Do we just open the business?

[Bunbum]

DP and I have a garage (DP is a mechanic).

It has taken quite a while to sort out the electrics, get approval for it to become an MOT testing station, get all new signage etc.

We are desperate to open up as the majority of the works are done, however there are a few thing such as business cards, google page and a few other small tasks/materials we need for it to be ‘perfect’.

These small things take time. For example we have had an issue with our google page and that is apparently going to take google up to 5 business days now to sort out. Business cards may take a week or two to come. Our logo needs formatting properly to be uploaded onto different socials.

However these are relatively small things in the grand scheme of it all and we can operate without them.

Part of us feels like we only get one chance to make a good impression so let’s wait until it’s our idea of perfect, part of us is desperate to open up!

What are your thoughts?

This may be a slightly naff saying but... Perfection is the enemy of progress.
If you've reached MVP stage then it's time to open, go for it!

Open!
well done and best wishes to you both x

@SausageRoll2020 thank you - never actually heard that one and it completely answers our question!

Just open. There can be weeks wait for garage work these days so you'll really help people to be open.

I recently had my car repaired at a one man body shop. No website etc. He did the job properly and quickly.
The website will get you customers but word of mouth will get you more.

Good luck.

I would open but properly launch once you have Web site etc running.
Good luck hope all goes well

Do some low-key stuff (?for friends and family?*) as a test run, so you can iron out snags. Then do the Big Opening for the general public.

*But be wary about setting precedents re mates' rates. A one-off 'free' may be better than setting an expectation of on-going discounts.

Can you join, or maybe you’re already on, a local Facebook page? There are often posts about garages on ours and you’ll get business quickly, especially if there are people waiting for MoTs, or need repairs quickly.

Then you can advertise your website and everything else, when it’s ready.

@SausageRoll2020
"Perfect is the enemy of the good" is how I've heard it.

Open now and get potentially 5 extra days business to iron out any issues before you have the socials and website properly in place,

Open open open. All the little bits can come later. You’ll probably always be changing them anyway as you progress and grow.

How exciting!

Good garages are so in demand (ours has a 2 month wait for MOTs) that most people won't care if you have a website or business cards or anything. Having good Google reviews does help, I'll admit that. But just being visible as a garage to passing traffic is probably enough to get customers in the first instance.

The absolutely wonderful garage I use has none of the things you mention. What they do have is excellent 'word of mouth'. Open and start building your reputation.

I don't set much store by Google reviews, unless there are thousands of them. They usually break down into two groups - the owner's friends and family and then the people who have an axe to grind which, on further reading, is often because they had ridiculous expectations. I just ask friends, family, neighbours and workmates who they use and why.

What makes people go to a garage is honesty, a fair price, good communication and doing things when they say they will. If they experience those things they will recommend. A logo, web presence or business card makes no difference. In fact, in the case of a garage or contractor, a glossy marketing presence would worry me. Why aren't they getting enough repeat/new business to make this unnecessary.

I appreciate you are just setting up so it's a bit different but, seriously, make opening your priority.

Open up. People want their cars fixed. If they want a business card just jot it down on a piece of paper. Start getting people to sign up for a newsletter then when the website goes live send them an email. Reviews will come in time.