Car mechanic profile page: what to set up in New Zealand

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile works as your own website. Customers in New Zealand who search the marketplace by service type and location will find your page if you are set up there. Start with the basics: your business name, the town or area where you work, and a brief description of what you do - for example, whether you handle general repairs, engine work, brakes, electrical systems, warrant of fitness checks, or servicing.

Add the services you offer as a list with clear names. Do not list every possible service if you do not do it; customers prefer accurate information. Include at least one photograph - ideally a photo of you working, your workshop, or equipment you use. Good lighting and a clear image matter more than professional styling.

Set up a contact form or a booking system. Many mechanics in New Zealand use a quote request form rather than fixed prices, because labour time depends on the job. Decide which works for you: do you want customers to book a time slot, or would you prefer they describe the problem and you send them a quote. Websta supports both approaches.

How customers search for mechanics in New Zealand

People in New Zealand looking for a car mechanic typically search by location first - their town, suburb, or region - and then by the specific service they need. The Websta marketplace for car mechanics (marketplace/auto) lets them do exactly that. A customer with a broken alternator will search for mechanics near them and filter by what you offer.

Word of mouth and local reputation still drive most mechanic bookings in New Zealand, but having a profile means customers can find you when they search online. They want to see what you do, read how to contact you, and understand your process without calling cold. A clear profile removes that barrier.

Languages for your profile

Write your profile in English. The vast majority of customers searching for mechanics in New Zealand use English. If you work in an area with a significant Maori-speaking population and you speak te reo Maori, adding some sections in both languages can help, but it is not necessary to start with.

Business registration and legal requirements

Before you create your profile, check your legal status as a mechanic in New Zealand. If you work as a sole trader, you should be registered with the IRD (Inland Revenue Department) and have an IRD number. If you operate as a limited company, make sure your registration is current.

Check with your local council whether you need any specific permits or certifications to operate a mechanics workshop from your location. Vehicle inspection and warrant of fitness checks may have specific requirements depending on what you offer. The AA (Automobile Association) and the Motor Industry Association (MIA) in New Zealand publish industry standards; it is worth reviewing whether any apply to your work.

If you handle customer payments through Websta, payments go to your own bank account via Stripe, so you control the money flow. Make sure your banking details are correct when you set up payment processing.

Photos and images to upload

A profile with no image gets far fewer clicks than one with a photo. Upload at least one clear image. Good options include a photo of your workshop interior, a close-up of work in progress, your tools, or a professional photo of yourself. Make sure the image is well-lit and in focus.

If you have before-and-after photos of repairs you have done, those work well too - a bent bumper and a fixed one, for example. Avoid blurry photos or images taken in poor light. You do not need a large number of images to start; three to five is enough.

What to write in your first hour

When you set up your profile, focus on the essentials. Write a one or two sentence description of what you do: for example, 'I carry out general car servicing, repairs, and warrant of fitness checks in Auckland.' List your main services - brakes, engine repairs, electrical work, tyres, or whatever you specialize in. Do not try to cover every conceivable job.

Add your location - the town or suburb where you work. Add your contact details: a phone number or email address where customers can reach you. If you use a booking system, set your working hours and days so customers know when you are available. If you use a quote request form, write a simple note explaining how you work - for example, 'Send me details of the fault and I will call you with a quote within 24 hours.'

Upload one photo. Then you are live. You can refine and add more details later.

Getting started with Websta

Sign up on Websta and create your profile. You will enter your business details, location, and services. Set up payment processing through Stripe by connecting your New Zealand bank account. Make sure your profile is complete enough to appear in searches - a name, location, and at least one service are the minimum.

Once your profile is live, share your Websta page link with existing customers and on your social media if you use it. Respond promptly to customer enquiries and quote requests; a quick response builds trust. Update your profile if you change the services you offer or your hours.