Tips for Starting a Successful Car Audio Business

Starting a Car Audio Shop: Steps, Tools, Costs, Risks

You’re building a shop that sells and installs car audio, security, remote start, and accessories. The goal is simple: open legally, set up a clean workflow, and deliver reliable work from day one. This guide focuses only on what you must do before launch and at launch.

Read straight through once. Then work section by section, checking rules and setting up each piece in order. If something does not apply to your location or model, skip it and keep moving. The aim is progress, not perfection.

So ask yourself: Do you want a storefront with an installation bay, an appointment-only studio, or a mobile van? Your answer drives zoning, tools, insurance, and how you get customers.

Pre-Start Foundations

Make sure business ownership fits your life. Long days, hands-on work, and careful problem-solving come with the territory. You will be responsible for vehicles in your care, returns, and safety. Be honest about your stamina and your tolerance for pressure.

Clarify why customers would choose you. Faster turnarounds? Precision OEM integration? Better tuning? Cleaner interiors after service? Use that edge to shape your offer. For mindset checks and what ownership looks like behind the scenes, review a practical inside look and startup considerations on your path.

If your motivation is strong but unfocused, tighten it. Passion helps you push through early hurdles. Use it to power research and a basic plan, not to replace them. If you want a deeper primer, see Business Start-Up Considerations, An Inside Look at Business Ownership, and Passion: An Important Key to Succeed in Business.

Decide your model: retail + bay, appointment-only install studio, or mobile.
Confirm family support for late hours and weekend work during the first year.
Choose your primary niche: OEM integration and tuning, premium audio builds, remote start/security, or balanced mix.

Products and Services You Can Offer

Your catalog shapes your layout, training, and supplier setup. Start focused. Stock what you can install with quality and speed. Add products only when you can support them in the bay and on the bench.

Bundle parts with labor. Make clear packages for good, better, and best. Add profitable upgrades that help the result: sound deadening, digital signal processing, and camera systems. Keep your lineup simple enough for a quick quote.

Think beyond audio. Many shops grow with add-ons like dash cams and parking sensors. Offer only what you can stand behind.

Head units with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, digital signal processors, line output converters.
OEM integration modules, steering-wheel control adapters, backup and front cameras, dash cams, parking sensors, lighting add-ons.
Remote start and security systems, hood pins, bypass modules, vehicle-specific harnesses.
Installation labor, tuning, custom enclosures, sound deadening, diagnostic checks, post-install testing and customer walkthroughs.

Skills You Need

Car audio requires two sets of skills. One set runs the business. The other set builds reliable systems in a wide range of vehicles. You need both. If you do not have one of them, decide whether you will learn it quickly or hire for it.

Business skills: simple planning, quoting, pricing, inventory control, vendor setup, and basic compliance. Technical skills: 12-volt diagnostics, reading wiring diagrams, safe trim removal, signal tracing, enclosure work, and tuning.

If you lack advanced OEM integration or tuning experience, limit services until you train or bring in a specialist. When you hire, keep the first role flexible: a strong installer who communicates clearly can anchor your shop.

Business skills: pricing, quoting, scheduling, simple cash flow tracking, vendor relations, customer service, and light marketing.
Technical skills: 12-volt diagnosis, fusing and grounding, CAN-bus awareness, wiring termination, enclosure basics, real-time analyzer use, and safe airbag/trim handling.
If missing: take short, practical training or hire for the gap; set clear scopes until skills are proven.

Research the Business

Do a fast local scan before you invest. Identify shops, big-box competitors, mobile installers, and dealerships that sub out installs. Note what they do well and where customers complain. Look for price bands, wait times, and service gaps.

Estimate demand by season. Remote start peaks in cold months. Audio upgrades and cameras often rise in warm months. Match your staffing and stock to that rhythm. For core strategy tools, see Supply and Demand and Pricing Your Products and Services.

Build a quick test: gather a short list of early customers from local groups and partners. Offer limited launch packages and measure response. Adjust your offer before you sign a long lease.

Map competitors and list their packages, turnaround times, and review themes.
List your target clients: commuters, families, ride-share drivers, audio hobbyists, and fleet accounts.
Pick a simple pricing model: tiered packages with clear labor inclusions and upgrade options.
Create a simple survey to validate interest in 3–5 bundles.

Business Model and Planning

Choose a clear position: premium craftsmanship, fast installs at fair prices, or tight OEM integration and tuning. Your position guides your equipment, training, and shop layout. Keep your plan simple and workable.

Write a concise plan that covers your offer, audience, pricing, startup budget, and break-even. Add a short mission so your team knows what you stand for. Use How to Write a Business Plan and Create a Mission Statement to speed this up.

Close with one page on risks and what you will do if sales start slow or costs run high. Simple guardrails help you stay calm in month one.

Define 3 package tiers and what is included in each.
Set labor times for common jobs; cap surprises with written scope and add-on approvals.
List your first-year goals: number of installs per week, average ticket size, and on-time completion rate.
Document your “no-go” lines: vehicles or jobs you will not accept at launch.

Funding Your Startup

Price the setup before you seek money. Separate tools, displays, initial inventory, leasehold work, signage, permits, and insurance. Add a cushion for delays and small changes. Keep your ask grounded in facts and quotes.

Start with savings if you can. If you borrow, match the term to the asset life. Do not take on long debt for short-life consumables. If you bring in a partner or investor, agree on roles and exit terms in writing.

List your plan, show your quotes, and be ready to explain how you will spend the first dollar and the last.

Estimate by category: tools and test gear, fixtures, initial stock, insurance, permits, signage, website, and working capital.
Sources: savings, small loans, equipment financing, or a limited partner with clear terms.
Open a business account after you obtain your federal tax identification number.

Legal and Compliance

Register the business, get your tax accounts in place, and confirm your location is allowed for retail and vehicle work. Keep documents tidy from day one. This section is about who to contact and what to ask so you can verify directly.

Form your entity with your state. Get your federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service. Register for sales and use tax with your state revenue agency. If you will hire, add state employer accounts and new-hire reporting.

Check local licensing, zoning, and building rules before you sign a lease. Confirm you can operate an installation bay, hang a sign, and open to the public. If your space requires it, secure a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). If you store or use adhesives or solvents, prepare a simple safety setup with labeled containers and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) station.

Entity and tax: State Secretary of State for formation; Internal Revenue Service for federal tax identification number; State Department of Revenue for sales and use tax registration and resale certificate.
If hiring: State employer withholding, unemployment insurance, and state new-hire reporting.
Workplace safety: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication basics if you use hazardous chemicals; keep an SDS for each chemical and train employees.
Environmental: If you manage spent vehicle or auxiliary batteries, follow federal or state universal-waste rules; coordinate returns with suppliers.
Local approvals: City or county business license or tax certificate if required; zoning clearance; Certificate of Occupancy (CO); sign permit; and any fire and life-safety inspections tied to your use.

Smart questions to ask

Secretary of State: What name conflicts would block my filing? What is the fastest complete filing path for my structure?
Department of Revenue: What is the correct sales tax treatment for parts and labor on car audio installs? How do I issue a resale certificate to suppliers?
City/County Licensing: Do I need a business license or tax certificate? What documents are required with the application?
Planning/Zoning: Is retail with an installation bay allowed at this address? Are there parking or noise limits I must meet?
Building/Fire: Does my planned layout trigger a new inspection or a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) update? Are there ventilation or extinguisher requirements for adhesives and aerosols?

Varies by jurisdiction: how to verify locally

Entity formation — State Secretary of State website — search “business entity formation” or “start a business.”
Sales and use tax — State Department of Revenue/Taxation — search “sales tax registration” and “resale certificate.”
Employer accounts — State Department of Revenue/Labor — search “withholding account,” “unemployment insurance,” and “new hire reporting.”
Local licensing and zoning — City/County Business Licensing and Planning portals — search “business license,” “zoning,” and “Certificate of Occupancy.”
Fire and life-safety — Local Fire Marshal — search “fire inspection” or “pre-occupancy inspection.”

Brand and Identity

Pick a name your state will accept and customers can remember. Check the state database, then grab a matching domain and social handles. Build a simple identity that signals clean work and trusted brands.

Your website should do three things: explain services and packages, show proof of work, and make booking easy. Add a sign that can be read from the road and simple business cards for partners and referrals.

For a quick setup, see Corporate Identity Package, How to Build a Website, Business Sign, and Business Cards.

Check state name availability and conflicting names.
Register a domain and claim social handles that match your brand.
Create a simple logo, color palette, and font pair you will use everywhere.
Prepare storefront, vehicle, and wayfinding signage; verify sign permit needs.

Equipment, Tools, and Software

Buy only what you will use in the first six months. Organize the bay so tools are easy to reach and vehicles stay protected. Keep chemicals labeled and stored away from heat. Create a checklist for daily open and close.

If you plan to do mobile work, build a compact kit that mirrors your bay. Secure tools in the van, and carry protective covers for every surface you touch. Use a point of sale (POS) system that tracks parts and labor cleanly.

Use a real-time analyzer (RTA) and a digital multimeter from day one. These two tools improve accuracy and reduce rework. Add an oscilloscope or signal analyzer as you take on advanced tuning.

Retail showroom and front-of-house

Demo boards for head units, amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers; locking display cases and slatwall shelving.
Point of sale (POS) terminal, barcode scanner, receipt printer, cash drawer.
Counter, customer seating, bright lighting, security cameras, alarm system.

Installation bay

Workbenches and tool carts; trim tools; torque drivers; crimpers and strippers; soldering iron and heat-shrink kit.
Cordless drills and impact drivers; oscillating tool; jig saw and router with circle jig; hot-glue gun; spray-adhesive setup if used.
Primary power and ground wire, speaker wire, fuses and holders, distribution blocks, terminals, split loom, heat-shrink, quality tapes.
Digital multimeter, test light, tone generator and probe, oscilloscope or signal analyzer, real-time analyzer (RTA) mic and software, battery maintainer.
Vehicle protection: fender covers, seat and steering covers, masking tape, cloth tape, fastener assortments, panel clips, label printer.
Shop setup: adequate 120-volt circuits, task lighting, ventilation for adhesives and aerosols, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) station, eye-wash where required, personal protective equipment.

Mobile install van (optional)

Shelving and bins, power inverter or portable power, portable lighting and ventilation.
Compact versions of bay tools, weather canopy, mobile payment device, protective covers.

Back-office

Computer, printer, secure storage for documents, Wi-Fi, inventory lockup or cage, shipping supplies.

Software to consider

Point of sale (POS) with parts and labor support.
Estimating and invoicing tool with digital signatures.
Calendar and job scheduling that handles reminders.
Photo documentation and file storage for wiring diagrams.
Basic accounting software for income and expense tracking.

Physical Setup

Plan the space for safety and speed. Keep cars moving in one direction. Protect every surface you touch. Store high-shrink items in locked cases and limit who can access them. Keep chemicals in a ventilated area with labels facing out.

If you work from home or a small studio, confirm zoning first. For mobile service, choose safe, well-lit locations for appointments and carry floor and seat covers to protect interiors. If your shop needs changes, confirm that any construction or electrical work is allowed and permitted.

Think like a customer. Easy parking, clean bathrooms, and clear signs increase trust before you pick up a tool.

Mark a clean check-in area for photos and a quick electrical check.
Mount power drops and lighting over the bay; add cord reels to reduce clutter.
Set a small bench for testing, tinning, and harness prep away from vehicles.
Post safety rules where staff can see them; keep an SDS binder within reach.

Insurance and Risk

Buy insurance before you touch a customer’s vehicle. Work with a licensed broker who knows shops that work on vehicles. Confirm coverage for cars on your property, tools in your van, and customer claims after an install.

Landlords often ask for a Certificate of Insurance and specific limits. Give yourself time to meet those demands. Recheck coverage when you add mobile service or expand to higher-value systems.

For a primer on types of policies, see Business Insurance.

General liability and property coverage.
Garagekeepers coverage for vehicles in your care, custody, or control.
Inland marine or tools and equipment coverage for items in transit or off-site.
Workers’ compensation if you have employees, as required by your state.
Commercial auto for a van or shop truck.

Supplier Relationships and Maintenance

Your suppliers influence delivery times, returns, and support. Open accounts with brands that match your niche and skill set. Many require a resale certificate and basic information about your shop.

Set clear return rules and a simple policy for items that arrive dead on arrival. Keep test benches and meters in good condition. Replace dull bits and worn crimpers. A small investment in care saves time and protects vehicles.

Agree with suppliers on core stock and special orders. Keep records of serial numbers and customer jobs tied to each part.

Obtain a resale certificate from your state tax agency to buy inventory without sales tax and provide it to suppliers.
Ask distributors about minimums, authorized status, and training resources.
Track RMAs and warranty claims in your invoicing system.
Return used batteries through approved channels; stage e-waste for proper disposal.

Pre-Launch Readiness

Set the customer path before you open. People should know what you sell, what it costs, and how to book. Build trust with photos, short videos, and clear policies. Make paying easy and fast.

Prepare paperwork once and reuse it: work orders, permission to test and remove panels, warranty details, and after-care tips. Keep these forms simple and readable. Put your cell numbers and role emails in one place so customers always reach someone.

Close with a short dry run. Do a complete install on a friendly customer’s car. Time every step. Fix friction before opening day.

Website pages: services and packages, gallery, FAQs, booking/contact.
Policies: returns, warranty hand-off, customer sign-off at delivery, and after-care tips.
Templates: estimates, work orders, permission to operate electrical systems, invoices, and receipts.
Payments: merchant account, tap-to-pay, and online deposits for special orders.
Proof: before-and-after photos, short install clips, and early testimonials.

Go-Live Checklist

Do a final pass on rules and safety. Confirm permits, tax accounts, and insurance documents are active. Walk the floor, open every drawer, and label what is missing. Then begin with a controlled schedule so quality stays high.

Plan a simple launch: a small ad, local partnerships, and a few referral allies. Deliver clean work, on time, with a respectful handoff. Word of mouth starts here.

Once doors open, stick to your scopes and timelines. Under-promise and over-deliver while you build confidence and routine.

Verify entity registration, federal tax identification number, sales and use tax registration, local license, zoning clearance, Certificate of Occupancy (CO), sign permit, and any scheduled inspections.
Confirm insurance is bound and certificates are issued to your landlord if required.
Stock consumables, test gear, protective covers, and cleanup supplies.
Stage demo boards and set standard packages in your point of sale (POS).
Launch basics: website live, maps listing claimed, phone tested, and opening offer posted.

Quick Government Verification Map

Use the list below to find the right office fast. Keep calls short and focused. Take names and save confirmation emails. Your goal is to verify the rule and move on.

When search terms differ by state or city, try two or three variations. If you cannot confirm, ask which office handles that item. Write the path down for next time.

Be polite and brief. The person on the other end is your guide, not your obstacle.

State Secretary of State: search “business entity formation,” “form an LLC,” or “corporation filing.” Ask about name conflicts and processing options.
State Department of Revenue/Taxation: search “sales tax registration,” “seller’s permit,” and “resale certificate.” Ask about tax on parts vs. labor.
State Labor/Workforce: search “withholding account,” “unemployment insurance,” and “new hire reporting.” Ask for the correct account sequence.
City/County Licensing: search “business license” or “business tax certificate.” Ask for documents needed and timeline.
Planning/Zoning: search “zoning lookup” and “use permit.” Ask whether retail with an installation bay is allowed at the address.
Building/Fire: search “Certificate of Occupancy,” “fire inspection,” and “sign permit.” Ask what triggers an inspection for your intended use.

Keep Your Edge at Launch

Your advantage is simple: careful work, clear scopes, and clean handoffs. Speak plainly, show proof, and stand behind your installs. That is how first-time buyers become loyal customers.

If you hire, bring on people who protect vehicles and communicate well. If you go solo, limit your promises until your tools, space, and rhythm are tight. Grow only when your systems are ready.

Remember, you are not trying to impress everyone. You are trying to be the trusted shop for a focused group of customers who value quality and reliability.

Build a short list of referral partners: tint shops, detailers, tire shops, and used-car lots.
Track jobs, times, and issues from day one; fix patterns quickly.
Keep learning: new vehicles, new integration modules, and smarter tuning methods.

101 Tips for Running Your Car Audio Business

You’re building a shop that sells and installs vehicle audio, security, remote start, and accessories. These tips focus on what to do before launch and at launch so you can open cleanly and serve customers with confidence. Read them once, then work section by section. Keep what fits your model and verify local rules where they vary.

Every tip is practical and specific. Use them to shape your plan, your space, your tools, and your customer experience. The goal is simple: reliable work, clear promises, and steady momentum from day one.

What to Do Before Starting

Choose your model first: storefront with installation bay, appointment-only studio, or mobile van; this choice drives zoning, insurance, and equipment.
Map competitors within 30 minutes of your location and list their packages, pricing bands, turnaround times, and review complaints.
Decide your service scope at launch and write a “do” and “don’t” list of jobs you will accept to control risk.
Call your city or county planning office to confirm zoning and whether you will need a Certificate of Occupancy; ask about sign permits and fire inspections.
Draft a plan with three package tiers (good, better, best) and what each includes for parts and labor.
Get insurance quotes early for general liability, property, garagekeepers, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation if hiring.
Open supplier accounts and be ready to provide your resale certificate; ask about authorized status, minimums, and returns.
Build a starter tool and test list: digital multimeter, battery maintainer, crimpers, soldering gear, real-time analyzer mic, and proper ventilation for adhesives.
Run a full dry-run install on a friendly vehicle to time each step and finalize your quality checks.

What Successful Car Audio Business Owners Do

Use a standard quote that separates parts and labor and offers a clear options ladder.
Make vehicle check-in routine: photos of existing damage and a starting voltage reading before work begins.
Pre-build harnesses and brackets on the bench so vehicles spend less time in the bay.
Keep a rework log that tracks cause and fix; retrain or change parts when patterns appear.
Invest in ongoing training or certification goals each year to stay current and credible.
Protect interiors with seat, floor, and steering covers and clean the work area before delivery.
Track actual install times by job type and use them to schedule and price with accuracy.
Use ABC inventory control, lock high-shrink items, and perform weekly cycle counts.
Hold a weekly 20-minute stand-up to review open jobs, parts ETAs, and risks.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Write simple SOPs for check-in, disassembly, wiring, testing, and delivery so every job follows the same path.
Use a work order that lists customer concerns, agreed scope, exclusions, and approvals for add-ons.
Label added wires and harnesses and save photo documentation by vehicle identification number for future service.
Use a battery maintainer during long installs to prevent low-voltage issues and module faults.
Fuse at the source, verify grounds, and record your readings on the work order.
Test in three stages: bench test components, in-vehicle function test before reassembly, and final road check.
Maintain a Safety Data Sheet station and train staff on chemical labeling and handling.
Create an RMA shelf and form that tracks returns, defects, and warranty claim status.
Keep a vendor directory with logins, reps, and terms; update it when brands or policies change.
Calibrate meters and update tool firmware quarterly; record dates on a simple log.
Cross-train so at least two people can handle scheduling, quoting, and wiring standards.
Close each day with a bay reset checklist and locked storage check for tools and high-value stock.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Sales tax handling for parts and labor can differ by state; confirm treatment with your state revenue agency before you quote.
Some cities require a business license or tax certificate; verify requirements with your local licensing office.
Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy rules vary; confirm retail with an installation bay is allowed at your address.
Exterior signs often need permits with size and lighting limits; check rules before ordering signage.
Remote start demand spikes in cold months, while audio upgrades often peak in warm months; plan staffing and stock accordingly.
Many brands require authorized status for warranty support; understand what you must do to keep that status.
Spent batteries may be regulated as universal waste; set compliant storage and return procedures.
Federal warranty law controls how written warranties are presented; align your documents with those standards.
Check safety recalls when work could touch affected systems so you can plan around known issues.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Build a services page with clear package tiers, labor inclusions, and add-ons explained in plain language.
Post a gallery of before-and-after photos with short captions that show clean work and attention to detail.
Claim and complete your online map listing, and keep hours, phone, and categories current.
Offer appointment booking with confirmation and a reminder message to reduce no-shows.
Create referral ties with tint, detailing, upholstery, and wheel shops and exchange display cards.
Run seasonal packages tied to real use cases, like winter remote start or summer audio upgrades.
Host a short clinic on safe wiring, fusing, and feature demos to attract engaged buyers.
Get permission to reuse project photos and stories and post fresh examples monthly.
Send a short welcome series to new customers with care tips and feature guides.
Use short videos to explain common issues such as ground noise and proper fusing.
Offer simple financing or staged invoices for bigger builds where allowed and practical.
Track the source of every job and fund only the channels that bring paying customers.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Begin with a needs interview that asks about commute, music preferences, phone platform, and vehicle use.
Explain how components interact and why proper wiring and tuning change the result.
Set expectations for possible panel noises and offer a re-torque visit if they appear.
Present three options—good, better, best—with clear differences in features and sound.
Use plain-language quotes that list labor, parts, any programming time, and exclusions.
Send progress updates for multi-day jobs and provide a pickup window early in the day.
At delivery, demo key features and store the customer’s presets before they leave.
Provide after-care instructions on speaker break-in, battery health, and feature use.
Offer a paid orientation visit after a few weeks for fine-tuning and questions.
Record vehicle quirks and preferences so repeat customers feel known and valued.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Publish a fair appointment policy covering deposits, cancellations, and no-shows.
Put your labor guarantee in writing and define what is covered and for how long.
Use manufacturer warranty terms as written and avoid promises you cannot enforce.
Document change orders before extra work begins and get approvals in writing.
Inspect vehicles at check-in with photos of pre-existing damage and the odometer reading.
Send a short satisfaction survey within two days to catch issues early.
Group complaints by type, then fix the root cause with training or process changes.
Offer a quick recheck window for noises, rattles, or connectivity problems.
Keep common fuses and adapters available so small issues can be solved fast.
Publish a privacy notice that explains how you handle customer data and vehicle access.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Store spent lead-acid and lithium batteries safely and return them through approved channels.
Recycle cardboard, plastics, and scrap wire; separate copper for proper processing.
Stock brands with solid warranties and documented performance to reduce returns.
Use low-VOC adhesives when possible and ventilate the bay any time you spray.
Switch to LED shop lighting and shut down chargers and test rigs when not in use.
Reuse packing material for shipping returns and special orders.
Keep spill kits on hand and follow labels for safe cleanup and disposal.
Teach customers safe battery maintenance and responsible disposal of old gear.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Schedule quarterly technical training or certification study blocks and track progress.
Attend at least one industry event or virtual seminar to learn new integration methods.
Subscribe to manufacturer bulletins for firmware, fitment, and compatibility changes.
Review state tax agency updates annually to confirm sales tax handling on parts and labor.
Watch for federal safety and warranty guidance updates and refresh your paperwork when rules change.
Ask distributors for early notice on end-of-life products and replacement lines.
Maintain current wiring diagrams and service manuals organized by make and model.
Create a checklist for new vehicle platforms and what new systems they introduce.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Shift inventory ahead of season by increasing remote start stock before cold weather and audio stock before travel months.
Add profitable services such as dash cams, cameras, or parking sensors if core demand dips.
Offer mobile installs for specific job types when the shop schedule is saturated.
Create alternate parts lists for each package so you can handle supplier shortages.
Review pricing quarterly and adjust labor to match actual job times and risk.
Pilot one new product line at a time and measure returns and warranty claims before a full rollout.
Use quote templates during peak weeks to keep response times short.
Cross-train staff so vacations or sickness do not stall installations or front-of-house work.

What Not to Do

Do not skip fusing at the power source or use undersized wire; electrical faults can damage vehicles.
Do not power sensitive systems for long periods without a battery maintainer.
Do not leave chemicals unlabelled or store them near heat; follow labels and safety guidance.
Do not tell customers that aftermarket parts automatically void a vehicle warranty; coverage depends on whether the part caused the problem.
Do not sell or install products you cannot support with parts, documentation, and training.
Do not ignore safety recalls that could affect your work area; check and plan around them before reassembly.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, OSHA, EPA, Federal Trade Commission, NHTSA, USA.gov, MECP, Mobile Electronics Association