the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

Mobile Install Business?


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
Helf 
Member - Posts: 16
Member spacespace
Joined: September 03, 2003
Location: United States
Posted: October 16, 2004 at 5:25 PM / IP Logged  
I'm considering getting into an installation/labor business where all I do is provide installation services to customers who have already purchased the products.  Anybody do this?  If so, any information and pointers would be appreciated.  I would install mobile electronics as well as automotive accessories.  Just provide a source for customers who purchase products online and stuff to have a way to have a qualified individual perform the installation.  I am soon to be ASE certified and looking into MECP, don't know where to take the test??  I would also have a website where customers can purchase products in addition to the install business.  Also, possibly offer vehicle maintanence like oil changes to help out in slow times.  I would only install new products and would have plenty of insurance.  I've been installin for a number of years, mainly accessories but also mobile electronics.  Let me know what you guys think and if any of you guys do this I would appreciate any guidance.  Thanks,
Jason
marty butcher 
Member - Posts: 2
Member spacespace
Joined: October 15, 2004
Location: Australia
Posted: October 16, 2004 at 10:49 PM / IP Logged  

i work in australia so my market may be different to yours but let me tell you since going mobile 2 years ago i have never looked back.

even on weeks when i only have one or two jobs booked all of a sudden the phone will ring and bookings will just come flooding in.

i charge for the convenience($75.00 aus dollar per deck) and people are more than happy to pay. as long as you are proffesional and have insurance you can't go wrong. 

martyman
Helf 
Member - Posts: 16
Member spacespace
Joined: September 03, 2003
Location: United States
Posted: October 17, 2004 at 11:22 AM / IP Logged  

Marty,

What type of products do you install?  Do you just do mobile electronics or a variety of different things(Car and truck accessories??)?  What type of pay scale do you go on for this business?  Do you sell the products also or just install products customers purchased elsewhere?  Do you install used and new products or just new?  I got a lot of questions I would like to get answered as you can probably see, if you could reply back to this post or PM me with the information that would be great.  Thanks,

Jason

flynntech 
Copper - Posts: 275
Copper spacespace
Joined: April 15, 2004
Location: United States
Posted: October 17, 2004 at 5:54 PM / IP Logged  

That's basically what I do. I install stuff for people as well as regular repairs/maintenance for a little less than local shops.

With audio, it's impossible to compete because of the free install wars, but people know good work when they see it.

Most of my customers have already purchased something from the net or have stuff lying around. It's good to have lots of cable and accessories on hand, don't ever believe someone who says "I have everything already" we've all heard that one before!

MECP can be taken at a local library and possibly at a shop. You can also go to CEA in Northern Virginia (DC area) if you are nearby.

ASE exams take place at trade schools and some shops will point you in the right direction, you do need 2 years verifyable experience in a professional shop.

It sounds like a good idea, good luck!

marty butcher 
Member - Posts: 2
Member spacespace
Joined: October 15, 2004
Location: Australia
Posted: October 17, 2004 at 8:19 PM / IP Logged  

Hey Jason

In answer to your questions i install all types of products car audio ,car security,mobile phone kits (it is illegal to drive in western Australia without hands free!) ,electric windows,reversing aids and i do small accessories like spotlights etc i do not do gps or tacho's etc. I do restrict the size of  a job though for example i won't do custom work or a full alarm system on the road it simply takes up to much time. by doing 4 or 5 smaller jobs a day i make more money.  i have a set fee per item for pricing. this is not allways the best way to do things as it relies on your memory to gauge how much time each job will take you but by pricing a little higher it usually evens out at the end.i install new and second hand equipment (thus my business name ''INSTALL ALL AUDIO'' ) generally i don't supply but when a customer asks i will get what they need and usually at a better price but i make my money on the install. i am not sure what your labour rates are like over there but i charge $75.00aus to fit a deck by itself $65.00aus if it is fitted with other equipment and this doesn't include face plates or fitting accessories.i think the trick to mobile installs is in your setup, ihave one of the best setups in Perth including an on board compressor, full rolls cable a work bench with a vice etc.The better your setup the less likely you will be without somthing on the  road that you need urgently.I do have a workshop that i use for bigger jobs which is also well setup but you don't make as much money spending a day on one job as you would doing 4 or 5 jobs a day @ say $75.00 per job thats $300.00 to $375.00aus per day you can't justify that for one day in a workshop.

if you have more questions please reply with a list and i will do my best to answer them or if you want to let me know and maybe we can exchange phone numbers i am more than happy to share whatever info i can with you.

Regards

Martyman

martyman
swamprat323 
Gold - Posts: 1,335
Gold spacespace
Joined: September 22, 2002
Location: Florida, United States
Posted: October 18, 2004 at 4:58 PM / IP Logged  
I do this aslo but mostly alarms and RS. Its just on the side though, tere have been times i had to take time off my main job just to do installs. I looking into doing internet sales, but that may be a little ways down the road. And want to do quite my main job and do just this, but i want to carry insurance though, but not sure what to carry and the main thing is HOW much?
flynntech 
Copper - Posts: 275
Copper spacespace
Joined: April 15, 2004
Location: United States
Posted: October 18, 2004 at 10:39 PM / IP Logged  

Don't work on anything you can't afford to fix.

Worst case scenerio, find acceptable used parts or hit up the dealer.

Don't use a test light.....and don't blow up a battery!

Helf 
Member - Posts: 16
Member spacespace
Joined: September 03, 2003
Location: United States
Posted: October 18, 2004 at 11:09 PM / IP Logged  

Thanks for all the replys guys, this is really helping out.  It' s always best to learn from people who have done or do this type of work.  Thanks a lot,

Jason

jeffchilcott 
Platinum - Posts: 2,483
Platinum spacespace
Joined: April 11, 2002
Location: United States
Posted: October 19, 2004 at 10:00 PM / IP Logged  
I do travel a little if the price is right, but I tend not to install things I havent sold them unless they are new and they<<-----   they have a warrantee....I have had a few experiences where ohhhh i bought this from a friend and I want it hooked up,,,what do you mean it dosent work    it worked fine in his car... you broke it....just be careful!
2009 0-1000 Trunk WR 154.0DB 2009 1001+ Trunk WR
2007 USACI World Champion
2007 World Record
2006 USACI Finals 2nd Place
Ravendarat 
Platinum - Posts: 2,806
Platinum spacespace
Joined: February 23, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: October 19, 2004 at 10:28 PM / IP Logged  
I always bench test everything in front of the customer before the install starts so they know if it works or not before the gear leaves there sight. I refuse to pay for a eight year old POS that doesnt work because I messed up and didnt bench it before hand
double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer
Page of 2

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Copyright © 1999-2025 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer