Executive Summary
This business plan outlines a low-cost, high-margin opportunity in creating and selling custom automotive-themed metal artwork to auto repair and oil change shops. By leveraging direct in-person sales, cold email outreach, and viral social media marketing, this business can scale to a $250,000+/year revenue stream with minimal startup investment.
Startup
Costs: $500–$5,000
Revenue Potential: $250,000+/year
Profit Margin:
60%–80%
Market Opportunity
Industry Insights
- Auto Repair Market Size: $880 billion in 2023, projected to grow at 4.2% CAGR.
- Number of Auto Shops in the U.S.: 278,000+ locations.
- Customer Willingness: Even if only 5% of shops buy, that’s 13,900+ potential customers.
Target Audience
- Auto Repair & Oil Change Shops: Owners looking to enhance their waiting area decor and attract customers.
- Car Dealership Service Centers: High-end dealerships needing custom branding and artwork.
- Car Enthusiasts & Collectors: Individuals looking for garage décor and custom pieces.
Unique Value Proposition
- Custom-Made & Unique: Unlike mass-produced posters, these are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Low Competition, High Demand: Few businesses target auto repair shops specifically for artwork.
- High Perceived Value: Priced at $500+ per piece, yet costs only $150 in materials & labor to produce.
Startup Costs
Expense |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Metal Sheets & Materials |
$300–$1,500 |
Cutting & Welding Tools |
$500–$3,000 |
Paint & Coating Supplies |
$200–$800 |
Branding & Website |
$200–$500 |
Marketing & Cold Outreach |
$500–$1,000 |
Total Startup Costs: $500–$5,000
Revenue Model
Product |
Cost to Produce |
Sale Price |
Profit Per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Metal Artwork |
$150 |
$500 |
$350 |
Custom Logo Artwork |
$200 |
$750 |
$550 |
Large Multi-Piece Set |
$500 |
$2,500 |
$2,000 |
Monthly Projections
- Units Sold: 20–50 pieces
- Revenue: $10,000–$50,000
- Net Profit: $7,000–$40,000
Marketing Strategy
1. Direct In-Person Sales (High Conversion Rate)
- Walk into 30 auto repair shops with a tablet or printout showcasing the artwork.
- Pitch the owner:
"Would you want something like this for your shop? I create custom metal artwork for repair shops that customers love. If you like this, I can make one for you." - Close on-site deals and take deposits for custom pieces.
2. Cold Email Outreach to Auto Shops & Dealerships
- Target: Auto repair shops, dealerships, and mechanic franchise owners.
- Tools: Outscraper, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Hunter.io
- Cold Email Template:
Subject: Custom Metal Artwork for Your Shop – Built for Car Enthusiasts
Hi [Shop Owner],
We design custom metal artwork made specifically for auto repair shops, oil change centers, and car dealerships. These one-of-a-kind pieces help shops stand out, impress customers, and create a premium brand image.
Want to see a sample? Let’s set up a quick call.
3. Social Media Growth & Viral Content
- Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Groups.
- Content Strategy:
- Time-lapse videos of metalwork creation.
- "Shop Makeovers": Before-and-after videos showcasing artwork installations in auto shops.
- Behind-the-scenes clips of welding and painting to emphasize craftsmanship.
- Hashtags: #CustomMetalArt, #GarageGoals, #AutoRepairDecor
4. Trade Show & Local Events
- Attend auto repair trade shows, car conventions, and mechanic networking events to sell artwork in bulk.
5. SEO & Paid Ads
- Google Ads: Target searches like “custom garage décor”, “metal artwork for auto shops”, and “best mechanic shop signs.”
- Facebook & Instagram Ads:
- Geo-target auto repair shop owners in specific cities.
- Ad Copy Example:
“Want your shop to stand out? Handcrafted metal artwork for mechanics & auto shops. Limited slots available!”
Operational Plan
Step 1: Build Sample Pieces & Gather Feedback
- Create 5–10 sample designs showcasing popular automotive themes.
- Test demand by showing these samples to real shop owners.
Step 2: Sell via Direct Outreach & Social Media
- Visit 30+ local auto repair shops and offer limited custom designs.
- Post videos and testimonials of early buyers on social media to generate leads.
Step 3: Scale with Online Sales & Bulk Orders
- Set up Shopify or Etsy store for online orders.
- Partner with franchise auto repair chains for bulk artwork sales.
Financial Projections
Metric |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Revenue |
$250,000 |
$750,000 |
$2M |
Expenses |
$100,000 |
$250,000 |
$600,000 |
Net Profit |
$150,000 |
$500,000 |
$1.4M |
Scaling Opportunities
- Wholesale & Bulk Sales: Partner with auto repair franchises to sell in bulk to multiple locations.
- E-Commerce Expansion: Sell custom automotive décor online via Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Partner with automotive brands to create branded artwork & signage.
Scraping Guide for Lead Generation
Tools Needed
- Outscraper: Extract contact emails for auto repair shop owners.
- Google Maps API: Find mechanic shops & dealerships by city.
- Hunter.io: Locate verified business owner emails.
Steps
- Scrape Auto Shops & Dealerships
- Use Google Maps & Outscraper to find 1,000+ auto repair shop contacts.
- Organize emails, addresses, and phone numbers in a spreadsheet.
- Cold Outreach Strategy
- Send 100 cold emails per week offering custom metal artwork for their shop.
- Follow up with discounted first orders and free design mockups.
- Leverage Instagram & TikTok for Growth
- DM auto shop pages with videos of custom pieces.
- Offer affiliate commissions for influencers who refer customers.
Conclusion
This custom auto shop artwork business is a low-risk, high-margin opportunity that thrives on direct sales, social media virality, and franchise partnerships. With minimal startup costs, high demand, and scalable growth, this business can quickly reach $250,000+ per year.
Action Plan
✅ Create 5–10 custom metal
artwork samples & test demand.
✅ Visit 30+ auto repair shops and pitch directly to
owners.
✅ Scrape & cold email 1,000+ auto shops to land bulk orders.
✅ Scale
with online sales, franchise partnerships & TikTok marketing.