How to Start a Ford Performance Shop

Ford Performance shops buy genuine Ford parts from Ford Racing and Ford dealers.

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Not all Ford customers are looking for a traditional passenger vehicles. Racing and muscle car enthusiasts also build, modify and restore Ford vehicles or their own creations using Ford racing parts. Although anyone can purchase Ford racing parts directly from Ford, many prefer to work with local mechanics and parts shops. Ford does not sell franchises, but it allows mechanics and retailers to sell authentic Ford merchandise and align themselves with the Ford line of performance and racing products.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately ChallengingInstructions 1

Apply for financing for your shop if you don't have the necessary funds in hand. A small business loan such as one backed by the Small Business Administration might be enough to get you up and running. Many small businesses are partnerships pooling the capital of the people working on the business. You can also consider borrowing money from family and friends, or asking them to invest as silent partners.

2

Select a location for your business. With a specialty like Ford Performance, your mechanic shop doesn't necessarily need to be highly visible and get a lot of passing traffic -- but it certainly doesn't hurt. Your location should have enough space to work on several cars at a time and hold an extensive parts inventory. You may also benefit from a sizable lot and street parking so you can store cars that are long-term projects.

3

Acquire any tools and equipment not already in your shop or possession. Your shop will need lifts, diagnostic computers, and a full set of tools ranging from ratchets to wrenches.

4

Call Ford Performance Group's query and ordering hotline to get the latest performance parts catalog and learn about ordering procedures. Ford Performance works with Ford Racing to have specialty parts delivered directly to customers. However, in some cases you can arrange to collect parts through Ford dealers.

5

Register with Ford Racing to be an official parts dealer or shop if you intend to sell parts directly to the public. Provided you aren't too close to another Ford-authorized shop, you can get company recognition. You will need to sign agreements about the handling of the Ford name and how you represent your affiliation with the company.

6

Inventory and purchase the parts and items you'll want in stock to start your business. If you have particular projects lined up already, begin with the parts necessary to complete those. Consider other likely or typical fixes and projects customers may bring and order to anticipate their needs -- especially as specialty performance and racing parts can take days and even weeks to obtain. However, don't go overboard and tie up your money in inventory you aren't likely to sell.

7

Market your business to reach Ford race and muscle car enthusiasts. Contact any car and racing clubs within your community to let them know about your services. Also spread the word with other mechanics who can make referrals. Most importantly, talk to people at your nearby Ford dealer as dealers work on standard Ford vehicles, but not those with special modifications. Join and advertise through mechanics associations and clubs such as the Automotive Services Association that boasts more than 12,000 associated mechanics nationwide. Consider advertising in auto and racing enthusiast magazines and other publications. Local newspapers can be effective if your area has a large number of people who work on custom cars.

Tips & Warnings

Apply for an acquire any business or occupational licenses necessary to your locale.

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ReferencesFord Performance Group: About UsAutomotive Services Association: MarketplaceFord Racing Parts: Where to BuyFord Racing Parts: 2011 CatalogFord Forum: Forum for EnthusiastsPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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