How to Start a Headlight Restoration Business


Headlight restoration works perfectly with a body shop outlets. This is because it provides added revenue to the shop owner. The lights get damaged and fade over a period and require cosmetic work.
The business is time consuming however proper application to specific damage would gain good results. With over 250 million registered vehicles in the US alone it is very lucrative.
To start the business you need adequate training in restoration. The tools you need are basic and cost effective. The job is labor intensive and requires a person with stamina.
The good news is that it is practicable part time or full time depending on your business template. Finally startup cost is low and training simple and basic. To succeed provide quality service and establish relationship with customers.
Headlight
Why People need Headlight Cleaning
Headlights are the first contact with fast moving sand, dirt and gravel. They are generally designed to withstand extreme conditions. However they are subject to surface and UV damage.
Headlights turn yellow with age or collision damage. Other types of damage are surface and oxidation. Another major reason is that headlights provide clarity and safety in the dark or extreme weather situations. A clear headlight also dramatically improves a vehicles appearance.
It is important for technicians to use the right solution to prevent further damage to the lights. This could cause litigation and mandatory replacement.
Modern headlights are made from acrylic which is very expensive. The owner would rather save costs by patronizing a cleaner. The professional if properly train should restore the lights to their original state, thereby providing a valuable service to vehicle owners.
  • UV damage
  • Headlights turn yellow with age
  • Repair collision damage
  • provide clarity
  • safety in the dark or extreme weather
  • dramatically improves a vehicles appearance
  • acrylic lights are expensive
  • save costs
Types of Headlights
There are basically three types of headlights. We have the acrylic, plastic headlights and glass. Majority of modern vehicles have the acrylic or plastic headlight.
  • Acrylic
  • plastic headlights
  • glass
Types of Damage
The types of damages sustained by headlights are numerous. We have scratches, and oxidation problems. Others are scrapes, chips, chemical damage or crazing.
  • Scratches
  • oxidation problems
  • scrapes
  • chips
  • chemical damage
  • crazing
Learn the Trade
As a professional you need to understand how modern composite headlights are constructed. The person should learn restoration techniques that keep the UV layer intact while keeping the clarity.
Most vehicles have acrylic or plastic headlights so methods used in cleaning glass would not work. Oxidation which is a common problem needs appropriate application of solution for best result.
Learn from a trade institution or vocational training center. Read books, attend practical workshop or video tutorials. Another way is through apprentice training or hire exert in the field. 
How to Develop the Skill
  • trade institution
  • vocational training center
  • books
  • attend practical workshop
  • video tutorials
  • regular practice
Equipment and Restoration Materials
The quality of your services is determined by your level of training and professionalism. Other determinants include type of equipment you use.
Always use quality equipment, compounds and solutions. You need adhesives compounds, deoxidizer and sandpaper. Others are wax, acrylic conditioner, cleaning/sealing agents. Sanding is only necessary in cases of sever damage.
  • adhesives compounds
  • towel
  • deoxidizer
  • sandpaper
  • wax
  • acrylic conditioner
  • cleaning agent
  • sealing agents
Who are your customers?
There are some good places to offer your service. Your customer base is auto parts dealers, mechanic workshops, detailers. Others include body shop owners, car wash, used car dealers. A majority of customers would be private individuals, transport and haulage companies.
Customers
  • auto parts dealers
  • mechanic workshops
  • detailers
  • body shop owners
  • car wash
  • used car dealers
  • private individuals
  • transport companies
  • haulage companies
How to get Repeat Customers
To get repeat customers offer value to them. You need to supply quality service and know your craft. Be professional and use appropriate tools for specific damage.
Removal of Oxidation
Most headlight problems are simply the removal of oxidation. Oxidation causes the yellowing of plastic or acrylic headlights.
Over time a natural opaque coating builds up on the outside of the headlight. It is mostly an external problem but looks internal. To avoid damaging the headlight through adhesives or sandpaper you use a deoxidizing solution.
Using the abrasive method is not only time consuming but costly. To test for oxidation the technician should focus on a small area. The safe method is to use a deoxidizer.  
Pricing
Pricing should reflect the amount of time and labor you put into a restoration. Cost consideration includes over head costs, labor, restoration agent and time. Make sure your charges are fair and competitive.
Advertisement
Advertise your business through electronic media and print. Print flyers, posters, banners and signboard. Use coupons, discounts to attract patronage.
Build a website and include services, prices and location. Add a telephone number, email address and contact info. Drive targeted traffic to your website through online advertisement.
start automobile service station 
how to open used auto parts business 
how to start mobile car wash 

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