If you work as a repo man in Illinois, you can expect clients to call you to pick up items that debtors are failing to make payments on. These items often include automobiles, but also appliances, furniture, boats and even farm equipment. If you plan on becoming an Illinois repo man, by law, you need to register as an Illinois business.

Register your Illinois repo man service

Choose the type of business entity you will use for your repo man service. Common choices include sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership and limited partnership. More information on each entity is available on the State of Illinois Business Portal website.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You will need this number for your Illinois business registration, checking accounts and when applying for tax accounts with the state.

Visit the Illinois State Archives website for contact information for state county clerk offices. Register your repo man service in the county where you will offer your services. Regardless of the business entity type you choose, you must register under the Illinois Assumed Name Act with the county clerk’s office.

Obtain licensing from the Illinois Department of Revenue. You can do this by registering online or by downloading Form REG-1 and filing by mail. The IDOR processes online applications in two days, and mailed applications in six to eight weeks.

Start providing Illinois repo man services

Research the local repo market. Find out who your competitors are, the services they offer and the prices they charge. One option is to contact other repo businesses and inquire about price lists and client services. Find information about Illinois repossession businesses on repoland.com.

List the services you will provide and the prices you’ll charge. Consider whether you’ll provide a vast array of repo services or specialize in one particular item, such as automobiles. According to Thomas Investigative Publications, the average service fee for an auto repossession is between $150 to $250. The more services you offer, however, the larger your market and the more successful your repo man service can be.

Obtain the equipment for your business. You will need a truck with towing capabilities. If resources are limited for purchasing a tow vehicle new from a dealer, consider obtaining the vehicle through an automobile auction, such as chicagocarauction.com. Or purchase a used vehicle from a towing company.

Visit banks, car title loan businesses and rent-to-own centers for potential clients. The main branch of a bank will likely have a recovery department, while the owner of a rent-to-own, or car title loan company, would be the person to speak with about doing repo business. Introduce yourself, tell them about the services you offer and give them a price list for those services.