investment in such a business is 200-400 euros, profitability is 450-500 euros per month. If you are able to establish partnerships with pet stores, your profits will increase by 1.5-2 times. This type of business is well developed abroad. In our country, this market segment has not yet been filled. have repeatedly proven their effectiveness in practice, so you can confidently begin to implement them.
Wooden Toys
Chinese entrepreneurs have long learned one simple truth - for a product to be in demand, it must have a low price and maximum utility. are based on this principle. They do not require significant financial investments and are easy to implement.
If you want to start a small production in your garage, small business opens up an unlimited number of opportunities for beginners. One such idea is making wooden toys and other wood products:
- Designers;
- Cars;
- Gurneys;
- Pyramids;
- Dishes;
- Kitchenware.
In this business, one should rely on the durability and environmental friendliness of products. These qualities attract the attention of modern consumers and make such products in demand in the market. You will need 180 thousand rubles to purchase equipment and materials. If the company produces inexpensive, high-quality products, such a business from scratch in a garage will pay for itself in 7-8 months.
Foam blocks
Looking through ideas, many probably paid attention to the production of various building materials, and in particular foam blocks. The profitability of such a business is quite high, and the payback period is only a few months. There are no problems with the sale of finished products, since the foam block has many advantages:- High noise insulation;
- Strength;
- Durability;
- Excellent thermal insulation.
If you want to open a business in a garage for beginners, without significant start-up investments, at first you can make foam blocks without special equipment. Many novice businessmen make molds from ordinary plywood. In order to prepare the solution, you can use a regular concrete mixer.
Over time, when your business begins to generate income, you can collect the necessary amount and purchase special equipment. It costs approximately 2.5 thousand dollars. If you produce 6 cubic meters per day. meters of finished products, the net profit will be 120-150 thousand rubles.
Toothpicks
To understand what kind of business you can open in a garage, you need to look at many different ideas. It is unlikely that it would occur to anyone that you can make a million-dollar profit from the production of such a small product as toothpicks. To implement such a project you will not need any specific knowledge. It is enough to carefully study the technology and find permanent sales channels.
Among the advantages of such a business I would like to highlight:
- High and constant demand for the product;
- Simplicity of technology;
- Low level of competition.
To purchase a new automated line for the production of toothpicks you will need 1-1.5 million rubles. For many beginners, this is an unaffordable amount, so at first you can buy inexpensive used equipment. A package of toothpicks is inexpensive, only 10-20 rubles, but if you produce and sell such products in large volumes, you can earn decent money. With proper organization of the production process and sales of finished products, such a business in a garage in 2019 can bring 400-500 thousand in profit every month.
Blinds
If you want to open your own business at home, but can’t decide what kind of business to start in your garage, try bringing the idea of making blinds to life. This is a fairly popular product, the demand for which continues to grow, so your mini-enterprise will bring in good money in any case. The most important thing is to find partners who will wholesale finished products for subsequent sale. At the same time, you can offer clients services such as installing blinds or making them to order.New equipment for cutting lamellas with a productivity of 200 pieces per hour will cost you 500-800 thousand rubles. It is also advisable to invest another 1.5-2 thousand dollars to purchase a special machine for cutting fabric. In addition, you will also need a sewing machine. It can be bought for 100-150 rubles. As mentioned above, the demand for this product remains consistently high, so entrepreneurs who start such a business will in any case make a good profit.
Auto repair shop
Many enterprising people think about what kind of business they can open in a garage, but not everyone makes their dreams come true. In fact, in order to start your own business, you don’t need huge start-up capital or any special knowledge. You can start making money literally from scratch. The simplest example of this is a home auto repair shop. If you are knowledgeable about cars and can do minor repairs, why not offer your services to other people for a fee.
Before that, you first need to assess the level of competition. This will help you decide if opening a workshop in your area is worth it. If your neighbor in the garage cooperative already offers such services, it is better to look for another premises or abandon this idea altogether. In addition, it is necessary to carefully consider all the nuances and draw up a detailed business plan with calculations. It is difficult to say exactly how much it costs to open a car repair shop, since the final amount of financial investment largely depends on what services you plan to offer to clients. The purchase of new equipment for a small car service will require 400-600 thousand rubles. The investment pays off in approximately 1 year.
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Smart Startups
Despite the fact that many entrepreneurs are more attracted to the manufacturing sector, innovative business is of greatest interest to newcomers. A small car box is perfect for creating prototypes that can be presented to potential investors in the future.
Typically, startups are associated with new automated equipment or computer technology. However, beginners can work in any other field, for example, develop new technologies for the food industry, or invent some new equipment for the medical industry. The success of any startup largely depends on investors, so you need to start looking for them even before you start implementing new small business ideas in your garage. In the garage you can develop drones, radio-controlled toys, as well as various machines and units. To attract attention to your ideas, create your own website on the Internet, and also visit various exhibitions and specialized resources.
conclusions
According to experts, a small business in a garage in 2019 is the best option for those who want to open their own business during a crisis. In case of failure, the entrepreneur can change his field of activity without significant losses and take up another, more profitable business. The most important thing is to respond promptly to all changes occurring in the market.
20 voted. Rating: 4.80 out of 5)
There are many ways to start your own business without significant investment. And your garage can serve as an excellent starting capital. We offer you 40 business ideas from Europe and not only for organizing a mini-production in a garage.
The garage is very good to use not only for its intended purpose. A furniture manufacturing facility can be successfully located there.
1. Cabinet furniture. First of all, this is the manufacture and assembly of cabinet furniture: wardrobes, kitchen sets, dressing rooms, etc. For such work you will need minor financial costs, the availability of tools and, of course, experience working with chipboard and wood. The markup on cabinet furniture is at least 100%.
2. Upholstery of upholstered furniture. Many people want to save money on buying a new sofa or armchairs for their living room. And therefore, reupholstering old furniture is a popular and very in demand service. In addition, this service is used by people who have expensive antique furniture and are willing to pay well for quality work. You can make money not only from the reupholstery itself, but also from the sale of upholstery materials.
3. Sewing furniture covers. Upholstered furniture often gets dirty due to small children and pets. And a removable cover for a sofa or chair can help out in this matter. It can not only be easily washed, but also replaced with a new one. Sewing such a cover to order will cost many times less than buying a new sofa.
4. Frameless furniture. In addition to “rigid” furniture, it is possible to launch the production of frameless furniture. Now the demand for it continues to grow. According to manufacturers, this is one of the most successful starts, allowing you to fully recoup your initial investment in the first six months. For this mini production you will need a sewing machine, two types of fabrics: for the inner shell and for the cover, as well as filler (foamed polystyrene is best suited). At the initial stage, finished products can be sold via the Internet.
5. Garden furniture made of driftwood and branches. Another interesting idea for making in the garage is making garden furniture from driftwood and branches. When producing such furniture, costs are kept to a minimum (it is not difficult to find suitable driftwood, branches, stumps, old boards even in the city) and only special impregnations and moisture-resistant varnishes will be needed. After all, you need to take into account that such furniture will be located outdoors and it should be carefully processed so that it does not lose its appearance.
6. Decoupage, painting, aging. The modern furniture industry cannot keep up with the rapidly changing tastes of consumers. There is always a demand for originally designed furniture. This is where your skills can come in very handy. By the way, when decorating an interior in the Provence style, artificially aged furniture is used.
Home decor and souvenirs
Europeans and US residents actively make money from their hobbies. Since the demand for handmade products is only growing, this direction is very promising in our country. We invite you to consider some interesting ideas from Europe for garage production.
7. Book holders. We are accustomed to the fact that books should be located in bookcases, well, in extreme cases, on special shelves. In Europe you can often see special bookends. This is a beautiful and fashionable accessory that can enliven any interior. Now here too it is becoming a popular element of room decor. The most important thing about such holders is their exclusivity and originality of idea. The material for the holder can be anything: wood, ceramics, liquid stone, gypsum, fireclay, plastic - the choice is yours.
8. Christmas and New Year decorations. These holidays are usually celebrated with family, and you want the atmosphere in the house to be appropriate. The best way to decorate your home on such days is through handmade decorations. Naturally, the production of Christmas wreaths, candlesticks, baskets, garlands and Christmas tree decorations will allow you to earn additional money.
9. Clock. Another productive idea is making original wall clocks. Clock movements can be easily found at a reasonable price. All you need to do is put your hand to the design of the dial and frame. The return on investment for this project is quite high, and the investment is minimal.
10. Souvenir magnets. The production of souvenir magnets is one of the least expensive and has the fastest payback. The main thing is to make them as original as possible so that they do not get lost among similar products and are sure to find their buyer. There are several production technologies and you can choose any of them, since any equipment can fit in the area of a small garage.
11. Decorative candles. It was not for nothing that Father Fyodor dreamed of his own small candle factory. With a minimum of cost and effort, such a wonderful result. To make candles, you can use either ready-made molds or make them yourself (will significantly increase demand). There will also be no difficulties with the purchase of consumables and sales of products.
12. Handmade soap. The demand for handmade soap continues to grow. The use of natural ingredients, original form and packaging will allow you to find your customers quite easily. In addition, this soap is a great gift for your mother, friend or colleagues at work. The soap production technology is very simple and does not require large investments.
13. Ceramics. A small pottery workshop is a fruitful idea for a garage business. You can start producing vases, original figurines and dishes. Although this requires certain costs for the purchase of materials, the payback is quite high. In addition, you can make a variety of souvenirs and sell them to gift shops.
14. Hanging bells on the door. If you know how and love to work with metal, making “wind chimes” is definitely an idea for you. However, these bells can be not only metal. Traditionally they are made from bamboo, but hollow branches of light tree species can also be used. Such products can be sold through a network of souvenir shops.
15. Wine stands and racks. You can also use your skills in working with wood in the production of original wine stands and special racks. The number of bars, cafes and restaurants that open every day is encouraging. High-quality original products can be successfully sold, and they can also be made to order.
16. Souvenirs from children's things. A relatively new idea for a garage business from Europe is the production of souvenirs from children's things. Baby shoes, booties, pacifiers, any things are covered with bronze or copper. The only difficulty in “launching” this business project is the duration of the production process. Bronzing the product takes from two weeks to a month. They work only to order, because the future souvenir is a purely individual item.
17. Basket weaving. This folk craft is experiencing another revival. If you successfully position your products as environmentally friendly and environmentally friendly, you will easily find buyers not only on the Internet, but also in supermarket departments and souvenir shops (the demand for baskets traditionally increases before the Easter holidays).
18. Designer pillows. Making interesting furniture pillows will allow you to expand your circle of consumers through cooperation with furniture showrooms and interior designers. Offer them your products, and you will no longer need to rent premises for your own store - orders will come to you from furniture makers and decorators. You can also quite successfully sell such pillows online.
19. Making mirrors to order. It is clear that in a garage, covering glass with amalgam is not the best idea. But cutting an existing mirror cloth and putting it in an original frame is quite easy. All you need is a ready-made mirror and baguette blanks. You can easily compete with professional framing workshops and offer customers a more attractive price.
20. Potpourri (compositions of dried flowers). Making arrangements from dried flowers is a fun way to express your creativity and earn money. To create compositions, you can use both dried flowers (plants that do not require additional processing) and ordinary flowers. They are pre-dried and then assembled into a single ensemble. Original interior decoration can be offered not only to individual connoisseurs, but also to small cafes or restaurants to decorate the room.
21. Cornices, curtains and blinds. In the garage you can also make cornices, blinds, roller blinds and pleated curtains. Here, not only independent work is possible, but also fruitful cooperation with curtain sewing salons. The manufacturing technology is quite simple and boils down to working with ready-made systems. All you need is to adjust the curtain rod and cut the curtain fabric to the desired size.
22. Garden sculptures. Setting up a small production of garden sculptures and flowerpots in the garage is not difficult at all. The most popular materials in this industry are concrete and gypsum. The production technology is completely simple and does not require large investments. You can sell your products either directly or send them to stores for sale.
Pet Products
You can start making pet products in your garage.
23. Scratching posts for cats. Pet stores will be willing to work with you if you offer them sustainable cat scratching posts made from natural materials. In addition, it is possible to manufacture gaming complexes. The main thing is to correctly calculate the dimensions of the product. They can be either stationary or portable.
24. Beds and houses for cats and dogs. Soft beds, cozy houses for cats, original dog houses are still in demand. People are willing to spend impressive sums on the comfort of their pets. The production of such goods can be easily established in your own garage, and the finished products can be sold online. In addition, cooperation with pet stores will help to significantly expand the circle of customers.
25. Bird cages, birdhouses and feeders. For bird lovers, you can offer interesting birdhouses, feeders and bird cages. It is difficult to find a truly original and beautiful bird cage in pet stores. And here you can offer your services for manufacturing cages according to individual sizes and according to the customer’s wishes. Production costs are low. And originality is always at a premium.
Products for children
Parents always want the best for their children. Therefore, this is a good opportunity to start your own business and receive a stable income.
26. Sandboxes. Clients from cottage villages will be happy to purchase original frames for sandboxes for their children. It is best to make them from wood. You can develop several ready-made designs, as well as make sandboxes according to individual sketches. In this matter, not only the quality of work is important, but also the original and bright design.
27. Kites. Another type of production that does not require special permits and compliance with GOST standards is kites. These lightweight, floating designs are becoming popular again. This is a great type of outdoor recreation that will be equally interesting for both adults and children. Kites can be of different designs and sizes, everything is limited only by your imagination.
Construction and repair
Additionally, you can earn money in construction and repair not only by plastering and putty. You can organize the production of canopies and awnings. Light prefabricated structures will be readily purchased not only by summer residents and lovers of “wild recreation” in nature. You can offer your services to cafes with summer areas, summer holiday homes and boarding houses.
28. Countertops. Now there is a demand for products made of liquid stone. Quite costly production, requiring special equipment and certain skills. If you produce consumables yourself, the payback on equipment costs will be about six months. When purchasing materials from suppliers, the payback period will be reduced to 2-3 months, depending on the region of residence and the number of potential customers.
Tabletops can also be made to order from glass, wood, or combine these materials with metal. The choice is great.
29. Making stained glass. You can organize a small stained glass workshop in the garage. This is an interesting business. But several features must be taken into account. Stained glass production is divided into classical, film and modern.
The classic method of making stained glass is the most labor-intensive and expensive: you need lead, bright durable glass, mastic, and you can’t do it without special equipment and special knowledge.
Film stained glass windows are the simplest, although they require some skill. A thin patterned film is applied to ordinary glass, which is used to decorate furniture doors, interior doors, and balcony windows.
Modern methods of making stained glass are divided into the following types: Tiffany, sandblasting and fusing. The size of the initial investment and the rate of payback will depend on the chosen technology.
30. Making shop windows. Decorating shop windows is a well-forgotten old way of earning extra money. The unitarity of Soviet store windows has sunk into oblivion; now owners of retail space are eager to attract customers with an original approach to advertising their goods. Having sufficient artistic taste, you can find customers and realize your ideas.
31. Wood carving. Carved products can not only be an element of home decor, but also fit well into the interior of office premises and catering establishments. Consequently, customers for such miniatures or large works can also be found among the owners of cafes and restaurants, “work shops” (relevant for large cities), and clubs. Production costs are low and income is stable.
32. Hand stamping. From fiberglass, reinforced plastic, artificial marble, liquid stone, it is possible to produce both non-standard products in small series and exclusive goods. Products are produced using special stamp molds by hand, no additional equipment is required, the market is not yet full and you can find your niche quite easily.
Electrolytic baths, fireplace portals, countertops, facing and floor tiles can be made from artificial marble and liquid stone. From fiberglass, carbon fiber and reinforced plastic, you can quickly (within 1 week) organize the production of oar blades, hulls of boats, boats, jet skis and snowmobiles, drainage trays, roofing elements and much more.
33. Artistic forging. Experts in working with metal can start producing small forged products in the garage, which are in constant demand: grilles, balcony railings, flowerpots, stands for flowerpots, lamps, candlesticks. Of course, equipping a garage for a small forge will cost you a lot, but such a business quickly pays off.
34. Printing on ceramic tiles. There are several types of printing on ceramic tiles. The two most popular methods are digital and sublimation. In digital printing, large images are printed onto tiles and then fired. Such tiles can easily withstand humid environments and exposure to chemicals. With sublimation printing, the design is small (the size of one tile) and is applied with a heat press. The former are used to decorate bathrooms and kitchens (aprons), the latter are souvenir products that can be “planted” on magnetic tape. Both are in demand. But with a high payback, it also requires corresponding costs for equipment.
Fashion accessories and promotional items
If you are a creative person, you can try your hand at fashion accessories and promotional products.
35. Production of designer bags. The garage can successfully accommodate a small workshop for the production of designer bags. It’s not difficult to get materials, and the choice of accessories is great. If you also do ceramics or rune stamping, then these artistic miniatures can become successful decorative elements. Production payback is up to 3 months.
36. Original belts and buckles. You can also start producing unusual belts and buckles. The choice of material is unlimited. This includes wood, plastic, leather, and various types of fabric and metals. Whatever your imagination tells you. In this matter, the main thing is an original idea and high-quality execution. Such designer items are easily sold online, as well as in fashion boutiques.
37. Silk-screen printing, T-shirt printing. A relatively new type of business activity that does not require special expenses and large premises. As an idea for a mini production in a garage, it’s simply wonderful. Special equipment and consumables can be easily purchased from suppliers. There are always orders for such products. Even in small towns, where it would seem that the niche has already been occupied, with the right approach you can find your regular clientele. And the implementation possibilities of the Internet are completely limitless.
38. Poster printing. Traditionally, printing works are carried out by printing houses. But, in most cases, they refuse to fulfill small orders. You can come to the rescue of clients who need a limited edition of printed products. Equipment for printing posters can be purchased at a reasonable price. Even a used one will do for starters. Payback – up to six months.
39. Airbrush. A very interesting idea for using a garage for its intended purpose. Even if you don’t have the makings of an artist, using special patterns and ready-made sketches you can start transforming a standard car into a work of art. In addition, designs using airbrush technology can be applied to almost any object and give them individuality.
40. Production of key rings. We have already spoken above about the production of souvenirs and hand stamping. Using this technique it is possible to make keychains. But they can also be knitted, wicker, ceramic, silicone, metal. Try yourself in different techniques, different styles and directions. The cost of the product and the payback rate will depend on your choice.
This is just a small list of possible goods and services, the production of which can be organized without renting a separate premises. There are a lot of ideas for mini production in the garage. Perhaps, after reading this article, you will come up with something else of your own and this will become an interesting know-how that will bring you profit.
How to open a business in a garage with minimal investment? What ideas can be implemented to start a business from scratch? How much money can production in a garage bring to budding businessmen?
Do you have a garage that is sitting idle or being misused? It's time to turn it into a source of additional or even main income!
Denis Kuderin is with you, a financial expert of the HeaterBober online magazine. I will tell you about the most popular and accessible business ideas in the garage, ways of their implementation and difficulties that novice entrepreneurs may encounter.
Read in full: in the final you will find expert advice on improving business efficiency, as well as an answer to the question: how much money is needed to start a project and what earnings await you.
Have you fastened your seat belts yet? Then let's go!
1. Production in a garage – maximum cost savings
Almost all types of private business require space for implementation. But if you have a garage, you don't need to think about rent. You don’t have to pay anyone a monthly bribe and make sure you don’t inadvertently litter the premises. It is yours. Do with it what you want. In our case, do business with him.
Of course, not every garage is suitable for running a business. To use a garage not only as storage for cars, it must be spacious, insulated, with all the necessary communications.
If you have such a room, congratulations and a little envy! It is enough to clear it of unnecessary trash, and you are the owner of a full-fledged platform for running your own business.
How will we earn money? The choice of direction depends on your personal preferences, skills, knowledge, capabilities, and availability of free time.
It happens that at first a person is ready to devote only an hour or two a day to additional work. Gradually he gets involved in the process, realizes its prospects and suddenly realizes that he a side business brings in more than your main job "for an uncle". A happy moment for every entrepreneur!
If you are ready for a complete transition to “self-sufficiency” now, it will be easier for you - you will be able to devote maximum time to your project.
For a business to bring not only income, but also a feeling of deep satisfaction, you need to like it. Perfect option - make money doing what you love and are good at.
Having a specialized education is welcome. And don’t think that the garage business is only for men. The production of exclusive furniture, postcards, designer soap and other designer products in the garage is also available to the fair half of humanity.
Business in the territory of your own garage is becoming especially relevant in the context of the permanent economic crisis in Russia. More and more people are thinking about not depending on anyone, and are realizing that working for themselves if they have their own space for production or providing services is promising and profitable.
According to statistics, in the southern part of Russia more than half of all garage owners are engaged in garage crafts, in the central zone - 20-25%.
I will list all the advantages of running a garage business:
- no need to pay rent;
- a large selection of business areas;
- you yourself plan the expenditure of effort and time;
- comfortable working conditions;
- Some activities require almost no initial investment.
Today, the garage business is carried out not only by auto mechanics and former factory workers, but also by young people from the so-called “creative” class.
In the West, garage business is an all-time trend. Steve Jobs started assembling his first personal computers in the annex garage.
The creator of Apple involved not only his friends in the work, but also members of his household - some soldered microcircuits, others installed chips, and his mother served as a secretary.
A well-equipped and clean garage helps maintain a work ethic.
Unlike home work the garage is perceived as a kind of office– this helps you focus on your work, avoiding procrastination, and at the same time forms an adequate attitude of your household towards your pastime.
If you have your own premises, the entrepreneur has time to organize the business thoroughly and competently, which businessmen who are dominated by formidable landlords and monthly payments cannot afford. If necessary, you can always expand the permanent garage upwards and outwards.
Underwater rocks
I would like to immediately warn you about important nuances. Garage conditions are not always suitable for organizing trade or production. The premises must be adjusted to the standards of sanitary services and fire supervision.
It happens that it is not advisable for you to immediately formalize an individual entrepreneur or LLC, so at first you will have to work in a semi-legal position, and this is always fraught with problems with the law. In addition, there is a risk that your neighbors or the board of the garage cooperative will not like your business either.
Another risky point: garages within the city may at any time end up in the demolition zone due to the construction of roads, non-residential and residential facilities. You will be compensated for the cost of construction, but the funds invested in the business will be lost forever.
The optimal choice is to create a workshop, tire service, mini-car service, car wash or mini-production not related to food.
2. How to organize production in a garage with minimal investment - step-by-step instructions
Before you start practicing, you need choose a direction of activity and draw up a step-by-step plan. Without this, difficulties will arise already at the first step.
The premises also need to be prepared in accordance with the chosen business idea. A cluttered and dirty garage is not conducive to concentrated work. It should be light, warm, free from everything unnecessary.
In addition to electrification, we need running water and, if possible, sewerage. Presentable appearance and comfort are the key to success, especially if you will be hosting clientele in the garage.
Let's move on to the universal step-by-step instructions - it is suitable for any area of the garage business.
Step 1. Prepare a business plan
A competent business plan disciplines the entrepreneur and optimizes his costs. Perhaps, already when drawing up a plan, you will discover a number of problems that you did not think about at the stage of searching for an idea.
This document takes into account all the most important points - the essence of the project, the mechanisms for its implementation, the approximate budget of the enterprise, the expected results and the forecast for the payback period.
If your head is spinning from the abundance of offers, here are some tips for choosing a direction.
Remember and put into practice!
Tip 1. Choose a direction in which you are an expert
Doing something you love and know how to do is both pleasant and profitable. Some know how to weave baskets from wicker, others can easily repair an iron that fell from the third floor or a telephone that was washed along with jeans, and still others can sell snow to Eskimos.
If you didn’t find any talents in yourself, it means you didn’t look hard enough. Everyone has talent– but sometimes it needs to be awakened.
I already mentioned this - analyze the sales market in advance. Try to find out the demand for the service and the presence of competitors in the area.
Talk to people, read forums on the Internet, catch rumors - the more thoroughly you conduct your “preliminary investigation,” the easier it will be to implement the idea.
See “Step 1” in section 2. This point is here only to remind you of the importance of a business plan for successful entrepreneurial activity.
Don't force things. If business does not go well in the first few weeks or even months, this does not mean anything. Don't give up at the first failure: business is an eternal overcoming of difficulties. This is the only way to become successful, rich and famous.
Many professionals are ready to share the secrets of their craft and business with budding entrepreneurs. You don't even have to talk to them in person: Use social networks and specialized sites.
Studying at business schools, for example, will also greatly help a budding entrepreneur.
5. How much money is needed to start a business and how much can it bring?
It is clear that profitability depends on the chosen direction, as well as on the scale of the enterprise and your personal ambitions. Revenue from a warehouse and auto tuning will, by definition, be different. Just like - it’s not at all the same as doing business in the city.
Garage businessmen also name different amounts - 30,000 rubles per month, 50, 70, 150, 200 thousand.– there are no limits to perfection.
Comparison table of some types of garage business:
№ | Ideas | Primary costs, in rubles | Average income, per month, in rubles |
1 | Furniture manufacture | From 100,000 | 150 thousand |
2 | Glass cutting | 20-30 thousand | From 40 thousand |
3 | Store opening | Depends on the assortment, approximately 100,000 | From 30,000 and above |
4 | Production of building materials | From 100,000, but there is also more expensive equipment | Depends on the size of the enterprise |
5 | Repair of household appliances | From 50,000, if there are no diagnostic and repair tools | From 50 thousand and above |
6. Conclusion
Business in a garage is a promising idea if implemented correctly. There are options for a garage business that require almost no cash investment or special knowledge, and there are also those that require professional skills and initial capital.