The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Australian Workshop

The Master Launch Checklist

Everything to cross off before your workshop's first day — the full checklist from the guide, in one place.

1. Register your ABN/ACN and set up a tracking system for the $75k GST registration threshold.
2. Obtain state-specific mechanic licensing or vehicle repair mandates if required.
3. Secure specialised Motor Trades Insurance (Public Liability, Product Liability, Road Risk).
4. Establish council-approved trade waste, chemical bunding and oil interceptor drainage.
5. Complete a Google Business Profile optimisation targeting localised 'near me' search terms.
6. Build a high-converting homepage with an explicit booking option and clear phone links.
7. Add a documented ACMA-compliant SMS text opt-in block to all digital and physical customer intake forms.
8. Establish an automated 24-hour calendar confirmation loop to minimise empty hoist bays.
9. Set up an 11-month service reminder trigger to guarantee predictable repeat business.
10. Implement a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) system to run visual traffic-light diagnostics.
11. Link a streamlined workshop management suite to your accounting software to fast-track quoting, zone invoicing and single-click cloud reconciliations.