Own business: How to make money on the upholstery of the car interior. Nuances of material supply

13.06.2019

Transmission

Sooner or later, a person comes to the idea that one must work not for another, but for oneself. But not everyone has large capital that could be invested in the development of their own business. Is this an obstacle to becoming an entrepreneur? Of course not: in many areas you can start working without investing a lot of money. So how create own business on the constriction of the car interior?

How to create a business from scratch

Creating a business from scratch is quite difficult, but interesting. In this case, you need to accurately calculate your costs. It is important to define the concept. Do not scatter and try to cover different areas of service. We need to focus our efforts on one thing. If there is a question of how to create a business without investments, then you need to pay close attention to this.

Once the concept is defined, you can draw up a business plan and look for necessary funds. To do this, you can find an investor or take advantage of small business loans.

What kind of business to create

Today, experts on the question of how to create a business from scratch advise paying attention to interior tuning. This concept includes the upholstery of the interior and the manufacture of various inserts. Under the constriction of the cabin can be understood many operations. This is a change of seat upholstery, ceiling, floor coverings; and banner of a covering of a wheel, a transmission, lateral inserts.

The demand for such services is growing. During operation, the car salon experiences heavy loads. As a result, the skin may be damaged and must be replaced. Also, such an operation is often performed before the sale of the car or after its acquisition, because not everyone likes to use objects and sit on the seats on which no one knows who was sitting. For new cars, those who do not like the standard one change the skin-tight factory equipment. There are fans who change the interior tuning very often, as soon as the fashion for upholstery changes.

Features to be aware of

Since it is quite difficult to create a business correctly, you need to accurately calculate what to specialize in. Can handle all vehicles. Or you can start to specialize in several brands. This allows you to focus your efforts on one segment and improve services in this area. Both approaches have their advantages. If we are talking about economy class cars, then it is more profitable to focus on universal services. Specialization in 1-2 brands is more correct when it comes to expensive cars premium.

Before you create your own business, you need to resolve the issue of means of production. The car is disassembled before the interior is reupholstered. This work requires space and skill. To do this, you will need a garage for 3-4 cars, equipment for dismantling, sewing machines. It is also worth finding suppliers of textiles and leather for car interiors.

A few words about specialists

If the organization of the business is handled by the alteration master himself, then at first you can save on hiring staff. If there is no relevant work experience, then you will have to hire masters for hauling and parsing. To attract customers, you will have to make catalogs and albums with photographs of work.

In the course of work, there will be a temptation to save on materials, because half of the cost of tuning falls on them. There is leather on the market that is not intended for cars. It is used for tailoring furniture and shoes and is cheaper. If you give in to the temptation and start using it, then after a few months the workshop will have to be closed, as it will have a bad reputation. Considering that interior upholstery is ordered by people who understand this and communicate with each other, then information about high-quality or low-quality service spreads quickly.

Tuning and other approaches

It is worth focusing on new interior tuning options that have already gained popularity in other countries. It is necessary to have time to develop unoccupied niches in order to win market share. These niches include interior flocking - velvet coating, which looks very aesthetically pleasing and original. Flocking requires equipment that costs no more than $1,000. When offering this technology, it is necessary to inform customers in detail about its advantages and possibilities, since few people in our country know about it yet.

Do not forget that promotion is the lion's share of success. In the age of the Internet, it is imperative to make your own website and advertise yourself on specialized sites. You should not refuse traditional advertising with the help of direct mailing, distribution of leaflets, announcements on information stands. And then the business will bear fruit.

Take it, tell your friends!

Interior tuning equipment

It is worth recalling that special upholstery is used for car interiors, which, according to their technical specifications fundamentally different from any other, for example, furniture. Therefore, you need to buy material for the interior of a car only in specialized car dealerships in accordance with its main criteria - aesthetics, convenience, practicality and functionality.

The modern car market offers a huge range of colors and types of finishing materials. This greatly expands the interior capabilities of the car, giving way to variability. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to tune the interior in a single color. On the contrary, different combinations of textures and shades will look more interesting and stylish.

The main thing is that all materials harmoniously combine and complement each other. A short video on how to make a car hauling with Alcantara, with your own hands.

The most famous and sought-after machine skins among automakers today are:

Alcantara or faux suede. Composite material. Properties - softness, comfort, wear resistance, reliability, resistance to external influences, ergonomics. Combination - artificial leather, vinyl, eco-leather. Application - seat center, ceiling, pillar, rear shelves.
Almara or faux alcantara. Qualities - softness, velvety. Combination - eco-leather, vinyl, genuine leather. Usage - racks, door cards, ceiling.
Genuine Leather. Eternal classic! Properties - strength, durability, aesthetics, resistance to mechanical stress and temperature extremes. It is compatible with all types of coatings and can be applied to all elements of the car showroom.
automotive leather. Combination - perforated leather, alcantara, leatherette. Usage - torpedoes, handles, steering wheel, gearbox, hand brake, door cards, headrests, armrests, seats.
Leatherette or vinyl. Properties - budget cost, strength, waterproofness, wear resistance. Combination - alcantara, genuine leather, auto fabrics. Application - side surfaces seats, armrests, doors, torpedoes, car covers.
eco-leather. New generation material. Properties - resistance to bending, various loads and temperatures, hypoallergenicity, airtightness, wear resistance. Absolute combination with all types of coatings.
automotive fabric. Properties - functionality, wear resistance, fire resistance, ease of processing complex reliefs. Types - retro fabrics, tapestries, pile, jacquard, ceiling fabrics, etc. Application - ceiling, seats, doors, racks, trunk, shelves.

However, with self-finishing, it is best to use Alcantara as a convenient and inexpensive material.

In addition to the upholstery for the upholstery of the interior, you will definitely need:

keys;
screwdriver;
glue;
knife or scissors for linoleum;
special elastic threads;
sewing machine - industrial or conventional;
construction dryer.

Now that the entire tool base has been assembled, you can safely proceed to tuning the car dealership.

Tightening technology

From this video, you will learn how to make a do-it-yourself leather upholstery of a car interior. Enjoy watching!

Whatever the interior trim, full or partial, it is simply impossible to do without dismantling the required elements. In addition, the amount of work will depend entirely on the financial capabilities of the car owner, the degree of need for tuning and the expected results.

The most common segments for upholstery are seats, door envelopes (cards), door inserts, ceiling, steering wheel, gear knob. Despite the difference in the dimensions of the parts and their functional purpose, the tightening technique is the same for all automotive elements and consists of a certain system of actions.

Dismantling the part that needs to be tightened.
Cleaning the element from the old skin and the dirt, dust, rust on it.
Creating a segment pattern in strict accordance with its contour, while maintaining a 10-centimeter margin of edges for their further gluing.
Sanding the surface of the part with its subsequent degreasing special tool, gasoline or petrol mixture.
Lubrication on the element with glue of the place of its contact with the finishing material.
Accurate bonding of the material to the surface of the automotive segment using a hair dryer. Wherein Special attention given to the curves of the part.
Fixing the edges, tight pulling and gluing around the perimeter of the element.

For greater effect, the joints of materials or the edges of the upholstery can be trimmed with hand stitching using the “Cross” or “Pigtail” seam.

When using a contrast stitch, it is necessary to carefully monitor its evenness. Since the floating seam or any other flaws will be very noticeable. Not being able to lay a straight line, it is better to abandon this idea altogether.
It is preferable to use nylon and synthetic threads already on glued (static) seams, since in this case the stretching of the material is minimal.
If it is difficult to glue the surface, the plane must be treated with a thin layer of automotive putty, polyester resin, or a combination of them, sanded and try to glue the segments again.
To create a smooth, constricted surface with a non-protruding seam, before stitching, the material can be glued from the sides and gently beat off through the plank. Then lay a line on it.
If the material used is thin and there is a risk of the adhesive seeping through the fabric, 1-2 coats of spray adhesive should be applied to the fabric. The film formed during drying will protect the skin from impregnation.
If wrinkles or bubbles form, they must be carefully cut and butt-glued.

Thus, adhering to the rules and advice of hauling specialists car showroom, the result is guaranteed to justify all hopes for its enchanting transformation.

Medium Machines price category They come out of the factory with dull grey-black trim. Is it more expensive models: their salons are made in a pleasant color scheme and the material used is soft leather. But what is stopping you from redesigning your salon? This is especially true for machines with long term service: during operation, cheap fabric is wiped, stains form on it that cannot be removed. If these problems are familiar to you, it's time to take care of the leather upholstery of the car interior. In addition, this process is quite realistic to do it yourself.

The choice of material for sheathing

Genuine and artificial automotive leather are best suited for car upholstery. Both materials are distinguished by high performance, which distinguishes them from the less popular carpet or velor. At the same time, skin-covering is much easier to do with your own hands than, for example, flocking the interior. The reason for this is the high elasticity of the material, as well as the usual set necessary tools. Recently, motorists are increasingly giving preference to Alcantara. However, the price for original material almost higher than the cost of genuine leather, while its cheaper substitutes cannot boast of high quality.

For these reasons, we will take a closer look at materials such as genuine leather and eco-leather.

Genuine Leather

Genuine automotive leather will become a real decoration of the interior. Is it possible to imagine a luxury car covered with a hard carpet or pasted over with a multi-colored vinyl film?

However beautiful appearance- this is not the only advantage of natural leather. It can withstand both frost and heat. From temperature changes, cracks will not appear on it. Another positive property- resistance to ultra-violet radiation. Many materials burn out in the sun, so after a few years of operation, the control panel and front seats, which are located directly under the windshield, become noticeably pale compared to the rest of the skin. But this will not affect natural leather. You can be sure that the interior will retain its color.

Do not forget about the fire resistance of the material. Accidentally dropped cigarette ash will not harm the interior. Moreover, genuine leather does not absorb foreign odors, which is very important for those who like smoking inside the car. Not afraid of the skin and others mechanical damage: to scratch or tear such a coating, you will need to make a lot of effort.

On sale you can find material of various textures, up to the skin of a crocodile or ostrich. However, when choosing between smooth and perforated leather, it is better to give preference to the latter. It is softer and more pleasant to the touch. In addition, its wear resistance is noticeably higher.

The only thing that can discourage you from wanting to fit the interior with genuine leather is its price. Its use becomes especially risky with self-constriction. After all, if at some point something goes wrong, a large amount will be thrown to the wind. If you are not ready to take such a risk, turn your attention to eco-leather.

eco-leather

Currently, artificial leather has practically received a second life. Older technologies have been replaced by newer ones. Low-quality leatherette is no longer used for car interior upholstery, giving way to eco-leather.

Eco-leather is synthetic material. In its manufacture, a thin layer of polyurethane is applied to a woven cotton or polyester base. At the same time, the characteristics of the material directly depend on the thickness of the layer: the thicker it is, the stronger the eco-leather, but also tougher. For car upholstery, the optimal thickness of polyurethane was experimentally derived.

The name "eco-leather" was given to the material for two reasons. Firstly, during operation, it does not emit toxic substances that adversely affect the passengers of the car. And secondly, after its invention, the number of animals killed for the sake of the skin has sharply decreased, which pleased animal rights activists.

In terms of its external qualities, eco-leather is very close to its natural progenitor. With the help of special technologies, embossing is applied to the material, due to which it becomes quite difficult to distinguish it from genuine leather. Moreover, the higher the price of the material, the more identical their appearance.

Eco-leather has a rich palette. You can use classic black or extreme red in the interior, or you can combine colors to your liking. But the coloring of natural material will cost you a round sum.

In terms of other characteristics, artificial leather is also not inferior to natural leather: wear resistance, moisture resistance and fire resistance are its strong qualities. Both of these materials remain clean for a long time, and if necessary, stains and dust can be easily removed with a wet sponge and soft cloth. It's no secret that many people are allergic to animal fur and skin, as well as chemicals used in tanning. Eco-leather is perfect for them, as it is absolutely hypoallergenic.

At the same time, the cost of eco-leather is several times lower than natural, which makes it more affordable for the general population. You can safely take one or two meters in reserve for your wallet if you are doing self-constriction for the first time. The rest of the material can be put into the manufacture of a cover for the steering wheel, gear lever and other small elements of the car.

Regardless of whether you choose natural or eco-leather, purchase material in specialized automotive stores. There are many reasons why the leather used to make furniture, clothes and shoes is not suitable for upholstery. For example, its instability to temperature extremes and reduced wear resistance.

Both natural and artificial material have a drawback that may seem insignificant to someone. IN cold weather the coating cools quickly, and in the sun it heats up very much. Accordingly, this slightly reduces the level of comfort. Whether it is worth paying attention to this feature of the materials is up to you. In any case, the skin is one of best solutions For interior design car interior.

Necessary tools and materials

If you have already decided on the material into which you will drag the interior, it's time to calculate its approximate volume. In total, you may need from 6 to 25 meters. But these figures are very approximate: it all depends on specific model car. So, a crossover or SUV will take much more material than a coupe. Therefore, do not be lazy and measure the length of the ceiling, the length of the pillows and backs of the chairs, the size of the front panel, as well as the width and height car doors. Add up all the figures obtained and add at least a meter as an error. Trust me, you will need it.

In addition to the material itself, you will need other tools:

A set of screwdrivers with a straight and cross slot for dismantling some elements;

foam rubber;
sandpaper;
degreaser;
meter tape;
masking tape;
food film;
marker;
stationery knife and sharp scissors;
reinforced threads for stitching leather products;
sewing machine with a needle and foot for working with leather;
special high temperature adhesive for leather;
rollers and spatulas with a rubber cloth;
industrial dryer.

Separately, I would like to dwell on the choice of glue. Do not use Moment glue or other similar superglues. Universal glue 88 is often used for reupholstery, but it also has a number of disadvantages. Get a quality adhesive that can withstand high temperatures. MAH is good for these purposes. Its price is quite high, but if you do not want to see how the coating swells and moves away after a few months, spend money on it.

Do-it-yourself process

Self-upholstery of the interior is a painstaking task that can take you more than one day. All work can be divided into several stages:

car seat upholstery;
ceiling lining;
hauling doors;
hauling the front panel;
armrest padding;
steering wheel and gear knob.

In order for the work to go faster and better, you should follow a few general rules, which apply both to large parts with a complex shape, and to smaller elements of the car.

All parts must be dismantled, even the smallest and most inconspicuous. It may seem to you that pasting, for example, gear knobs can be done inside the cabin, but this is not so. The seams will turn out crooked, and the space around will be dripped with glue.
Do not forget to wash the parts and clean them from the old coating.
If the surface to be glued has serious damage such as dents or deep cracks They definitely need to be restored. To do this, you will additionally need a special putty composition and primer for plastic.
Leather, both natural and artificial, is an elastic material, so it must be well stretched. If you do not do this, then in the end the coating will sag ugly. To make the skin stretch better, soak it for 20-30 minutes in hot water but not boiling water. You can determine the required temperature without a thermometer. Use water that you can bathe in yourself.
During the process of wrapping the material, warm it up with a warm air stream from building hair dryer. If it is not in your arsenal, then you can replace it with a powerful household one. However, this will affect the degree of elasticity of the skin, so it is better to use a special tool.
It will be quite difficult to perform some operations alone. So call a trusted friend for help.

When cutting material, be economical. Remember school lessons labor and crafts from colored paper. You need to arrange the patterns of parts so that there is as little empty space between them as possible. This way you will reduce the amount of cuts.

Now consider the hauling of each element of the car in more detail.

Fitting the seats

In order for the seats to be in harmony with the rest of the interior, you can simply sew covers for them. This work is perhaps one of the most difficult, as you need to be able to make patterns according to the parameters of the chairs, as well as use a sewing machine. It is best to apply for this car studio. But if you are determined to do everything yourself, then carefully read the instructions.

Measure the height and width of the seat cushion and backrest, as well as the headrest.
On paper or transparent polyethylene, make patterns of parts, taking into account all measurements. For more accuracy, attach the polyethylene directly to the seat and draw around the contours.
Cut out the details.
Attach the patterns to the wrong side of the material and circle them with chalk. Leave about 2-3 cm as a margin for later stitching parts.
Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the details from the leather.
Before sewing the elements with a machine, process them with a manual basting seam. This way you will be sure that you have received the right form. Do not tightly tighten the parts together. All you need at this stage is to connect the material to understand how the finished product will look like. In the case of alteration, such a seam is easy to rip. And so that the elements of the product do not fall apart, fasten them together with pins.
Carefully try on the resulting covers. If the shape matches and no changes are needed, start working with the machine.
If you chose thin leather but want thicker and more durable covers, use the following trick: make similar patterns from thick mattress fabric, and then sew them inside out with leather. If desired inner space can be filled with foam. So the covers will become even softer.
Don't forget to add hooks and garters to secure the cover to the chair.
If airbags are installed in the seats, do not sew these places on the cover with a sewing machine. It will be much easier to tear a hand seam.

At the fitting stage, make sure that the covers do not interfere with the operation of the seat belts.

The process in the photo

Carefully measure the length and width of all constituent parts seats Make a pattern front seat based on the diagram Make a pattern for the rear seat cushion, based on the diagram Make a pattern for the backrest of the rear seat, based on the diagram Connect all the parts as shown in the picture

Video: seat upholstery

Let's go to the ceiling

Despite the fact that the ceiling has a fairly large surface area, it is quite easy to glue it with material. This is due to the lack of a pronounced relief, as, for example, on the front panel.

First of all, remove all hanging elements from the ceiling, and then dismantle it. The principle of dismantling will differ depending on the car model. This usually requires removing the front seat. The correct procedure is detailed in the vehicle's owner's manual.
Take a hard sponge and remove the old coating.
Old glue will remain on the ceiling. It should also be removed. The easiest way to do this is with a degreaser.
In order to prepare the surface for the application of glue and improve adhesion, the ceiling must be sanded. Use fine grit sandpaper.
Pasting starts from the center of the ceiling. You need to apply a strip of composition 10 cm long on the central part of the surface.
Take a piece of material of the desired length and attach it to the ceiling. central part press and then smooth with a rubber spatula.
In order to glue the rest of the skin, you need to apply glue in a similar way at intervals of 15 cm. After each strip, the material must be pressed and smoothed. Don't forget to stretch. So you avoid sagging.
Make sure there are no wrinkles. When the material is completely glued, iron it additionally and then dry it with a hair dryer. When the glue hardens and the skin dries, the product will take its final shape.
At the end of the work, the edges must be wrapped on reverse side ceiling and glue, and cut off the excess.

The process in the photo

Due to the impressive volume of the ceiling, you may need an assistant in the process of hauling it. Have one stretch the skin while the other applies the glue and presses the material to the surface. So the work will go much faster, and the result will be better.

Video: how to cover the ceiling

Armrest padding

In the cabin, only the upper part of the armrest is visible, so it is enough to fit only it. It is very easy to do this.

Remove the armrest cover.
New skin can be glued directly on top of the old skin.
Cut a piece of material long enough and wide enough to completely cover the part.
Apply a thin bead of glue to one of the edges of the armrest and apply the material to it.
While heating the skin with hot air from a hair dryer, stretch it and glue the opposite edge.
Stretch the skin over the sides of the lid and glue them.
Cut off the excess.

If you want to cover the side parts of the armrest with material, then you will have to make a pattern. There are two ways to do this. The first is to measure the length and width of each of the edges of the armrest, and then draw up a pattern according to these measurements. The second method is simpler and more accurate, we will describe it below.

Video: we alter the armrest

Shift Knob Cover Technology

Pulling the gear knob is the easiest thing to do. However, this process uses a certain method, which will also come in handy when pasting the steering wheel, doors and front panel. In addition, you can use it by fitting the entire armrest.

Wrap the dismantled gear knob with cling film.
Tape the top tightly with masking tape in several layers.
Mark the places for future seams with a marker. To do this, you need to outline the curves of the handle.
Use a utility knife to cut the tape along the lines. If the handle has a standard shape, then you will most likely end up with two parts.
Attach the resulting patterns to the wrong side of the material, and then circle them.
Cut out the leather pieces and then sew them together.
Unscrew the resulting product, and then pull it onto the gearshift knob. To make the skin stretch better, do not forget to soak it in hot water.

There is another method of covering this part with leather. For him, you do not need to stitch the material after cutting. Make on sewing machine stitches along the edge, retreating 3 mm into the part. The lines can be made with threads that match the skin tone, or they can be contrasted to create a certain image. Next, you will need to put the parts on the glue, and then use a needle and a strong thread to lace up the resulting cover, passing the needle under the stitches.

The process in the photo

Cut the masking tape along the lines Cut out leather details Sew each piece 3-5mm from the edge Pass the needle and thread under the stitches and tighten the details

Exist various methods lacing: macrame, sports, herringbone and others. Choose the one that seems to you the most aesthetic and easy to perform.

Video: gear knob tight

Improving the steering wheel

Making a pattern for the steering wheel is done in the same way as described in the previous section: the surface is wrapped with a film, and on top with adhesive tape. Lines are drawn with a marker at the seams. They need to be done on inside steering wheel, as well as on the borders of the spokes.

The resulting parts must be transferred to the material, retreating about 2 mm inward so that the skin does not sag. Cut out the resulting elements, and then sew together.
Sew the edges of the pieces sewing machine, just as described in alternative gear knob covers.
Attach the cut parts to the steering wheel. To prevent the material from creeping, put it on a thin strip of glue. Strength at this stage does not need to be achieved. In any case, you have lacing in front.
Take a needle with a threaded thread, and then, passing it under the stitches, lace up the braid. You can use for this different types lacing.
It is best to start lacing from the bottom of the handlebar, and then move counterclockwise.
Don't forget that you are working with leather. It needs to be constantly stretched and stretched.
Dry the fully laced braid with a hair dryer. After that, it will take its final form.

The process in the photo

Cover the steering wheel with masking tape in several layers Remove masking tape from steering wheel
Transfer the contours of the parts to the material Sew the pieces together Attach the resulting cover to the steering wheel Pass the needle under the stitches on one side and the other of the cover and pull the sides together

To make the interior look more stylish, use threads of the same color and the same seam for lacing the cover on the steering wheel and gear knob.

Video: car steering wheel hauling

Door upholstery

A pattern for covering doors is also made using masking tape. Be sure to mark the places door handle as well as power window handles. You will need to cut out these places. Patterns are circled on the material, and then the resulting parts are cut out.

All plastic elements before applying the adhesive, it must be carefully sanded and then degreased.
Along the line bordering the glass, apply a thin bead of adhesive and press the material against it.
Directing a stream of hot air onto the skin, pull it all over the door. Watch out for the handle holes.
Glue the middle and edges of the product in this way.
To make the coating fit better, smooth it with a rubber spatula.
Cut off the excess edges.
When the fitting of the doors is finished, wait for the material to dry completely.

The process in the photo

Tape the surface of the door to be sheathed with adhesive tape Draw lines at the places of future seams, and then cut the adhesive tape along them Cut the fabric according to the shape of the covered surface Before applying glue plastic surface needs to be sanded and degreased Press and smooth the skin

Video: hauling car doors

Padding of the front panel (torpedoes)

Front panel hauling is one of the most complex processes when trimming the interior, so it is best to perform it in last turn. If the part has a lot of bends, then first you need to make a pattern. This is done using masking tape, according to the same principle as in the manufacture of a cover for the steering wheel and gear knob.

Draw patterns from masking tape on the sheathing material and add about 10 mm for the seams.
Connect the pieces with a basting stitch in the same way as you did when making chair covers.
Try on the resulting product. If its shape matches the shape of the panel, process the seams on a sewing machine.
Since plastic is used to make the panel, it must be sanded with a fine-grained abrasive, and then the surface must be degreased.
Apply a few strips of glue to the prepared surface and attach the resulting cover.
Smooth out the material with rubber spatulas or rollers. Make sure all seams are in place.
Dry the product with a hairdryer.

The process in the photo

Tape the front panel with a thick layer of masking tape Cut pieces out of masking tape Transfer the contours of the parts to the material and cut them out Sew the pieces together and glue the material to the panel

If the torpedo has a simple rectangular shape, then the process of constriction can be greatly simplified and skip the step with making a pattern. Simply cut a piece of material just long enough for its length and width, then glue the leather on the top and stretch it over the entire panel. At the same time, help yourself with a stream of air from a hair dryer and smooth the material with a spatula.

Video: car front panel hauling

How much will it cost to reupholster the interior with natural and artificial leather

The total cost of the interior upholstery depends on the price of the material. Eco-leather is usually sold for 500-700 rubles. per running metre. But the natural one is at least 3-4 times more expensive. High-quality glue will cost about 1500 rubles. One jar should be enough for all the elements of the cabin.

To calculate the resulting amount, add up the parameters of all the parts. So, if it takes 5 m for the ceiling, 1.5 m for the front panel, 7 m for the doors, 6 m for the seats and another 0.5 m for the steering wheel and gear knob, then you will need to buy about 20 m of fabric. Of course, the figures may vary depending on the dimensions of the machine. But the total cost self-constriction salon will be at least 20-25 thousand rubles.

For comparison: in a car repair shop for this service you will be asked from 50 thousand rubles and more, depending on the quality of the material. When working with your own hands, the savings will be more than 50%. Is it worth your time and effort - decide for yourself.

In order for the upholstery of the interior with leather not to hit the budget, it makes sense to divide this process into several stages. Let's say this month you are working on the seats, next month on the ceiling, and in another month on the front panel, armrest and other small details. This approach will save you energy, and you will be able to learn from your own mistakes. And we advise you to start with the smallest details - gear knobs and steering wheels. They can help you understand general principle tugs, and things will go much faster.

The main stages of opening a tuning studio: business plan, choice of premises, purchase of equipment and search for clients.

The stages are quite standard, and there is nothing super complicated in opening this business. But, before you get into the tuning business, familiarize yourself with its main features.

Choosing the right space

The most common type of premises used in the tuning business is the garage. This is due to its low cost. But significant disadvantage similar option - low level trust from customers. Indeed, choosing from two options: a garage space and a neat independent building in the city center, the majority will stop at the second one. Therefore, do not forget that the location plays an important role in the further success of your business.

When calculating the required area, consider that it is desirable to create an opportunity for about 10 cars to be in the tuning studio at the same time. Cars should not be back to back, so leave free place and provide access to inspection pits and test facilities. In addition, it is recommended to allocate an inspection room where customers can see parts, spare parts, etc. Don't forget support spaces, such as staff and client rooms. Often there are situations when the client wants to wait until the end of work with his machine. For similar cases and a small area is allocated where the client can sit and drink a cup of coffee.

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How to recruit staff and find suppliers

Before ordering parts and tools, find out which trusted suppliers are in your city. After that, choose the nearest and most convenient car warehouse for you. If your facility does not occupy a large area, then you will not be able to store all necessary spare parts on its territory. In this case, the warehouse will help out. Order parts, electronics and spare parts in small batches. Place the best examples in your show room.

Choose your staff carefully. The success of the tuning studio depends on the skills and qualifications of your employees. Choose auto mechanics and electricians with sufficient experience and relevant education. But for more creative positions, such as, for example, an airbrush, do not hire people who cannot show you their portfolio.

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Working concept of a tuning salon

The first thing to do before opening a tuning salon is to decide on the main specialization. Complex tuning is not the best option to start a business. Customers primarily appreciate the quality of services. And if you immediately try to cover all areas of tuning, then its quality can suffer significantly.

Try to choose a direction that will be in demand in your city. If you live in a metropolis, then there will be no special difficulties with the choice. But a small town is not particularly suitable for the development of such areas as, for example, sports tuning. racing cars, because in this city there are most likely very few of them. Yes, and this type of tuning is quite serious work. Auto manufacturers have a negative attitude towards such modifications of their products. Changes software, increase in car power, etc. may adversely affect the life of the vehicle. That's why this species tuning, car owners do not trust workers from small workshops. And not all brands of cars can be tuned in this way. Many vehicles may not survive such major modifications due to the initial Low quality parts, assembly, etc.

One of the most profitable areas of work for a tuning studio is services to improve the comfort of a car interior. These services are in constant active demand everywhere. They can be both inexpensive and overly expensive. It all depends on the preferences of the client and his financial capabilities. And the benefit for the tuning studio is considerable, because the cost of work is about half the cost of materials. In order to open a tuning studio working in this direction, you will need about 1,000,000 rubles. This will include the cost of paying for the work of craftsmen, the purchase of equipment and materials.

Another interesting direction is the reworking conventional machines in sports-aggressive. It means precisely external tuning: changing the shape and size of bumpers, fenders, moldings, spoilers, etc. The cost of your services will be approximately 20-30% of the total cost of "bells and whistles". This type of activity pays off very quickly due to its availability and popularity. After all, you can tune cars of almost any class and age.

If you live in big city Russia, you can open a tuning studio specializing in SUVs. As a rule, SUVs are a separate area, and there is a certain sense in such a narrow focus. The equipment for such an atelier will cost you not much more than for a regular one. But with a competent search for customers, you can very quickly recoup your costs. Working with SUVs pays very well. For example, average cost SUV suspension lift is 7-8 thousand dollars. But complex tuning with a variety of "gadgets" will cost the owner of the jeep 15-20 thousand dollars. Among tuning studios who deal with SUVs, there is not much competition. The flow of customers is not violent, but quite stable, because. customers who are satisfied with your work become regular customers. It makes no sense for them to constantly change the salons in which their car is serviced, because a special approach and master is applied to each SUV, knowing the car, will make all the work much better.