As part of our latest ARI software update, we’ve introduced a highly requested option that gives shops more control over online payment costs: the ability to pass payment processing fees to the client. As more customers choose to pay invoices online, processing fees can quietly eat into margins. This new setting helps protect your revenue while keeping the checkout experience transparent and easy to understand. The feature is OFF by default, so nothing changes unless you decide to enable it.

How the feature works

When the “Pass Fee to Client” option is turned on, ARI (Auto Repair Software) adds a clear disclosure step during online invoice payment. Customers see this disclosure before completing the payment, so they understand that a processing fee will be applied. This approach follows common best practices for payment transparency—showing relevant details at the right moment without overwhelming the user.

The fee is only presented when a client attempts to pay an invoice online. There are no changes to in-person payments or invoices that are not paid through the online payment flow.

How to enable the feature

Because this setting directly affects your customers’ checkout experience, it’s intentionally disabled by default. To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings → Online Payments Setup

2. Make sure a payment processor is connected to ARI

3. Toggle “Pass Fee to Client” to ON

Once enabled, your clients will see a disclosure pop-up when paying invoices online, clearly explaining the added processing fee before payment is finalized. This keeps expectations clear and helps prevent confusion or disputes.

Track your savings

We made a table and an interactive calculator with an estimation of the savings you get after turning this setting on.

Easier Two-Way Texting (US, CA, Australia)

You’re busy, and so are your customers. Now, you can easily manage your text communication without switching apps.

• When a client texts back to the SMS you sent from ARI, their reply shows up right on their Client Page under a new Messages Tab.
• What this means: You now have a complete, documented conversation history for every job and client, all in one place. No more wondering where that one text went.

Groping section overhaul

We heard the call for a better way to handle those complex jobs. That’s why we completely reworked the Grouping Feature with a better layout for how you structure items on a JobCard. This upgrade makes organizing large maintenance packages, diagnostic work, or multi-stage projects simple and intuitive.

The New Layout

We reorganized the JobCard tabs to give you quick, clean access to what you need:

• Detailed: Your classic, familiar working view.
• Compact: The condensed, high-level summary.
• Grouped: This tab is now the dedicated, go-to spot for creating and managing all your organized, collapsible groups.

How Grouping Got Better

• Organize on the Fly: You can build, move, and edit all your groups directly inside the Grouped tab. Just use drag-and-drop to put items where they belong.
• Mobile Management is Easier: If you’re using a tablet or a smaller device, we added a simple dropdown menu that lets you move items within groups without having to mess with dragging things around.
• Choose Your View: We give you two ways to interact with your groups:
  • Grid View: Best for drag-and-drop when you’re building and moving groups.
  • List View: Best for sorting items inside groups, making sure the repair steps are in perfect order for the mechanic.
• It Stays Put: Once you organize your groups and items, the order is locked in. It won’t change, even if you refresh the page or step away and come back later.
• Canned Jobs are Smarter: When you drop a Canned Job (a pre-set package) onto the card, ARI now automatically creates a new, separate group for it. That’s instant, zero-effort organization.

(Note: These new sorting features work best on new Job Cards. We’ll keep tweaking the logic to make it perfect across all documents.)

JobCard & Invoicing Changes

We packed some small but powerful fixes into the JobCard to cut down on clicks, keep your records honest, and make closing out a job a breeze.

Keeping Your Data and Time Accurate

• Mileage Guard: Never miss an odometer reading again! ARI will now automatically pop up a reminder if you select a vehicle without current mileage or if the last update was over 30 days ago. It keeps your service history clean and spot-on.
• Write More Detail: The box for your labor description on the Detailed table now expands as you type. Go ahead and write everything you need—the box won’t cut you off.
• Labor Hours, No Math: We added a line for the Total Hours right at the bottom of the Detailed table. You can instantly see the total labor time for the job without adding it up yourself.

Closing the Job fast

• Auto-Complete: You told us you wanted the system to work for you, so we wired it up. The second you mark an invoice as Paid, the JobCard automatically flips to Completed. That’s one less thing you have to click!
• Personalized Emails: When you email an invoice, you now get the option to quickly add free text to the email body. Perfect for a quick “Thank you,” a reminder, or special instructions for the client.

How it compares to the old versions

Thank you for the support and feedback that made this update possible. We appreciate you taking the time to share your ideas with us. Now that this new version is out, we’re eager to hear about your experience. Keep the feedback coming so we can continue making your day-to-day work smoother

We’ve introduced numerous changes that improve the usability and intuitiveness of these sections. The update focuses on making the settings and navigation panels as convenient as possible, with the intention of enhancing navigation and data selection. Let’s go through the changes in detail and compare the old and new page layouts.

Appointments Menu Changes

The appointments page has been updated with a modern design that seamlessly matches the app’s overall look. The most significant navigation changes come from the menu structure and the new action buttons. Instead of the ‘More’ menu that contained most action buttons, you now see the date search option, the calendar selector, the info tab, the refresh button, and the settings tab on the top side of the appointments page. 

The UI is much clearer, and now it’s much easier to select and set a date for your appointment. You can easily change the calendar layout so you see the appointments by day, week, or month. The back button navigation has also improved significantly, bringing you to the right spot when you want to backtrack. The search bar enables you to scan for upcoming or past appointments quickly, and the Info tab explains how to set up your online booking page and share it with clients. Again, the plus button is used to add a new appointment. Alternatively, you can click on a calendar slot to do the same.  

Individual Appointment Changes

Here’s how the individual appointment sheet used to look and how it looks now:

We’ve applied the same design that’s in tune with the app’s aesthetic. The input fields are much easier to see and use. And you can navigate through the page much quicker. As with all ongoing appointments, please confirm it on your side after a client submits a request.

Online Booking Page Setup

Creating a unique online booking page for your business is now easier and more intuitive than ever before. We’ve moved most of the setup options that were previously in the ‘more‘ menu to the settings menu itself. The major setup page options, such as calendar settings, services offered, booking form, and appointment confirmations, appear as action buttons at the end of the page. Instead of scrolling and looking them up individually, all of them are now neatly organized in one place.

Another impactful customization option is the ability to write your headline and description that will be displayed throughout the booking page. This can be your business name, a service you are offering, or something else that’s relevant. The other big change is the newly introduced contact information customization. With it, you can display a phone, address, email, or other contact information on your online booking page. You toggle to add or remove the other fields that you want displayed, or add a custom field for notes or other special offers.

We’ve added two new toggle button options on the online booking page. One lets you disable your booking page in case you don’t want to receive new appointments there. The other will revert to the old booking page layout(not recommended unless you experience major issues).

Custom Booking Page Overview

ARI’s online booking page is now more powerful and customisable than ever. We’ve improved the layout of the booking so it renders better on mobile, desktop, and all compatible devices.

It’s much easier to choose a service, select a vehicle, or input information. You have a clear step-by-step process and path to easily complete your booking.

Conclusion

We’re confident these updates to the appointments section and online booking page will significantly make things easier to use and get around, making scheduling and managing appointments smoother than ever. We’ve focused on making it simple to figure out and quick to navigate so you can find what you need and book appointments with greater ease and efficiency. Plus, we’ve thrown in more ways to set things up just how you like them for both the appointment system and the online booking page. We believe these changes will streamline your workflow and ultimately help you serve your customers better.

First things first, let’s talk about the look and feel. Every single page in ARI, from where you enter company details to how you manage your inventory and vendors, has been completely overhauled. We wanted everything to have a consistent look, like all your tools are neatly organized. No more jumping from one screen that looks outdated to another that’s more modern. Now, whether you’re creating an invoice, managing client information, or checking stock, everything has a unified design and a much-improved layout. This also means our software is now much more responsive, fitting perfectly whether you’re on a desktop monitor, a tablet, or even your phone.

Under the hood, we’ve also been doing some serious work to fix up those nagging web display issues. Ever had trouble scrolling smoothly, or seen things jump around on the screen? We heard you loud and clear. We’ve fine-tuned the native scrolling, adjusted grid layouts so your information lines up just right, and fixed those annoying tab-related problems. The result? A much clearer, more stable view of your data, making it easier on the eyes and less likely to cause frustration.

You might also notice the small details, and sometimes these make the biggest difference. We went through every single button, piece of text, and placeholder in the software and gave them a refresh. This wasn’t just about making them look nice; it was about making them clear and consistent. No more guessing what a button does or squinting to read tiny text. Everything is designed to be instantly understandable, saving you precious seconds throughout your day.

And speaking of saving time, we’ve made significant improvements to how you navigate through the software. We’ve added smarter back buttons, improved our pagers so you can flip through lists of clients or parts more efficiently, and supercharged our search functionality. Finding what you need quickly is crucial, and these enhancements are designed to help you get there quickly. It’s like having a well-organized workspace where everything is exactly where you expect it to be.

Finally, we’ve added some helpful guidance to assist you along the way. You’ll now see clearer warnings before you do something irreversible, helpful confirmations to make sure you’re on the right track, and more useful explanations to walk you through certain processes. We also gave our modals (those pop-up windows), standard popups, and snackbars (those little notifications that appear at the bottom of the screen) a complete overhaul. They’re now designed to be less intrusive and more informative, ensuring your interactions with the software are as smooth and user-friendly as possible.

We’re proud of this update and believe it’s a game-changer for how you interact with ARI. We’ve put in the effort to make your daily tasks simpler, quicker, and more enjoyable, whether you’re an auto repair shop owner or a dedicated mechanic. We’re always striving to build the best tools for your business, and this redesign is a big step in that direction. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

What’s the one thing that the successful auto shops have in common? They all lean into change. 

If you want to stay competitive in the auto industry, it means you should be willing to adjust and upgrade. This also includes rethinking the way your shop operates. Do you feel like you need to refocus your strategy? These six tips will help your auto shop grow smarter and stay ahead. And yes, using the right auto repair software is one key to success.

1. Add High-Demand Services to Stay Relevant

Of course, traditional repair jobs are still the bread and butter, but you should try to diversify into other services. Think about vehicle wraps, paint protection film, and window tinting. 

Such services are an easy upsell for regular customers and a great way to unlock more revenue without major shop renovations. There are plenty of online training programs that make it easy for techs to learn the ropes. The best thing? You can always start small and add more. 

2. Let Visual Content Power Your Social Media

It’s only natural for people to want proof of quality before booking a repair. In 2025, social media is still the easiest way to deliver that. And what type of content thrives in social media? Short videos, before-and-after photos, behind-the-scenes shots, and even funny bloopers. 

You don’t even need a fancy setup, and your phone is probably already good enough for the job. Try to be steady for the videos and experiment with angles when it comes to photos. Let your shop’s work speak for itself. 

You can also pair these visual content efforts with an auto repair software like ARI. For example, our marketing feature allows you to reach customers across different channels, and you can send campaigns through email or SMS, create offer discount coupons, and bundle services.

3. Make the Most of Customer Reviews

Speaking of social media, you should promote that you’re always open for feedback and also reply to every comment you get on one of your channels. This leads to more user engagement and visibility on your page. Try to maintain a strong presence on review and social networking websites like Yelp. 

Ask every satisfied customer for feedback and make this part of your checkout process. If you’re using ARI or an alternative, you can set up automated follow-up requests without adding extra steps for your staff. Let your clients help grow your reputation. A few recent five-star comments surely make the difference between a booked appointment and a missed opportunity. 

4. Get Ahead of Industry Challenges

The past few years have taught us all a valuable lesson: plan for what you can and stay flexible for what you can’t. 

Parts shortages, delayed deliveries, and technician turnover are still common. Shops that stay proactive with inventory planning and team scheduling are the ones keeping wait times low and customers happy. Focus on better forecasting, cross-training your staff, and tightening internal processes wherever possible.

5. Build a Team That Wants to Stick Around

Good help is hard to find. Great help is even harder to keep. Make your shop a place where people want to work.

Invest in technician training. Celebrate wins. Ask for input on how to improve the workflow. Work on building trust. Implementing financial transparency, for example, has helped many businesses do that, and it comes with many other benefits. Small changes in leadership can have a big impact on retention. Shops that take care of their team tend to deliver better customer experiences and smoother day-to-day operations.

6. Review Your Pricing and Estimate Strategy

Many shops undercharge without realizing it. Others overpromise on timing and get stuck dealing with upset customers. Both scenarios hurt the bottom line.

Take time this quarter to review your pricing, estimate accuracy, and how you communicate costs to customers. Your auto repair software can help by breaking down labor hours, parts costs, and service history. Adjust where needed to stay profitable while remaining transparent.

Final Thoughts

There is no single formula for success, but staying sharp and adaptable is non-negotiable. If you’re looking to simplify your daily workflow, better manage your jobs, and give your team the tools they need, it might be time to explore auto repair software built for modern shops. ARI makes it easier to bring it all together.

Let this be the year you run a smarter, stronger shop.

SourceForge is a huge online spot – they’ve got over 100,000 software products listed, and nearly 20 million people visit every month looking for tools. Getting the Top Performer award there based entirely on what users like you say? That’s incredibly exciting and genuinely means the world to us! It shows ARI (Auto Repair Software) is becoming a trusted name on a massive platform. We are so grateful for every review and piece of feedback you’ve left there.

The positive feedback you’ve left on SourceForge about ARI tells us we’re helping you get the job done right. Whether making estimates faster or smoothing out the whole process with our auto repair invoicing software, your reviews show that ARI is making a difference where it counts. This process should only get better with our recently released software update with free AI labor guides that we hope add value and satisfaction to your work. We received the SourceForge Top Performer Award badge as a symbol of this achievement, and honestly, it represents your success and trust in us just as much as ours. Your voice is the backbone of what we build.

We couldn’t have earned this SourceForge Top Performer spot without every single one of you who uses ARI and took a moment to leave a review. We’re genuinely thankful for your support and feedback. We’ll keep working hard to make ARI the best tool for your shop day after day.

Hey, everyone! We’ve got some news we’re excited to share, and honestly, it’s all thanks to you. ARI(Auto Repair Software) just received a letter from Top Business Software, earning their High Achiever Award for Spring 2025. This award comes straight from user reviews, which tells us that the hard work we put into ARI is matching the effort you put into your businesses every single day.

Think about this: Top Business Software looks at over 106,000 products. For ARI auto repair software, including solid features like our auto repair invoicing software, to be picked as a High Achiever means your voice stood out. It shows that sticking to the nuts and bolts – focusing on what people need to run a successful shop – makes a real difference that gets noticed.

This isn’t just about popularity; it’s about you folks seeing real value and telling others about it. Your feedback highlights how ARI helps you get the job done right – handling estimates, smoothing out the whole process with our auto repair invoicing software, and generally making things run better on the shop floor. It confirms that our auto repair software is built for the people working hard in the bay and at the service counter every day.

Honestly, this Top Business Software High Achiever Award feels like your award as much as it is ours. It comes straight from you, the shop owners, and everyone else who uses ARI and took the time to leave reviews. Your honest feedback is the backbone of what we do; it’s what helps us know what’s working and where we can make things even better.

We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and genuinely thankful for the amazing community of ARI users. Thank you for trusting us to be a tool in your shop. We’re dedicated to keeping ARI reliable and helpful for you, day in and day out.

New Features

AI Labor Guides and Estimates

We are introducing the world’s first AI-powered labor guides system. Our AI Labor guides are a free alternative to other labor guides that we are constantly developing. They serve the same role as conventional labor guides and estimates, and give you systematic assistance for most repair procedures and the associated parts.

To use it, you first select a vehicle, then choose the type of repair you need to work on. You will see a detailed list of all the category’s repair procedures. Click on parts and labor to see the details about the procedure. In the expanded view, you can transfer the parts or labor items into a new invoice/job card. You can select Guides& Procedures and ask the AI chatbot for further help or details on any step of the operation.

Repair Assistant

The repair assistant is an AI chatbot designed to answer repair-related questions. It understands the context for the service based on the vehicle and repair procedure you are working on.
The repair assistant can be used in combination with the AI Labor guides or as a standalone feature to drill deep into vehicle-related questions.

For example, choose the vehicle you are working on, select Parts& Labor guides, and choose the parts and labor you are interested in. Then click on Guides and Procedures in the top-right corner. The system will give you detailed instructions for all of the jobs related to that service. When performing a repair, you can select the button Ask Question and get additional information on any step of the procedure. You will gain access to the same AI Repair Assistant but with the context for the exact procedure and step you are looking for.

Menu Configuration

To help you access the features you most often use, ARI(Auto Repair Software) now gives you the option to create your custom menu layout. You will find it on the home ribbon next to the other menu layout configurations. Previously, we’ve supported the all-feature layout, work, track, and report. With the custom layout, you can combine the features that pop up on the homescreen however you like.

To make changes there, click the ‘Custom‘ tab and select ‘Edit Layout’, then you’ll see all the features available. You can select the ones you want present or removed with the eye icon, as well as drag and drop the panels to reorder them. Once ready with the selection, hit Done to save your new menu!

Design Changes

The latest ARI(Auto Repair Software) update features a complete app redesign. All of the menus and panels now have a consistent look and an improved layout.

Every important page, including invoice creation, client management, inventory, and company details, has been redesigned to improve the overall usability and responsiveness on all devices. By improving scrolling behavior, modifying grid layouts, and fixing tab-related bugs, we were able to fix most of the web rendering issues.

All of the buttons, text, and placeholder elements were updated to enhance the readability and visual coherence. Our commitment to a uniform look meant the addition of better back buttons, pagination, and more intelligent search tools in the navigation. We added more precise warnings, confirmations, and useful explanations to assist users better.

On top of that, we made major changes to our modals, popups, and snackbars in a way that guarantees more seamless and user-friendly interactions.

Bug Fixes& Usability Improvements

One of our priorities for this update was improving the web performance. We’ve transferred the app to a different domain and new servers to boost the speed significantly.

When it comes to third-party services, we updated a huge chunk of the codebase to ensure better compatibility with ARI and fix the existing bugs. Data exports are now more fluid, and the security access and controls have been updated to guarantee a safe environment.

We made important code and database changes and addressed many data saving, display issues, and workflow problems.

Conclusion

We got a ton done in the latest update, and your feedback keeps us moving forward. From innovative features to a 360 shift in our design approach, we are constantly trying to deliver something of true value for your auto repair business. We would be happy to hear your thoughts about the update. Leave a comment here with everything you want to say, or share the article on social media if you found it useful.

1. Standard Workflows: Keep Your Crew on the Same Page

Why Consistency Counts

When every mechanic or service advisor does things their way, you’re bound to miss steps or lose track of key details. A standard process means everyone’s pulling in the same direction, so you don’t drop the ball.

How Auto Repair Software Helps

• One-Stop Management: Everything—from job scheduling to invoicing—is in one place, so your crew doesn’t have to manage a bunch of different apps or paperwork.
• Tailored Templates: Build set checklists for common tasks like oil changes or tire rotations. That way, no one forgets a crucial step.
• Customer & Vehicle Profiles: Track every customer’s history, recommended services, and notes from past jobs. Quick lookups mean faster turnaround and happier customers.

2. Keep Your Bays Full, All the Time

The Power of a Busy Shop

Empty lifts mean you’re not making money. Your goal is to keep those bays humming—especially during peak hours or season rushes.

Make It Easy to Book

• Online Scheduling: Offer an online booking option so folks can lock in an appointment 24/7. This cuts down on phone calls and back-and-forth hassle.
• Eye-Catching Web Presence: List your services, location, and shop hours. Sprinkle in relevant keywords like “auto repair shop near me” so you show up in local searches.

Speedy Estimates & Approvals

• Instant Quotes: Whip up digital quotes fast with your software. Slow quotes lose customers, especially when they’re calling around for the best deal.
• Visual Proof: Snap a few photos or record a short video during inspections. Show customers exactly what needs fixing so they trust your advice and approve repairs faster.

Seasonal Deals & Special Packages

• Tailor-Made Offers: Roll out winter tire packages or spring tune-ups. Special promos keep your crew busy year-round and build loyalty among returning customers.

3. Earn Customer Trust and Loyalty

Straight Talk and Solid Service

Customers don’t want a runaround. Give it to ’em straight, keep them in the loop, and you’ll build a rock-solid reputation.

Keep Them Updated

• Real-Time Notices: Shoot a text or email if a part’s delayed or a job’s taking longer than planned. People appreciate the heads-up.
• Clear Explanations: Walk them through repairs in plain English—no fancy jargon unless you’re sure they get it.

Long-Term Relationship Building

• Loyalty Programs: Offer discounts or perks for repeat customers—maybe a free oil change after five visits.
• Quick Feedback Loops: Use an automated survey or a friendly follow-up text after each service. That feedback helps you improve and shows customers you value their opinions.

4. Tap into the Power of Auto Repair Software

One-Stop Shop for Efficiency

Modern auto repair software can supercharge your workflow. From a single screen, you can handle:

1. Scheduling: Sync calendars with your entire crew so you don’t double-book.
2. Estimates & Invoices: Create pro-looking quotes and bills in seconds.
3. Parts Inventory: Track stock levels and order new parts without the guesswork.
4. Reports & Analytics: See how many jobs you’re knocking out each day and where you could use a tune-up.

Why It Makes a Difference

• Less Guessing, More Doing: With a solid system, you’re not hunting for paperwork or re-checking parts availability.
• Smooth Customer Experience: Digital approvals and online payments make it easy for customers to say “yes” to repairs.
• Better Profit Margins: When you streamline tasks, you save time and money. That extra profit can go toward training, better equipment, or well-deserved raises for your top techs.

5. Provide the best Customer Experience at all times

You know that customer service extends far beyond the garage. Before and after clients visit the shop, they expect all their requests to be handled – including chats, and service records, in one place. Using the client portal to communicate with customers ensures they are updated on their jobs, payments, vehicles, invoices, and safeguards against fraud.

Conclusion: Rev Up Your Shop’s Success

If most car owners still aren’t thrilled with the average auto repair shop experience, now’s your time to shine. By locking down a standard workflow, keeping bays busy, and using the right software, you’ll offer a top-notch service that makes customers come back—and send their friends your way.

Key Takeaways

• Adopt Standard Procedures: Keep everyone on the same page, and avoid costly slip-ups.
• Boost Online Presence: Make it easy for customers to find you and book appointments day or night.
• Communicate Clearly: Build trust by sharing updates and explaining the nitty-gritty in simple terms.
• Streamline with Software: Manage scheduling, invoicing, and inventory in one place, saving time and cutting errors.

Put these tips into practice, and watch your auto repair shop become the go-to spot for customers who value honest, efficient, and high-quality car care.

1. Reevaluate Your Parts Markup Strategy

What the Report Reveals

One of the most eye-opening findings from the PartsTech report is that many auto repair shops are missing the recommended benchmarks for gross earnings on parts. Over half (52%) of shops surveyed reported a 30–49% gross monthly parts margin, while industry experts generally recommend aiming for 55–60% or higher.

Why This Matters

Parts markup isn’t about gouging customers—it’s about covering overhead, paying your team fairly, and continuing to invest in your shop. If your markup is below the recommended range, you may be leaving money on the table. With a higher margin, you can protect your profitability against unexpected costs (like part shortages or supply chain delays), while still delivering quality service to your clientele.

How to Adjust

1. Analyze Current Pricing: Look at your average parts costs and compare them to your monthly revenue goals. Evaluate whether your current markup aligns with industry benchmarks.
2. Segment Your Parts: Not all parts warrant the same margin. Commonly replaced items (brake pads, filters, etc.) might allow for a slightly higher markup due to their frequency of use and convenience factor.
3. Use Data to Monitor Trends: Keep an eye on the market, your competition, and your own sales data. Adjust your markup on slow-moving or specialty parts if necessary.

Pro Tip: Communicate clearly with your customers about the value they’re receiving. When clients understand that they’re paying for quality parts and expert installation, they’re more likely to trust your pricing structure.

2. Cut Fees on Card Transactions

The Hidden Cost

Most auto repair shops accept credit and debit cards—a convenience that customers love. However, each card swipe comes with processing fees that can quickly add up, especially for smaller shops.

Exploring Alternatives

• Shop Around for Merchant Services: Not all providers charge the same rates. Some offer flexible plans that bill you based on the wholesale cost of running a card plus a small processing fee.
• Consider Tiered Pricing: If you can pass on some of these savings to your customers or reinvest them in your business, you’ll see a direct impact on your monthly bottom line.
• Leverage Discounts: Some payment processors offer lower fees for debit cards than for credit cards. By encouraging customers to use debit or other low-fee options, you can keep more of each sale.

Pro Tip: Regularly review your statements to track fees. If you notice upward trends, it might be time to negotiate with your current provider or explore a competitor’s rates.

3. Boost Shop Efficiency and Productivity

Productivity = Profitability

When it comes to increasing revenue, one of the most overlooked areas is operational efficiency. The more cars you can service accurately and quickly, the more revenue you can generate.

Hire an Additional Service Advisor

• Why It Works: According to the PartsTech report, shops with two service advisors per location enjoy an average of $35,000 more revenue per bay than shops with a single advisor. This extra set of hands not only streamlines customer communication but also frees up technicians to focus on what they do best—fixing cars.
• What to Expect: More organized scheduling, fewer bottlenecks, and better overall customer satisfaction. A dedicated service advisor can also upsell services and proactively remind customers about upcoming maintenance.

Invest in Auto Repair Software

• Automation & Simplification: Managing a busy shop on paper is time-consuming and prone to errors. Digital shop management software—like ARI—automates invoicing, tracks parts inventory, and speeds up estimate approvals.
• Real-Time Insights: A good software solution gives you instant access to financial reports, parts data, and technician workloads. Armed with this information, you can fine-tune operations in real-time.
• Customer Communication: Automated text or email updates keep your clients in the loop, reducing phone calls and misunderstandings.

Pro Tip: Before investing in software, make sure it integrates with your existing systems (e.g., QuickBooks or other accounting platforms). Seamless integration saves you time and reduces administrative headaches.

Bringing It All Together

Increasing your auto repair shop’s annual revenue isn’t about gimmicks or sky-high prices. Instead, it’s a balanced approach that includes optimizing your parts margins, minimizing unnecessary costs (like bloated credit card fees), and operating more efficiently through smart hiring and robust software tools.

1. Reconsider Your Parts Markup: Aim for industry benchmarks and ensure your pricing reflects the true value of your service and expertise.
2. Cut Card Fees: Explore flexible merchant services and keep more of your hard-earned revenue.
3. Boost Efficiency: Hire strategically and leverage technology to increase throughput and customer satisfaction.

With the insights from the PartsTech report—and a few carefully chosen action steps—you’ll be on your way to a stronger, more profitable auto repair business. By focusing on smart strategies that align with your customer’s needs, you’ll not only reach your revenue goals but also set your shop up for long-term success.

1. Review and Adjust Your Goals

• Check Your Numbers: Compare your current performance to the targets you set at the start of winter. If you’re falling behind, tweak the plan or set new, realistic goals for the remaining weeks.
• Team Involvement: Share updates with your crew, so everyone knows what’s needed to hit those benchmarks. Clear communication helps avoid confusion and keeps morale high.

2. Fine-Tune Your Wait Times

• Transparent Estimates: If parts are delayed or the repair queue grows, notify customers ASAP. This honesty goes a long way in building trust.
• Visible Postings: Update repair durations on your website and around your waiting area. Keeping accurate estimates helps your auto repair shop stand out for excellent service.

3. Optimize Your Inventory

• Key Winter Parts: Make sure items like batteries, wipers, and winter tires are well-stocked. Running out is a surefire way to lose business during peak cold-weather demand.
• Smart Tools: If you’re using AI-powered or digital inventory tracking, pay attention to reorder alerts so you’re not caught empty-handed.

4. Go Digital to Speed Things Up

• Online Manuals: Ditch paper guides for digital versions. Quick searches save your technicians time and help them work more efficiently.
• Integrated Accounting: Sync invoicing and estimates with software like QuickBooks. Less time spent on paperwork means more time serving customers.

5. Upgrade Winter Repair Skills

• Targeted Training: Brief refreshers on battery diagnostics, antifreeze checks, and salt corrosion repairs can sharpen your team’s game.
• Hands-On Sessions: Even short training workshops can boost confidence and ensure consistent, high-quality work across your auto repair shop.

6. Offer Seasonal Specials

• Mid-Winter Deals: Encourage car owners to tackle overdue maintenance with discounts on brakes, tire rotations, or heater inspections.
• Email & Social Media: Promote these specials online so your customers know what’s on offer.

7. Make Waiting Areas Comfortable

• Stay Cozy: Ensure the lobby is warm, stocked with coffee, and offers Wi-Fi. A pleasant waiting area can leave a lasting impression on customers, making them more likely to return.
• Simple Extras: Add small perks like charging stations or free snacks to show you appreciate their business.

Wrap-Up: Stay on Track for the Rest of Winter

Running an auto repair shop during winter isn’t just about surviving the rush of seasonal jobs—it’s about thriving. By revisiting your goals, giving customers accurate wait times, refining your inventory, embracing digital tools, and sharpening your team’s skills, you’ll stand out as the go-to choice for dependable service. Put these tips into action, and watch your business finish the season stronger than ever.

1. Addressing Rising Repair Costs

Why Repair Costs Are Increasing

Several factors contribute to higher repair costs in today’s market. The supply chain continues to feel the ripple effects of global disruptions, leading to more expensive parts. Vehicles themselves are becoming more complex, incorporating advanced technologies like driver-assistance systems that require specialized tools and expertise to service. Labor rates also rise as auto repair shops invest in training and upskilling their technicians.

The Risk of Delayed Repairs

When prices go up, many customers choose to delay or skip certain repairs altogether—a decision that can lead to greater expenses down the road. Small issues, such as a simple brake pad replacement, can escalate into major problems like rotor damage if left unaddressed. Once an auto repair customer has a large repair bill, you risk damaging trust and losing repeat business.

Strategies for Transparency

• Detailed Estimates: Providing customers with a thorough breakdown of parts and labor clarifies the repair process. When customers see exactly where their money is going, they’re more likely to perceive it as a fair cost.
• Payment Options: Offering “repair now, pay later” solutions—such as in-house financing or third-party payment plans—helps customers manage expenses without postponing critical work.
• Proactive Maintenance Messaging: Emphasize how timely upkeep prevents larger, costlier problems in the future. Educating clients about the role that routine checks and services play in vehicle longevity can foster a sense of partnership rather than purely transactional interactions.

2. Preparing for Potential Tariff Hikes

The Potential Impact of a 25% Tariff

Recent discussions around imposing a 25% tariff on automotive parts from Mexico and Canada could directly impact the aftermarket. Even if the tariff does not materialize or is lower than projected, the mere possibility can send ripples throughout the supply chain. Prices for imported components may rise, forcing repair shops to rethink their sourcing strategies and pass higher costs on to customers.

Stocking Up on Essentials

• Build-Up Inventory: Stocking frequently used parts—such as filters, brake pads, and common sensors—can safeguard your shop from sudden price increases or supply shortages.
• Negotiating Contracts: Proactively seek out favorable terms from your existing and new vendors. Long-term contracts can offer a degree of price stability, ensuring you don’t face sudden cost spikes.
• Inventory Management Tools: Modern software solutions use predictive analytics to help maintain optimal stock levels. Proper forecasting prevents both overstocking and expensive shortages, maximizing your cash flow.

Long-Term Outlook

While tariffs may introduce uncertainty, having a cushion of essential parts and strong vendor relationships allows you to adjust your pricing strategy and remain competitive. Customers will appreciate consistent pricing even if external economic factors are in flux.

3. Competing with Emerging DIY Trends

The Rise of DIY Auto Repair

A growing online community of car enthusiasts is turning to YouTube tutorials and tool-sharing platforms to do their basic vehicle upkeep. Consumer interest in saving money has fueled this trend, along with the pride that comes from fixing one’s own car. This rise in DIY culture can present challenges for professional repair shops.

Positioning Your Shop as an Expert

1. Advanced Diagnostics & ADAS: Modern vehicles often come equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that require specialized tools and training to calibrate correctly. By marketing these high-level services, you carve out a niche that’s difficult for hobbyists to replicate.
2. EV Maintenance & Repairs: Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Servicing EV batteries, motors, and electrical systems calls for certified technicians and high-tech equipment—reinforcing your position as the go-to professional resource.
3. Hybrid & Specialized Services: Don’t overlook hybrid vehicles and other specialized services like performance tuning for enthusiasts. The more expertise your shop can offer, the more valuable you become to a broader range of customers.

Building Trust Through Education

• Workshops & Seminars: Host weekend workshops covering straightforward tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, or minor fixes. Offering these classes helps you positively engage with the DIY community and establish trust.
• DIY Kits with a Twist: Create branded starter kits for minor fixes but include information on when it’s necessary to consult a professional. This approach shows that you respect customers’ willingness to learn while positioning your shop as the expert for advanced work.

Bottom Line

The auto repair landscape is shifting faster than ever. Parts cost more, tariffs might drive those costs up further, and more people are looking into DIY fixes. But with a clear approach to pricing, smart inventory moves, and a focus on the advanced repairs that DIYers can’t handle, you can keep your bays busy and your customers happy.

Play it smart, hustle a little harder, and you’ll stay ahead of the curve—no matter what the industry throws at you.

Let’s show you how to set it up.

Brand Email Domain Setup

There are numerous benefits to activating your custom email domain, such as:

• Better chances of avoiding the spam inbox
• Better recognition thanks to the company domain
• Better engagement rates
• No reliance on ARI’s servers

If you want to take advantage of these benefits, the easiest way is to set up your email address. Do that from ARI Settings -> Email Address Setup. Once there, read the instructions and input the required SMTP settings. We’ve linked a guide that will help you complete the steps. 

Once you gather and input the details from your email provider, click Connect so you can complete the setup. You will get a pop-up reminder when sending an email from ARI’s domain to consider switching to your company domain. Different email providers require different settings, so please ensure you are following the instructions.

And that’s how you set up your email domain in ARI(Auto Repair Software). Stay tuned for more updates and exciting feature releases. Your feedback as a user is always appreciated, so make sure to share your thoughts about the recent changes.

Please check if you are using the app version with the help of this guide.

Appointment field customization

In previous versions, the appointment fields on your online booking page had only default values. Now, the fields on the form can be edited according to your needs. For example, if your shop specializes in tire changing, you can delete some of the fields like the number of doors or vehicle color, and replace them with some tire specs. If you are running a heavy-duty shop, you can add new fields and remove the driven wheels field. You can also choose to make the input field mandatory or optional.

You can find all these booking form customizations in the appointments menu. To start editing – go to the appointments view and click more. Then select ‘add custom fields to booking form‘ and go over each field you like to change. If you don’t want to delete a field, you can mark it as hidden and clients won’t see it. Once ready – click Save Changes and the edits will be reflected on your booking page.

Are we on the path to making the app more practical? We’ve tried to implement the most-requested features and create a comprehensive auto repair software. If you like the app’s performance, you can leave a comment below or this article over social media.

Please follow this guide to ensure you are using the latest app version.

Vehicle Overview Page Changes

Our new vehicle menu introduces a new design based on the latest UI standards. The menu has been remade with new icons, buttons, columns, and advanced search options. The vehicle list on the page can be seen in columns or cards depending on your chosen view.

Thanks to the action buttons, it’s much more intuitive to upload a picture, detect/ decode a license plate, or scan a VIN. One of the new AI features of our auto repair software is the plate recognition option. With it – you can upload a picture of a license plate and the AI will fill in the data from it. You again have the option to toggle between the list and grid views for a better workflow.

Adding a new vehicle

We’ve enhanced the process of adding new vehicles. You can start adding a car with the + button on the vehicle menu and you will be brought to the input panel. There you can easily select the vehicle details with the new drop-downs. The drop-downs are designed to ease the input and reduce mistakes. As an alternative to the fields, you can use the M1 Vehicle Selector to pull a car out of the database. Once you put all the details you need, simply hit save to store the data.

Vehicle Details Page Changes

The upgraded look of the vehicle details page introduces a handful of new icons and buttons. At the top, we have the edit and delete options which allow you to change the vehicle details or delete them them completely. Below them, you can add or view a picture of a vehicle and the labels and car specs.

One big addition to the car info page of our auto repair software is the label button which you can use to add labels to your vehicles. The icons next to the car specs help you understand the info seamlessly. On top of that – you have action buttons that can open the NHTSA Car Details, the Car Diagnose tab, and the Service reminders if there are any.

Similarly to the client page, you have an info tab that gives you quick access to other menus such as:

• Vehicle owner
• Estimates
• Invoices
• Carfax
• ARI History
• Notes

There’s another completely new tab in this bar called ‘Deferred’. This new feature shows all declined parts and labor items for a certain vehicle. Use any of the info bar windows for a quick cross-reference or edits for your cars.

In this update, we made significant progress on the app’s design. Our goal is to improve the usability significantly and introduce a modern feel to our auto repair software. Let us know what you think about the changes with a comment below. Don’t forget to share the article over social media if you like where the app’s headed.

Make sure you are using the latest ARI version with the help of this guide.

Let’s explore the changes in detail:

Client Page Changes

The new client page has a modern layout that lets you navigate easily
and find your clients in seconds. Depending on your chosen view, you will see your client info in columns or cards on the main client page. The grid view is the default setting for a desktop PC or laptop, and the list view is the default mode for mobile devices.

We introduced new icons and rearranged some fields so you understand the information more intuitively.

Adding a new client

Adding a new client now is much more intuitive. When you click on the + button in the client view, you can start adding the client details. Most of the fields are identical to the previous version, but the fields are restructured to make the data input easier. We remade some of the action buttons such as ID Scan, Contact Import, and phoning a client to improve usability.

There are new toggle settings you can activate on individual clients. For example, you can make a client tax-exempt, apply a discount, or override the labor rate or parts markup for them. Use any of the toggle buttons to turn on and off any of the settings you like.

Client Details Page

The new layout combines all key client info in a much easier-to-understand format. You can see all the details, labels, and action buttons in one place. By clicking on the arrow button next to the details, you can dial the phone, open your email client, or open the client location on Google Maps.

We’ve added two new action buttons to each client details page. One is the Client Portal tab, where you can preview the portal or send it to your clients. The other is the Client Chat which gives you quick access to the chat in case a client has initiated it via the portal.

Each client page now has a summary of the total Invoiced amount and a breakdown of the Paid and Due sum.

A brand-new feature is the info tab which grants quick access to every menu in the app related to a certain client. You can see a client’s Vehicles, Invoices, Estimates, Statements, Notes, Messages, and even toggle any of the custom settings for them.

Client Portal Minipage

The client portal page also received a significant design change. We’ve explained how it works, listed its perks, and added the unique credentials and sharing options in the layout. Remember, clients can generate their IDs and Passwords after you grant them the initial access keys.

Thanks for sticking along. Please try the new design and tell us how you feel about it. We’ll be glad to hear your feedback.

1. Nail the Basics: Build a Solid Foundation

Start with You

First things first, you need a solid team handling your inventory. It’s tempting to trust that whatever parts show up match what you ordered, but vendors make mistakes. Get your crew trained to verify every shipment against the order and bin labels. The dealerships that invest in this kind of training save themselves a world of trouble down the road. Without good people on the ground, even the best auto repair software can’t work its magic.

Organize Like a Pro

If your parts are scattered all over the place, it’s time to tighten up. Grouping parts by vehicle make, model, and repair type is a no-brainer. Use a clear coding system so anyone can find what they need in a flash. And don’t just shove high-demand parts wherever give them a dedicated spot so they’re always ready when you are.

Use the ABC Method

Not all parts are created equal. Your “A” items with high-value, often-used parts – should be your main focus. Track them closely and set smart reorder points. Your “B” and “C” items still need attention, but don’t let them crowd out the essentials. This method keeps your stock lean and mean, without leaving you high and dry when a job comes in.

2. Store Parts with Purpose

Think Before You Stash

When a new shipment rolls in, don’t just shove it anywhere. Storing parts thoughtfully can prevent a whole lot of headaches. Always face part numbers outward, and keep things logical. This makes it easier to find what you need fast, reducing the chances of misplacing or losing items.

3. Keep Your Inventory Tight

Avoid Overstocking and Understocking

Overstocking ties up your cash and eats up space. Understocking, though, can kill a sale and tick off your customers. Use historical sales data and your auto repair software to set minimum inventory levels that reflect reality, not just wishful thinking. And always factor in supplier lead times, nothing worse than being caught short when a part’s in demand.

4. Power Up with Technology

Get Serious with Auto Repair Software

If you’re still relying on spreadsheets and guesswork, it’s time for a change. The right software can take care of the heavy lifting, from tracking inventory to reordering parts. The best systems give you real-time data, helping you avoid those nasty surprises when you’re out of stock on a critical part. Look for features like barcode scanning, supplier integration, and low-inventory alerts to keep your shop running like a dream.

Integrate for Efficiency

A shop that’s AI-integrated is efficient. Integrating AI into your auto repair software streamlines your operations and cuts down on mistakes.

Keep Everyone in the Loop

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to inventory and shop management. Make sure your team has access to real-time inventory data. With the right software, your techs can check stock levels on the fly, reducing wasted time and frustration. And keep those communication lines open, when everyone’s on the same page, mistakes are less likely to happen.

5. Put Parts Back Where They Belong

Don’t Skip the Basics

We’ve all been there, parts get used, and suddenly, they’re nowhere to be found. Make it a rule in your shop: parts go back where they came from, no exceptions. A simple, consistent process for handling returned parts can save you from many future inventory headaches.

6. Make Inventory Checks Routine

Check Early, Check Often

Regular inventory checks are your best defense against errors. Can’t check everything at once? No worries, focus on your fastest-moving and highest-dollar parts. Use your auto repair software to flag problem areas and train your crew where it counts. Staying on top of inventory like this keeps everything in line and your shop running smoothly.

7. Always Have a Back-Up Plan

Tech is Great, But…

Even the best auto repair software can hit a snag. You should be ready with a manual backup plan. Whether the power goes out or your tech decides to take the day off, having a manual process in place ensures you’re never stuck when it comes to managing your inventory.

Tame Your Inventory Beast with ARI’s Auto Repair Software

Managing your parts inventory doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right strategies and software, you can streamline your operations, keep your shelves stocked, and avoid costly delays. From organizing parts efficiently to setting smart reorder levels and using real-time tracking, the combination of good practices, auto repair software, and tools will keep your shop running smoothly. Get your inventory in gear, and watch your business thrive.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your inventory in gear and watch your shop hit new levels of efficiency with ARI now!

Get the latest software version with the help of this guide.

Let’s break down each of the significant changes.

Possibility to Add Pictures for Each Checklist Item

Vehicle Inspections in ARI now allow you to add a picture for each checklist item on a vehicle you are servicing. This is crucial for clients who require more information about their car’s condition and your intended services. There’s a separate column for the pictures where you can add them. You can add a picture from your gallery or camera.

The images are later visible both on the inspection preview and the online form you share with clients. You add pictures to a checklist category too. If you want to delete a picture – simply click on it and select ‘OK‘ once you see the deletion pop-up.

*Visual feature guide

When clicked – the checklist item images will open in a new tab. You can zoom in later by pinching the page and seeing the picture in greater detail.

An Option to Show and Hide the Pictures

The main inspection template now has a button that allows you to show or hide the pictures from the checklist items, vehicle, and damage reports. It allows for a cleaner printing of the whole checklist when needed.

The same show/ hide function is also present in the online inspection. On click each checklist picture is opened in a new tab. The client can interact with the online inspection and open it in the client portal.

What do you think about the new feature changes? Are we on the right track of introducing the most-requested features to date? Please share your thoughts below.

Update your app to the latest version with the help of this guide.

Let’s dive into the changes.

Identifying Parts Details from a Picture

When uploading an image of a vehicle part, ARI’s AI can help identify the part details based on that image. To do this – open the Inventory section from the main menu and go to Parts. Then click on the plus button to add a new part or start editing an existing one. Then click the more menu, upload a picture, or take one with your camera. Once ready – select ‘Identify Part from Image’. The AI will attempt to get all the relevant details that you can later transfer to the current Part. If you don’t want to transfer the details back – simply click cancel.

Attach PDF to Expenses and Extract Data with AI

A feature that works similarly to data extraction from a picture. This time – the supported format is different. If you need to upload a bigger PDF file and extract the data from it as an expense – here’s how to do it. Go to Accounting -> Expenses and create a new expense. Select ‘Attach file’ and upload yours. Then select ‘Extract data from the file’. After the details are ready – you can either transfer them back to the expense or choose to cancel.
You can also open the PDF file or delete it using the button ‘View/Delete Attachment.’

Do you have any suggestions for features you want to see in the next updates? Please share your thoughts so we can start developing them in time.

Ensure you are using the latest app version by following this guide.

Create a Purchase Order from the Job Card or an Invoice/Estimate

To make ordering even more accessible – we added an option to create a purchase order straight from Invoice and Job Cards. To access this feature – open an Invoice/ Job Card or begin editing one. Then click the More Menu -> Create a Purchase order. You will be redirected to the purchase page where you can add parts from Inventory, do it manually, or via PartsTech. Once you fill in the details – the record will be saved as a Purchase Order in Accounting.

Better Sorting, Filtering, and Customization Options

Thanks to the grid view, you can filter your Invoices by different parameters. With this update, we added a VIN column to the grid as well as the Cost and Labor Type fields. We’ve improved the search condition rules so you can find items easily.

To improve customization – we removed the default parts from the grid dropdown when adding parts to invoices. If needed you can bring them back as default in ARI Settings -> Account Management -> Toggle button. 

There’s also an option to expose due, ordered, and scheduled dates in the invoice (Template Settings -> Select from the checklist.)

Changing Job Cards into other types

We added the option to turn Estimates back into Invoices as well as the option to make an Invoice from Job Cards. These options are found on the individual Job Cards/ Invoices and are type-dependent.

Do you like the changes? Please let us know what we can add or change for future updates!

It’s safe to say that most people nowadays depend on technology but when it comes to younger generations, it’s not just dependence, it’s a way of life. This is why operating with auto repair software is a must for every shop. However, there’s more to it, and below, you can find some effective strategies to understand and retain younger mechanics in your shop.

Paying Extra Attention to Younger Mechanics

The gap between supply and demand is widening because more and more seasoned mechanics retire and there are fewer and fewer people entering the field. Here’s how this pays off in the future:

1. Keeping the Business Rolling: As old-timers hang their wrenches to retirement, the younger ones will become the backbone of the industry.
2. Riding the Tech Wave: Young people are more likely to bring fresh perspectives. Also, being all about the latest tech makes them easily adaptable to such. This may come in handy someday!
3. Driving Growth and Cool Ideas: Young talent can drive innovation and growth within your shop, keeping it competitive and relevant.

Generational Challenges

Skill Gaps and Training Needs

A lot of young people entering tech schools lack a mechanical background which is unusual for previous generations who grew up working on cars and machinery. Today’s youth often have their first hands-on experience in tech school.

While this is not necessarily bad, quite a few tech schools provide outdated training requiring shops to invest in further training. With no previous mechanical background, facing the industry this young and inexperienced may be a turn-off. Also, outdated training can be a turn-off by itself as youngsters are used to modern and computerized systems.

Work-Life Balance Expectations

Younger generations prioritize a healthy work-life balance, seeking a job environment that respects their time and offers flexibility. This is quite the opposite compared to many auto shop’s expectations of long working hours and weekend shifts.

To avoid conflict, it’s best to find the middle ground and ensure you have enough employees to cover several shifts with a fair number of hours. Speaking of working hours, establishing a decent mechanic labor rate may be tricky and definitely a factor, so do your research and make an informed decision.

How to Keep Young Mechanics Happy & Engaged?

Create a Supportive Training Environment

1. 1. Finding a Common Language: People who are just starting to dip their toes in the auto business may find it difficult to communicate with older mechanics. When training younger technicians, make sure they don’t get overwhelmed and try to find a way for them to relate to your experience, not just bore them.
   2. Persistent Mentoring: Let the younger guns see you as a mentor even when the training is over. They should feel comfortable asking you questions when the training is over. A culture of learning and cooperation is promoted by tackling problems as a team and promoting group problem-solving.

Inspire and Motivate

1. Set Goals: Understand every team member’s interests. Employee commitment and job happiness are increased when their roles align with their hobbies.
2. Offer Career Growth:  Youngsters often forget future growth and only “need a job” but having something to offer on the table may turn into a permanent life decision. Specialization in particular repairs, transitioning into service advisory roles, or even owning the business are just some ideas to talk about with younger technicians.

Friendly & Positive Environment

1. Maintain a Good Work-Life Balance: Younger mechanics wouldn’t struggle as much if they were left with some free time after working hours. Instead of packing them with too many hours and tight shifts, give them a flexible schedule.
2. Keep the Team Happy: Work on building a team-oriented culture where everyone feels valued. Recognition of hard work and contributions can go a long way in maintaining morale and loyalty.

How Auto Repair Software Can Help

Having auto repair software that is well-integrated into your business is already a factor that younger mechanics would consider a plus. ARI is one of the most affordable, yet fully functioning automotive software out there.

Add Multiple User Roles with ARI

With ARI you can add multiple users and assign them specific roles. For example, if you’ve just hired someone, you can only give them access to the Job Cards feature, ensuring they focus on their duties without accessing other sensitive information.

Seamless OBD2 Scans

Young technicians have a lot of expectations when it comes to technology and ARI couldn’t make things easier when it comes to OBD2 scans. All you need is a phone/tablet and an OBD2 dongle that’s based on ELM327. It’s the seamless experience and convenience that gets most young people nowadays.

Additional ARI Features to Help You Manage Your Team:

Yes, it’s important to keep the young mechanics engaged but do not forget you have other people to manage. ARI has got you covered and you can see some of its other managing features below.

• Job Cards & Work Orders: You can assign tasks, track times, and manage job approvals from any mobile device.
• Time Tracking: ARI offers clock-in and clock-out features to track employee activity.
• Labor Guides: As mentioned above, you should settle on fair payment, and ARI gives you access to detailed labor guides and estimates.

Retaining younger mechanics in your auto shop requires a combination of effective training, motivational strategies, a supportive work environment, and great auto repair software like ARI. Investing in modern technology and young technicians means you’re investing in the future of your auto shop.

If you believe financial transparency has a place in your business model, stay with us to explore how to promote it in your auto repair shop.

What Is Financial Transparency?

There is no catch to it, it means what it sounds like, namely – being transparent about your shop’s finances. This includes earnings, expenses, and investments. Sharing this with your employees builds trust and shows integrity.

What about salaries you may ask? Well, the best approach here is to be transparent about them also, because if you’re not willing to be that transparent, your best shot is to put the sum of all salaries under “expenses.” From an employee’s perspective (who obviously knows their salary), it will only be a matter of a few deductions to figure out how much the others are getting.

So, with that out of the way, let’s set an example.

If your team understands your auto shop’s financial health, they’ll appreciate decisions like hiring new people or adjusting salaries. How would this help? Well, it’s part of seeing the big picture. Combine this transparency with retention strategies, for example, and you’ll get a motivated and trusted workforce.

Benefits of Financial Transparency

If you’re reading this, you probably have an idea of the possible benefits of being financially transparent with your team. Let’s list all of them:

Increased Trust and Credibility

Financial transparency is beneficial for building trust with employees but also, if you have investors and stakeholders, being transparent is a great way to demonstrate honesty and integrity. You can state that on your website/listing for your customers to find out which also

Enhanced Employee Morale and Engagement

When you provide such valuable information, employees feel like they belong, making them more engaged in your shop. Understanding the shop’s financial performance makes them feel more valued, fostering a sense of control, and ownership even.

Streamlined Decision-Making & Accountability

Giving your team access to financial data will help everyone make informed decisions, improving your shop’s long-term strategic planning. Being financially transparent helps employees take better ownership of their roles knowing the financial context.

How to Implement Financial Transparency in Your Shop

So, you’ve made an informative decision that financial transparency is something you’d try but still wondering where to start and how to do it properly? Let’s break down the process:

Define Goals & Boundaries

Let’s go back to the question about being transparent about salaries. Whatever your decision is, you should set clear goals and boundaries for what financial information will be shared and who can access it. Nobody is fully transparent and neither should you.

Implement Regular Financial Reporting

You should establish a routine reporting schedule to share financial data consistently and on time. A monthly report is a common choice but feel free to adjust depending on how much business you get.

Adopt an Accounting Auto Shop Software

Investing in software that can provide real-time data access and financial reporting is crucial. ARI’s auto shop accounting feature is just one of its many. You, as well as everyone from the team, can create purchase orders, track your expenses, and monitor the profits.

Provide Financial Literacy Training

Now, it’s one thing to give opportunity for better decision-making but people who make those decisions should know how to make them in the most beneficial for your shop way. This is why providing training or at least spending the time to talk about budgeting, reporting, risk management, and investment tactics is just as important as being transparent.

Foster Clear Communication

Just like establishing regular reporting, creating communication channels for sharing information among everyone from the team is crucial. From daily or weekly meetings to informative emails, why not have interactive webinars?

Encourage Open Dialogue

When it comes to meetings, you should ensure everyone from the team is comfortable enough to share thoughts and discuss anything from financial matters to ideas that could benefit the shop.

Transparency isn’t just a business routine; it’s a vital strategy for the success of your auto shop.

ARI’s Auto Repair Software

As mentioned above, ARI can help with its accounting feature but you should know that it’s a lot more than that. ARI is an auto repair software used by thousands of shop owners and mechanics worldwide, offering a complete set of features such as client and vehicle management, estimates and invoices, marketing, and time tracking – to name a few. ARI’s ease of use guarantees a seamless experience and it’s definitely a great tool to help you promote financial transparency but has the potential to do a lot more.

Establishing financial transparency in your auto shop is a big step in building trust and responsibility in your team. What’s tricky about transparency is finding the right boundaries and setting the right atmosphere. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, you should consider everything from above. ARI’s auto repair software is a great start and its features would help not only being financially transparent but also being a more productive shop in general.

We understand that many shop owners feel intimidated by electric and hybrid vehicles and wouldn’t even consider troubleshooting. Whether we like it or not, electric vehicles will become more and more common. Currently, there are about 3.3 million electric or hybrid cars in the US, which are 3.3 million reasons for you to prepare your shop for EVs in 2024.

The Difference Between Electric & Hybrid

The most significant difference is that hybrid cars have an ICE (Internat Combustion Engine) that offers a secondary mode of propulsion while the electric vehicle can only run on electricity. In this article, we’ll talk about the electrical components that are presented in both types, so for the sake of integrity, we’ll refer to electric and hybrid vehicles interchangeably.

Let’s Talk Electric Safety

Working with electric vehicles means working with high voltage which is a considerable safety risk. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Wheel Chocks

Electric vehicles are shockingly silent meaning that the engine may be running without you even realizing it. This is installing a wheel chock on at least one wheel is recommended.

Personal Protective Equipment

Your PPE is essential and there are 3 essential items packed with yours:

1. Glove bags
2. Individual rubber gloves
3. A rescue hook

Major EV Components

There are 5 essential EV components that auto shops should be able to service. Take a look at the following:

1. Batteries: High voltage DC batteries, typically using nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, or lithium polymer technology
2. Motor Generator: Available in configurations with either single or dual motors.
3. Inverter: This device converts high-voltage DC (direct current) to three-phase AC (alternating current) for the generator. It also increases DC voltage to a higher AC voltage to charge high-voltage vehicle batteries.
4. Converter: This component transforms high voltage DC into low voltage to power components like the 12-volt battery, sound system, light bulbs, and OBD2 system.
5. IGBTs: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors.

Insulation Tests

Just like servicing the major EV components, a future-proof auto shop should be able to handle insulation tests, meaning you need Ohm meters. This ensures all the components are functioning well.

Simply put, you’ll need to check if the voltage in the wires is healthy for each of the main components. The test will highlight dead circuits or shorted wires.

EV Batteries

Before we dive deeper into the different kinds of EV batteries, it’s important to mention a couple of battery cautions:

1. Never let a battery overheat.
2. Recycle batteries when ready to dispose of them.

This is as basic as it goes. With that out of the way, you should know that each manufacturer uses a different type of battery. As a general auto shop, here are the ones you should be familiar with.

• Cylindrical Cell Batteries: These versatile batteries can be mounted in any orientation and are utilized by Honda, Ford, and now Tesla.
• Regular Prismatic Flat Cells: These batteries must be mounted horizontally and are employed by BMW and Volkswagen.
• Chevy Volt Battery: Featuring a T-shaped design, this battery weighs approximately 600 pounds and includes the coolant and cover.
• Nissan Leaf Pouch Batteries: These batteries, installed beneath the vehicle, consist of two cells connected in series and two in parallel.
• Tesla Battery: Comprising around 400 cells arranged in both series and parallel configurations.

EV Fuses

Fuses in EVs serve the same purpose as in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, acting as electrical safety devices designed to protect the vehicle’s circuits from damage due to excessive current flow.
These devices regulate current and provide overcurrent protection, ensuring the circuits remain safe.

EV Motors

Think of an EV motor as a regular vehicle’s alternator. These are 100% brushless motors with 3 wire coils and a spinning bar magnet.

Yes, EVs and hybrid vehicles are a fairly new technology but this doesn’t mean they’re impossible to troubleshoot and the more you think about it, the more sense it makes to get familiar with service electric cars.

Evergreen Services You Can Offer to EVs

Many of the services electric vehicles would need, don’t require special training, tools, and equipment different than your current ones.

Tires & Alignment

For example, you shouldn’t worry too much about changing tires or doing alignments to an electric vehicle. EVs wear out tires quickly as they have a lower center of gravity, which contributes to more aggressive driving.

Break Services

Electric vehicles rely on regenerative braking as they capture the vehicle’s kinetic energy, which would otherwise be wasted during deceleration or braking, and convert it into usable energy. In simple auto shop language, this means breaks need to be surfaced and rotors resurfaced more frequently.

Suspension Services

Another common repair involves replacing the suspension, typically necessary after 50,000 to 70,000 miles, often costing customers 7 to 8 thousand dollars. Since the suspension in EVs is similar to that of an S Class Mercedes Benz, repair shops can service these energy-saving cars without needing to acquire new skills.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Without an internal combustion engine, EVs rely on standalone systems for accessories like power steering, heating, and air conditioning. These systems are crucial, as the A/C is responsible for cooling the engine, not just the car’s cabin. These standalone systems need servicing every two years or 20,000 miles to prevent the risk of the car not starting and leaving customers stranded.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Another interesting point is that EV owners, who typically spend around $50,000 on their vehicles, are generally willing to pay for upgrades to wheels, tires, and suspension. Shops also have opportunities to customize EVs by configuring doors to automatically open and close or enabling trunks to open on command.

Don’t get scared by that. Since EVs are usually bought new, they are relatively easy to disassemble for installing upgrades.

How Auto Repair Shop Software Can Help

Mechanics need to be aware of the risks that come with EVs and familiarize themselves with how they’re made. An auto repair shop software like ARI can help.

Pass New & Updated Info Easily

ARI provides easy access to up-to-date databases that include repair manuals, diagnostic codes, and technical service summaries for all cars including EVs. As a shop owner, you can ensure all your technicians get the latest information with just a few clicks.

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

ARI can connect to an electric vehicle’s onboard computer system allowing for precise troubleshooting. You only need an OBD2 dongle and the device you’re running ARI’s auto repair shop software. Also, ARI can help you interpret error codes and even suggest solutions.

Workflow & Inventory Management

Managing inventory for specialized EV parts is not much different than what you are used but a specialized auto shop repair software can help ensure that all the necessary components are available regardless of the vehicle type that you need them for.

Service History & Communication

Using auto shop software keeps detailed records of each vehicle’s service history which is crucial when it comes to recurring issues and consistent maintenance. Also, there is an option to keep your customers updated with detailed reports and explanations of the service performed.

Auto repair software makes it easier for shops to confidently and efficiently service all kinds of vehicles and makes a difference when it comes to electric cars. If you want to make sure you are prepared for the growing EV market, you can start by downloading ARI today!

Remember to follow this guide and ensure you are using the app’s latest version.

Let’s dive into the changes!

Feature Updates

• Payments Improvements – Introducing Bulk Payments, Deposit Requests, Tips and Direct Payments via Client Portal
• Improved Item Grouping Functionality
• Approve/ Deny entire Item groups on an Estimate
• Better ways to add/ edit Parts& Labor on an Invoice – Table Mode, List Mode, Grouped View
• AI Detection and Data Extraction for documents (vehicle specs from an image | client info from driver’s license | expenses from receipts | tire sidewall scanning)
• Reports Improvements – Table view for reports, Sales Tax View
• Home page redesign
• PaidDate and status change date
• open JO then go to More/Change Status to see the latest status change date -> PaidDate automatically shows on the Invoice when the status changes to Paid
• Separate disclaimer for Invoice and Estimates (add in Profile/Disclaimers)
• Vendors page enhancements – Add new and Edit are now separate pages | option to view Expenses/Purchases for the vendor
• Include an inspection URL to an invoice after the inspection is attached (ARI and Online Invoice)
• save grid column settings (three dots/columns/hide show column)
• Inspection checklist templates Improvements – reordering option by drag-and-drop
• Employee Improvements – record Salary and rate per hour | prefill the rate when creating payslips in Accounting/Expenses | option to import Labor from Jobcard to Accounting/Expenses
• Sign-up page redesign

Bug Fixes

• Remove an alert when the notification is not allowed
• Duplicate clients when creating from appointment is fixed
• Hide financials when creating a Job Card page when the role does not allow it
• Labor prefill rate when adding to Inventory
• Hide hours on inventory/Services when fixed rate
• Only users with View access can open the Vehicles page
• Remove voided, refunded, and written-off invoices from dashboard/ due invoices
• When coming from the Job Card creation page, the checklist template does not persist on the Inspection page

Miscellaneous

• Hide Team comments on the Client Portal
• Remove SMS, email, and call buttons on the Job Card page and add that functionality as text links
• Redesigned Estimate/Invoice buttons on the Job Card page to highlight the current type of document
• Client imports now support the company name
• Warning if Miles in > Miles Out on the JobCard page
• transfer fixed labor to Canned Services
• print carfax reports
• autoincrement purchase Number
• When duplicate invoices – remove the signature
• detect landline phone numbers when sending SMS and prevent sending without taking credits
• auto-resize pics>5 MB instead of showing an error
• time tracking redesign
• search clients by company name
• link to Vehicle from the JobCard page
• JobCards/ WorkFlow – option to Archive JO (three dots menu)
• Add 8000 as a mileage step option for service reminders
• JobCard autosave will stay on the same page as opposed to redirecting to the preview

Thank you for your continuous support in making this update possible. We’ve made most of the changes thanks to your direct feedback. If you have any suggestions – please let us know so we can keep moving in the right direction.

We’ve updated the parts and labor functionality with a couple of new modes. The idea is to make adding multiple parts and labor items easier and more intuitive in every situation.

How does it work?

Grouped View

You will enter the Grouped View by default once you create a parts& labor group and save it. When try to add new parts and labor here – you will go to the detailed item view. After you add the item – it will go to the bottom of the list and remain ungrouped unless you change its status by selecting reorder & group.

Your workflow gets a ton easier with the features from our latest update. We are introducing approving and denying recommended items for groups.

Creating Item Groups

Recommending Grouped Items

Interacting with Estimates – Client POV

When your customers receive a digital estimate – they will be notified that recommended items exist and prompted to take action. They will also see a header notification that leads to the client portal where they can pay their invoice or handle their business.

Upon clicking the “R” button next to the invoice item – they can either approve or deny the recommended item. After they do this – you will see this updated on the invoice/ job card itself.

ARI’s most recent update brings you the most-requested features to date. We are happy to introduce Deposit Requests, Bulk Payments for Invoices, and Tipping.

Let’s dive into the new features!

Creating a deposit request in ARI

Requesting a deposit in ARI is quite simple. You first need to create an invoice or start editing an existing one. Then select “Request a Deposit” from the menu at the bottom. Once you are there – you can set the deposit amount, and reason for the deposit request and monitor the deposit’s status.

Once you are ready with your request – just hit save to finalize the changes. The deposit request will appear immediately on the client’s Invoices and Client Portal, and they can pay it from there. You will see the deposit status change after clients take action. If you don’t require a deposit anymore, you can always delete the deposit request in the future.

• You need an active online payment processor so your clients can pay the deposits. If there isn’t one active – they won’t be able to initiate the payment. Check out this video to learn how to activate a default online payment processor in ARI.

   

Making Deposit Payments as an ARI Client

As mentioned previously, your clients will see any deposit requests after you create them. Your clients can then pay the deposit from the client portal. You first need to grant them access and ensure they receive the right credentials. Follow this guide to set up the client portal access for your customers.
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Assuming you’ve granted them access and you’ve made a deposit request from the app – customers will see this reflected on their invoices. When you share a link with the invoice – they will see a “Deposit Required” notification. Upon clicking on “make the payment” they will be redirected to the client portal where they can send the advance payment.
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If they are to open the client portal straight from the regular link you give them – they’ll end up on the main page. From there they should select Make a Payment -> Make a Deposit and select the right one. Clients will see the notes you left on the request and write notes themselves. They can also give tips for the advance payment.
As soon as clients pay the deposit – you will see the status change on the invoice.
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Every time clients have an unpaid invoice or deposit – they will see a notification on the client portal dashboard. They can follow the link and will go to the same payment action page.
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Paying Invoices in Full(Bulk Payments in ARI)

Bulk payments allow your clients to pay multiple Invoices at once. Customers will see all the invoices gathered until now and choose which they want to pay in full.
To pay multiple invoices at once – first, open the client portal. Then go to Make a Payment -> Pay Invoices in Full and you’ll see the bulk payments section.
After that, select the invoices you want to pay, leave a note and a tip if you’d like, and continue towards making the payment.

Sending Direct Payments

Alternatively – clients can now issue direct payments without creating an invoice. You can handle such payments if needed or if there’s an emergency. You can think of it as a new channel for receiving partial payments. If there’s a service you performed and your client had to pay later – you can request such payment and ask your client to note the previous Invoice number as a reference. Tips are also available here. To leave a tip – choose one of the default amounts or input a custom one from the menu.

1. Free Road Trip Inspections

Every driver should know how important is to check their vehicle before a road trip. While most people settle on checking the oil level and the tires, you can win some future clients by offering a free inspection for a limited time. By providing detailed insights into their vehicle’s condition and recommended repairs, you can build trust and potentially generate additional business. The transparency of a thorough inspection can go a long way in winning over customers.

2. Discounted Oil Changes

With summer driving in full swing, everyone’s due for an oil change. And if it was you who determined this because of the free road trip inspection from above, it’s a good time to mention the special promotion on oil changes you also offer. Throw in a discounted rate and a coupon for their next one, complete with a friendly reminder. Keeping their engines running smoothly has never been sweeter.

3. Gift Cards For Future Services

Encourage repeat business by gifting each customer a valuable gift card that can be used toward future services. Timing your promotion around special events like Small Business Saturday or back-to-school season can further incentivize customers to return. Make sure the gift card is enticing and versatile in the services it can cover.

4. Company Branded Items

Want your shop to be the talk of the town? Give away branded goodies like t-shirts, travel mugs, and keychains. Practical and stylish, these items not only please customers but also spread the word about your shop wherever they go. It’s marketing that sticks around and is not much of an investment.

5. Raffles And Contests

Get the excitement revved up with raffles and contests offering cool automotive prizes. Whether it’s free services, gear, or accessories, these interactive promotions create buzz in-store and online. Get your customers engaged and watch your shop take the spotlight.

6. Customer Rewards Program

Who doesn’t love a reward for their loyalty? Launch or ramp up your customer rewards program and watch those repeat visits roll in. By showing your customers some love, you’re not just building relationships – you’re creating brand advocates who’ll keep your shop in mind for all their automotive needs.

Leveraging ARI’s Mobile Mechanic App for Smooth Sailing

Now, how do you let customers know about your discounts and perks? Well, ARI’s auto shop management software has your back. With customizable fields for crafting targeted email and SMS campaigns, reaching out to customers with enticing offers has never been easier. Track your campaign performance, tweak your strategies, and watch your marketing efforts hit the fast lane for maximum impact.

ARI’s Marketing features provide a seamless and functional platform for executing your summer promotion ideas, helping you attract new customers, retain existing ones, and showcase the quality services of your shop.

So, fire up your engines, roll out those summer promotions, and let ARI’s mobile mechanic app be your trusty companion on the road to success. Let’s make this summer one to remember for your auto repair shop, where every customer drives away smiling and satisfied.

Reconsider Your Parts Markup Strategy

A key takeaway from a recent PartsTech industry report is that many shops are not following the expert’s recommended benchmarks for gross earnings on parts. Over 52 percent of the average gross monthly parts earnings falls between 30 – 49%, while the recommended range is 55-60% and above. Around two-thirds of the shops will benefit from changing their parts markup strategy to reach their KPIs.

Cut Fees on Card Transactions

You know that card transaction fees might be too much for businesses that are just starting. Consider researching some alternative merchant services for small businesses. Instead of paying a flat fee for credit and debit card transactions – some merchants offer to charge the wholesale cost of running a card on top of a flexible processing fee.

Improve Shop Efficiency & Productivity

Investing in productivity and shop efficiency often results in the most revenue gained in the long run. One way to do this is by hiring an additional service advisor if you currently have 1 per bay. Shops with 2 service advisors per location had an average of $ 35,000 higher revenue per bay than shops with just 1 service advisor.

The other excellent way to improve efficiency is by utilizing auto repair software that automates and simplifies your entire shop management. ARI(Auto Repair Software) does that for your business.

Have more predictable appointments

Seasonality plays a major role in most auto repair businesses, but you can always take measures to counteract big revenue swings. Start by setting up a target percentage for your online appointments.

If more clients are booking your services online – you know how much you have in advance and don’t stress out that you are having a bad day. Plus you are more effective when planning your resources.

Be smart about reports and budgeting

Looking at stats will give you many ideas on how to be efficient with your finances.

If you know when it’s high and low season based on historical data – you can redistribute your marketing budgets to maximize pŕofits. You can increase the budget for leads in the low season and increase the budget for repeat clients in the high season!

*See ARI’s dashboard feature for more ideas related to recent business results.

Craft the right upselling strategy

Upselling is awesome when done the right way. Take the time to gather enough feedback from your clients and update your current parts& labor bundles based on the results you have.

Also, don’t miss what others are doing successfully, and take inspiration from others when there’s a seasonal happening or a major event.

Final thoughts

There are always new things to learn when optimizing your auto repair business performance. We hope we covered at least some of the relevant points that will bother you when choosing the right path for your auto repair shop. Share your feedback if you used the advice and found it effective!

Why Excellent Client Management Matters

The difference between a one-time customer and a lifelong patron is namely the excellent client management. This means detailed records, timely follow-ups, and systematic handling of customer needs. All of these contribute to providing a more personalized service leading to building a trusty relationship with your customers.

ARI’s Shop Management Software: The Game-Changer

ARI provides the perfect solution that pushes ordinary client management to the next level. It offers a broad range of features that include everything from important contacts to advanced client sorting, addressing many auto shop challenges. You can check out ARI’s client management feature and start with a free account.

Clients and Easy Management

Imagine a tool where every new client is a welcome boost to your auto shop portfolio and it never gets too crowded. ARI is breaking away from constraints that may inhibit growth with its user-friendly interface that’s as intuitive as it is powerful.

Seamless Import of Contacts

If you already have a huge database of customers, ARI will make it easy for you as gone are the days of manual data entry which often leads to errors and failures. ARI’s contact important feature ensures accuracy, helps avoid duplications, and saves precious time that you can better invest in other aspects of your business.

Address Recognition for Mobile Services

If your auto shop provides mobile services or you are just looking for ways to speed up your billing processes, ARI’s address recognition function automatically captures current customer addresses. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces manual input errors.

Advanced Search Functions

It’s important not to let managing your clientele become cumbersome as it grows and this is where ARI’s search functionality comes in. Along with sorting and filtering capabilities that remember user preferences – navigating and managing customers is as easy as a breeze.

Labeling: The Organization Lifesaver

Stay organized with custom labels for clients which allows you to categorize based on types of vehicles, service preferences, or any system that enhances your operational efficiency. These labels help pinpoint information in an ever-expanding database effortlessly.

Invoicing Made Easy with Billing Statements

Generate transparent and comprehensive billing statements on the go using ARI’s invoicing capabilities. Clear documentation not only keeps finances orderly but also strengthens customer trust by providing detailed accounts of services rendered.

QuickBooks Sync for Streamlined Accounting

ARI integrates with QuickBooks – an accounting software crucial for financial management. This eliminates the need for double entries by syncing clients between ARI and QuickBooks smoothly, maintaining financial consistency across both platforms.

ARI Ensures Easy Daily Operations

Automating client management tasks with the above features makes more room for proactive business operations. Having such a centralized system simplifies cross-functional activities between team members.

Despite a common misbelief that technology interferes with personal touch, ARI’s end goal always circles back to delivering that humanized service experience – understanding customers’ unique needs and exceeding their expectations. Using a client database app is the right way of providing a personalized service to each client at any time.

Embrace technology’s role in advancing your ability to manage clients effectively – it’s an investment into your shop’s future success and sustainability. Also, you can try out a demo version of ARI’s shop management software for free and see in firsthand how it can benefit you!

Elevating Auto Shop Management: Key Strategies

The following strategies can significantly impact both the operational efficiency of your shop and the satisfaction level of your customers. We know that implementing those can be challenging, so we’ll also talk about how leveraging technology can be a game-changer, enabling shop owners, mechanics, and managers to focus more on growth and less on day-to-day management tasks.

Inventory Management

Efficient auto repair inventory management ensures that your shop never runs out of necessary parts nor ties up capital in excess stock. It’s about finding the balance between demand and supply, tracking parts usage, and predicting future needs based on data.

Workshop Scheduling

Effective workshop scheduling maximizes shop productivity by eliminating double bookings and ensuring that each technician’s time is optimized. This involves coordinating customer appointments with available bays and technicians and also managing workloads to avoid bottlenecks.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Turning every first-time visitor into a loyal patron is a dream come true for every business. Building strong relationships through personalized service, however, is not enough. An effective CRM system would keep detailed customer and vehicle records, send service reminders and follow-ups, and generally keep track of everything that comes and goes.

Billing and Invoicing

Accuracy in billing and swift invoicing are crucial for maintaining cash flow and customer trust. This process includes providing itemized, understandable invoices immediately after service completion.

Employee & Workflow Management

Whether you are working solo or your shop has several employees, it’s important to track working hours spent on particular tasks. Maintaining efficiency is vital and solid data is the way to achieve it.

Vehicle Diagnostics and Repair Tracking

The ability to quickly diagnose vehicle issues and track repairs through to completion adds value to customer service and workshop operations. This process is increasingly relying on auto shop management software and tools for real-time updates.

Quality Control & Assurance

Maintaining high standards not only satisfies your clientele but also sets your shop apart from competitors. Regular audits, customer feedback, and continuous training are part of this ongoing process.

Marketing and Promotion

Understanding your target market and leveraging both digital and traditional media are key strategies when it comes to attracting new customers and also retaining existing ones.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Utilizing data analytics transforms raw business data into actionable insights for improved decision-making. It can reveal trends in customer behavior, operational bottlenecks, or financial performance.

Compliance and Regulations

Navigating the complex landscape of automotive repair regulations ensures that your business operates legally and ethically, fostering trust among your clientele.

How Technology Streamlines Auto Shop Management

As the auto repair industry becomes more complex, technology plays an important role in simplifying these multifaceted management tasks. This is where auto repair software solutions come into play, offering a wide range of tools designed to enhance every aspect of shop management.

ARI (Auto Repair Software) stands out as a stellar example of how technology can transform a garage into a streamlined operation. With features like detailed inventory management, sophisticated CRM tools, and even OBD2 scanning, and much more, ARI provides an all-in-one solution for auto shops aiming for greatness.

By using the right auto shop management software daily, owners can not only improve efficiency but also elevate their level of service and customer satisfaction. Using ARI will let you crank up your garage’s productivity and help you become the repair shop everyone’s talking about.

Did we miss anything? Maybe you’re using another app or you just like to share some feedback? Feel free to – the comment section is all yours!

Explore them, apply whatever works best for you, and try to leave an extraordinary impression on your clients.

Share the Client Portal

The client portal is the easiest way for your customers to know everything you want them to. They can track their invoices, vehicles, and appointments and use the live chat to reach you. You can share it with everyone in your contacts and grant them instant access. Use it regularly and send them a summary of your entire business.

Follow this guide to learn all the details about the client portal.

Make personalized Templates for your Business

Invoice templates are the best way to elevate your branding and look more professional. You can create an entire HTML template and style it with your preference in mind using ARI’s custom template section. Alternatively – you can use some of the pre-made ones.

If you care about your message – pay attention to your email templates. You choose what your clients see when receiving an Invoice, Inspection, Appointment, or discount coupon email. Use them to your advantage.

Duplicate Invoices, create Appointments from an Invoice

When you are dealing with repeat clients – you don’t need to create new Invoices from scratch every time. Instead – use the duplicate Invoice option from the “More“ menu. You duplicate all necessary details and make little edits if needed.

Don’t forget to create Appointments from the Invoice menu and get pre-filled vehicle and client details. You can later send your customers automated reminders.

Use this guide to start with automated reminders.

Highlight Your Services through the Online Booking page

You can use your online booking page to expose and promote your most-performed services. That is a good practice both from an informative and a business standpoint. First-time clients will see each of their options, and repeat clients have a much easier way of accessing them.

ARI lets you build a fully customizable online booking page. Follow this guide to learn the details about the online booking layout.

Edit Pictures or get AI Annotations

If you are dealing with damaged vehicles daily – the vehicle inspection annotations are a must-use tool. You can draw on images to highlight an issue or let the AI do the damage detection and notes. You can later send them along with the checklist and damage reports.

Attach Special Coupons to Job Cards

Thanks to the reworked layout – you can attach a discount coupon to active job cards.

To do this – you need to first create a coupon with a flat value or a percentage from the profile menu. When editing the job card later on – use the ‘Apply Coupon‘ option to activate the disc.

When your seasonal campaign has finished – you can clear the discount and start charging the regular pricing.

We continue our mission to help auto repair businesses grow with every tool at our disposal.
Please share the article if you’ve found functional benefits for you and your shop. 

We just introduced Business Assets and Recurring and Additional Fees. And updated the Labor Guides design for quick access from the homepage.
Let’s break them down one by one.

Recurring and Additional Fees Support

With recurring fees, you can add small taxes or special fees to all of your invoices. You can choose between a percentage or a flat amount. And decide whether to make them taxable or not. All recurring charges will apply to new invoices unless you delete or change the amount.

Here’s how to set them up:

Profile -> Recurring Charges-> Add new record -> Save changes

Quicker Labor guides access

If you’ve activated your Labor Guides in ARI – you’ll have an easier time working with them. We combined all features into a single section. With it, you use the Vehicle Selector, Labor Guides, Parts, Fluids, Wireframes, and Repair Procedures in one place.

You’ll find each of them in the Labor Guides section on the main menu.

Business Assets support

If you have special tools, equipment, or other valuable assets, be sure to place them in the right spot. You can use the business assets section to do so.

Follow these steps to use the feature:

Inventory -> Business Assets -> Add new -> Save changes

We are in the process of developing exciting new features.

Please tell us what you think about the latest update in the comments, and share the article on social media if you find value in it.

We are presenting AI Annotations for Vehicle Inspections. Giving you the convenience of quickly detecting potential damage done to a vehicle. Instead of drawing and describing the issue – the AI will tell you what’s wrong with the vehicle – be it a dent, a scratch, a deformation, a crack, or something else.

Let’s show you how to use the feature in real-time.

Using AI Annotations in ARI

The AI Annotation provides additional context to your Vehicle Inspections. When the inspection checklist and pictures are not enough – you can use the AI to simplify damage reporting. Just upload a picture, and the AI will detect and list any potential damages. Those are transferred as notes next to the image for your reference.

Here are the steps to use it:

Inspections -> Create/ Open an Inspection -> Pictures -> Automatic Annotations

*Each AI Annotation use costs 10 ARI Credits!
*This is a developing AI feature. Results might not always be 100% accurate.

We are working to implement more AI tools to help you manage your auto repair workflow. AI for auto repair is here to stay, and we need your feedback to improve the app.

Please tell us what you think about the feature in the comments, and share the article on social media if you found it helpful!

Please read this guide to get the app’s latest version.

This week, we will give you a short overview of the Client Portal. A way for your clients to see their entire business with you. It is used for everything from tracking Invoices, Payments, and Inspections to live chatting with you.

See the complete guide below and learn how to share the client portal with your customers.

Client Portal Guide

Client Portal Key Features

With the portal, your clients get a complete summary of their Invoices, Appointments, and other business items. The data is relevant to one client at a time – and they need login keys to access it. You control what they see as the data is taken directly from ARI. That means the portal automatically updates after making any edits to the client profile, invoices, inspections, vehicles, or other relevant info.

Here’s how to give access to your clients:

Open a Client -> Client Portal -> Send via Email | Send via Text | Copy to clipboard

To preview it yourself before sending it – simply hit preview.

You can grant or stop access to the portal anytime via the toggle button on the client portal page.

Clients can open the help center and start a conversation with you. You will receive an in-app notification if you are working in ARI. Or get a push notification with the app in the background if you allow it from the device settings.

*Quick Demo

User Sessions in Activity Logs

User Sessions are a way to highlight employee activity while they are working on the same ARI file as you. In other words – you will see if someone from the team is editing an Invoice or Inspection in the app.

User Sessions are available for all multi-user accounts. To add your staff as an ARI User, you must create a User Role and a User Access. Do that from:

Profile -> User Roles -> + Button
Profile -> Users -> + Button

When viewing a user session – you will see the user’s Name, Role, and Presence. The feature is active whenever you edit:

• Invoices
• Job Cards/ Estimates
• Payments
• Vehicle Inspections

To access the User session panel:

Open Activity Logs -> User Sessions

*in-app illustration

Keep your app up to date – follow this guide to ensure you can access the latest features.

As an auto repair company manager or owner, you know that consistent income levels depend on the amount of new and returning clients in your repair shop. And here, Upselling strategies are among the most efficient methods that come to your aid. Upselling can be done significantly easier when auto repair software assists you. Upselling gives consumers an extra service or product that improves or complements their purchase. When done correctly, upselling boosts profit margins and improves client happiness and loyalty.

This article will discuss three top-up selling strategies for car repair firms that can improve revenue and client retention. Thus, read on to find out more.

Service and Parts Bundle

Offering service bundles and part packages is one of the most efficient strategies to boost sales through upselling. For example, if a client comes to have a change the oil, you may offer a complementary package containing an additional checkup. You can raise your profits by selling these service bundles at a higher price compared to the regular oil change price individually.

Grouping components and services may assist clients in seeing the benefit of getting what they need all at once instead of separately. Auto repair firms can advertise service bundles and parts packages at their store, on their website, and in their bills to effectively promote them.

Discount Coupons

Provide discount vouchers for additional services or repairs as another successful upselling strategy. You can boost the chance of returning customers and create long-term client loyalty by giving customers a concrete reason to revisit your store. For example, a car repair business may provide a discount of 10% off an alignment with the purchase of brand-new tires. This encourages consumers to examine their vehicle’s alignment in addition to buying new tires.

You can offer discount coupons in a variety of ways. Distribute them using various media outlets, such as direct mail, social networking sites, and email marketing campaigns. ARI even has the option to distribute campaigns via SMS. The following works best when you have a way of segmenting your most engaged clients.

Discount Cards/Membership Cards

Discount or membership cards are another excellent way to drive upsells and promote repeat customers. When clients use these cards to make a second purchase of parts or services offered by the company, they receive special discounts or benefits. Membership cards help the business generate a steady income while building client loyalty.

Conclusion

The implementation of upselling strategies requires effective advertising and communication. Auto repair firms may enhance their chances of earning more sales by prominently advertising upsell offers in the store, online, and through print materials. Finally, the key to effective upselling is understanding the customers’ situation and offering something more valuable than they expect.

The latest ARI(Auto Repair Software) update brings enhanced customization options to improve the communication between you and your clients. Now the Invoicing, Inspection, Service Reminder and Appointment Confirmation email templates are editable within the app. You can swiftly change the default company logo so yours shows on top! Moreover, you can edit the disclaimers, headings, text fields, fonts, colors, and shortcodes to display additional company information from your ARI profile! Use the feature wisely to create the best possible experience for your customers.

Super convenient for your clients

Build an impactful message that will resonate with your clients. You are no longer restricted to the default email template and can add unique flavor and content to each message you send. You can include additional Client, Vehicle, and Invoicing data in your email templates according to your needs. Get feedback on what’s important to your customer and include it in the Service Reminder or Vehicle Inspection message.

What’s more – you can use our services, and we will help with content creation and generating the best template we can offer.

The importance of looking professional

Now more than ever, it’s become crucial to distinguish yourself from other businesses to gain credibility and trust. One effective way of doing this is by improving the look of your email templates. Your customers will benefit if the information on their Invoices and Inspections is more accessible and relevant to them. And the most significant upside is that it’s as simple as ABC.

How to customize your email templates

You have one of the following options when customizing email templates. 

1. Editing the Invoice/ Estimate template
2. Editing the Vehicle Inspections template
3. Editing the Service Reminder Template
4. Editing the Appointment Confirmation template

Let’s start with a simple example. Open an existing Invoice and click the “Share/ Send/ Download” button. Select “Send via email” to preview your template. Then choose “Customize” in the top left corner. Open the Invoice template and start making the required changes. You could reset to the default template if you don’t like your progress. Once ready – click “Save Template” and return to the previous page to start sending to clients! 

Try changing the info displayed on the templates by selecting a different shortcode from the menu. Here is a list of shortcodes you can use:

Client Info

• ${client.Name} 
• ${client.Address} 
• ${client.Phone} 
• ${client.email} 
• ${client.City} 
• ${client.State} 
• ${client.ZIP}
• ${client.CompanyName}

Vehicle Info

• ${vehicle.type} 
• ${vehicle.vin} 
• ${vehicle.regNum} 
• ${vehicle.make} 
• ${vehicle.model} 
• ${vehicle.year} 
• ${vehicle.milage} 

Invoice Info

• ${selectedItem.Status} 
• ${selectedItem.TypeOfForm} 
• ${selectedItem.Date} 
• ${selectedItem.BalanceDue} 

This article is a continuation of the topic of Professional Client Email Templates. Have a look at it if you are just getting started with creating your first email. If you have any comments or suggestions about the feature – please share them in the comments below! We would appreciate it a lot.

In the last five years, the automotive industry has seen phenomenal growth. In the competitive auto repair market – compelling employer branding is essential for attracting and retaining qualified staff. Companies in the industry often use auto repair software to increase business output and reach more clients. But ultimately, businesses stand out from the competition and become employers’ choices by cultivating a powerful brand that highlights a great workplace culture and the shop’s core values.

Why Is Employer Branding Important?

Developing a recognizable brand identity is one of the most critical steps toward establishing a profitable business. In the current employment landscape – firms can engage in various activities to develop their employer brand and recruit and retain the best possible employees.

A powerful employer brand displays the firm’s distinctive culture, set of values, and vision for the future, as well as what differentiates the company from other companies. Companies may develop a dedicated staff and lower employee turnover rates if they cultivate a promising and appealing public image. Therefore, the importance of employer branding has exploded in popularity among high-performing businesses.

What Are The Trends And Developments in Employer Branding?

The increased emphasis on employer branding in auto repair shops is a fascinating development in the sector. It comes thanks to many broader trends and developments in the corporate world. That’s why you need to know some things as you begin building your employer branding as an auto repair shop:

•       Reputation: A well-established company has a good reputation in the community, and people naturally want to associate with it. That status forms appeals to clients, partners, and most importantly – among its employees as a place to work. This helps the auto repair shop’s prospects as well as the mechanics and technicians working there.
•       Unique benefits: A company can boost its reputation by offering numerous benefits. For example – implementing flexible work arrangements, which can help attract and retain employees who value work-life balance, has also been an excellent form of employer branding. Other standard benefits include healthcare, vacation, bonuses, surprise packages, and more. These additions can help employers recruit and keep employees who appreciate a particular attitude toward them.
•       Distinct values: A company with a strong initiative and coherent value system is proven to retain driven employees that seek more than solely financial gratification. Knowing what you do, who you do it for, and for what reason puts you in a great position to attract talented workers. Keeping those standards high means your workers will respect you and enjoy contributing to your company.
•       Unique messaging: If you want effective employer branding – crafting a distinctive message is an essential part of the process. Make sure you find 1-2 small(or big) thighs that separate you from your competitors in a significant way.
  
  You should also choose your message outlet accordingly.  It’s a misuse of resources to be on the wrong social media platform or spread something ingenuine.

How To Improve Your Employment Branding As An Auto Repair Shop?

In today’s competitive labor force market, employer branding is essential as ever. An auto repair shop needs to cultivate a powerful employer brand to differentiate itself from other businesses in its industry and attract the most qualified applicants. Here are some of the ways you can achieve that:

•       Utilize Auto Repair Software: If you aim to be ahead of the game in the market, you can use auto repair software such as ARI. With the app, you can include your brand materials on each Invoice you send to clients and be recognized instantly. You can also send them a customized E-mail to remind them that their next car fix is due. Alternatively, you can print QR stickers or export other company materials to broaden your reach.
•       Clear and Compelling Messaging: Focus on communicating the company’s culture, beliefs, and goals clearly and compellingly so your employer branding is noticeable. It should be publicized anywhere, from employment ads and websites to social media, with a unified message.
•      Benefits And Compensation: Compensation and benefits must be competitive to recruit and retain talented individuals. It should be in line with industry standards and consider the workers’ talents and experience.

Conclusion

Employer branding is crucial for any self-respecting and growing auto repair shop. Ensure you take the above steps and work towards creating a better and more profitable business! As always, here at ARI, we strive to help you showcase your professionalism and business strengths by offering the best auto repair software at the best price!

ARI now has the option to display your custom online bookings page to clients after they get a service reminder. This way – the process is much simpler. You can benefit a lot, especially if sending service reminders about an incoming service is your priority.

What’s new?

• QR Code added to our service reminder stickers
• QR Code interactions for your clients and you as a shop/ mechanic
• An option to create Invoices from the Service Reminders view
• Improved usability and page interactions

QR Code functionality

QR Codes make it easy for your clients to book an appointment for their next service and for your mechanics to view the details associated with that service reminder.

Start by creating a new Service Reminder for a client. Then add a QR code from the menu and send it/ print it so your client can see it. Your client can scan the QR code and book his next appointment at your shop. When a vehicle is in your shop – the mechanic can scan the QR code and open the Service Reminder. From there, he creates a new Invoice using the current reminder data!

You can toggle back and forth between displaying the QR code on your Service Reminder stickers with the QR button on the top right side of the page.

Creating a new Invoice from Service Reminders

You can do that by an existing Service Reminder. Then click the “More” button and select “Create Invoice.” This way, you grab the data from the reminder and transfer it over to the Invoice.

We hope this updated tutorial was helpful. Leave a comment or share on social media if you think that way!

What Is an Auto Repair Estimate?

An auto repair estimate presents the costs needed to repair a vehicle in a single document. It also contains a detailed explanation of the work that has to be done, the costs of materials and labor, and any extra charges or fees. A client usually gets an estimate before you finish any work on their car. The same document gives the customer an idea of what expenses to anticipate and the extent of the auto repairs needed.

How Does an Auto Repair Estimate Help Clients?

Auto repair businesses use auto repair software and estimates in various ways. After seeing the estimate, clients learn more about the required repairs and expenses, thereby building credibility and trust. Estimates for vehicle maintenance and repair are fundamental to the success of any business worthy of trust. When a consumer comes in, they will undoubtedly want to know how much your services might cost. Using the estimate feature in auto repair software for upselling is the other prevalent use of that program.

More likely, you will receive better feedback from your customers if you present them with upfront estimates of the necessary repairs and maintenance that need to be done on their cars. In addition, by providing the estimate, you assist customers in managing their financial capacity and making quick decisions. Last but not least, if you provided an accurate estimate, you could convince the consumer of the value of your service and gain their satisfaction.

Best Ways to Utilize an Auto Repair Estimate Feature

Using a feature that provides an estimate of the costs associated with vehicle repair will unquestionably assist you in delivering a cost breakdown to the customer; nevertheless, failing to utilize the tool effectively means missed opportunities in the future. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways that you can put this feature to work for you:

1.     Detailed Explanation: It is essential to offer specific details of the work needed when issuing a car repair estimate. This assists the client in comprehending the extent of the work and might help minimize uncertainties or miscommunications.
2.     Make Use of an Itemized List: An itemized breakdown of the repair’s components and labor charges might assist clients in understanding precisely where their money is going. This may help in generating trust and forming a connection with the consumer.
3.     Show Them the Process: You will want to demonstrate and explain to your consumers how you calculated and estimated the service or product cost. Ensure you always explain the process thoroughly and include any additional charges, such as those associated with labor, in your estimations.

How Can ARI Help You with Estimates?

The ARI auto repair software makes it easy for you to generate precise estimates in a short amount of time. Thousands of auto repair shops and mechanics use our auto repair software to send estimates to their clients. With ARI – you can generate an unlimited number of estimates, into which you may enter the name of your customer, car components, labor items, and other costs. You could also try upselling your services by adding other potential issues the car might have in the estimate to increase the end price on the invoice.

Check out this short overview of ARI’s features and see how your auto repair business can benefit from them.

As part of our most recent update, we are providing ARI(Auto Repair Software) users with the capacity to represent their businesses in the best light possible. The app now supports a collection of templates used to send e-mails for Invoices, Estimates, Vehicle Inspections, or Service Reminders directly to your clients. In previous versions – those used to be plain text e-mails with limited customization options.

These client e-mails also contain a link to your customized Online Booking Page, making it easy for them to connect with you and schedule their next appointment for your shop.

The info in those e-mails is pre-filled and comes from your ARI Vehicles, Inventory, and Client libraries. Before you send an e-mail to a client – you can preview how it will look in their inbox and address any issues if necessary.

Now – look at how they will appear to your clients in the app.

Invoice/ Estimates Template

You can use them to notify clients that their invoice is ready and needs to be paid. They will see the pay now option after they open the web invoice. Additionally, they can follow the online appointment link and book the next service in your shop.

Template items:

• a VIN
• vehicle make and model
• client name
• balance due
• basic company info such as logo and company name
• web invoice link
• online booking link

Vehicle Inspection Templates 

Let clients know what’s the overall condition of their vehicles. Send them a complete vehicle inspection and let them book an appointment quickly if something needs to be fixed urgently.

Template items:

• vehicle year
• vehicle make and model
• client name
• basic company info such as logo and company name
• online booking link

Service Reminder Template

This e-mail contains all the essential information that informs people when and what type of service needs to be done on their vehicle. Then it’s followed up with an online booking link, so your clients don’t forget to schedule their next appointment and miss the deadline.

Template items:

• vehicle year
• vehicle make and model
• client name
• basic company info such as logo and company name
• online booking link
• service type
• date/ miles service due

Our idea moving forward is to give you further customization options that will make your messages stand out in a big way. We are open to feedback regarding the templates and want to make them as usable.

Any shop owner who has been in the industry long enough should know how demanding it is to continue operating year after year. Even though you have a lot of customers and do a lot of services each day, it doesn’t mean you generate the most profits or revenue. And the ability to keep costs under control in the vehicle repair industry can help you achieve that. In this post, we will provide six suggestions to assist you in lowering the costs associated with operating your vehicle repair company.

Top 6 Cost-Cutting Strategies for Your Auto Repair Business

A business that is organized and has a good handle on its expenses will have an advantage over its competitors. Managing an auto repair shop might be costly, but it is possible to reduce costs. You must be familiar with the many options available to save costs. The following tips include some of the most effective strategies to reduce expenses.

Tip 1- Cut Unnecessary Expenses

When done properly – this process can save you a fortune. Examine your budget plan in great detail to see whether or not any costs are unnecessary, and you can remove them. That often includes memberships or subscriptions that the client or worker doesn’t use. Also, it could be expenditures that aren’t essential, such as hiring additional employees or equipment that seem to be eating your budget unnecessarily.

Tip 2- Use A Flat-Rate Pricing System

Running an auto repair shop with a pricing model that employs flat rates system may be an efficient use of operational resources. This way, the cost of each repair work is predetermined and includes not only the cost of the components but also the cost of the labor necessary to do the task. Which means you can increase profits and reduce the cost significantly.

Tip 3- Develop Your Advertising

Advertising is a key area you can develop to boost your revenue. You shouldn’t give up on advertising; instead, you should take responsibility for it yourself. Promoting your auto repair shop on social media may help bring in more customers while taking up very little of your time and costing you only time. Alternatively, you can contact a reliable local advertising firm and craft a clever strategy to propel your brand.

Tip 4- Manage Marketing Expenses

If you understand the process of obtaining new clients and keeping the ones you already have, you have enough information to make a sensible pricing and planning choice. You may use numerous auto repair software to help you track and analyze the data. You can increase your profit margins by reducing the money invested in each client.

Tip 5- Check Around for Supplies and Components

Instead of staying with one supplier, you should look for the lowest prices on supplies and components. Negotiating bulk discounts or utilizing internet markets to get the best bargains is a great way to start. This can assist you in locating alternative vendors that will provide you with the equivalent tools for a lower price reducing your cost!

Tip 6- Switch to an Electronic Billing System

Switching to an electronic payment gateway can assist in minimizing costs associated with printing and sending invoices and simplify the process for clients to make payments online. An electronic billing system enables you to produce and send invoices electronically through email or a secure internet portal, reducing printing costs. You can also utilize various auto repair software and their auto repair invoicing features to assist you in getting started in the process faster.

Final words

For businesses to remain profitable in the current time, it is essential to implement strategies that reduce operating expenses. It is possible to cut costs for your company in various ways; you only need to implement the appropriate procedures consistently and track your results. Today, many auto repair software will help you with the process.

In 2022, the global automobile industry reached 66.1 million cars sold and has been predicted to increase by around 12% by 2030. In this highly competitive sector, mechanics and shop owners are constantly looking for data that will assist them in sufficiently understanding their consumers and outcompete other auto repair businesses.

Nowadays, significant mechanics and corporations use auto repair software to conduct comprehensive market research and closely monitor consumers’ desires. This article will discuss the capacity an auto repair software gives you and how you can use data to outcompete other auto repair businesses.

Importance of Market Analysis for Auto Repair Business

Market analysis is crucial for automotive firms since it helps businesses identify trends, outcompete other rivals, and establish their priorities. An essential step in creating your perception in the consumer’s eyes is to identify opponents and ascertain their advantages and disadvantages.

It is essential to constantly monitor market trends, new technological developments, and consumer reviews since both the automobile industry and the vehicle owners’ community are changing rapidly. From that angle – it’s good to avoid considering market analysis as a one-time study. Instead, think of it as a continuous process guiding you to make decisions and actions.

How to Use Data to Outcompete Other Auto Repair Businesses?

Utilizing data is paramount for businesses to compete with one another in the auto repair market. You must figure out how to be on top of your competitors if you want to be successful. But implementing it is much trickier than saying it, and there are various factors to consider if you aim to do well. Continue reading for three practical suggestions you could employ with the help of data to outcompete your competitors in the auto repair industry.

Identify Your Competitors

Researching the market and gathering information is crucial to understand your competitors. Take a close look at what your competitors provide and determine what the consumers truly want. If you find any services your opponent does not offer, try to include them on your list of services and emphasize how you can propose something better.

Determine Fair Prices

By providing more reasonable prices, you may easily outperform your competitors. You need a comprehensive understanding of the prices of your competitor’s products or services to establish your optimum pricing point. Additionally, you need to examine several data points and determine what price your buyers are comfortable committing. You must set the pricing of your service based on such analysis and data.

Deliver Great Client Service

You can increase client engagement and differentiate yourself from rivals by providing excellent and outstanding customer service. Gather and analyze your competitors’ customer reviews and data in this situation. You might have observed that consumers leave negative reviews on your website for various reasons. In this context, you and your employees need to be extremely cautious concerning the topics customers have previously provided your competition with negative feedback.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned – keeping track of all criteria may seem difficult. But with the help of auto repair software – things can get much easier for you. It helps you quickly check and analyze your data report, vehicle report, service history, etc. With a couple of clicks, auto repair software will provide real-time information about your financial position, including how much is owed to you by the clients of your car repair service. Additionally, you may check your inventory of components and the services you provide.

Labor guides are used in numerous industries to offer information on the specific time and resources required to accomplish certain jobs or maintenance processes. They are typically utilized in the automotive industry but may also get used in other industries like HVAC, plumbing, and construction. Businesses operating in many fields might benefit from the use of labor guides since these labor guides can significantly improve your revenue streams. Another proven way to increase your capacity as an auto repair business is by using auto repair software. 

When it comes to establishing accurate repair estimates as well as organizing and scheduling work – labor guides could be an invaluable resource. That happens due to the high level of regulation in the automotive sector, along with the fact that there are distinct processes that must be adhered to while repairing certain automobiles.

What is Labor Efficiency?

Labor efficiency measures how effectively an organization uses its labor resources to produce goods or services. It is calculated by dividing the output of goods or services by labor input. There are several ways to measure labor efficiency depending on the products and services produced. It is said to be labor-efficient when a specific good can be created with sufficient quality control in less time than typical industrial production.

How to Use Labor Guides for Maximum Efficiency?

Labor guides are a set of instructions to maintain the efficiency of the workforce. For example, comparing the actual and typical labor times needed to create a specific good or service can help determine labor efficiency. Auto mechanics and service technicians use these guides to estimate the time and labor required for a particular repair or maintenance job. Here are some suggestions for increasing labor efficiency using labor guides:

Choose the Right Labor Guide: There are several labor guide types available, so choosing the best-suited one for your task is essential. Some labor recommendations are more precise than others, and others give broad estimates. “Real Time Labor Guide” provides an estimated repair time that is particularly useful when there are fewer skilled mechanics, fewer specialized tools, and a shortage of accessible components. The other popular labor guides alternatives are:

• ARI(via Mitchell1 ProDemand)
• Motor Auto Mechanic Labor Guide
• Chilton Labor Guide
  

Choosing the best labor guides for your needs can be a daunting and expensive task. We took the liberty to do the hard work for you and concluded that Mitchell1 currently has the most comprehensive LaborGuides on the market. As a result, we integrated ARI with ProDemand so you can use the best guides for the lowest price! This way, you also have all your data and workflows in one place.

Monitor And Track Progress: Utilizing the labor guide consistently, monitoring, and keeping track of your progress will ensure that you are on the right path to achieving your objectives. Labor guides will assist you in identifying areas in which you may need improvements to achieve your efficiency goals.

Time Tracking While Repair: It’s a common recommendation that you keep note of the amount of time you spend doing repairs; doing so will assist you in calculating the total amount of time spent performing car repair work, which will provide you with an estimate of the mechanic labor rate. Time tracking can also help you identify patterns or trends over time, which can provide insights into the overall efficiency of your repair process.

Avoid Overlapping Expertise: When individuals in a team or an organization have overlapping areas of expertise, productivity could suffer. When two or more people have the same area of expertise, it may lead to uncertainty regarding who is responsible for a set of tasks or decisions. Therefore, as the shop owner, you should ensure no such complications arise.

Use The Labor Guide as A Starting Point: It is important to remember that labor guidelines are only estimates and that the amount of time and resources needed to perform work might vary. Utilize the labor guide as a starting point but be prepared to modify your strategy as required depending on your own prior experience and the particulars of the project you are working on.

Conclusion

A labor guide is a helpful mechanism if used wisely. It helps reduce extra time guiding the workers and explaining how to follow the steps for maximum efficiency. A good labor guide is like an encyclopedia, like an auto repair repository that helps guide the workers in their work in any particular circumstances without causing disruptions and providing non-stop services. 

If you find managing your auto repair business problematic, you must investigate the reason for the problem and find a solution as soon as possible. Usually, streamlining some key processes at your auto repair shop will help you accomplish most business objectives you have set for yourself and enhance your revenues. Take command of your auto repair business and improve the workflow with the help of these six essential pieces of information.

Top 6 Tips to Streamline Your Auto Repair Workflow

Always remember your workflow efficiency is a primary indicator of success. If you work hard to improve it, you should start seeing results quickly.

To achieve optimal efficiency and workflow – you need to focus on the workflow improvements that make the most sense for your business. With the proper strategy – automating crucial tasks like the following might save you up to 2 hours daily.

Tip 1- Automate Reminder Service

With the recent advancement of technology and various auto repair software, it is easier than ever to begin automating your reminder service. Those automated service reminders do more than simply remind customers; it also ensures that they are informed about crucial details regarding their repairs. Furthermore, it may be beneficial for managing mechanics and technicians by presenting them with a perspective and reminder of the service schedule to avoid communication problems and streamline operations.

Tip 2- Automated Invoicing and Accounting

There is now a variety of auto repair software that assist you with invoicing work. Automated invoicing and accounting is the method of extracting data from invoices, integrating it into the system, and modifying the information in ERP. This procedure expedites invoice approvals while simultaneously reducing the possibility of inaccuracy, resulting in increased productivity.

Tip 3- Automated Online Booking and Customer Service

Automated online booking enables clients to schedule appointments online without the requirement for a physical presence. Automated customer service is assisting clients and fixes some of their issues without employing other staff. Both of these approaches to automation are extremely valuable in any organization. They may help you save time and eliminate human error in your company. 

Just ensure you spend enough time researching those options so you can structure your chatbot or automated e-mail client in a way it doesn’t mislead or confuse your clients. 

Tip 4- Initiate Flexible Work Hours

It is your responsibility as a shop owner to ensure the well-being of your employees. Giving them flexible work hours could do the trick! It may seem unreasonable to provide flexible work hours to mechanics and technicians at first, but, in most cases, flexible working hours allow employees to operate more effectively and productively without burnout.

Tip 5- Expand Coverage to Essential Vehicle Services

Considerably boost both the efficiency and productivity of the job by ensuring that mechanics and technicians have access to the appropriate equipment throughout their shifts. You must provide the mechanics with accurate schematics, a detailed account of the vehicle’s history, and all other information about the car. It is possible to do this with the assistance of different auto repair software. Having a single computer or service station might cause complexity and delay productivity.

Tip 6- Provide Development Training

You may be confused as to why you should instruct someone already experienced in their profession. However, you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of your employees. Maintain an accurate record of your staff members and observe the tasks they do efficiently and those that take them longer. You should provide training on that particular issue to increase workers’ productivity whenever necessary.

Thanks for reading the article. Make sure you leave a comment and share on social media if it impacted your work positively!

No matter what auto repair business you run – recruiting employees is part of the company’s essential tasks. And knowing how to do that efficiently enhances your business substantially.

When it comes to selecting the best-suited employees and staff members – there are many factors that you need to consider so your company can flourish. When consumers come to your auto repair shop, they anticipate having their concerns addressed by a mechanic or technician with the necessary expertise. As a result, ensuring that you have the appropriate professionals for the solution is highly important.

How to Hire the Best Skilled Auto Repair Staff?

When looking for the best-quality employees for your repair shop, there are various abilities a mechanic should exhibit. It is your responsibility as a recruiter to analyze and determine among them. However, a few steps can assist you in comprehending the mechanic and technician recruitment procedure.

Create a Hiring Strategy

When it comes to the process of hiring new employees for your organization, there is no one easy-to-follow strategy. Instead, you need to prioritize the process of undertaking recruitment planning so that you can simplify your recruiting criteria and have a diverse set of abilities and skills within your organization.

This recruiting approach is necessary to connect the organization’s demands with prospective employees. When recruiting new employees, some attempted strategies include doing a requirements analysis, drafting an accurate job description, organizing an accurate interview, and using social media, among many other methods. For that, it’s good to have a comprehensive report on your company’s performance and budget history.

Discover the Attributes that Matter

When looking for labor, you will come across numerous mechanics and technicians that are well-versed in vehicles and know their way around, but what matters most is putting that knowledge to use. Today, almost every mechanic understands how to operate a car; thus, when hiring a mechanic or technician, ensure they are competent problem solvers, pay attention to details, and work effectively. Choose your workforce based on your requirements.

Evaluate Skills and Talents Properly

The two most essential elements to consider when finding the best competent mechanic or technician are skill and experience. You need to spot high-skilled workers and understand why their skills make a world of difference. Therefore, when doing interviews, look for characteristics such as these for better selections. Then, conduct a series of assessments, such as interviews and practical demonstrations, to evaluate their skill level and competence.

Quick Recruitment Tips for Mechanics

The Importance of Networking

A strong network is always beneficial for any organization or any individual. Networking links you with prominent people in your niche who can assist you in your recruitment process. Nearly every situation presents a networking opportunity.

You could attend various events and local meetups in your area where individuals from the same profession will be participating. As a result, you will gain broader knowledge about the industry by networking with them. You could also do an investigation on the numerous trends in the industry and how those trends influence the process of recruiting.

Be Prepared for Tough Questions

Be prepared that the employer will attempt to get the best out of you. And naturally, they will ask you questions that put you in difficult spots.

Employers may pose challenging interview questions to assess your degree of expertise and comfort with an array of complex tasks. That is the norm these days. Make sure to spend enough time preparing for the more challenging questions.

Valuable Skills for Auto Repair Shop Staff 

There is a wide range of skills that helps you improve your auto repair shop and give technicians a better work direction. Moreover, with the recent advent of auto repair software, keeping track of everything is much simpler. Some of the skills that you should look out for are:

•       Customer Service Skills
•       Problem-Solving Skills
•       Technical Aptitude
•       Organizational Skills
•       Time Management Skills

These abilities are highly valued in the auto repair industry, and perfecting them can only help you in the future. If you are a mechanic or technician – you can develop these abilities and gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

ARI’s newest update brings you another utility feature – a shortcuts sidebar. The navbar lets you access different feature panels conveniently. It’s also scalable, and you can move it around and have enough space to perform your tasks freely. Additionally, you can edit each item in the menu according to your preference and needs.

How Does It Work?

To open the shortcuts menu – click on the blue hamburger icon from the main menu. Once open – you will see different ARI feature views like Job Cards, Accounting, Service reminders, and more. You can switch between the main menu of each feature effortlessly. Keep in mind that any changes made to a feature view will be discarded if you switch to a different panel without clicking the save button for your additions/ edits.

The shortcut menu stays open even if you click away. To close it – select the “X” button on top.

Pro Tips

The navbar renders differently on different screen sizes. To get the most out of it – choose a suitable place for it while working. Do this by dragging and dropping the hamburger icon in a fitting place.

The most common way of using the shortcuts sidebar is to switch between your commonly used features. To create a better workflow – you can customize the entire sidebar. You can do that after you open the sidebar and click on the settings icon on the top. There you can add or remove different feature items. 

You can include all 18 feature views or just 1-2 that you use regularly. If you don’t like the customizations – you can reset to the default state. 

Conclusion

That’s the feature recap for this week. Expect more exciting updates to our auto repair software soon, and follow our social media channels to get the latest info. Leave a comment if you liked the content.

Customers often have a lot going on in their lives, which is why they leave their vehicles at the auto repair shop and go about their routine. It is your responsibility to brief them on their car and ensure that they are always kept up to date. Here are some of the ways that you can use to effectively inform clients about their vehicles.

Ways to Inform Clients About Vehicle Repair Effectively

Remember that maintaining clear and effective communication with the customer will always work to your benefit in the long run. We know it can be incredibly challenging to communicate and notify them about the vehicle’s every change. Still, since doing so is essential, we have compiled a list of a few pointers that can assist you with the process.

Preferred Communication Medium

Most of the time, mechanics don’t provide the customer with the appropriate communication medium or the other way around. Therefore, you must use the mode of communication preferred by a customer if you are working on their vehicle. For example, you could send an email or a text message, but there is no point if the receiver isn’t using the device regularly.

Therefore, having an effective communication system should be your priority. You might utilize various communication channels, such as social media, texts, phone calls, and many more. However, before you do, you research which medium is commonly used by the customer.

Utilize Reminder Service

You must communicate with the customer after or before every task. Proper communication and car maintenance or repair reminders can help your business and customer relationships. You can use various auto repair software with service reminder features to keep track of your customers’ vehicles and update them on their vehicle maintenance.

Provide Real-Time Update

The best approach to keep your clients pleased is to provide them with real-time updates on the status of the repairs or maintenance performed on their vehicles. You have effectively ensured that the client is satisfied with the work they entrusted you with when you have provided a real-time update. You can either send them a digital message or SMS with the help of auto repair software. Or simply call to inform them about the situation.

Provide Proper Presentation

Keeping clients updated on the status of their vehicles is the first step of the process. You must ensure they also grasp your message easily. So it’s a good practice to use graphical elements and different formats to grab the customers’ attention and guarantee they understand the procedure. Sometimes adding a single graphic or making small formatting changes leads to an outstanding presentation.

What Features Can You Use to Remind Vehicle to Clients Effectively

Today, many different features can be used to assist in the process of reminding customers about their vehicles. For example, something as simple as a reminder sticker feature placed on a crucial spot reminds people their vehicle needs to be repaired or serviced.

Aside from physical stickers – you can message people when it’s near time for an oil change or when they need any maintenance. In addition, the usage of a variety of software applications is now widespread for online booking, appointment scheduling, and repair status updates and notifications. The following is a list of some features that ARI(auto repair software) has brought to the table for you so that you may efficiently remind customers regarding their vehicles:

•       Detailed Reminders
•       Repair Data Chart
•       Reminder Stickers
•       Reminder Presentation 

You can use those and many more features to build more effective communication with your clients. Post a comment or share the article on social media if you feel it helped your work in some regard. 

The year 2022 has been very impactful for the manufacturing industry globally. Most importantly, the auto industry, and the repair business, have been affected severely by this recession. Various auto parts and accessories up until recently could’ve been obtained unhindered and are now nearly impossible to get for your auto shop.

To get around the problem of a shortage of car parts, careful preparation, forethought, and the advice of industry professionals are essential. Therefore, continue reading to get an insight into the methods to prepare for upcoming car parts shortage.

Tips on Preparing for Upcoming Car Part Shortage

Many different factors have contributed to the current shortage of vehicle parts. Nevertheless, being ready for impending scarcity should be your primary focus. So, how do you plan to deal with the shortage of parts? The following are some of the most helpful suggestions that might assist you in preparing for the future vehicle part shortage.

Proper Communication

When you are in a position where you are unable to offer the client an essential service or vehicle parts, you will need a reliable communication system. The best option for you is to communicate promptly to the consumer about the availability of any service components beforehand. By doing things this way, you could avoid the pressure of committing to supply something currently unavailable.

Networking with Supplier

You must develop vital networking and communication skills with the supplier. Considering the widespread lack of different types of vehicle components and equipment, it is crucial that you get informed of what is and is not now available. You can find a variety of auto repair software on the market nowadays that will assist you in managing your vehicle inventory and allow you to place orders for auto components directly with the supplier.

Promote Used Parts

It may appear incredibly unusual, but this is your most effective alternative if you want to maintain the operation of your auto repair shop. First, inquire with the owners of vehicles as to whether or not they would be willing to accept old aftermarket vehicle components that are still in functioning condition. Of course, there are occasions when clients will want entirely new parts, but if you show them the numerous aftermarket items available, you may help them save money while also maximizing your profit.

Stock Vehicle Parts

One method of preparing auto repair shops for a shortage of parts is to begin stockpiling different vehicle components one at a time. Overstocking may look contradictory to typical practices for inventory management, yet things are growing challenging to handle. Therefore, the owners of businesses can get in touch with various suppliers and inquire about the possibility of receiving ample supplies of various vehicle parts.

Focus on Repair and Rebuild

As there might be a lack of resources, you should attempt to concentrate on repairing or rebuilding the vehicle’s components. Creative mechanics always have the option to change the schematics to work around the absence of essential auto components. Therefore, instead of emphasizing replacing the car parts with only minor issues, you should attempt to fix them thoroughly to guarantee revenues remain steady during the vehicle parts shortage.

Conclusion

Due to different automotive parts supply chain issues, scarcity has become a significant issue for auto repair shop owners. Since you would not be able to get parts as soon as you used to, you may use specific strategies to help you manage, innovate, and generate revenue during the auto parts shortage. In addition, auto repair software can assist you in keeping track of your inventory management while planning for future vehicle parts shortages.

Feature Overview

With the latest ARI(Auto Repair Sofware) update – we are introducing one of the most requested and exciting features to date – labor guides and labor rates. ARI users can now access the complete auto-repair database of Mitchell 1 ProDemand and use it to create invoices and job cards on the go.

If you already have a paid ProDemand account – you can use all ProDemand benefits inside ARI free of charge. As a new user – you can sign up for Mitchell 1 at any time and get one of the most accurate and comprehensive data in the auto repair industry.

How to connect your ProDemand account to ARI?

To get started – open the “Settings” menu and select Labor Guides. Then read the instructions
and enter your credentials from your original ProDemand account. You can also watch the explainer
video linked in the description. Once you are connected – you can start operating with the ProDemand labor estimates, guides, times, and rates.

Creating Invoices with Mitchell 1 ProDemand

The ProDemand interface and features fully integrate into ARI. To access them – create a new Invoice or edit an existing one. Open the Job Cards, Estimate, or Invoice menus. Then select a vehicle or create a new one(year/make/model are mandatory). Click the Labor Guides button to open the ProDemand window.

Once the ProDemand window is open – you can search and add Parts&Labor, Maintenance, and Fluids items from the respective tabs. You can add or remove items depending on your needs. For each item – you will see the description on the left side. Once you gather the info you need – click the transfer button. This function will move all selected Parts, Labor, and Notes onto your Invoices/ Estimates.

Vehicle selector from Mitchell 1 ProDemand

You can browse and handle vehicle data with the Vehicle Selector functionality. To start – open the Vehicles menu and create a new vehicle. Then press the “Open Vehicle Selector” button. There you can search for cars, SUVs, and trucks included in the interactive list. After you find the one you need for your job – click “Use this vehicle,” and the data will appear in your ARI Vehicles section. We recommend using the vehicle selector for your Job Cards to get the most accurate Labor Guides.

The equipment at an auto repair shop is the shop’s beating heart. To complete various tasks, mechanics in a car repair shop use multiple tools and machines. Tools are an essential component in an auto repair shop. As a shop owner, you must shop for quality auto repair equipment. It makes your business more efficient and raises the bar for the quality of the services.

Top 5 Things You Must Consider When Shopping for Quality Equipment

When it comes to the acquisition of equipment for your auto repair shop, there are a few factors that need your attention. We have included five of the most helpful guidelines to assist shop owners and mechanics in purchasing tools of the appropriate quality.

Identify Your Business Requirements

When investing in any machine or auto repair equipment, the functionality of the equipment should always be your first concern. Be sure to analyze the criteria your company has set and the necessary equipment. Choose tools that fall into the same category as your company’s expertise. Doing so helps mechanics and technicians give the highest quality of service possible.

Set Priorities & Estimate ROI

While searching for vehicle repair equipment, you can come across different variations and types; nevertheless, you do not need all of them. Gain an understanding of the kind of instruments necessary for your business. Put things in the proper priority order. If your business is on repairing cars, you should invest in auto repair equipment that will perform optimally for the tasks. Whenever making a purchase, make sure to calculate the ROI and determine whether or not this would be a profitable investment.

Research & Compare Competitors

When purchasing equipment for auto repair shops, conduct some research. Proper research will allow you to save money on auto repair equipment. Examine if the equipment is compatible with auto repair software. If feasible, compare them to all of the other rivals on the market and choose equipment with a better quality-price ratio.

When picking out gear, remember that mechanics like to work with multifunctional equipment used for various jobs. If they have to change it too often – it’s not ideal. Always seek mechanic advice before investing in equipment pieces.

Take Advice from Professionals and Users

It is essential to seek the guidance of multiple mechanics to have a deeper comprehension of the auto repair equipment before making any purchases for the company. Since you want to ensure you’re obtaining a good product, this is important to keep in mind while purchasing equipment for a mechanic. You can learn more about the quality of the equipment and how long it will last by reviewing feedback and suggestions made by professionals. Long-time and regular users often share their concerns and appraisals. Typical places to seek advice online are the forums Reddit and Quora.

Define Your Budget

The budget is essential when looking for new equipment for an auto repair shop. Since many tools and machines are available on the market, buyers must keep their budget in mind before making any purchases. Therefore, to prevent exceeding your spending limit, create a budget and ensure that all your purchases fit inside it. As a shop owner, implementing budget restrictions is one of the best methods to cut costs and increase profits.

Bonus Tip – Review Your Notes

Organize your notes and insights before purchasing auto repair equipment to ensure you do not miss anything critical. ARI can also assist in that with the Quick Notes functionality.

Did you like the tips presented in our blog post? Make sure to leave a comment or share on social media if you think our content is beneficial for your business.

Monitoring the development of an auto repair shop is one of the essential things shop owners can do to improve customer service quality and develop their business. However, several additional considerations are taken into account to maintain quality, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to use KPIs that assist shop owners and mechanics in keeping a record of the critical components.

Top 6 Best KPIs for an Auto Repair Shop

There are various KPIs available for use in business, and it may be challenging to choose suitable KPIs that will contribute to a company’s growth. Therefore, we have provided you with a list of the top 6 best KPIs which can be an excellent tool for your auto repair shop analytics.

Utilization Rate

This procedure is essential in any business because it calculates the ratio between the number of vehicles that an auto business manufactures over some time and the number of cars that the company might be able to produce with the most efficient use of its labor and time over a similar time. Being a shop owner and keeping track will allow you to establish benchmarks and become more cost-effective as you save money while offering high-quality service.

Efficient Labor Rate

Utilizing this indication will assist you in calculating the direct revenue that you are generating every hour. It is possible to determine an effective labor rate by dividing the total money generated from labor by the total number of labor hours recorded. When you do so, you can identify any form of disparity and swiftly fix it. An efficient labor rate indicates that the business is generating money effectively.

Net Profit Margin

Net Profit is probably one of the most important factors to monitor. This indicator will inform shop owners of their projections and the state of the business in the future. A significant difference between the actual revenue and the net profit margins signals a problem you must address quickly. Shop owners and mechanics can protect themselves from suffering a substantial financial setback in the future by doing so. You could also use an auto repair app for advanced reports and data breakdown.

Customer Retention

A happy customer is always a return customer. If you have loyal customers, you must ensure that you prioritize these customers first. Good auto repair software will assist you in determining which customers to focus on based on many factors. You can view customer data based on average repair costs, total repairs, average repairs per year, and many more. This way, you can improve each customer’s service quality.

Inventory Turn

This procedure will give you a thorough understanding of your auto repair shop inventory. Inventory turn is a key performance indicator (KPI) that indicates the percentage of empty inventory, which assists the firm in determining if it has taken on too much inventory or too less. It also shows how long it might take to sell out—allowing you to be more competent.

Downtime

Downtime is every auto shop owner’s greatest fear. Downtime is typically quite costly and can be very extreme at times. Auto repair shops are perhaps the most expensive place for downtime. Downtime in certain areas might cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per minute. Make use of auto repair shop management software to prevent more issues. It will assist you in assessing the information more accurately, allowing you to improve your average downtime.

Final Takeaway

Maintaining a record of the KPIs as a shop owner can significantly assist you when making decisions based on your business. Keeping track of everything can help you identify the areas where you need to improve. Therefore, utilizing these KPIs to improve your auto repair shop is highly recommended.

Inventory management has become one of the most effective tools to increase your business’s efficiency. Over the years, many companies have emphasized the technologies and tools used for inventory management. 

Inventory management has never been more engaging than it is now, thanks to the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated computerized systems. The objective of inventory management is to ensure that the predetermined objective is maintained to provide for continuous operation.

What Is Auto Repair Inventory Management?

An auto repair inventory management system is a process that integrates all of the essential parts of operating an auto shop, hence improving the operations of the company. In an auto shop, there are possibly hundreds of replacement parts and services accessible, and the company must manage them properly.

The management of inventories enables an organization to protect its planned method of production. The procedure may involve a discussion of refueling, asset management, the cost of transportation, projections of future inventory costs, and more.

Benefits of Using Auto Repair Inventory Management Systems

An auto repair inventory management software is a comprehensive solution that allows company owners to automate routine, time-consuming, and strategic tasks with less effort. The implementation of software-based solutions into inventory management has resulted in a new and distinct set of benefits. Let’s look at some of the advantages of using auto repair software to manage inventory for auto repair shops.

• It saves time and effort
• Identifies possible issues at an early stage
• Comprehensive solutions
• Highly convenient 
• Tracks and reports customer activity
• Better communication systems

Best Auto Inventory Management Improvement Tips

Are you experiencing issues such as poor sales, a lack of appropriate inventory, or a lack of proper standards? It is likely due to the absence of adequate mechanisms for inventory management. The management of an organization’s inventory is crucially important. Therefore, we have decided that the best way to help you optimize your inventory management is to share some valuable tips with you.

Implement High-End Software

The role of technology in our lives and businesses is essential. It is highly recommended to use the best available inventory management software. With the help of such auto repair software, you can manage your database, monitor customer reports, and be more productive in your everyday operations. Thus, increasing your sales and profits.

Reduce Employee Turnover

Employee turnover may have a detrimental impact on your overall business. Hiring and training staff might harm the organization regularly. Maintaining a large team can be highly expensive. As a result, reducing employee turnover and utilizing software is preferable.

Stay Aware of Operations

People tend to neglect the concept that they should regularly examine their operations. They provide the option to the employee or to the auto repair software to make the decision. It is of the highest importance that you constantly examine the inventory and its management at least once in a while.

Final Verdict

We are aware that successfully operating a business requires attention to detail, but one thing that may benefit your company in the long term is making sure that it has effective inventory management. In addition, managing an auto repair company is already a challenging choice; nevertheless, you may improve your results by using inventory management software and following the recommendations provided.

As a car owner, you know regular maintenance and repairs are essential to keeping your vehicle running properly. However, finding the time to take your car to the mechanic can be difficult, especially if you have a busy schedule. But when you are taking it to reliable repairing experts such as My Transmission Experts, who have experienced and certified auto mechanics performing complete vehicle maintenance can be very beneficial. Just like that is where auto-repair software also comes in handy.

Auto-repair software is designed to help mechanics and shop owners work on your vehicle more efficiently and manage different tasks like vehicle inspections, customer info, accounting, invoicing, appointments, etc. It can save you time and money, as you won’t have to pay someone else to do the work. In addition, auto-repair software is supported on almost all digital devices, making it a versatile tool for all business owners.

Here are twelve benefits of using auto-repair software:

1. It saves time and money 

Automated repair software can save you a lot of time and money by quickly and easily navigating through car parts and problems without having to resort to multiple troubleshooting tools. It can save you a lot of time and frustration.

2. Easy to use 

Most auto-repair tools are very easy to use, even for beginners. Thanks to their effective design, any business user can benefit from using them, regardless of the team size and computer skills they have.

3. Identifies potential problems early 

By regularly scanning vehicles for potential problems, auto-repair software can help you identify potential issues before they become serious (and expensive) problems.

4. Prevents future problems 

By fixing existing problems on a vehicle auto-repair tools can also help prevent future issues. It provides you with enough analytics tools to predict future problems customers might face.

5. It helps you understand your car better

Auto-repair software can help you better understand how your car business (and how to keep it running smoothly) by providing detailed information about each problem it identifies.

6. Own satisfaction

Using the latest version of a well-rounded auto repair software means your business should run smoothly, and you can have peace of mind.

7. Comprehensive 

Some auto-repair tools are more comprehensive, offering a wider range of features and options. It means they can address a much wider range of problems, making them more versatile and effective.

8.  Free updates 

Most auto-repair tools offer free updates, so you can be sure that you’re always using the latest version. It can help ensure that your software is always up to date and you can deal with problems in the most efficient way.

9. Comes on mobile

Most auto-repair tools can fix problems without the need to use a computer or a laptop. The biggest auto repair software providers support great mobile apps and introduce new features regularly.

10. They are Customizable 

Many auto-repair software programs allow you to customize the program to fit your specific needs. You can tailor the program to work best for you and your team.

11. Reliable 

When used properly, auto-repair software can be a reliable way to skyrocket your business growth and customer reach. However, like anything else, it’s always a good idea to pay enough attention to it before you expect any visible results.

12. They’re just plain convenient 

The best thing about auto-repair tools is that they’re just plain convenient. You can use them in almost all work situations, to share an online appointment link on your website or to remind them that a service is due. It gets better each time you use it and explore its capabilities.

Wrapping Up!

Auto-repair software is a valuable tool for the vehicle repair industry. It can save you time and money while providing accurate data, reports, and digital tools. Auto-repair software can make the process easier and less expensive because you can do the job of a whole team almost by yourself. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at the results it brings to your business.

These are just some of the top benefits of using auto-repair software. It is an option worth considering if you’re looking for a way to improve your auto repair business’ performance and outlook.

Our latest software update came with a complete redesign of our appointments section. The new layout makes it easier for customers to reach your business and learn about your working hours, availability, and the services you provide. If you haven’t already used it in the app – make sure to try it out and see how it impacts your overall performance.

In today’s article, we will give your practical advice and explain how utilizing online bookings can enhance your auto repair business performance.

How can online appointments assist your auto repair job?

Multiple surveys and studies show that using an online appointment system can dramatically increase customer satisfaction and productivity. If set up correctly – such booking tools boost your business exposure and take more time off your schedule so you can focus on the core auto repair tasks.

But what are the specific advantages that make an appointment system so valuable?

Competitive edge

These days most developed businesses use some kind of an online booking system. Depending
on its complexity and customization options, it can save them hours of scheduling and note-taking.
If you are still doing things the traditional way – you are likely falling behind on the productivity front.
And that can have both direct and implicit negative consequences for your business performance.

Reaching new customers

One of the best features of online appointment tools is the ability to display the booking form across multiple channels. You can share the uniquely generated booking link with your customers, print it, and use it as a QR code, or straight up embed it as a code snippet on your website. To reach even more of your clients – you can share the link on your social media, messaging, and e-mail channels. If you’ve already built a big online audience – you’ll be able to convert them into paying customers in no time.

Better work structure

Work is much easier with fewer distractions around. If you are a small business and you manage most of your appointments over the phone – that can be frustrating at times. With a well-thought-out appointment form – people will do most of the scheduling work themselves so you can be better prepared to service them later.

Upselling options

Another way you to utilize online bookings is by trying to upsell some of your services. You can reorder services in your appointment form so the more expensive ones show at first. Alternatively, you can combine multiple services in one slot and introduce a discount to engage your clients. ARI’s appointments tool offers multiple customization options, with which you can find original ways to upsell your services.

Service discovery

Presenting your services properly is a significant part of your business. An online appointment form allows you to be flexible and efficient with that. Usually, you will list the most common auto repair services on top of your form. But if you want to show your customers you have a new service or want to perform a service more often – you can play with the service order so that it drives more attention to the things you want.

ARI’s improved online bookings tool gives you enough optimization options to try out the advice presented in the article. You can use it after you set up your working hours, services, customer filed requirements, and business details properly. Which happens with a few button clicks in the “Appointments menu”. Once you are ready with that – use the system generated appointments link and share it with your customers so they can book your services.

Did you find the information presented in the article useful? If so – please share it on social media or
leave a comment here.

Many shop owners and technicians consider working with an auto repair shop management app to improve productivity and efficacy. Such apps streamline your workflow and help you focus on important technical tasks. As the auto repair software industry grows and new solutions pop up – finding the best-suited app for your business will become more and more difficult.

This article will help you understand the fundamental factors in choosing a suitable auto repair software for your business.

List your business needs

People often tend to research business solutions chaotically and randomly. It’s much better to prepare yourself properly and write down your primary business needs in advance. You should know what your business excels at and where you need the most assistance. Some auto repair shop management apps offer better accounting and invoicing tools, while others give you good productivity and task management solutions.

You have to decide what makes your list and how flexible you can be. Another crucial point to consider is if the software can support your business as it scales up. So you need to predict some scenarios.

Software Price

Pricing is among the fundamental factors for most business decisions. It matters a lot in the context of mobile mechanics or small and mid-sized auto repair shops, where your budget is often limited. Most auto repair software has a monthly, yearly, or lifetime payment model. And business owners need to consider if they can afford to pay for the long-term.

The good thing about some apps is that they offer a trial version – so you can experience some software features without paying the whole price at first. Another essential perspective is to look not just at the pricing but also at the value and workflow improvements you get while paying for it. Some apps are exceptional when it comes to that.

Functionality

It’s worth knowing that some auto repair software creators specialize in developing a specific set of features, while others make great all-in-one apps. Some apps can have a proper overall design, but the feature you are using most of the time might be underdeveloped. Again, it’s a matter of business priorities.

It’s also a good practice to pay attention to app development over time. Are the creators regularly fixing bugs and updating the app? Are they actively engaging with their customers and taking feedback notes? If you can answer those questions – this should help you a lot.

This research part requires the most technical knowledge, and it’s worth considering as many factors as possible.

Usability | App design

A well-made app structure and user experience make it easy and enjoyable for you to interact with software. Without that – most of your daily tasks will get annoying quickly. And you will drop the product in time.

Usability mostly depends on your habits, personal preference, and work experience. Even if some software works great for many people – it doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for you. The best practice here is to test some features yourself or look at explainer videos and screenshots. That way, you will know if you’ll be comfortable with its functionality.

Exploring relevant opinions

If you think your assessment isn’t enough and you need extra help when choosing your auto repair shop management app – you can always visit а software review website or a Q&A forum like Quora. There you can find multiple customer reviews and expert opinions on the software you are researching. When it comes to customer reviews it’s good to pay attention not only to the review quantity – but the review quality as well.

Combine those insights with the other information you’ve gathered so far, and you are on the right track to finding the perfect auto repair app for your business.

Do you think we missed something in our analysis? Please let us know if we can add something more by leaving a comment below. If you find the content useful – make sure you share the article on social media or link it to your website.

We are excited to announce that ARI is now part of the QuickBooks app store as a partner app. QuickBooks was one of ARIs’ first integrations, and we worked hard to achieve good software compatibility so you can enjoy a better invoicing and accounting experience.

Learn more details about ARI’s feature on the QuickBooks app store.

About Intuit QuickBooks

QuickBooks is one of the first and most popular accounting software with over 30 years of development. It’s geared mainly towards small and mid-sized businesses and offers multiple financial, bookkeeping, invoicing, and business growth tools. They also provide flexible business plans and have a great resource center and customer support.

What are the benefits of connecting QuickBooks to your ARI account?

If you have an auto repair business and you are already using ARI (Auto Repair Software) – linking your account to QuickBooks can only enhance your overall productivity. The setup is straightforward and intuitive.

After you finish connecting both systems – ARI gives you the option to sync your invoices, clients, and inventory items. And from then on, you can use more advanced accounting options, get reports, track income and expenses, and manage your finances efficiently.

Check out this guide for more information on connecting ARI with QuickBooks.

Why being featured in the QuickBooks app store matters

Intuit QuickBooks is extremely effective in integrating with third-party solutions. And understandably
so, they build many software integrations to ensure a greater bandwidth. But only a handful of apps can meet their strict data security requirements and quality standards to gain a spot in their app store and be featured as a partner app.

QuickBooks doesn’t take commissions for featuring third-party solutions in their app store, and each of their partner apps goes through a rigorous testing protocol. With data safety and software infrastructure quality being the main priorities. We are glad to have one more bulletproof testimonial that highlights we handle your data as a customer properly. We know from experience that’s crucial for most businesses.

As always, we continue to expand the quality of our auto repair software.

E-invoicing has been around for more than 30 years. And it has produced fantastic results for businesses around the world. Although digital invoicing consistently helps companies on a basic level, many people are yet to tap into its fullest potential.

In this blog, you will learn more perspectives you can try to improve your auto repair business performance.

Digital Invoicing General benefits

Time is the most valuable resource for businesses and individuals alike. A business case in a 2010 Finnish study shows that fully-automated invoicing reduces costs by 97% and processing time by 87% compared to conventional invoicing.

The study also highlights a 33% e-invoice penetration increase means a company can save up to $50 000 a year thanks to effective invoice handling.

We can spend a whole day discussing the overall benefits of digital invoicing. A more comprehensive list of the main benefits includes:

• Productivity growth
• Cost savings
• Data security and safety
• Easy access to information
• Input error reduction
• Environmentally friendly process

Auto Repair Business Use Cases

Digital invoices can improve auto repair business performance in many ways. Some of the most relevant are:

Superior Organization and Workflow

Most auto repair software apps give you the ability to manage everything business-related in one place. That way you take less time to manage invoices manually and you can focus on the work that matters.

Customization options

These days customers appreciate a more personalized approach whenever your business interacts with them. Most auto repair apps give you the option to change the design elements of the invoice so you can fill in the details faster, remove unnecessary information or make your clients happy with custom designs.

Fast Learning Curve

The switch to digital invoicing happens intuitively, and there aren’t any complexities that can keep you off track. Software setup and use are effortless, and as time goes by – you will achieve better and better results in invoice handling.

Different Data Format Generation

Digital invoices can be on multiple devices, and with them, you can generate different file formats. There’s also the possibility to access web invoices by scanning a QR code.

Cross-app Integration Options

Almost all auto repair software providers collaborate with 3rd party solutions to expand their bandwidth. This means there will be a constant stream of updates and function transformations, which will benefit your experience.

Have a look at our improved digital invoicing feature:

Combine features to increase business output

A versatile software solution such as ARI gives you much more than invoicing alone. Your business can benefit from online payments, online bookings, vehicle inspections, and many more.

Real productivity means you are utilizing all the tools we can offer. Make sure your auto repair workflow is fully-optimized so you can stay ahead of the competition.

Feel free to give feedback about our software and share the article on social media if you find it useful.

After many years of hard work and constant updates – we’ve developed a lot of useful features in our auto repair app.

Naturally, some of them can go unnoticed, and you might not make use of those productivity and time management tools in our software.

That’s why we wanted to remind you about a few improvements we made in the recent app updates.

The list below consists of features that help organize different tasks and monitor the performance of your auto repair business.

ARI Business Data Dashboard

This functionality allows you to bring almost all important business information in one place. That helps you track business results. On that basis, you can make assumptions about the performance and analyze how customers interact with your business.

The performance dashboard is easy to navigate and you can access it straight from the main menu.

Recommended Services

Your expertise as a mechanic or a shop owner can be invaluable in some situations. With the recommended services feature, you can take advantage of that and make different service recommendations whenever you find it appropriate.

This way you can upsell some of your services or give advice that will be appreciated by your customers. To access this feature – open an existing job card from the Job Cards view, click on a labor item, and mark a service as recommended.

Damage Reports

Identifying damaged areas on a vehicle makes your work easier. ARI’s damage reports let you place red dots to indicate where the damage is. This feature has 5 basic vehicle templates you can choose from – Sedan, SUV, Trailer, etc. Additionally, you can upload your damage report template while working on a specific vehicle.

You can open a damage report from the Inspections view whenever you have an active inspection open.

Automatic Service Reminders

ARI has the option to send automatic service reminders to your clients whenever their service is due.

To set that up successfully, you need to see if your client has a valid e-mail address and mark the “Send Automatic Reminders“ checkbox. You can access that feature from the “Service Reminders“ view

What else you can get from ARI?

Each ARI feature you utilize can boost your productivity in multiple ways.

If you want to manage your finances more efficiently – you can use our advanced accounting options, payment tracking, and reliable online payments or POS terminal payments infrastructure.

If you want to see overall improvements in your technical work – try using our service history feature, vehicle inspections, VIN decoder, and vehicle diagnostics options.

And if you want to develop an effective business – you can use our reports feature, assign user roles to your staff, check the business data dashboard, and let customers book your services online.

Your car’s history is one of the most critical factors determining its value. That’s why every car sold at auction comes with a vehicle identification number or VIN report so buyers can look up its complete service history. Perhaps you are wondering how you can do this for your vehicles. Some essential tools will allow you to start doing all your automotive repair and maintenance and ARI’s shop management software for auto repair businesses. Your leads will be in-hand faster than ever before. 

At the same time, your car or truck training includes checking items off your “to-do” list by maintaining an accurate paper record of what has been done to each vehicle over its lifetime. The following five must-have tools will make it easy for anybody who does their work on cars, trucks, RVs, or any other autos without hiring third parties to do it for them.

1. A computer with a USB port

Believe it or not, most cars built since 1996 have a standardized diagnostic connector that allows the vehicle’s computer to communicate with third parties over a standard five-wire USB connection. This system is called the OBD II (on-board diagnostics second generation). It can be used by anyone who has access to specialized software like Torque on the Android platform or ScanMaster on Macintosh computers. These programs will allow you to check for engine problems, transmission issues, and other potential malfunctions without removing any parts from your vehicle!

2. A tachometer

There are several reasons why having an accurate tachometer is essential for anyone who works on cars. For starters, it allows you to quickly and easily perform a compression test on just about any internal combustion engine. It helps determine whether or not the machine is worn out and has high mileage. Newer cars were built in 1996 and later used an ECU (engine control unit). These units control most of the essential features in your car, including fuel delivery and ignition timing. The information they provide can tell if your car’s computer “brain” needs to be replaced when something isn’t working correctly.

3. A jumper wire kit

Does this sound like a tool that only professional mechanics need? Think again! Suppose you want to save time when doing automotive repair or maintenance. In that case, you’ll need jumpers that allow you to quickly test any electronic component without having to remove it from the vehicle. That’s just what these jumper wire kits do.

4. A code reader or scanner

Even if you can’t afford a full-size computer tool like an OBD II reader/scanner, there are plenty of very affordable code readers on the market that will allow you to check for engine problems and other malfunctions on most vehicles made since 1996! Most dealerships use them because they’re quick and easy to use (no cables required) at auto repair shops near you.

5. An automotive stethoscope

It might seem like an odd tool to some people, but it can come in handy when checking out how smoothly your engine is running. What you need is the best automotive stethoscope that you can find. It will allow you to hear each cylinder fire and judge how much fuel/air mixture they’re getting before the spark plugs ignite the fuel in them (and cause them to run). 

Wrapping Up!

Owning and maintaining a vehicle requires the owner to have certain tools handy to carry out regular repairs and maintenance. These essential tools can easily be found at any automotive supply store or online for an affordable price. The five must-have tools mentioned in this article will help you keep your car or truck well maintained, allowing it to run smoothly and efficiently for many years without requiring too much money spent on repair work. There are plenty of great pointers available about auto repair and maintenance. Still, not all of them will help you save money and potentially increase your bank balance since you’ll only need the basic essentials to maintain vehicles successfully! Even professional mechanics use these items as their primary source of equipment when required! So don’t wait any longer, and remember that you don’t need any special skills to use these tools. Just read the instructions and start using them!

 Offering a reasonable rate for your auto repair services can be a lot trickier than people think. Mechanics, technicians, and shop owners need to consider multiple things as they determine the final cost of their services. Customers, on the other hand, tend to focus primarily on prices and oftentimes feel confused or worried once it’s time to pay for their car fix. But why exactly is that the case?

Determining prices.

When it comes to car repair prices, people most commonly think of hourly rates.  Hourly rates are oftentimes based on repair labor times, which are a standardized estimate of how much time mechanics require to perform a task. For this purpose, a qualified technician with access to all necessary tools is timed while completing an auto repair job. 

The process is also labeled as the “factory time standard” and is usually determined by a vehicle manufacturer. Such labor times are useful to many large-scale repair shops and dealerships that have enough experienced mechanics. 

In some cases, smaller-scale car maintenance businesses need to rely on different tools when deciding how to price their services. One of them is a labor guide. Popular guides include MOTOR Auto Mechanic Labor Guide, Real-Time Labor Guide, and Chilton Motor Guide.

The following books provide relevant information about estimated repair times of many tasks. Mechanics generally prefer labor guides that provide longer work times, because they commonly get paid on an hourly basis.

Other factors such as business scale, location, contracts, partnerships, etc. also, play a big role when auto industry workers establish their repair rates.

Industry-specific technology

 Aside from the factory time standard, labor guides and flat-rate manuals modern auto repair software can help tremendously with price makeup. Such software has functionalities that can generate estimated prices, determine task difficulty, count local taxes, and even calculate “environmental fees”. 

Another benefit of those apps is the interface itself. It allows for more productivity by giving you time tracking options, easier access to ongoing tasks and important vehicle details.

ARI provides these and many other helpful features. Check them out here!

 Exceptions in price makeup 

 Contrary to what people believe, if you ask a friend mechanic to do a repair job for you outside their working hours, it may cost you more or even double than what you usually pay. This happens because of the added responsibility for their efforts outside a standard work setting. Add to that the possible lack of specialized equipment or additional transportation costs and the argument for a higher price starts to seem obvious.

 Similarly, conditions such as rust, moisture, or cold can add a significant amount of time to a repair job. Thereby bringing the repair time and consequently the service price up. 

The same thing happens when an old vehicle arrives in a repair shop – the maintenance work can be more difficult and the labor time – much higher. 

Don’t lose track of your labor times with ARI!

As it’s the case with almost everything – you are much more likely to pay more when something unexpected happens.

Why customers might feel frustrated?

As mentioned previously – customers rarely have time to think about all those price makeup factors. 

Whenever clients have to pay a large fee, explanations such as “This is how things are” or “That is the standard The procedure” will rarely if ever alleviate their frustration.

From your perspective and even objectively your pricing can indeed be fair. But if you make little effort to communicate that – the customer experience won’t be as satisfying.

How to approach the issue

Sometimes explaining things plain and simple is the way to go. But if your clients are unwilling to accept your perspective – here are some extra things you can do to make them happy:

• Provide price estimates

This can be difficult in some cases, but it’s a great idea to bring a reference point whenever possible. 

• Give price comparisons 

When your prices are better than the competition, it’s only natural to showcase that. That’s one good way of making your customers happy.  

• More transparency 

Building prestige and customer loyalty is a difficult thing to do. But doing that the right way means you won’t lose customers even if make some unintentional mistakes.

• Be extra informative

Sometimes only a mechanic knows how to inform clients about certain features of their vehicle. Doing that charitably can be a way of earning their trust.  

• Send reminders

Whenever some repair service is due, do your best to inform your clients about it. People appreciate the extra effort.

ARI can also help you with service reminders! 

Ultimately, it’s always a plus to give your customers relevant information about pricing, services, and their vehicle in general.

Make sure to share the article if you liked the info and tips here. And leave a comment to give us feedback or remind us about something we missed.

Like any reputable business owner, you’re eager to see how this mnonth compared with other months. Although a crucial task, it can be sometimes tricky to get a clear understanding of whether your business is growing or slowing down!

Good news is that ARI can help. Enter ARI Reporting section

Reports

– 10 reports that will make your business thrive –

Whether you need to check your inventory or monitor your profit, there’s a good chance ARI has a report for you. Check out the list of all reports available for your auto repair business!

Export Data

– for accounting and post-processing –

Sometimes, you may want to analyze your data deeper in order to understand if your business is growing. Other times you may need a particular set of data for your accountant. No matter what, you can download your data easily and process it later on in your own program of choice.

Let us know if you want any particular type of reports in ARI and we’ll do our best to implement!

One of the nemeses of running an auto repair shop is getting paid on time. Although most of us are used to charging clients on the spot, let’s not forget that people get more and more accustomed to paying their invoices online.

ARI can help you process and keep track of your payment easily and reliably thanks to our integration with Stripe

1. Set Up ARI for Online Payments

In order to get full advantage of our Payment feature, you first need to connect ARI with Stripe – our payment processor.

login -> ARI Settings/Payment Collection Setup
Click the Connect with Stripe button and follow the instructions to connect!

2. Access Payments page

It’s time to see how payment processing works with ARI. We will use the new Payments feature that we rolled out yesterday!

login -> Payments

In case you already registered payments with ARI already, you should see them here.

3. Process Payment

Click the + button to add a new payment record. Select an Invoice and then choose payment method: Online Payment

If you want to process the payment on the spot, then click the Process Payment Now button.

You will be redirected to your digital invoice and you will see a Pay Now button in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Tap that button and let the client input their credit card info so that you can process the payment with Stripe.

Once the transaction is successful, the payment details will automatically appear in ARI under the Payments page. You can also track all your transactions from your Stripe dashboard.

We hope this was useful info. Let us know if you have any questions.

The story goes that the first electric car was invented when Robert Anderson decided he wanted a horseless carriage. Anderson powered his carriage using primary cells. And as the invention of batteries proceeded in dynamics, so was the progress of electric cars.

The Rise of The Electric Cars

When Camille Faure improved on the lead-acid battery, electric cars became a sensation in both the United States and Europe. With these preceding efforts, we all can now enjoy the giant strides and comparisons of BMW’s new all-electric iX SUV with Tesla’s Model X and Volkswagen(VW)’s ID.4. All of these machines have experienced structural changes in the use and deployment of batteries and auto repair software.

The Fall of the Auto Repair Industry?

Suffice to say that electric cars are not only environmentally friendly but also require fewer repairs and maintenance. This is so because they use electricity instead of fuel which is damaging to cars, then they have in-car auto repair software that keeps them updated on regular checks and maintenance tips. Another thing to note is that electric cars have fewer parts, require fewer fluids, and are run on regenerative brakes, all of which results in easy maintenance and significant changes in cars as they age on.

Indubitably, the auto repair industry is in for disruption with the rise of electric cars. The local mechanics who are accustomed to traditional auto functionalities are no less affected. The functionalities have changed radically with electric vehicles dictating the way they are driven and used. For example, while fuel-driven vehicles use engines, electric vehicles use powertrain. An engine has about 2,000 moving parts, whereas a powertrain only has 20. The Institute of the Motor Industry suggests that about 97% of active mechanics are not qualified to work on electric vehicles.

How Mechanics Can Adapt to The Inevitable

Humans have always been known to adapt to changes. Regardless of the change, humans find a way to get into it. An affected mechanic would need to learn how to adjust and adapt. There are ways to do that and one of them is re-education. To be suitably qualified for the future of automotive, which is becoming increasingly present, then a mechanic needs to learn how to do it. There is as much work to do on electric vehicles as much as on non-electric, especially in battery development. Also, local mechanics must be persistent about technical growth. Here, auto repair software and other digital tools can come in useful.

Auto repair software is an ideal tool with a simple interface and remarkable features. The software’s functionalities can help mechanics fix electric cars faster. But this is only true if a mechanic were to be persistent about technical growth. Auto repair software is swift and cost-effective – meaning mechanics do not have to buy to use. Also, it can be operated on both mobile and desktop. It comes with packages that are fluid and intuitive. Like electric vehicles, it is the future for auto repairs and maintenance.

Bottom Line

Electric vehicles are certain to disrupt the auto repair industry, but the disruption can be managed with adjustment and adaptability from every affected party.

How many times a client came to you for “just“ an oil change, but you realized that their car also needs a new air filter, maybe a brake fluid top-up, or transmission fluid, engine coolant, etc.

That’s a perfect opportunity for you to upsell these auto repair services, but it could be a bit cheesy when you do it straight in front of the client. A recent study showed that more than 67% of vehicle owners believe their mechanics are overselling them. So, how do you suggest your client more services without them feeling like you’re trying to just get more money out of their pocket? Enter “Recommended Services“.

With the latest ARI update, you can now add additional services to your Estimate and mark them as recommended. Your client will then be able to approve or decline these services online, in real-time. Isn’t that awesome?

Here’s how it works

Add your recommended parts and services to JobCard!

Create a new job card or open an existing one and add auto repair services and the car parts you believe your client needs to undertake in order for their car to be safer and in a better-running condition.

For example, if you noticed that their vehicle needs brake pad replacement, then add the necessary parts and labor items to the job card, like this:

Mark your items as Recommended

Save the jobcard and let the system bring you to the next page. Then click on the brake-related items and choose Show as Recommended

This will mark the respective item as recommended and it will also remove it from the total.  You should now see an R next to the item. Do the same for the other item, which in our case was the labor item called “brake rotor and pads replacement”.

NOTE: the total does NOT include recommended items.

Send the digital Estimate to your client

Click on the Estimate icon to view the quote you’re about to send to your client.

On the preview page, click the Online Form so you can get access to the link to your digital estimate

your link should look like this.
https://arinvoice.utilitymobileapps.com/invoice?id=5f35029a5c17600015a151c4

Send that link to your client. Your clients will be able to approve or decline any auto repair service or part in the Estimate that you marked as Recommended.

Verify and confirm changes

Once the client makes any changes to their estimate, you will receive a notification in your ARI app. You can see all client activity in the Activity Log section of ARI.

NOTE: Make sure you go to JobCards page and click the Refresh button in order to see the latest changes applied.

Also, some clients may require confirmation that you received the approval so make sure you send them the estimate once again to sign if they agree with the final changes!

Conclusion

All auto repair businesses need to learn a hard lesson in 2021. If you want to make more money and stay profitable, you need to make sure you sell your services the right way. Car owners are wary about pushy mechanics, so make sure you are not one of them. Use ARI’s recommended services feature to get more money into your shop and have a bigger client base this year!

Still using trial ARI?

Get the Pro version for only $29.99 

Three words summarize the 21st century. The words are simplicity, ease, and convenience. Influenced by information and technical growth, the world is moving at a great speed. There are apps or software for nearly every day task. There is an app on how to brush your teeth, how to take your bath, and how to lose weight. Even more surprising is an app that helps you with repairs and maintenance of your car, say you are an auto repair shop owner or mechanic.

How does an app for auto repair shops work?

An auto app works like other apps. With a simplified interface and large buttons that call you to action, it feels like a rendezvous. Certain auto apps not only inform you about repairs and maintenance, but they also get into the act for you. With in-app tutorials and videos, you get the feeling you are not the only one making and unmaking the technical aspects to your vehicle. In addition to repairs, the apps are built in a way that you get maintenance tips delivered to you periodically. They set out to inform, connect, and entertain.

How can apps help auto repair shops and mechanics?

As more people depend on vehicles, the need for an auto app has never been more pronounced. According to Statista, it was estimated that international car sales would hit 80 million before the pandemic. An increasing dependency on vehicles is certain to lead to demands for quick auto repairs and maintenance. Here are ways the auto apps would help you with your car repairs.

1. Swiftness  Something about apps is their swiftness. You only need to punch some keys on your app to get the needed help. It comes through for you anytime, anywhere.

2. Companionship: Whether you are stranded at a roadside or disappointed by a mechanic, the app is a great companion. It stays with you through the thick and thin.

3. Cost-effective: What is the cost of using an auto app? The answer is zero. You only need to gain access to the internet to start working with it. You pay no charges for using the app and the information contained.

4. Information: An auto app provides you with information that could save you some money. Not all repairs require an auto repairman; certain ones can be done yourself. Good information will show you what it is and how to do it.

5. Simplicity: With a simple interface, the app can be self-taught. You only have to explore the buttons and features and you will get a handle of it. Most auto apps come with guides.

Which app is best for mechanics and auto shop owners?

ARI (Auto Repair Software) is an auto repair app that every mechanic, car dealer, and auto shop owner, must own. The management tool offers both mobile and desktop services. It can be accessed from your computer and phone (for both Android and IOS). With packages such as vehicle lookup, license plate scanner, spare parts inventory, invoice templates, inspection checklists, maintenance costs, upcoming repairs, TSBs, and several others — the app’s functionality is fluid and intuitive. If you care about repairs and maintenance for your vehicles, you should get this app. It’s 10/10 for us.

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– Get the Right Auto Repair Software –

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