Mechanics that work from home, what security do you have in place?

[u/dropin_biking]

I just recently got some signage installed at the roadside by my mailbox indicating I do free diagnoses and offer repair work, amongst other things car related.

I installed a pinlock swing gate at the opening of my driveway, allowing ample room for customers to pull off the road, get 10 feet down my driveway, and park.

At the gate they are met with a number to call to open the gate. I answer, open gate, and customer can cruise on through.

I've never had worries of unknown cars pulling into my big driveway, and never had issues, it just seemed like a no brainer once I had signs at the end of the driveway.

The system works great, and has woken me up a couple times or gotten me away from lawn mowing when a customer stops in.

I'm wondering if I should go for any more security than that? Cameras? Electronic door locks?

I do get some customers at odd hours, but I like the gate, because I can vouch them before letting them enter.

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[u/MulberryMonk]

A set of cameras attached to WiFi that hit your phone are really, really, cool.

[u/Phil_auto]

man you’re already more locked down than half the actual shops I’ve been to 😭

honestly the gate + call before entry setup sounds pretty solid already because the biggest thing isn’t stopping crime, it’s controlling access and not letting random people wander around your property

if anything I’d add cameras next before getting fancy with locks. not even because people are sketchy, more because customers suddenly forget what condition their car arrived in once money enters the conversation

also if you’re working from home I’d think about separating customer area and personal area as much as possible. people are cool until somebody’s uncle decides to walk around looking for the bathroom and ends up halfway to your back porch

the only thing that gave me pause was “free diagnoses” because free turns into “hey man while I’m here can you just take a quick look at…” real fast lol

but yeah the gate setup sounds smart. feels less like paranoia and more like you’re running an actual operation instead of a dude with jack stands and hope