Can a Small Engine Mechanic Profession Be a Lifestyle Job?

Me being a small engine mechanic has not only piqued my interest but also turned into a potential lifestyle job for others with the right approach. This article explores the possibilities and challenges of turning a small engine mechanic career into a lifestyle job.

Exploring the Diverse Scope of Work

Yes, the world of small engine mechanics is vast, encompassing everything from repairing tractors and forklifts to electric cars. The scope is vast and varied, depending on your interests and the types of customers you choose to serve.

Building a Client Base

Establishing a client base is crucial for any small mechanic, and it certainly takes time. I recommend offering both new and used parts sales alongside your repair services. This not only diversifies your income streams but also helps you build a reputation in the community.

Feasibility of Earning a Living as a Small Engine Mechanic

While it is possible to earn a living as a small engine mechanic, the potential for it being a "lifestyle job" is often overestimated. Based on my experience, I found that earning a substantial income purely from small engine repairs, especially for items like lawnmowers and snow blowers, is quite challenging.

Challenges and Quotas

Typically, a lawnmower or snow blower tune-up can range from $50 to $75. If you own and operate a small engine repair shop, you would have additional costs such as rent, utilities, and labor costs. To break even, you would need to fix a significant number of these machines in a day, which can be difficult to achieve.

The Solution: Mobile Repair Services

To overcome these challenges, I opted for a different approach by performing small engine repairs on-site. By working out of a vehicle, I removed the overhead of maintaining a repair shop. However, this limited the scope of my work to certain types of repairs. For instance, I do not perform full engine rebuilds because the parts and specialized tools necessary can be too costly compared to the fees I can charge.

Overcoming Overhead and Maintaining Quality

Beyond the repair work, there are several other overhead costs to consider, such as vehicle maintenance, gas, and specialized parts. I had to be selective about the parts I carry, given the limited space in my vehicle. Despite these constraints, I find this work to be quite satisfying, and my customers appreciate my flexible approach and quick service.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is possible to earn a good living as a small engine mechanic, it is not necessarily a lifestyle job for everyone. If you are semi-retired and looking for a way to keep busy and supplement your income, small engine repair can be a viable option. However, with the right setup and approach, such as mobile repair services, it can indeed be a fulfilling and satisfying venture.

Note: The information provided is based on personal experience and may vary depending on location and market conditions.