Thinking of hanging my shingle out again. Thoughts? Ideals?

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4fortyDemon

4fortyDemon

FABO Gold Member
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St George, Utah
I was doing some serious contemplating about starting my own business again, especially after being let go almost 2 weeks ago due to " shift in finances " per my previous manager. But, that's another time and story.
I've always been in the automotive industry with few exceptions since 1982.
One job that I loved for almost a decade was being an automotive inspector for Manheim auto auction.
I was a concierge for a specific region in Phoenix and also St.George Utah.
Down to brass tacks now...
I've thought of opening my own private inspection / appraisal business.
I signed up for an appraisal class that after completion, I would receive my appraisal certificate . I've looked into the state laws for Utah, Nevada, and Arizona regarding inspections and appraisals and found no huge hurdles ( state licensing- which I'd be ok with if needed).
I already have my business license with Utah.
I figured this might be a chance at not only making ( hopefully) a decent side wage until ( wishful thinking) it would take off.
Any input from my Mopar family is much appreciated.

I know that I've left much information out only because I figured folks may start a conversation and I could hopefully fill in the blanks. Here's my business card that I used my old 440 Dart as a template.

Thanks all!
Mike

IMG_1225.jpg
 
You will need to have a dealers license in Utah . They have some weird laws about being a consultant or broker .
 
mbaird said:
You will need to have a dealers license in Utah . They have some weird laws about being a consultant or broker .
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Hmm, I'll check into that. I looked up info for Utah previously and didn't see anything pertaining to a dealers license. Thank you for the info! I'll double check for sure.
 
4fortyDemon said:
Hmm, I'll check into that. I looked up info for Utah previously and didn't see anything pertaining to a dealers license. Thank you for the info! I'll double check for sure.
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I considered brokering in the early 2000s . I had relationships with most Utah BMW , Audi, Lexus dealers as well as Oregon, Washington and California dealers .
Utah laws may have changed since but good to check it out before getting too far along .
 
mbaird said:
I considered brokering in the early 2000s . I had relationships with most Utah BMW , Audi, Lexus dealers as well as Oregon, Washington and California dealers .
Utah laws may have changed since but good to check it out before getting too far along .
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I'm not going to be brokering. Inspecting ( as in pre purchase inspections) and appraisals.
 
Most appraisals to be recognized by financial intuitions require a dealer license or some other professional requirements. Getting a dealer license is a pain.
 
If you can do pre sale inspections for clients too far away or unqualified to do it, I'd bet you can make a go of it. Especially if word gets around you know what you're doing.
 
I agree. Do something you love and it won't be work! Cool bidness card!
 
70dart340 said:
If you can do pre sale inspections for clients too far away or unqualified to do it, I'd bet you can make a go of it. Especially if word gets around you know what you're doing.
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Thats what I've done for almost a decade now for Manheim auto auction. I'm not being big headed about this, but I'm pretty good at inspections. I've went up the chain to verify structural damages for other inspectors. I hope to do this for muscle car buyers ultimately. Thing is, when I would bring it up that I could pre purchase inspect a vehicle ( ie: muscle car) I would be asked many times if I could appraise it also. That, and only for that reason is why I seriously contemplate going for an appraiser license.
 
4fortyDemon said:
Thanks RRR! That's the hope dude!
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I wish you all the lock in the world. I kinda fell into being a mechanic basically out of necessity. I never really loved it. It's not what I wanted to do. I wanted to get into the medical field, but my parents spent big money sending my sister through 6 years of medical school and then mama got cancer, so I knew there was no money left to do anything for me, so I just "did what I did".
 
RustyRatRod said:
I wish you all the lock in the world. I kinda fell into being a mechanic basically out of necessity. I never really loved it. It's not what I wanted to do. I wanted to get into the medical field, but my parents spent big money sending my sister through 6 years of medical school and then mama got cancer, so I knew there was no money left to do anything for me, so I just "did what I did".
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I've been wrenching on cars since my 1st car at age 15. I'm seriously tired of it. That was my reason years ago to get into inspections. I worked for a large body shop for a few years in the early 2000s and learned much about how to look at wrecked and previously wrecked vehicles. It's a fun job for me inspecting. If you spot one thing paint wise, you start rabbit holing till you find the actual damage.
It would be great to be able to do it for people on here as well.
And a huge thanks again for the well wishes of starting my dream job RRR!
 
I kind of fell into it myself. Went to work at a Sunoco gas station at age 12 just to make some money. And wouldn't you know it they were all racers.
 
4fortyDemon said:
I've been wrenching on cars since my 1st car at age 15. I'm seriously tired of it. That was my reason years ago to get into inspections. I worked for a large body shop for a few years in the early 2000s and learned much about how to look at wrecked and previously wrecked vehicles. It's a fun job for me inspecting. If you spot one thing paint wise, you start rabbit holing till you find the actual damage.
It would be great to be able to do it for people on here as well.
And a huge thanks again for the well wishes of starting my dream job RRR!
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Yes, well wishes for you.
 
LO23M8B said:
I kind of fell into it myself. Went to work at a Sunoco gas station at age 12 just to make some money. And wouldn't you know it they were all racers.
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Too funny! I was hanging around a Mobil gas station with the neighbor kid at age 8. The owner who dated my neighbors mom would let us pump gas and clean the shop up. He had a small block Chevelle and his mechanic had a big block 4spd 57 panel wagon. They used to do burnouts in front of the station. Cool time to grow up.
 
You are welcome to use one of my lifts . for your inspections . shop is spotless clean like you would want . just let me know before hand . ..
 
fj55-100 said:
You are welcome to use one of my lifts . for your inspections . shop is spotless clean like you would want . just let me know before hand . ..
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Thank you kind sir! I was just thinking about that killer Toyota pu you have the other day. I think it's one of the coolest sleepers in town. Also, as a token of my appreciation. I'd give you 2 full inspections free. Keep in touch and thank you!
 
Good luck. I know there is a need but I personally can't find peeps that will spend a $ to have a NON rusted out Tx car hauled to the rust belt!!!

:BangHead:

But some will drive 1000 mik. in their rig to come look and buy.
 
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