Jon Spector ⋅ Watertown, MA Dornbracht Americas, Inc. (Frmr Employer) ⋅ 34 years experience

Hi Stephen,

First, congratulations on deciding to take on the challenges involved with setting up a business! It is both scary and exciting. Just don't let the sense of freedom in working for yourself cause you to run before you walk.

Kevin Anderson's advice on working for some time at a high-end used dealership is excellent. Why? Because the high-end market is the way to go. My experience is in such high-end markets, from sales to marketing to running the business. You will need the selling skills necessary to convince the well-to-do to make the investment in your company. These skills are unique and, if successful, will allow you to turn around your stock. (I am assuming that your company will have "perfection in service" as one of your mission statements). Let me know how I can help.

P.S. If you are working on the cars on your business premises, you may want to check out any E.P.A. or D.O.T. regulations regarding spillage of oils and fluids....just a thought.

Alan J. Zell ⋅ Portland, OR Attitudes for Selling ⋅ 29 years experience

Stephen, go to www.score.org and to "find a local chapter" enter your zip code and you'll get a list of the ECORE local chapters which offer free counseling for peop;le who want to start a business. . . . I believe SCORE has about a dozen chapters in CA. You can also find them in the in the telephone book's business section listings.

Corrie Gray ⋅ Torrance, CA ⋅ 14 years experience

Hi Stephen,

Your first line of business is to contact your county clerks office. Each county in California has different rules and regulations for business start-up. You will need to get a business license (the clerks office will help you with this). And specifically for your type of business, you may need to get a dealer license. If if the dealer license isn't mandatory in your county (the clerks office will have all of this information) it might be wise since it will allow you to buy vehicles at dealer auctions, where you will find them at significantly lower prices than buying from dealers or private parties.

Garron von Gunten ⋅ Portland, OR Tooth & Nail Knives, Vrla Mailing Services ⋅ 1 years experience

In the last year I've started a couple of small businesses. I think each of the suggestions given above are spot on. The only thing I would add is - get into production. I found myself getting tied down in a bunch of "think" and "figure figure" and loads of reading and research - but I'd recommend a good healthy dose of production so that there is a balance between the production and the organize actions - both of which are vital for any new activity. Whatever your production activity, make sure you have a good balance between time spent producing the actual product you sell - and the organize actions necessary to establish your legal basics, marketing etc. Hope this helps.

Stephen Davis ⋅ Campbell, CA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

Corrie Ann Gray: Thank you for your advice. My next stop is the county clerks office

Kevin Anderson: Thanks for your advice as well, I will also head to the Franchise Tax Board to see how to pay taxes. When I got out of the military I sold cars at Livermore Honda and motorcycles as eastbay motorsports. I probably have three years of selling and appraising vehicles at the dealer level. Selling and buying is my expertise, however...running a business is not.

Thank you Matthew Kime: I may as well make the SBA website my homepage lol.

Stephanie Arnold: Great idea. I will follow up to see if there is a local chapter as well as a clinics for entrepreneurs.

Thanks all. more advise is appreciated.

Kevin Anderson ⋅ Fremont, CA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Stephen,

Also start researching the Franchise Tax Board. They are going to have a lot of information concerning the taxes that you will need to pay to the state.
I would also highly recommend working at a dealership for a year or so- get a feel for how the business is handled. It will be cheaper for you, as you will probably be able to use their license. Alternately to going to a used car dealership, try out a high-end dealership like Ferrari or Bentley. This will give you a feel for high end client service. Keep in mind that most sole-proprietorships fail... not saying you will, but try to gather as much experience and industry knowledge beforehand as possible.

Matthew Kime ⋅ Belton, MO U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 18 years served

Google the Small Business Administration and take a look at their online resources.

Stephanie Arnold ⋅ Lake Odessa, MI Cargill ⋅ 10 years experience

Stephen,

You might want to check with your local Small Business Association chapter as well as large universities in your area, since many offer free guidance, support, clinics, etc. to entrepreneurs. For example, see what Michigan State University offers. Obviously it's not going to translate to California, but you can see what similar resources might be available in your area: http://www.msu.edu/businesses/