Quick Filter for Faster Searches

The new Quick Filter makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for in your invoices, estimates, job cards, payments, or inspection menus. Instead of scrolling through long lists, you can limit results instantly to a specific time range. The feature has pre-set options such as “last week” or “last month,” but you can also enter your custom range of dates.

This is convenient to save time if you need to quickly view recent payments or check estimates for a given period, helping stores to operate more efficiently and keep a better track of daily activity.

Custom Services in AI Labor Guides

ARI’s AI Labor Guides can now perform custom services. That is, you don’t need to restrict yourself to pre-programmed tasks—you can design your own. To begin with, you select the vehicle, specify the service, break down the labor, and then click “Get parts & labor.”

It generates an estimate of labor time and related parts that can then be used to generate quotes or invoices. This can make it simpler to work with one-of-a-kind repair requests or specialty services without having to perform all of the calculations manually.

iOS and Android Plugin Update

For mechanics who rely on ARI’s mobile app, there is now an update to the iOS and Android plugins. This release fixes several bugs and improves how emails and notifications are sent from the mobile version of the app.

Mobile mechanics, in particular, can benefit from this change, as it reduces communication issues and makes staying connected with customers more reliable while working outside the shop.

Appointments and Online Booking Improvements

The appointments page in ARI has also been entirely redesigned with a neater layout, enhanced navigation, and re-engineered action buttons. This makes it easier to schedule and manage appointments for shop staff.

The booking page itself has also been improved. It is easier to configure, with all the customization options—all the way from changing contact information to adding a page name—in one place. Customers enjoy an easier booking experience, and shops enjoy a better system for keeping track of work that’s booked in.

There is also a completely redesigned online appointment page that provides improved inputs for providing information, editing appointments, and reminding clients. These improvements mean less time in managing appointments and fewer missed or confused appointments.

Service Reminder Sticker Options

Service reminders have long been an important way of promoting the return of customers for service regularly. ARI now allows shops to resize stickers, show or conceal the QR code, and include a logo.

These functionalities give shops greater flexibility to design stickers that fit their branding and customer needs. For example, a larger sticker will be more visible on a client’s car, whereas a smaller one will be less intrusive. The QR code can make it easier to access booking links or shop details, but be hidden where not needed.

Why These Updates Matter

All these releases focus on streamlining daily shop operations:

• Quick Filter speeds up searching for records.
• Mobile plugin updates improve reliability on the move.
• Appointment and booking improvements ease scheduling and make it more convenient.
• Service reminder sticker choices give shops more control over communicating with customers.
• Together, these features help auto repair shops save time, avoid errors, and improve the way they interact with customers—all within one auto repair computer system.

Conclusion

Managing an auto repair shop or mobile service requires efficiency, and ARI’s latest update delivers tools that support that goal. From faster filtering and flexible labor guides to improved booking pages and customizable service reminders, these features reduce the effort needed for daily tasks. By making processes smoother, this update helps auto repair businesses focus more on the work that matters most—serving their customers.

Must-Have Tire Changing Equipment

Assuming tires are not your main service but you still want to get customers here and there, check out these absolute musts that you need to get.

Wheel Balancers

Make sure you have wheel balancer equipment that can accommodate the tire sizes you service. Ranger and Corghi are among the best brands you should consider having in your shop.

• Ranger Wheel Balancer – With nearly a decade of development in balance technologies, Ranger has produced highly accurate and reliable wheel balancers. Their 100% proven direct axis drive system ensures precise balancing for wheels of any diameter, whether it’s a small car or heavy-duty truck tires.
• Corghi Wheel Balancer – For the last 50 years, Corghi has been the leading manufacturer of various wheel balancers. Every professional auto repair shop can confidently invest in a Corghi wheel balancer.

Tire Changers

Tire changers have different features and options to accommodate various tire sizes. Don’t forget to choose quality tire changers designed to work with the tire sizes and types you are servicing. Here are a couple of changes worth investing in.

• Corghi 120 Semi-automatic Swinging Arm Tire Changer – Depending on whichever stage of the service procedure is required, the swing arm can move horizontally left or right to place the duck head close to or away from the rim. For rims of different widths, the duck head is positioned at the appropriate height by moving up or down on the vertical slide. Use a strap to secure the vertical slide around the tire rim so that it remains in place.
• Hofmann Monty 1520 EMX Motorcycle / ATV Tire Changer W – The Hofmann Monty 1520m and 1520emx are made to replace any kind of tire on a motorcycle or off-road vehicle, including those with challenging Harley Davidson belt drive wheels. When servicing a wheel, the clamping jaws are meant to save extra work by removing the brake disc, sprocket, or drive pulley. The clamping jaws on both tire changers are standard. Both enable tire replacement for cars and light trucks.

Why Shop Management Software Is Also a Must

Have you ever struggled to find the right tire size or needed more stock to meet customer demands? A modern tire shop inventory management software can save the day.

Automated Stock Updates

Imagine having a customer in urgent need of a specific tire size when you realize it’s out of stock. With tire inventory management software, such occurrences are no longer possible. The software constantly updates stock levels in real time and provides accurate and up-to-date inventory information. Integrated solutions allow seamless access to real-time inventory data. They streamline the ordering process and increase efficiency and customer trust.

Optimized Space Management

A do-it-all shop management software can help maximize space in a busy tire shop by providing accurate sales and inventory reports, allowing for efficient streamlining of inventory and a better workflow.

Efficiency and Time Savings

Modern inventory management software automates repetitive processes. This is how time-consuming manual tasks are eliminated. Such tasks include generating purchase orders and tracking stock levels.

Cost Reduction

Because it optimizes inventory levels, tire shop inventory software reduces holding costs and frees up cash flow for other business needs. Maintaining optimal stock levels minimizes the risk of overstocking and stockouts.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Auto repair software facilitates the delivery of fast and reliable service by ensuring accurate stock levels. This makes possible the quick fulfillment of customer orders and enhances customer satisfaction.

ARI Can Make Everything Easier for You

Whether you are after that tire season or you want to step up your shop game, know that ARI is always here to help. We offer solutions to anything related to car repair – from client and vehicle management to marketing and time tracking. The best thing is that you can test ARI’s shop management software for free!

Mechanic Labor Rate Factors & Features

Setting profitable labor rates that are also competitive requires a deep dive into some key factors that we’ll be laying out for you.

Industry Averages

As a shop owner and manager, you should do your homework and understand the rates in your local area. For example, Mississippi state carries the lowest average hourly rate at $110 compared to California’s $175 which is the highest. However, auto shops in Chicago charge anywhere between $80 to $189. This is why it’s important to not just think about numbers but also understand your specific market, your customers, and your value, and then try to fit somewhere among the industry averages.

Labor Guide Metrics

Every auto shop should be able to calculate all the repair times and using specialized software is becoming the standard practice in the industry. Having a better understanding of how much time every task takes is the right way to determine a more accurate estimate.

Experience Level

It’s important not to punish faster-working employees for their efficiency. This means that experienced mechanics should be able to complete tasks faster. It’s only natural that seasoned experts would have a higher hourly rate, and this is something else to consider as a shop owner.

Service Area

The service area you cover plays a significant role in determining labor rates naturally. Places with higher overhead costs would require similar rates to keep the lights on and the doors open. Of course, there are always exceptions. Honolulu, HI, is a living example with its sky-high rents but still has one of the lowest labor rates.

The Type of Shop You Manage

Whether you are a jack-of-all-trades or own an in-and-out lube specialized shop, you should know how important this is for determining how labor is priced out. For example, general auto shops range between $75 and $125 per hour. Oil change, on the other hand, takes about 30 to 45 minutes and can cost $145 on average.

Additional Factors to Consider

The above list covers important factors to consider when setting the right mechanic labor rate for your shop. Here’s what else should be taken into account.

Shop Overhead Costs

Insurance and rent alone are high enough, but there are also many recurring expenses such as utilities, tools, and equipment maintenance.

Customer Base and Market Competition

Another factor that requires a bit more research on your side and namely – settling on that target audience. Who is your customer? What can this customer afford? What may make it seem you’re underselling? A good place to start is the average household income in the area. Also, don’t forget to check what your direct competitors are charging.

Unique Selling Points

Last but not the least, talk to… yourself. Sit down and think about your shop’s unique selling points. These may include anything – from different certifications and specialized equipment to 24/7 services or warranties and guarantees.

ARI Can Help You Set the Right Labor Rate

ARI is a comprehensive auto repair software that helps the individual mechanic, full-service shops, and even the end customer. One of the features ARI comes with is estimating labor times, which is a standard feature other auto apps offer. However, ARI comes with an additional feature – diagnosis, which can generate repair and maintenance reports.

ARI will help you set the right mechanic labor rate for your shop, making use of guides for calculating, estimating, and recording repair time, leaving practically minimum room for mistakes. On top of that, this is just one of the many other features ARI has to offer to make your auto shop thrive.

1. Improved Customer Communication

When customers require an inspection, they would probably want to see exactly what their vehicle needs with detailed reports and visual evidence. Everything is easier to comprehend when there’s a systematic way of presenting data.

A vehicle inspection app allows you to do just that. A simple-to-read checklist, full of images and explanations, is not just an ease-of-use feature, it’s something that demonstrates a commitment to honesty and integrity that resonates with people, especially the ones who don’t know much about the mechanics of an automobile.

2. Honest Upsell Opportunities

Ensuring your clients that they need a repair is a lot easier with a well-presented car inspection sheet that your customers can see and understand. The visual representations of issues let you effectively communicate the value of recommended services, increasing upsell opportunities.

People are more willing to approve additional services when they can see firsthand the areas that require attention. An auto repair software that works both ways is a plus to any shop.

3. Be the Most Advanced Auto Shop in the Area

It’s important to make an effort to stay on top of the competition and using advanced technology has always been a clear advantage. An easy-to-use software that easily allows you to enter information, attach images, and generate reports is the next step auto shops should consider.

Whether you are a solo mechanic or work with a team, adopting such approaches will not only save time but also ensure accuracy and consistency in the inspection process, allowing you to focus on what you do best, namely – providing top-notch services to all customers.

ARI’s Advanced Vehicle Inspection App Is Here

The vehicle inspection feature allows you to create and customize digital checklists, generate damage reports, attach pictures, and easily share with your customers via email or text message.  However, vehicle inspections are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to functionality and ARI’s auto repair software is one of the most affordable options out there but it doesn’t cut on features.

Being more than just a vehicle inspection app, ARI is here to help you improve customer communication and elevate your services as an auto mechanic. Embrace the power of technology, enhance your shop’s efficiency, and deliver a top-notch customer experience starting now

Standard Tax Deductions

Your day’s likely full of engines and exhausts, not exemptions and write-offs. But knowing which expenses can take a pit stop from your taxable income might just rev your financial engines.

• Leasing costs for your workspace or any business-related real estate.
• Wages, bonuses, insurance perks, and vacation time are funded for your team.
• Essential utilities and supplies, from lubricants to filters and cleaning gear.
• Vehicle costs for business use, covering mileage logs, and upkeep.
• Investments in shop tools and diagnostic tech.
• Insurance plans to shield your operations from the unexpected.
• Promotional spending, like maintaining an online presence or local ads.

What if tracking these overheads and snagging every tax break could be easily managed? With ARI’s automotive repair software, slipping through the maze of receipts and expenses can be a breeze, offering reports and insights right at your greasy fingertips.

Special Tax Write-offs

Some of these might seem laser-focused, but if they align with your workshop, they’re worth a gander.

• Section 179 deduction can be a godsend, letting you write off the total price tag of newly purchased shop tools and equipment in one go.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) might just give you a pat on the back for bringing certain team members on board.
• Energy-efficient building deductions – If you’ve got a green streak and your workshop is saving on energy, you might catch a break on the building front.

How ARI’s Automotive Repair Software Helps

Nailing those savings come tax time means the devil’s in the details – you’ve got to record with care and plan with precision. Here’s where ARI shines, giving you a digital hand.

A no-sweat system of logging every dime and dollar and auto repair invoice, with ARI’s do-it-all approach. Tax tools that help you peek ahead, scaling deductions against your earnings so you can keep more of what you make.

With ARI’s automotive repair software, accounting is less grunt work, and more strategy, helping you play the tax game like a champ.

Tax troubles? Not here. ARI’s got a tool chest that’s making waves in auto repair spaces, turning tax hurdles into a walk in the park. Get on board with ARI, and you’re geared up to transform tax season from a dreaded time sink to a power play for your enterprise.

Gear up your tax game – start your engines with ARI’s Accounting Features and leave the days of tax dread behind. It’s time to welcome a future where your shop’s finances are slicker than a fresh oil change. Dive into ARI’s digitized approach and watch your auto repair business thrive.

ARI now has Quick-Draw and Image Editing for Vehicle Inspections and Invoices. The image editor allows you to highlight image details by drawing on or cropping/ altering a picture.

It comes in handy in many situations. And we’ll explain how you can use it inside the app.

*Check the visual guide at the bottom

Quick-Draw Image Editor for Inspections and Invoices

The Draw on Image option will show when you create or edit Inspections and Job Cards/ Invoices. The editor lets you:

• Resize images
• Crop images
• Draw with brushes
• Add text to the image
• Draw Shapes

Choose one of the options and start your edits. After editing the picture – click apply/ the tick and “Done“ to save the changes. Each editing session has a short-term editing history for you to recover the previous version quickly. You can also use the arrows on the top left to flip between edits.

Here are the two ways of accessing the Image Editor:

Open an Inspection -> Edit Inspection -> Pictures -> Draw on Image
Open a Job Card/ Invoice -> Edit Job Card -> Attach Picture -> Draw on Image

The most common way of using the editor is to draw on or point toward key areas when attaching an image to Inspections. You can make notes in the app about problems that clients inform you about.

The image editor also has some advanced editing options. You can add a background to your text to make it stand out and regulate the opacity and shadows. You can do the same when drawing shapes.

Visual guide below*

We are introducing Invoice Template Customization. With the new invoice customization options, you redesign your invoices completely or make small changes to the templates. We’ll show you how to use it inside the app.

Invoice Customization & Advanced Editing

We added an advanced content editor to each of our Invoice templates. It lets you edit the text that shows on your Invoices, add or remove columns, resize the text, change fonts & colors, and much more!

Here’s how to access the Invoice Template Editor:

Go to ARI Settings -> Custom Templates -> Invoice Template or
Invoice/ Preview -> Settings -> Create Own Template

Once there – you can use the content editor to customize the Invoice. We have seven base fully customizable invoice templates you can choose from. After you finish – select save to finalize the changes. Click the “Reset“ button if you want to go back to the standard template.

We also redesigned our seven standard Invoice templates for better interaction with the editor.

The Invoice templates work with shortcodes converted to real-time data. We advise you not to edit them before we release our complete guide on shortcodes!

Give us feedback by commenting and sharing on social media if the feature guide was helpful for you!

We’ll look at some of the most common questions regarding the QuickBooks integration with ARI(Auto Repair Software).

Invalid account type ERROR

We’re thrilled to announce that our product ARI has been recognized as an impactful software for businesses and for which we have received 2023 Most Recommended and Best Customer Support Badge from verified reviewers from Software Advice under the Auto Parts Store Software category.

Software Advice synthesizes verified end-user reviews to recognize the most highly-rated products in a specific software category, helping software buyers make more informed purchase decisions. (Learn more about the methodology here)

ARI has earned an overall rating of 4.56 (out of 5) on Software Advice. Big thanks to all our users! It would not have been possible without your constant support and feedback.

“2023 is so far our most successful year. The trust we earned over the years has propelled us to the top spots on many of the most recognized software review websites. Such awards are hard-earned and reflect our attitude towards the clients and the opportunities our product provides. We will aim for first place in every category relevant to our business.”
Kony, ARI CEO

Here’s what our users have to say about their experience working with us:

“It’s very efficient and easy to use. It easily integrates with other software. Online and email billing and invoicing is done through ARI to customers and this enhance time saving. It’s easy to create quotes and estimates for clients with ARI”.– Rono

“This product is very easy to use! It has almost all the functions you need to run an auto repair shop.”- Michael

“I appreciate the user-friendly interface and extensive features ARI offers. I find it streamlines my auto repair management tasks, and I’m always impressed by the responsive customer support.”- Christian

Want to share a review? Click here

About ARI

Auto Repair Invoicing (ARI) is an industry leader in delivering affordable auto repair solutions to clients around the globe. With our mobile and tablet app,  thousands of auto shops are enhancing their clients’ customer experience – from setting online appointments to creating invoices and processing payments. ARI helps repair shops, mobile mechanics, independent technicians, and auto dealers reach their productivity goals.

ARI was created by the team at UtilityMob. Learn more about ARI at ari. app

About Software Advice

Software Advice guides businesses through the software buying process. Through 1-on-1 conversation and trusted insights, industry-specific advisors guide buyers to top software options in as little as 15 minutes (and it’s 100% free). Founded in 2005, Software Advice has helped more than 900,000 businesses find the right software for their specific needs. Software Advice also features over 2 million verified user reviews to ensure people feel confident in their technology decisions. For more information, visit softwareadvice.com

In the current digital era, one of the best ways for car repair businesses to develop is by integrating auto repair software with online booking features. An online reservation system helps with various activities such as appointment reminders, follow-up emails, and requests for consumer feedback.

In this piece, we’ll look at some of the main advantages of online booking for the car repair industry – and how auto repair software assists in elevating these advantages.

Benefits Of Online Booking For The Auto Repair Industry

Here are some notable online booking benefits for the auto care sector.

Enhanced Efficiency

With an online booking system – customers can schedule appointments with a mechanics’ or repair shop’s standard working hours. Less time spent on taking calls and setting up meetings means the workers at the repair facility can focus their entire attention on fixing cars. As a result, this enhances work efficiency.

Increased Revenue

Through an online booking system – customers can browse and see all of your available services. This entices them to book the easily visible or most recognized ones. The auto repair shop could increase revenue growth as a result of this. By giving comprehensive information on the business’s extra services, auto repair software assist auto repair firms in maximizing this revenue opportunity. 

Better Client Engagement

If the booking emails and information contain relevant booking details – clients can act fast in case of an emergency or a rescheduling. Also, after clients leave your shop – they can receive service reminders whenever their next repair job is due. Keeping clients informed at all times lets you form a better connection with them. 

Enhanced Customer Experience

Customers could easily make appointment bookings from desktop computers, tablets, or cell phones with the help of an online booking system. Having this simplicity, an auto repair company can acquire significantly more satisfied and devoted clients.

Improved Scheduling

Using an online booking system makes time management considerably simpler. The system can handle scheduling conflicts by allowing you, the owner, to confirm a reservation via phone call or SMS.

Increased Marketing Opportunities

Online reservations also give car repair firms better marketing chances since they can send customers advertising campaigns centered around their upcoming appointment or other services. By doing so, car repair companies can acquire new customers or ensure their current ones are retained.

Reduced Organizational Expenses

By automating the schedule planning procedure, auto repair software for online booking can assist in lowering office expenses. This can save employees’ time and lessen the requirement for manual data input and activities of that nature. Especially if the online booking system is connected to the rest of the business operations.

Conclusion

Adding an online booking system to your auto repair business is an excellent long-term investment. To make sure that your system appropriately represents your firm, you should also specify the services you offer and your availability. Lastly, tell your clients about your new online booking platform and encourage them to use it when they need to schedule an appointment for a vehicle repair. Sticking to these practices gives your consumers a quick and easy booking process.

Vehicle safety and roadworthiness depend on the quality of auto repair services. With the ever-increasing need for dependable and effective service – managing a repair business becomes more and more challenging. As a result, vehicle repair companies have moved to digital solutions like auto repair software to simplify their operations and enhance client satisfaction. ARI(Auto Repair Software) is a long-standing industry leader that offers multiple productivity and industry-standard features that improve your work output.

This article will discuss the top six creative ways to use ARI to boost your shop’s performance.

Business plans and performance reviews with the dashboard

The ARI dashboard lets you see essential information about your recent business performance in one location. This dashboard displays your monthly profits, expenses, the number of invoices created and paid, and any upcoming appointments. By studying this data, you could make more informed decisions about your next business moves.

Specialized campaigns and promotions for user segments

ARI’s ability to deliver extensive reports on your consumers is one of its most significant features. With the help of the ARI’s Clients Report, you can export client information and filter it according to several criteria. Based on that auto repair software data – you can develop targeted advertisements and campaigns for your clients. For example – you can create client segmentation based on average invoice value or payment methods.

Employee performance – Time tracking – clock in/clock out

Car repair firms depend significantly on their workers, so maintaining track of their performance guarantees they’re doing high-quality work. You can use ARI’s time tracking feature to monitor your workers’ time, such as when they check out and in, the projects they work on, and the amount of time they invest in each job. This time-tracking function is beneficial for figuring out how long a specific repair task takes and how many hours the workers work.

Parts and Services Packages

Offering service and repair packages to your customers is an excellent approach to adding value to your business, as clients usually seek ways to save money. Whether you choose popular service packages or offer them only on special occasions, ARI lets you combine parts and labor into bundles with a partial discount. For example, you can create bundles for a particular category of services, like oil changes, and provide discounts to clients who decide to buy the package.

Showcase your online booking page

You can use ARI to create a personalized online bookings page for your store, which you can promote on any web page or through social networks. This online bookings page mentions your company’s operating hours and the number of available technician slots. Making it easy for consumers to arrange appointments at their leisure. That saves a lot of time and can boost your store’s reputation.

Promote your customer financing

For bills ranging from $500 to $15,000, ARI provides financing options through Consumer Financing, making it more straightforward for your clients to utilize your services. You may get an advantage by emphasizing this information on your social media platforms, website, and elsewhere. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, car repair companies wishing to stay competitive in today’s economy must adopt auto repair software solutions like ARI. By applying these innovative tools – car repair businesses can enhance their services and client experience. ARI has something that can help every kind of car repair business.

On this day today, April 8th, 2023, ARI (Auto Repair Software) has achieved the User Satisfaction & Likelihood to Recommend distinctions by G2, the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace.

This recognition is based on the responses of real users for each of the Grid® Report for Auto Repair | Spring 2023 related questions featured in the G2 review form.

“We are extremely happy to see the results of years of work finally come to fruition! We started ARI as a low-cost auto repair software trying to provide an affordable solution to mobile mechanics, but we are now amongst some of the leaders in the industry. We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement but we also know we have more work ahead of us! We are very confident that ARI will become The BEST auto repair software on the market!” said Constantin, the founder of ARI

ARI achieved Niche High Performer on theGrid® Report for Auto Repair | Spring 2023 by receiving positive reviews, from verified users compared to similar products in the Auto Repair Software category. For inclusion in the report, a product must have received 10 or more reviews.

“Rankings on G2 reports are based on data provided to us by real software buyers,” said Sara Rossio, Chief Product Officer at G2. “Potential buyers know they can trust these insights when researching and selecting software because they’re rooted in vetted, verified, and authentic reviews.”

Learn more about what real users have to say (or leave your own review of ARI on G2’s Auto Repair Software review page!

About G2

G2 is the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 80 million people annually — including employees at all of the Fortune 500 — use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. Thousands of software and services companies of all sizes partner with G2 to build their reputation, manage their software spend, and grow their business – including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoom, and Adobe. To learn more about where you go for software, visit www.g2.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Follow our recent press release on the topic for more relevant information!

Automobiles have become an essential element of society. It is used for a wide range of purposes by everyone. However, as automobile utilization advances, so does the auto repair industry. More and more auto repair industries are implementing different approaches to assist shop owners in building a future-proof business. Therefore, as a shop owner, it always helps to be aware of the trends in the auto repair industry.

Top Auto Repair Industry Trends in 2022

There has been significant amount of advancements in the auto repair industry in recent years that deserve attention. However, outside factors also heavily influence the auto repair industry. Let’s have a look at some of the recent developments listed below.

•       Utilization of Advanced Technology: The rapid advancement of technology in the past few decades has led to the development of many remarkable mechanical and digital tools. Many of these have made it possible for mechanics and technicians to do their work much more quickly. The ever-increasing incorporation of new technologies into automobiles means auto repair shop owners should reimagine the workplace, workforce, and customer relations to stay ahead of the curve.
•       Management Service: The auto repair industry has recently begun to use a wide variety of services and auto repair software that can assist with the company’s growth. As a shop owner, you are responsible for keeping up with the most recent developments in auto repair software. Everything from accounting to market development and resource distribution has changed. These advancements may make both your company and your technician more productive.
•       Older Vehicle Preference: Although most cars on the road today come equipped with various technologies that a technician or mechanic must be familiar with, it is equally necessary to have a strong understanding of older models. A few statistics indicate that the usage of older models of vehicles is still prominent; thus, any technician or shop owner must get acquainted with the older and newer models.

What’s an Unexpected Industry Trend? (add car part shortage + energy prices/ anything relevant)

It is safe to state that the auto repair industry has seen quite a few unexpected trends which have utterly astounded many shop owners. These trends are a surprise since it is exceedingly difficult to forecast, mainly because they depend on customers’ needs based on various unanticipated circumstances, like the surge of electric vehicles. There are a lot of trends to keep an eye on in the automotive repair business so that your shop is prepared when the next big thing happens.

What’s the Most Financially Impactful Industry Trend?

The automotive repair industry has undergone a significant transformation because of the growing prevalence of digitalization and increased automation. These characteristics get regarded as the most financially impactful trend. It puts a lot of pressure on the owners of repair shops to improve their technology and provide the highest quality service possible within the business. The following are some of the other most financially essential trends. If implemented, it might take your company to the next level.

•       Online Development
•       Minimizing Repair Times
•       Enhancing Connectivity and Telematics
•       Enhancing Technician Skills

How to Prepare for the Future of the Auto Repair Industry?

You could conclude that the future appears favorable for the auto repair and maintenance industry based on the various trends in the industry. However, those mentioned above are some of the most significant trends that will substantially impact the automotive repair sector. Therefore, to improve your company as a shop owner, you should follow the news and search for credible sources in the automotive repair sector.

Did you like the content? Feel free to share on social media or leave a comment if the info was helpful for your business.

Automobile mechanics’ work includes examining, maintaining, and fixing all types and brands of cars, trucks, and other transport equipment. To achieve significant results in this industry – you will require in-depth knowledge, talents, and physical aptitude. Let’s explore some of the capabilities you need as an automobile technician to achieve excellent results at work.

The 5 Best General Skills for Auto Mechanics

You will need to hone many mechanical abilities to become an expert mechanic. In your journey as a professional mechanic – you will gain plenty of technical expertise and experience. But you shouldn’t forget about fundamental skills either. Don’t worry if you are uncertain about what essential mechanic skills to acquire that can assist you in achieving your objectives in a reasonable timeframe. The following list outlines the top five abilities that you should work on developing first.

Ethics At Work

Ethics in the workplace is defined as a guideline on how you should behave with your customers. Employers and workers should foster in-depth understanding to preserve a positive and effective customer relationship. For example, whenever a customer takes their vehicle into the shop, you, as the technician, should remember that they put their faith in you to get it ready for the road. Regarding working on vehicles, there is no room for laziness since sometimes a loose nut might threaten the passenger and vehicle’s lives.

Focus On the Details

A person must be able to concentrate on both minor and significant aspects to complete an auto repair task. It is known as paying attention to detail. In a workshop, you must know well about each element and how they work together because vehicle performance and safety may be significantly affected by even the most minor details. In addition, this will lead to more client satisfaction, which will help you grow your company.

Technological Proficiency

Nowadays, vehicles are more sophisticated than ever, and vehicle maintenance technology is also developing rapidly. Therefore, the best technicians are the ones who are skillful by their proficiency with modern diagnostic tools and car electronics. Gaining experience in technological aspects and repairing and maintaining things can help you achieve excellence more efficiently. Moreover, you may execute your tasks more quickly and precisely with this advanced knowledge. Using auto repair software is a great way to improve your performance as a mechanic.

Customer Service Capabilities

The occupation of a car repair technician demands a consistent face-to-face connection with various individuals. For them to understand what is going on, you must be able to communicate successfully with your customers in basic, uncomplicated English without using any technical jargon. Your responsibility as a skilled expert is to ensure that your predictions of the length and price of repairs are consistently correct.

Abilities To Solve Problems

As a mechanic, you have to face various vehicle-related problems daily. Your primary duties are finding and fixing the root cause of these malfunctions. Sometimes the solution may be straightforward, but in others, it may require advanced problem-solving abilities. However, if you have adequate talents to resolve these challenges, you might soon become an experienced mechanic. Then, all you need to do is solve such issues.

Takeaway

Remember that the mechanic skills we listed above are just some of the ones you can obtain. Most of the abovementioned skills are our favorites that a good mechanic should strive to learn. Let us know what you think about them.

The main points we will discuss in the article are:

• What are the fundamental changes to the online bookings page, and how does it compare to the previous version
• How you can set up your online bookings page
• How to configure your work hours and list your services
• What customization and editing options you have
• How to share the online booking page with your customers
• More information about the version update

Your customers can now enjoy a completely different online booking experience. ARI- Auto Repair Software‘s latest update allows your clients to see your work hours, available repair slots, and provided services. The design is simplified, and it lets people make appointments at your shop with a few button clicks. Here’s a visual comparison to put things into context:

How to set up your online appointments page?

Before using the online appointments functionality – you will need to confirm your e-mail from the “Appointments“ menu. Once you do that – our system will register that your e-mail is confirmed, and you should start receiving booking notifications there.

After you are ready – you can start configuring your working hours. The way to do that is from the “Appointments“ view when you click on “More” and go to the “Setup working hours” page. From there, you can add your work schedule, holidays, and how many appointments you can take in a timeframe. Additionally, you can choose to enable half-hour appointments or block short-notice appointments.

Listing your services and customizing form fields

You can list your services from the “Appointments“ view by clicking on “More“ and selecting “List your services“. On this page, you can enter the services you want to display in your online booking form. Once you complete your list – click on “Save changes“ to complete the record.

You can write descriptions for each of them, and choose a service duration and a total price.

From the section “Add custom fields to your booking form“ you can choose what information your clients need to enter in your booking form. There you will see the default and custom fields that have a mandatory and an optional state.

A box with a tick means the option is optional. If the box is empty – the option is mandatory. The fields “client.name“, “client.phone“, and “vehicle.make” are not editable in our auto repair software.

Additional editing options in our auto repair software

You can make changes to the e-mail your clients receive after a confirmed booking in the “Edit appointment confirmation e-mail“ section. Besides, you can choose to automatically confirm all new appointments when you receive one from your clients.

You can also switch back to the old calendar view if you need time to adjust to the new design. Moreover, it’s possible to create appointments straight from the calendar in the “Appointments“ view. But you will need all relevant customer and vehicle details. Additionally, you have the option to change the appointment hours by dragging the calendar event or double-clicking to edit it.

*whenever you see a small red triangle on the top right of a section – this means there are some unsaved changes.

Sharing the booking form with your customers

Once you finish customizing your booking form – it’s time to send it to your clients. Open “Appointments“ -> “Get a link to the online booking page“ and see what the form looks like. Then copy the link, and share it via text, e-mail, or social media. Or print it and place it so your clients can see it.

You can also scan a QR code that opens up the online booking form or embed an HTML snippet on your website that leads to it.

We advise you to test the booking form before sending it to your customers and check if it includes all the details and services you want people to see.

What does the customer’s online booking journey look like?

We made sure the customer experience for your clients will be as intuitive as possible. The first thing they see is your company name, logo, and booking calendar. After they choose a time, date, and service for their vehicle – they need to give you some vehicle info and appointment details to continue. The last step is to provide you with contact details so you can confirm the booking and they can receive an e-mail notification.

ARI (Auto Repair Software) V.9.9.7 is active – take a look at the other updates

The online booking calendar redesign is part of our recent app update.

Please check if you are running the latest version of our software by following this guide

Aside from the changes to the Appointments section – here are the other important changes and bug fixes:

• • Inspection ID auto increments when a new inspection is added.
  • Inventory is updated whenever you delete a part from an existing invoice.
  • Printing long invoices on multiple pages.
  • Attaching Inspections to Job Cards.
  • Creating Job Cards and Estimates from the Appointments menu.

Have a look at some of our key resources

This article will give you more context on how your business can benefit from utilizing an auto repair app. We will also share some tips to help you browse our resources more efficiently.

If you made an account in ARI – you can look at our Profile Setup page where we explain how you can put your essential company details onto our platform.

Running an auto repair business can oftentimes be challenging. And it’s good when you have something that clears miscellaneous tasks effectively so you can get important work done.

Our software can help you get the following:

Efficiency and productivity

Having to deal with lots of paperwork and documentation complicates your work unnecessarily. With auto repair software, things become much easier – you can handle everything from one place. ARI helps you do just that – manage your invoices, tasks, vehicles, inventory, accounting, payments, and more in a single app.

That way you can focus on the auto repair tasks entirely.

Cleaner workflow

ARI’s interface is built to let you handle auto repair tasks effortlessly. We know how mechanics and shop owners operate and use that understanding to simplify things for you. When you use our app you don’t have to set up many things, or remember multiple controls – all important functionalities are available in the main view.

That makes it easy for you to open an invoice, a job card, manage vehicle parts, or browse through the menus.

Business advantages

If you have a well-organized workflow – you can spend time improving the quality of your services. With a single hour of work, you can produce much better results. This can attract more customers and help you build a better reputation.

That way you can become better recognizable within your community.

Better customer relations

ARI has many options that help you create a better connection with your customers. With the app, you can create your e-mail marketing campaigns. You can also track where your users come from to stay on top of their behavior. Also, you can send them personalized service reminders whenever their vehicle needs a specific service.

Software build on feedback

Most of the features we recently added to our app came as a result of a discussion between us and our customers. This means if you decide to try the app now and something is missing – we can add it later on.

We grow thanks to your feedback.

If you find any of those helpful – you can make an account on our app for free and test some
features yourself to see if they are what you are looking for.

Please leave us a comment if you have any questions and share the article if you find it useful.

ARI has been around for more than 4 years now and we’ve made some great progress since the first time the app was launched. Although we try to keep you informed of all the changes we make, some things can go unnoticed.

Here are 5 things we believe are the most underrated features of ARI. Using them can help your business grow and save you time.

1. Automatic Service Reminders

You may know that you can create service reminders for your clients, but many of our users don’t realize that ARI also sends automatic service reminders to clients when their service is due. Just make sure your client has a valid email address and Send Automatic Reminders checkbox is marked.

2. Message Functionality

Whether you need to leave some internal notes on a JobCard or want to communicate something to an employee, you can use the built-in message functionality. Just click the Activity Logs button on the home and write your message!

3. Online Booking

ARI can create a unique link that you can share with your clients and they can easily book your services online. You can put that link on your website or print a QR code and send it in your emails to your clients. Just go to Appointments and follow the instructions to setup online appointments!

4. Recommended Services

Open any existing JobCard and click on a labor item. You will see that you have an option to mark it as Recommended. What that does is allowing your client to choose whether they want that service performed or not. They can do that directly from the digital estimate.

This is a great way to upsell your services and show your clients that you really care about their vehicles.

5. Car Maintenance Info

Many users don’t know that ARI can provide details repair reports and labor times for upcoming maintenance of any VIN. Check out the Diagnose functionality.

Do You Like ARI?

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We are happy to announce that ARI has been selected again as #1 auto repair software this year. It is good to see that our efforts are paying off, but we’d like to take this moment and thank all our customers for their unweathered confidence in our team and products. We would not be able to build this app without you!

About Digital.com

Digital.com is a comprehensive review site for small business owners. The company has been reviewing software and services since 2015, and its work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. Digital.com offers readers detailed and unbiased reviews of products and services, and it also offers a popular annual ranking of the best software and solutions for small businesses. For more information, please visit http://www.digital.com.

About the Review Process

Each auto repair software was evaluated based on 3 main criteria:

• Work Order Management
• Service History Tracking
• Billing and Invoicing

The process involves collecting twitter comments and usage of sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. In addition, the team has spent more than 40-hour assessing over 50 solutions.

One of ARI’s most powerful features is the Users module. Basically, this allows you to add multiple users to your account and assign very specific access roles for each of those users. Once set up right, you can have your entire staff on ARI so that everyone in your shop can take advantage of the system.

Why add multiple users?

If you own an auto repair shop or business that has more than one employee, then you should definitely add them all as users in ARI. This allows your staff access to the system so they can do their specific functions right inside the app and for you to monitor their work.

For example, if you have more than one mechanic in your shop, you can create individual users for each of them and allows access only to the JobCards module. This allows them to access the app independently and for you to monitor their work activity. They will have access only to the JobCard module so they won’t be able to access other pages such as Reports, Appointments, Reminders, etc. Similarly, you can create a user for your accountant and give them access only to the Accounting module

Benefits:

• highly controlled access to all modules of the app (view, create, edit and delete)
• owner can easily monitor work activity based on user
• in-app notification enabled once multiple users detected
• employee name attached to jobcards when task assigned

Rules you need to be aware of before adding users!

Before we dive into details, there are a few things we need to clarify.

• when you add your first user, the system will ask you to create an Owner role and user. This will be your personal Username moving forward. Make sure you never delete this user or you will lose access to your profile.
• Each user will log into ARI with your main password+ their own unique passcodes that you’ll set up when adding the user. (Yes – you will have to share the main username and password with your users but rest assure that they won’t be able to access the app unless they have their passcodes)
• Each user needs to be assigned a user role
• You can have the same role assigned to multiple users but you cannot have one user with multiple roles

How to add a new User

User Roles

Login and go to the Profile page and navigate to the User Roles section. Press the + button to add a new user role.

WARNING: The system will ask you to first create an Owner role with full access before you can create other roles. This will be your own role as the owner of the business so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. 

Fill in the required info such as role Title and Description and then carefully select the modules and type of access you want to allow or deny for this respective role.

Go ahead and create other Roles required by your auto repair shop.

Users

Once you’re done with creating user roles, go back to the Profile page and click on the Users button. Press the + icon to create a new user.

WARNING: If this is the first user you’re creating, then the system will ask you to generate a Owner user first. This is where you will choose a username and passcode for yourself. You will need these in order to access the app after you log out.

Fill in the required info such as username and passcode then select the user role you want to assign to this user. Save

Repeat this process for all users of your business.

Multiple user login

Once you have added all your users to the Profile section, go back to ARI Settings and Log out of the app. Then log back in using your main username and password (the ones you used when signing up for ARI).

You will then be shown a new window from where you can select the user you want to access. Click on your username and then input your passcode (this is the unique passcode you chose when creating the user).

If successful, you should now have access to your ARI account.

Depending on your user role, you will be allowed or denied access to specific functions of the application. In case of denial, you will be encountered with an error message that says

“Access Denied! You don’t have access to this option”

NOTE: If you’re getting this error message after a new ARI update, make sure you go back to your User Roles and re-check the access.

It’s crucial that you keep your app updated all the time. This not only ensures that you have access to the latest and coolest features but also keeps your app running smoothly and reliably.

How to check your current ARI version?

• if you’re not logged in, then check the version number on the left side of the ARI log while on the login page
• if you’re logged in, go to ARI Settings and check the version number on the left side of the ARI logo

Here’s how to update your app depending on the platform that you’re using

Web Version

Open the web version from any laptop or desktop PC. For best performance, we recommend the Google Chrome browser

Make sure you clear the browser cache by refreshing the page several times until the latest version loads up.

• hit CTRL+F5 several times on Windows
• hit Cmd+Shift+R on Mac

If you’re using the web version on a mobile device, you need to clear the device browser cache or load the Desktop version from the mobile browser settings!

Android users

Make sure you always install ARI from the official Google Play Store.

Click on the button below to get redirected to Google Play. If you see an Update button, then it means you’re running an older version of ARI and you should update it. Click the Update button

iOS users

Make sure you always download and update ARI from the use the official Apple Store.

Click on the button below and Update the app if prompted

Windows app

Every time we roll out a new ARI version, you need to delete your current app from your Windows PC and then install the new version again from the link below

In an age of ease and convenience, what matters is comfort derived at little cost. Customers always would want goods that spell convenience with little effort, and this ambition does not exclude the auto shop. With the auto industry changing with new technology, everything else follows in tandem. The mechanics, the auto shop owners, and other concerned auto parties are bracing themselves up for the transition.

One of the attendant effects of the fast-moving auto business is the arrival of the auto repair software. The software is useful to both auto shop owners and mechanics. Rather than spend countless hours trying to find the fault in a new car, especially if the car runs on electricity, a mechanic can easily use software to serve as a guide. The same thing can be said of an auto consumer. The software allows consumers to simply use their phone or laptop to get quick information on how to go about the repairs themselves. In all, having auto software is as indispensable as embracing auto technical growth.

However, since it is largely a new development, you might be confused about which of the auto software to go for, which is the best in terms of cost, functionality, and services.

Here is a quick comparison of three of the best auto software we know — Shopmonkey, Shop-ware, and ARI. This comparison will provide you with information on which is most cost-effective among them and has the most features (render more services) than the others.

Description, Price, & Features of
Top 3 Low-Cost Automotive Repair Software

1. Shopmonkey

Claimed to be an online one-stop-shop for all auto business and repairs. Located in Santa Teresa, United States, the company was founded by Ashot Iskandarian.
As stated on their website, Shopmonkey’s pricing options range from

• Basic Monkey ($99 a month)
• Clever Monkey ($224 a month)
• Genius Monkey ($348 a month)
• Enterprise & HD ($499+ a month)

Starting from $99 a month to over $500, Shopmonkey has the following features:

• Billing & Invoicing
• CRM
• Inventory Management
• Labor Rates
• Maintenance Scheduling
• Quotes/Estimates
• Service History Tracking
• VIN Lookup
• Work Order Management.

2. Shop-ware

Said to offer cloud-based auto management solutions. They are into staff and customer management, bookkeeping, parts management, and workflow handling. Located in Schöppingen, Germany, the company was founded by Sebastian Hamann.
Shop-ware’s pricing plan consists of

• Solo ($75 a month)
• Start-up ($125 a month),
• Journey ($275 a month)
• Master ($425 a month)

In summary, the price begins from $75 a month and ends at $425 a month.

Shop-ware has the following features:

• Billing & Invoicing
• CRM
• Inventory Management
• Labor Rates
• Maintenance Scheduling
• Quotes/Estimates
• Service History Tracking
• VIN Lookup
• Work Order Management.

3. ARI

An abbreviation for Auto Repair Invoices, is focused on auto repair shops as well as independent mechanics. Located in the United States, it was founded in 2017.

• Trial (Free for 5 invoices)
• Most Common Plan ($12.99 a month)
• Recommended Plan ($299.99 per year)

Regardless of which option you go for, ARI gives you access to all of its features. In addition, you won’t have any limitations imposed by your plan and you won’t have to worry about having to upgrade to a more expensive option as your business grows.

Here are some of the most common features ARI has to offer:

• Billing & Invoicing
• Client Management
• Vehicle Management
• Inventory Management
• Accounting Features
• Labor Rates
• Maintenance Scheduling
• Quotes/Estimates
• Inspections
• Service History Tracking
• VIN Lookup
• Work Order Management
• Online Booking/Appointments
• Service Reminder
• OBD scanner
• Technician Time Tracking
• Activity Logs
• … and more!

The Verdict
The top 3 auto-repair software render nearly the same professional services but at different prices. Talking about low-cost, ARI is the most budget-friendly of the three. It meets the low-cost-high-quality definition, and so is highly recommended. But don’t trust our word for it. The best way to test something is to try it out and see if it fits your business.

*All data presented in this article was extracted from the public websites of these companies at the time of writing. The author is not responsible for updating this article if there are any changes on the website. All opinions expressed are purely informative and personal.