Automotive services businesses are some of the most profitable that can be started. They are not very capital intensive and work can be hard and dirty which keeps the competition low.

Mechanic

Becoming a mechanic is a very profitable endeavor. A few years of learning the trade pays off with a reliable source of income. The modern city person doesn’t have time or interest in getting their hands dirty fixing their car and will pay generously for the simplest of tasks to be performed for them. Working as a car mechanic may not be the most glamorous profession but those who don’t mind the monotony will be very wealthy.

Towing

Towing in Australia is also very lucrative as long as there are not too many competitors in the region. On an hourly basis the income is very good however there is a need to keep the tow truck working, this may be difficult unless part of the state Royal Automotive Club.

Car Wash

Car washes make great small businesses. A hand car washing business can be started with very small capital and can earn the operator a great return after paying employees. They are hard to sustain however, staff turnover takes a toll and no hand car wash operation lasts beyond a year or two. Self service car washes are another story. They require few employees and can generally be run by an owner operator. They require constant attention and care to keep the area clear, machines running and sediment traps clean which is one reason large corporations don’t seem to be able to have much success in this arena. Automatic car washes can be very expensive to install, only providing self service washer bays will be good enough for most customers.

Tyres

Tyre centers are one of the most profitable businesses around. They are very simple operations. Tyres are sold with a good profit margin and initial capital requirements are not too high. The main requirement is having good visibility to passing traffic and giving fast efficient service to get repeat customers.

Panel Beater

Crash repair businesses are extremely profitable and if within a city are guaranteed to have a lot of customers. It is another unglamorous job but pays well to compensate. The bills are often paid for by insurance companies which gives very healthy profit margins.