11/06/2026
I lost money in my first year running a car bodyshop… this is what I’d do differently 👇
When people look at a busy bodyshop, they think it’s all profit…
Reality is year one is where most people get it wrong
Here are the mistakes that cost me and what you can learn from them:
1. Underpricing jobs to win work
At the start, I just wanted cars in the workshop… so I priced too cheap.
→ What happens? You stay busy but don’t actually make money.
Lesson: Price for profit, not just volume.
2. Taking on every job (even the wrong ones)
Not every job is a good job - some drain time, energy and resources.
Lesson: Be selective. The right jobs build the right business.
3. Not understanding true costs
Materials, time, labour, overheads… it all adds up fast.
Lesson: Know your numbers inside out or you’ll always feel behind.
4. Relying too heavily on insurance work
It feels consistent but margins can be tight and control is limited.
Lesson: Build a mix — private, retail and insurance claim work.
5. Trying to do everything myself
At the start, I was involved in everything. It slows growth.
Lesson: Build a solid team and trust them.
6. No real marketing strategy
We relied on word of mouth… which isn’t enough if you want to scale.
Lesson: Social media, content & brand presence is worth investing
Fast forward to now — we’ve built a system that works, a strong team and a reputation we’re proud of.
If you’re in the motor trade, running a business, or even thinking about it… learn from this 🤝
Got questions about repairs, claims or running a bodyshop? Drop them below 👇