Whereas traditional methods of payment require dipping a card in the same terminal as other customers or the hand to hand exchange of cash or check, the ability to pay by text message through SMS mobile payments takes the complexity and headaches out of the payment process for owners, service writers, and guests alike.
For auto repair shops in particular, giving guests the ability to pay by text not only streamlines the guest experience but also frees up service advisors from having to do a bunch of data entry, giving them more time to help other guests.
Here’s how text-to-pay works on our Integrated Payments, Tekmerchant. As you’ll see, we’ve built in opportunities to enhance efficiency while strengthening the relationship you have with your guests at each step of the process.
Step 1: Complete the Repair Order & Send the Invoice
By connecting Tekmerchant to Tekmetric, service advisors can quickly review the invoices of completed work and simply click a button to text the invoice to the guest.
Since the invoice is automatically generated from the repair order and is easy to edit within Tekmetric, the service advisor can reduce the time they would usually spend writing invoices.
Step 2: Collect Payment
Once the invoice is sent, the guest will receive a link that takes them directly to their invoice and pay screen. From there, they can review the work that was completed and make their payment, prompting them to input their billing information.
The customer inputs their card information, including their billing address, making it a verified payment.
At this point, all the service writer has to do is make sure that the payment has been approved and that everything checks out.
Pro Tip: Enhance Guest Service with a Call or Personal Text
Because service advisors and guests both have access to a digital invoice, it gives service advisors the opportunity to add a human touch to the payment process without the guest coming into the shop.
Consider having service advisors give guests a call or send a personal text message at this part of the process.
While this may seem like an extra step, it gives service advisors a chance to check-in with the guest to ensure all approved work was completed, which is a big step towards avoiding chargebacks.
Calling the guest is also a good chance to remind them of any maintenance that may need to be taken care of in the future and any upcoming deals or events. If the guest is too busy to take a call, Integrated Payments has a Text-to-Pay feature giving them the freedom to pay when they have time.
If everything looks good on the invoice, the guest can easily pay and move on with their day. You get paid fast and the guest is able to pay at their convenience.
Step 3: Return Vehicle to Customer
Once the payment has been processed, all that’s left to do is to return the vehicle.
Pro Tip: Add a Key Drop-Box for Convenience
Some auto repair shops use a key drop-box or locker to make vehicle returns more convenient for their guests and service advisors.
Most contactless drop boxes use programmable codes, so you can put the guest’s keys in a locker, send them the code, and let them pick up their car when they’re ready.
With a key drop-box, everyone wins: service advisors don’t have to worry about staying late; shop owners don’t have to worry about paying a service writer overtime, and your guests don’t have to feel rushed to make it back to the repair shop before closing time.
Turbo-charge Your Payments Processing
The Integrated Payment text-to-pay feature makes life easy for your guests and service advisors, and can potentially save you time, money, and headaches.
The Tekmetric Shop Index allows auto repair shops to benchmark themselves against thousands of Tekmetric shops nationwide
Most shop owners have a feel for how their business is doing. They know the slow weeks, the strong months, and whether the bays stayed full. What they often don't have is a good way to compare those numbers against anyone else.
That gap is where opportunity hides — and it's exactly what the Tekmetric Shop Index is built to close.
The Tekmetric Shop Index is a free benchmarking tool that lets you enter your shop's key metrics and instantly see how you stack up against more than 10,000 auto repair shops nationwide. No Tekmetric account is required. No commitments either. It's just an honest look at where your shop stands on the four numbers that matter most.
Top-performing shops track these metrics religiously — and they know exactly where they stand relative to the industry. Here's what each one means, why it matters, and how your numbers compare.
ARO is the average dollar amount of each repair order — total revenue divided by the number of cars you serviced. It's one of the most direct measures of how well your shop is selling and completing work.
A low ARO isn't always a bad sign on its own. But if your car count is healthy and your ARO is lagging, you could be leaving approved work on the table, underquoting, or missing opportunities to present needed repairs. A high ARO, on the other hand, means customers are approving more of the work their vehicles need.
ARO is also the metric most directly tied to your digital vehicle inspection process. Shops that complete digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) consistently — and share them with customers — tend to see higher approval rates and stronger AROs.
"I like the ease and the ability to be more transparent with my customers with detailed inspections and photos." — Verified Tekmetric User, G2
Car count measures how many vehicles you service in a given period. It's the volume side of the revenue equation. ARO tells you how much you make per car; car count tells you how many cars you're making it on.
Both numbers matter. You can have a strong ARO and still struggle to grow revenue if car count is stagnant. And you can have a strong car count but a weak ARO if jobs aren't being sold thoroughly. Top shops keep an eye on both.
Car count breaks down further into new customers and returning customers — a distinction that matters when you're trying to understand whether your growth is coming from acquisition or retention.
"Customers can review inspection results, check estimates, and approve repairs with just a click. Everything is integrated, making our workflow way smoother than before." — Verified Tekmetric User, G2
Parts margin is the percentage of profit you're earning on the parts you sell. It's calculated as (retail price minus cost) divided by retail price.
This one is easy to overlook, especially if your shop has been using the same parts pricing for years. But small differences in parts margin have a compounding effect across hundreds of repair orders. If your parts pricing isn't keeping up with cost increases from your suppliers, your margin erodes quietly.
Top shops use tiered parts matrices that automatically adjust markup based on part cost ranges, protecting margin without requiring manual pricing decisions on every job.
"We were stuck at a certain level. … Once we made the switch, it just opened doors — payments, parts ordering, inventory — it all became more streamlined." — Tim Lanier, Lanier Auto Group, Tekmetric Customer
Effective labor rate is the actual dollar amount your shop earns per labor hour — not your posted rate, but what you actually collect after discounts, flat-rate work, and packaged pricing.
A shop might post a $140/hour labor rate but collect significantly less per hour because of how jobs are built, discounted, or packaged. Tracking effective labor rate surfaces that gap and gives you something concrete to address.
This metric also helps you evaluate how well your labor matrix is working or whether you need one.
"I value its cloud-based agility and the way its real-time shop management board eliminates the bottleneck at the service desk … handling parts tracking and labor margins seamlessly." — Verified Tekmetric User, G2
These four metrics are the foundation of shop performance analysis. But knowing what they are is only half of it. The other half is knowing how your numbers compare — not to a theoretical ideal, but to real shops in the real industry.
That's what the Tekmetric Shop Index is built to show you. It's a free benchmarking tool that lets you enter your shop's numbers and instantly see how you compare to shops across the country on ARO, car count, parts margin, and effective labor rate. No Tekmetric account is required.
"With the implementation of Tekmetric we have seen a dramatic increase in business and positive feedback from customers." — Verified Shop Owner using Tekmetric, G2
You can't improve what you don't measure. And you can't prioritize improvements without knowing where the gaps actually are.
Takeaways
ARO measures revenue per vehicle. Strong shops track it and act on it.
Car count captures volume. Both new and returning customers matter.
Parts margin erodes quietly if you're not tracking it against your costs.
Effective labor rate reveals the gap between your posted rate and what you actually collect.
Benchmarking against real industry data turns these numbers into a roadmap.
See how your shop compares. The Tekmetric Shop Index is free, takes less than two minutes, and doesn't require a Tekmetric account.
In today's fast-paced digital world, connecting with your customers isn't just about turning wrenches; it's about building relationships. For the automotive industry, email marketing can be a powerful marketing tool.
A well-executed email marketing strategy can transform your auto repair business, driving new customers through your doors and fostering customer loyalty among your existing clients.
What is Email Marketing?
At its core, email marketing is a form of digital communication that enables businesses to send messages directly to a group of people via email. Think of it as a personalized billboard delivered straight to your customer's inbox.
Unlike broad social media blasts or expensive Google ads, email marketing offers a unique opportunity to tailor your message to specific segments of your email list, making your communications more relevant and impactful. It's a key component of any effective automotive repair marketing plan.
Why Auto Repair Shops Should Use Email Marketing
Many auto shop owners might wonder if email marketing is truly worth the effort. The answer is a resounding "yes!" In an industry built on trust and relationships, email marketing serves as an invaluable tool for nurturing customer relationships. Here are some of the top benefits of email marketing:
1. Cost-effective
Email marketing is very cost-effective. Compared to traditional advertising methods, the return on investment (ROI) for email marketing is often significantly higher. You're reaching a targeted audience that has already shown some interest in your services, whether by providing their email address at your shop or through an online signup.
2. Top of mind
Email marketing will keep your auto repair shop top of mind. Your customers have busy lives, and car maintenance often slips their minds until a problem arises. Regular, helpful emails ensure that when they do need service, your shop is the first one they think of. This is crucial for customer retention.
3. Customer Retention
By staying in touch, you remind existing customers about upcoming service needs and show appreciation for their business. This proactive approach significantly boosts customer retention and encourages repeat visits.
4. Measurable Results
Unlike some traditional marketing, email marketing provides detailed analytics. You can track open rates, click-through rates, and ultimately, how many appointments were booked as a result of your email marketing campaigns. This allows shop owners to refine their marketing strategy for maximum effectiveness.
5. Direct communication
Finally, email marketing provides a direct line of communication. You can share important updates, special offers, maintenance tips, and build a sense of community with your customer base. This personal touch is something that a general advertisement simply cannot replicate.
Email Marketing Campaign Ideas
To maximize your marketing efforts, it's essential to diversify the types of emails you send. Here are some of the most effective email marketing campaigns for automotive repair shops:
Welcome Emails
When a new customer provides their email address, send a warm welcome email. This is your chance to introduce your shop, highlight your unique selling propositions, and perhaps offer a small discount on their first service. This initial contact sets the tone for future customer relationships.
Welcome email template
Service Reminders
These are arguably the most crucial emails for an auto repair shop. Based on a customer's service history (which can be managed efficiently through a good CRM system), send automated service reminders for scheduled maintenance like an oil change, tire rotations, or brake inspections. Make it easy for them to book an appointment with a clear call to action.
Service reminder email template
Promotional Emails/Special Offers
Announce discounts, seasonal promotions (e.g., winter tire specials, summer AC checks), or bundled services. Use compelling subject lines to grab attention and always include a strong call to action (or CTAs).
Promotional email template
Maintenance Tips and Educational Content
Share valuable information like "5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Tires," "Understanding Your Dashboard Warning Lights," or "Why Regular Oil Change is Crucial." This positions your shop as an expert and provides genuine value to your customer base.
Maintenance tip email template
Customer Feedback/Review Requests
After a service, send a follow-up email requesting feedback or a review. Positive testimonials are incredibly powerful for attracting new business. Link directly to your Google My Business page or other review platforms.
Customer feedback email template
Birthday/Anniversary/Holiday Emails
A small, personalized gesture like a birthday greeting, perhaps with a minor discount, can significantly boost customer loyalty.
Birthday email template
Abandoned Appointment Emails
If your shop offers online appointment scheduling and a customer starts but doesn't complete the booking process, an automated email reminding them to finish can recapture lost potential customers.
Abandoned appointment email template
Automotive Email Marketing Strategies
Now that we've covered the what and why, let's dive into the how. Implementing these best practices will ensure your email marketing strategy yields optimal results for your auto repair shop:
Segmentation is Key: Not all customers are the same. Segment your email list based on factors like vehicle make and model, last service date, service history, or demographics. This allows you to send highly targeted and relevant messages, improving open rates and conversion rates.
Craft Compelling Subject Lines: Your subject lines are the gatekeepers to your emails. Make them concise, intriguing, and benefit-oriented. Examples: "Time for Your Oil Change?", "Exclusive Discount Just For You!", "Protect Your Car This Winter."
Personalization Goes a Long Way: Always address customers by their first name. Reference their vehicle type or past service if possible. Automation can make this surprisingly easy, especially with a good CRM or shop management system.
Clear Call to Actions (CTAs): Every email should have a single, clear call to action. Whether it's "Schedule Your Appointment Now," "Claim Your Discount," or "Read Our Latest Blog," make it obvious what you want the recipient to do. Use prominent buttons or hyperlinked text.
Mobile Responsiveness is Non-Negotiable: A vast majority of people check their emails on their smartphones. Ensure your emails are designed to look great and function perfectly on all mobile devices. Test your templates before sending.
Automate Where Possible: Utilize automation tools to send welcome email sequences, service reminders, birthday greetings, and follow-up emails after a service. This saves time and ensures consistent communication without manual effort. Many CRM systems and email marketing platforms offer robust automation features.
Provide Value Beyond Promotions: While special offers are great, don't make every email a sales pitch. Offer genuine value through maintenance tips, car repair advice, and educational content. This builds trust and positions your auto repair shop as a helpful resource.
Optimize Send Times: Experiment with different days and times to see when your email list is most engaged. Tools within email marketing platforms can often provide insights into optimal send times based on your audience's behavior.
Integrate with Other Marketing Efforts: Your email marketing strategy shouldn't exist in a vacuum. Cross-promote your email list on your website, social media channels, and in your physical shop.
Monitor Performance: Regularly review your open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. A/B test different subject lines, CTAs, and content to continually improve your email marketing campaigns. This data-driven approach is crucial for success in the automotive industry.
Don’t overdue it: Nobody likes receiving 30 emails in one day, so make sure your email cadence is reasonable and not overwhelming to your audience. Always provide an “unsubscribe” option in your emails in case they no longer want to receive emails from you.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, for any auto repair shop looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape, a well-executed email marketing strategy is no longer optional – it's essential. By consistently delivering valuable content, timely reminders, and exclusive offers, you can build a highly engaged customer base, boost customer loyalty, and ensure your auto repair business remains successful for years to come.
Start building your email list today, embrace automation, and watch your marketing ideas turn into tangible results. Your customers and your bottom line will thank you.
So when you're wondering what's going on with that SUV sitting in your shop's pickup lot for the last two weeks, you can see if it is awaiting customer approval or if parts are still on the way.
Within Tekmetric, Repair Orders flow through your Job Board, visually representing your shop's overall workflow in three columns: “Estimates,” “Work-In-Progress” and “Completed.”
The idea is for service advisors, general managers, shop owners, and even Technicians, to gain a birds-eye view of everything happening in your shop with just a quick glance. Everyone is responsible for their tasks, every step of the process is accounted for, and it can all easily be tracked and managed in a simplified workflow.
We also understand that some shops may want a little extra flexibility, and maybe there’s some extra level of detail you would like represented visually on your job board. That’s where Tekmetric’s RO Labels come in.
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