blog

Welcome to the Tekmetric Blog

Thoughts, perspectives, and industry commentary from the Tekmetric team

Free Auto Repair Receipt Template & What You Need To Include

read more

For every auto repair business, creating a clear and professional receipt isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Whether you're working on a major vehicle repair or a routine oil change, a detailed receipt serves as a proof of payment for the customer and a legal record for your shop. It helps you maintain transparency, build trust, and protect both parties in case of disputes or warranty claims.

If you’re building your own auto repair invoice template or refining your existing process, this guide walks you through every element your auto repair receipt template should include. From contact information to labor costs, here’s what a comprehensive auto repair receipt looks like.

Auto repair shop receipt example template

We designed an auto repair shop receipt template for you to download and use in your shop. The template can be used for auto body repair shops, mobile mechanics, general repair shops, and tire shops.
Download the free template below and modify it as needed to utilize in your shop.

AUTO SHOP RECEIPT TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD

What Should Be Included in an auto repair shop receipt?

1. Shop contact information

The first thing on your receipt should be your auto repair shop’s full contact information. This builds credibility and ensures customers know how to reach you if follow-up is needed.

What to include:

  • Shop name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Website (if applicable)
  • Business logo for branding

A well-organized template with your logo and contact information at the top makes your documents look professional and trustworthy.

2. Customer Information

Next, capture the customer’s name and their contact information. This ensures the receipt is tied to the correct individual and helps with record-keeping for recurring car repair clients.

What to include:

  • Customer's name
  • Address
  • Phone number or email

This section ensures your auto repair business can easily identify who the repair services were for and reach them quickly if needed.

Tek-Tip: Wouldn’t it be great if there was an estimate building software that could do this for you? Tekmetric offers auto repair estimate software among other features.

3. Date of service and invoice number

Every mechanic receipt needs to include the date of service and a unique invoice number. This creates an accurate timeline and helps organize documents chronologically for tax reporting, audits, or warranty purposes.

What to include:

  • Date the service was completed
  • Unique invoice number
  • Optional: technician’s name or initials

4. Vehicle information

For any automotive service, tying the repair order to a specific vehicle is a must. This helps with real-time service tracking, vehicle history reporting, and future maintenance recommendations.

What to include:

  • Year, make, and model
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • License plate number
  • Mileage at the time of service

5. Description of services performed

This is the heart of the receipt. Clearly outline what repair work was done and what repair services were provided. The more detail, the better.

What to include:

  • Itemized list of services
  • Description of each job (e.g., “Brake pad replacement” or “Engine diagnostic”)
  • Associated labor costs for each service
  • Cost of parts

6. Parts and material breakdown

An itemized list of parts and materials used in the repair work is just as important as the labor section. This transparency helps avoid disputes and gives your customer clarity on what they’re paying for. Most auto repair shops don’t show the markup percentages on parts but you can if you want to maximize transparency.

What to include:

  • Part name and number
  • Quantity used
  • Cost per unit

7. Balance Due and Payment Summary

Now it’s time to outline the financials, from the subtotal to the total amount. This section should also include the total cost, taxes, discounts, and any payment options you accept.

What to include:

  • Subtotal (before tax)
  • Taxes (state/local)
  • Any discounts or promo codes
  • Total amount due
  • Payment methods accepted (e.g., cash, credit card, financing)
  • Amount paid and remaining balance
  • Due date for final payment, if applicable

Including this section with clear headings avoids confusion and can prevent billing issues down the line. It also ensures the receipt can function as proof of payment. Lastly, this is a great place to feature your financing options (if applicable).

8. Warranty Information

Warranty details protect both your shop and your customer in case a part fails or a job needs to be redone. If your auto repair shop offers any warranty, you need to clearly list what’s covered and for how long.

What to include:

  • Warranty length (e.g., 12 months or 12,000 miles)
  • What is and isn’t covered
  • Instructions for claiming the warranty
  • Any third-party coverage (for example, if a part manufacturer offers a separate warranty)

This section should be written in clear, non-technical language to help customers fully understand their protections. You may want to include a signature line for the customer to acknowledge receipt of the warranty.

9. Streamline receipts

Creating receipts and invoices by hand can be tedious but Tekmetric streamlines that for you. Tekmetric can help you build faster estimates and take payments digitally with our auto repair estimate software.

Some of our features include:

  • Streamlined estimate building
  • Digital approvals
  • Job history and reporting in one place
  • Financing options for customers

Final Thoughts

A well-documented auto repair receipt protects your shop, helps your customer feel confident, and sets the tone for a long-term relationship. From capturing accurate customer information to detailing every repair service, your mechanic receipt should leave nothing to guesswork.

Don’t just think of it as paperwork—think of it as part of your shop’s customer experience. With a little extra attention to your receipt process, your auto repair shop can stand out as a professional, transparent, and customer-first automotive service provider.

browse the latest articles

All tags
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

12 Apps Every Auto Repair Mechanic Needs

December 6, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

Many mechanics and auto repair shops are finding success by utilizing new apps that can help speed up inspections, car repairs, diagnostic readings and more. These apps can help everyone from dealerships and repair shops to mobile mechanics and DIYers. Here is our selection of the best mobile apps and online resources by use type.

Infographic of the best apps for automotive mechanics.

Diagnostic and code reader apps

Torque Pro: Torque is a vehicle diagnostics tool and scanner that uses an OBD II Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management. It can use the GPS to provide tracker logs with OBD engine logging so you can see what you were doing at any point in time.

It works on any vehicle that uses the OBD 2 standard (most vehicles built after 2000, but can work for vehicles as far back as 1996). The app needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to work. Torque is currently $4.95 and available in the Google Play Store.

Car Scanner ELM OBD2: Car Scanner offers OBD code scanning, sensor data and more. You can also reset DC fault codes with this app. It uses an OBD 2 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter to connect to your OBD2 engine management.

Car Scanner is currently free and available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

RepairSolutions2: The Repair Solutions app guides you from diagnosis to fix. It pairs with the newest generation of compatible OBD2 decoders and scanners to deliver the most comprehensive automotive repair database with verified fixes from ASE Master Technicians.

The mobile app requires an OBD2 scanner for most functions. It is currently free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Digital vehicle inspection apps

Tekmetric Mobile: Tekmetric Mobile is specifically designed for the automotive industry and helps car mechanics be more efficient with tasks like digital vehicle inspections. Technicians can take pictures and videos straight from their mobile phone to show customers where a repair is needed. It also provides auto mechanics with an easy way to manage their time clock.

Tekmetric Mobile is free but an active Tekmetric subscription is required to use this app. Tekmetric Mobile is available for iOS and Android users.

Tek-Tip: Mobile apps can be paired with cloud-based automotive repair software to further boost productivity and effieicncy.

SafetyCulture: SafetyCulture has designed a workflow app that helps teams collaborate and manage tasks. While not specifically designed for the automotive industry, this app can be used for digital vehicle inspections.

This app is free currently for teams with 10 people or less. It is available for iOS and Android users.

Service guide apps

BG Technician App: With access to fluid application guides, tech tips, and service guides, auto repair professionals can harness the power of the BG Tech App in the palm of their hands. The BG Tech App instills the confidence needed for technicians to discuss common car maintenance problems and solutions that prevent those problems. The BG Technician App is free and is available for iOS and Android users.

1A Auto Diagnostic & Repair: The 1A repair app helps guide you through various automotive repairs with over 19,000 videos from professional technicians. You can also shop for auto parts used in the videos directly from the app. This app can also benefit mobile mechanics by allowing them to shop for car parts straight from the app.

The 1A mobile app is available for free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Tek-Tip: Don't forget about "old-school" repair manuals that are now available in digital formats.

VIN scanner apps

VIN Check Report: This app will scan your VIN and show you market value, vehicle history, recalls, and more. Typically this type of app is used by those looking to purchase a car but this app also helps mechanics find title and recall information.

This app is available for free to Android users or you can utilize their website.

VIN Report: This app provides an easy way for you to scan a VIN and retrieve important title, recall, theft, and pricing information. It also can estimate depreciation and market value if you are looking to buy or sell a car. Mechanics will appreciate its ability to quickly find vehicle history information and open recalls.

The VIN Report mobile app is available for free in the Google Play Store or you can use their website.

Tire apps

TireScan Advisor: While many other options exist for measuring tire tread, TireScan has created an app to help automate this task by taking pictures from your mobile phone. This app utilizes AI to analyze your tire’s tread, TIN and sidewall.

TireScan is available for free in the Apple and Google App Store.

Anyline: If you are looking for a more robust app, Anyline might be the solution for you. They have created an app that reads sidewall, tread, TIN/DOT, sizing, make and model in real-time. However, they do not disclose their pricing and it is safe to assume that it is not a free app. This app seems to be designed for dealerships and large repair shops.

Tek-Tip: Tekmetric Tire Suite provides automated DOT registration, fitment data, ordering, and more.

Service advisor apps

BG Advisor App: The BG Advisor App is developed specifically for automotive service advisors and can help with sales, training and more. This app can help service advisors and shop owners explain repairs to customers and win more work for your shop. This app is available for iPhone and Android smartphones.

Online resources

YouTube

YouTube is a gold mine for car repair veterans and DIYers alike. Some of our favorite channels include:

Reddit

Reddit can be another powerful resource for new techniques plus an online community to answer questions you may have. Some of the best subreddits include:

Podcasts

Podcasts can be entertaining and an easy way to learn while working or driving. Some of our favorites include:

Are mobile apps necessary for auto mechanics?

Mobile apps are more of a luxury than a necessity for mechanics, however, they can help speed up repairs and boost efficiency. They can also help reduce time spent on paperwork and simplify workflows. If your shop is looking to stay competitive in this technology-heavy era plus boost productivity, mobile apps might be the answer you are looking for.

Closing thoughts

While all of these mechanic apps and resources can be useful, it is important to find apps that pair well with your needs. Before downloading any apps, make sure to read the reviews and do your own research. Lastly, don’t be afraid to test new apps out in your shop and see what works best for you.

Tekmetric's October 2024 Product Rundown

November 8, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

If you take away anything this month, it's that the Tekmetric Mobile app is now yours! We’re thrilled to have launched this across iOS and Android to make your techs’ lives easier, cutting their inspection time in half. As well, it delivers increased customer trust, ultimately driving up your bottom line. 

Other top release highlights include improving the efficiency of Smart Jobs, adding fresh permission settings for increased financial control, speeding up the process of finding parts across your inventory, and making the 10DLC registration process simpler.

If you’re using Tekmessage, please complete your 10DLC registration ASAP.

Starting December 1st, this requirement will be enforced. 

Save Time and Drive More Revenue With The Tekmetric Mobile App 

Perform inspections from any mobile device, complete with photos and videos, building customer trust and increasing job approval. Tekmetric customers using it today have seen their inspection times cut in half. As well, shops that share digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) with their customers, see an average increase of $15k in revenue per month.  With real-time synchronization your team stays coordinated, whether they're under a vehicle or discussing repairs with customers at the front desk.

 

 

Who’s this for?: All customers

Download Today!

App Store   Google Play Store

Learn more about the Tekmetric Mobile App

Reduce Manual Tasks with Smart Jobs 

Minimize the impact of time consuming tasks with these enhancements to our Smart Jobs feature. 

Have you ever built a job using Smart Jobs, only to realize you accidentally selected the wrong part? Now you can instantly search PartsTech again without leaving your current job screen - ensuring you always quote the right part at the right price for your customer. 

Oil changes are a necessary maintenance to keep any car running. So, it’s no wonder that repair shops offer oil change promotions to get new customers in the door. These promotions are usually for the standard 5 quarts, but what happens when a customer’s car requires extra oil? Smart Jobs will automatically calculate the adjusted price for the extra oil and add it to the estimate. This means no more hassling with a calculator to calculate the additional price tag. Smart jobs will simply provide clear and accurate estimates every time. 

Who’s this for?: All Customers  

Learn more about Charging for extra oil    Learn more about recalling PartsTech on a Smart Job

Register Your Tekmessage Number With 10DLC ASAP 

Starting December 1st, 10DLC registration will be required for all businesses using 10 digit phone numbers for application-to-person (A2P) messaging. This requirement will impact all customers using Tekmessage. So, we’ve made it easy for you to complete this registration in-platform. This process should take no more than 10 minutes and can be done from the Tekmessage Integration Card on the integrations page. 

To ensure your service is not interrupted, please be sure to check your status and complete your enrollment ASAP. The approval process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Learn more about 10DLC and how to do this here.

Who’s this for?: All customers using Tekmessage.  

Learn More 

Manage Fees Across Multiple Locations

Ensuring shop fees are consistent across all of your locations is critical, especially for maintaining customer trust. This process is now easier than ever to manage using the Multi-Shop dashboard. You can create new fees, edit existing fees, and delete fees across all of your locations. Need to maintain shop-specific pricing? No problem. Individual shops can manage their unique pricing details without impacting universal pricing. 

Who’s this for?: All customers with the Multi-Shop add-on. 

Learn More Here  

Control Permissions for Accounts Receivable 

We heard you when it comes to wanting more control over your finances in Tekmetric, especially for those with lots of employees accessing the platform. Within the payments permission, there’s a new sub-permission for engaging with accounts receivable. By checking this box, the employee will have the ability to send repair orders to accounts receivable. 

Tip: This will default to “on” for newly created shop owners and shop admins. If you had employees with the payments permission “on” at the time of the release (10/28/24), this sub-permission was defaulted to “on”. 

Who’s this for?: All customers. 

Learn More Here

View Inventory Across All Your Locations From One Place 

Locating parts across your network can be extremely cumbersome, especially if you have to hop in and out of shop views. Your Multi-Shop account now brings inventory from all your locations into a single view, saving you time & getting your team back to work quickly. Filter by shop, status, and part type to find what you need in a snap. 

Who’s this for?: All customers who have the Multi-Shop add on.

Learn More Here

How to Start a Mobile Mechanic Business (6 Step Guide)

October 31, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

What is a mobile mechanic?

Unlike traditional auto shops, mobile mechanics travel to their customers to provide automotive repairs and services at the clients home. This service is attractive to older clients who may not want to travel as much or for young professionals who are to busy to wait for their car at a shop. Another major perk is that mobile mechanics can often perform services at a cheaper price because of having lower overhead costs.

Mobile mechanics are not able to perform every repair that a brick-and-mortar shop can as they have to transport all of their tools and supplies with them. However, they can still provide these common repair services:

  • Oil changes
  • Diagnostics
  • Tire rotations/replacements
  • Filter replacements
  • Batteries
  • Spark plugs
  • Alternators
  • Brake service and more.

How profitable is a mobile mechanic business?

Mechanics can charge whatever they would like but most repairs fall in the $20 - $125 per hour range. Like any business, you have to consider your startup costs, advertising expenses, number of expected clients, and how much your services are worth before determining if your business will be profitable. Overwhelmed yet? Dont worry, we will explain everything in detail below.

6 Steps to become a mobile mechanic

While you may not need a college degree to be a quality mechanic, you will still have to invest in tools, licensing, marketing and other business needs. We have outlined everything you need to start your business below.

Six steps to become a mobile mechanic.

Develop a Business plan

Starting with a quality business plan for your business is the first step in making sure you start off on the right foot. Outlining who your competitors are, setting goals and solidifying your financials may seem outdated but they are the foundations of your business. Here are nine steps to creating your business plan:

  1. Write an executive summary
  2. Describe your shop
  3. State your business goals
  4. Describe your products and services
  5. Do your market research
  6. Outline your marketing and sales plan
  7. Perform a business financial analysis
  8. Make financial projections
  9. Create a plan for growth and expansion

Tek-Tip: If you want to jump start your business, consider joining a mobile mechanic business like Wrench.

Gather necessary licenses and certifications

Once you have created your business plan, it is time to start working on your business license. Not every state requires you to acquire a license but some do. Do your research for the state you plan to work in and make sure you are legally ready to open your auto repair shop.

The most common certifications include:

  • ASE certification: Also known as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Being one of the largest accreditation organizations, ASE is commonly recognized throughout the auto industry.
  • Manufacturer certification: Mechanics may elect to gain additional certifications from specific manufacturers (Honda, Toyota, etc.) to add to their credibility. These certifications are also recommended if you only work on certain types of cars.
  • Refrigerant certification: If you plan to work on MVAC (motor vehicle air conditioners), the EPA requires you to obtain certification in proper refrigerant handling according to Section 609 regulations from the Clean Air Act.

Also, don’t forget to register your business and form the appropriate legal entity (partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability, or corporation). Each entity has pros and cons, so consult with a legal professional to make sure you are ready to file taxes with the IRS and open your own business.

Set your pricing structure

Your cost per hour or per repair should be reflective of your years of experience, geographical location, types of services performed and competition. Doing some competitor research will help you determine how much clients are willing to pay in your area.

Some mobile mechanics can charge more if they offer premium services or more complicated repairs. If you are new to the area, it may be beneficial to keep your costs low until you have a solid client base. Don’t forget that you can also make money off of part markups.

Lastly, remember to account for inflation, sales tax, parts, and gas for your vehicle. Depending on your payment options, you will also need to account for credit card processing fees. Auto repair can be a seasonal industry (especially in certain states), so make sure to stow away some revenue for slower months.

Insurance coverage

If you are going make an investment in your mobile auto repair business, you need to protect it with the proper insurance coverage. Some of the common insurance plans you should consider include:

  • Liability insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Fire and theft insurance
  • Road risks insurance

Lastly, decide if you will be offering any warranties on your services/parts and how that will impact your bottom line.

Invest in quality equipment

  • Tools: A reliable power source, jack or portable car lift, drain pans, safety equipment, scanners, cleaning sprays, diagnostic equipment and gloves are all important to have on hand. Also, don’t forget a proper lighting source.
  • Parts: Having commonly needed auto parts in your inventory will save you time rather than waiting for parts to be delivered to you. However, you should also determine how much inventory space you have and how to maximize it.
  • Software: A cheat code for mobile mechanics is adding cloud-based auto repair software that can help you keep track of inventory, invoices, billing, inspections, marketing, and more all in one place.
  • Vehicle: Reliable transportation is critical for mobile mechanics. Select a vehicle that has enough storage to accommodate large parts and good fuel economy for longer trips. Lastly, don’t forget to bring shelter in case of inclement weather so you can continue to work in the elements.

Tek-Tip: If you need help coming up with a mobile mechanic business name, we have developed a guide to the best auto repair business names. In addition, we developed an AI-powered name generator tool that can also help with logo creation.

Marketing and advertising

You can offer the best mobile mechanic service in your state but without a proper marketing strategy, customers may struggle to find you. Here are some common marketing efforts that will help you build a strong customer base.

  • Website: A strong website is the glue that holds all of your marketing efforts together by providing a central location to find prices, services, phone number, and more. Make sure your website reflects what makes you better than your competition. SEO (search engine optimization) is another important factor to include in your website to ensure you are visible to those searching online for your services.

Tek-Tip: Not tech savvy? Shopgenie can help by offering website, CRM, scheduling, review managament and more.

  • Paid advertising: Strategize where your target audience is located and how you can leverage paid advertisements to attract more customers. Possible opportunities include Google ads, social media ads, local event sponsorship and more.
  • Social media: Social media is a great place to highlight customer testimonials and engage with your audience. Experiment with varying content types until you find what resonates with your customers.
  • Traditional marketing: Mailers, business cards, flyers, billboards and direct mail can all be impactful marketing tactics for local businesses. Considering adding a QR code pointing users to your website or adding coupons to incentivize customers.
  • Referral program: Testimonials go a long way for word-of-mouth marketing. Consider offering a discount on future services for each new customer they refer to your business.
  • Email: Email marketing is a great way to retain existing customers by offering incentives or coupons to ensure your car repair business stays top of mind. Another impactful email marketing tactic is to send oil change reminders to existing clients.

Closing Thoughts

Starting a mobile mechanic business can be intimidating but the flexible working hours, independence and profitability make it worthwhile. Being a small business owner is not for everyone, consider starting out as part time and move into full time as your profitability grows. Don’t forget to utilize your network to learn industry trends and new tactics to grow your business.

Meet the Tekmetric Mobile App: Auto Inspections for the New Era

October 21, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

In the fast-paced world of auto repair, every minute counts, and your technician's time is your greatest asset. You’re not just managing a business—you’re orchestrating a complex balancing act of diagnostics, repairs, customer interactions, and team coordination. With so much on your plate, wouldn’t it be great if you had a tool that sped up the inspection process and created more customer trust? Well, your wish just came true.

Available for free across app stores, the Tekmetric Mobile App is designed to streamline your inspection process, boost productivity, and build stronger, more trusting relationships with your customers—all while putting more money in your pocket.

The Freedom to Do More, Right from Your Phone

In the world of auto repair, time is money. Every second your technicians spend away from their primary tasks, whether they’re running back to the computer to log information or trying to send and upload pictures, is time that could be spent actually working on vehicles. The Tekmetric Mobile App changes all that by bringing everything your technicians need right to their fingertips.

With the Tekmetric mobile app, your technicians can easily complete digital vehicle inspections directly from their phones (iPhone or Android). No more clipboards, no more back-and-forth to the computer. They can take high-quality photos and videos, accurately document vehicle conditions, and perform detailed inspections on the spot. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and it keeps your team focused on what they do best—repairing cars.

Cut Time Spent on Inspections in Half

The Tekmetric Mobile App isn’t just a convenience; it’s a productivity powerhouse. It streamlines the inspection workflow, allowing your technicians to move seamlessly from one task to the next without skipping a beat. The app’s intuitive interface means there’s no steep learning curve—your team can start using it immediately, saving valuable time from day one.

Imagine the impact on your shop’s efficiency when your technicians are no longer bogged down by administrative tasks. Inspections are completed faster, data is recorded more accurately, and your team is free to focus on getting vehicles back to their owners quickly. This increase in productivity means more cars serviced each day, which directly translates to more revenue for your business.

Increase ARO by adding photos

Trust is everything in the auto repair industry. Your customers need to know that they can rely on you for honest, accurate assessments of their vehicles. The Tekmetric Mobile App helps you build that trust by making it easier than ever to communicate with your customers.

With the app, your technicians can document vehicle conditions with detailed photos and videos, giving your customers a clear, visual understanding of any issues. Instead of just telling them what’s wrong, you can show them. The Tekmetric mobile app takes this to the next level with its photo markup feature, allowing your technicians to visually pinpoint exact issues on the images without slowing down. This transparency not only helps customers feel more confident in your recommendations, but it also fosters long-term relationships based on trust and satisfaction.

When your customers see that you’re being upfront and thorough, they’re more likely to approve necessary repairs and keep coming back to your shop in the future. The Tekmetric Mobile App helps you build that kind of loyalty, one inspection at a time.

Boost Monthly Revenue by $15k

At the end of the day, your shop is a business, and like any business, profitability is key. According to the 2023 Industry Index, Tekmetric shops who add an average of 25 photos and videos to their inspections see their ARO increase to $2500. The Tekmetric Mobile App is designed to help you accomplish just that. You can maximize your earnings by enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Faster inspections mean more vehicles can be serviced in a day, which leads to increased revenue. Additionally, when customers trust your assessments and feel confident in their decisions, they’re more likely to approve additional services, further boosting your sales. And because the app improves documentation accuracy and reduces the chance of errors, you’re also protecting your shop from costly misunderstandings and disputes.

The Future of Auto Repair is Here—And It’s Free

The Tekmetric Mobile App is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer for auto repair shops of all sizes. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your existing workflow, enhancing every aspect of your inspection process while saving you time and money. And the best part? It’s completely free to download and use.

Whether you’re managing a single location or multiple shops, the Tekmetric Mobile App is ready to help you take your business to the next level. It’s intuitive, powerful, and it’s available right now in your favorite app store.

Ready to Transform Your Shop?

Don’t let inefficiencies and outdated processes hold your shop back. The future of auto repair is here, and it’s as simple as downloading an app. Start improving your productivity, building stronger customer relationships, and increasing your profits today.

Learn more about the Tekmetric Mobile App Today. Your team will love it, your customers will appreciate it, and your bottom line will thank you.

Tekmetric and Shopgenie Join Forces to Revolutionize Auto Repair Shop Management

October 16, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

We’re excited to announce that Tekmetric, the leading cloud-based shop management system for automotive repair shops, is joining forces with Shopgenie, the leading auto repair shop CRM, to provide a comprehensive all-in-one solution that optimizes operations and drives growth for auto repair shops. This combination is set to combine the best of both worlds, offering shop owners smarter tools, seamless integrations, and enhanced features to optimize operations and drive growth—all from a single, unified platform.

So, what does it mean for our partner shops? Here’s a few of the benefits you’ll see in the coming months: 

  • Streamline your operations: Managing your shop requires balancing internal processes while delivering top-notch customer service. With the addition of Shopgenie, we’re not just expanding our platform—we’re creating a true all-in-one solution that addresses the real-world challenges you face every day. Soon, you’ll have one platform, one login, and one phone number for all customer communication, simplifying your workflow and reducing complexity.
  • Enhance Customer Engagement: Keep your customers informed and engaged with automated marketing tools, text reminders, and follow-ups. With integrated communication tools, you’ll deliver exceptional service that strengthens relationships and boosts customer loyalty.
  • Increase Efficiency & Profitability: Benefit from seamless integrations with CRM, booking, and marketing tools that reduce manual work, streamline operations, and ultimately increase profitability. Plus, you’ll continue to have the flexibility to use Tekmetric’s 70+ integrations in our robust ecosystem, with Shopgenie continuing to build and support integrations with other shop management systems.

Here’s what our leadership has to say:

“This combination sets a new standard for efficiency and customer experience in the industry. At Tekmetric, we are committed to providing shop owners with best-in-class tools to manage and grow their businesses. Similarly, Shopgenie’s ability to solve real-world challenges with intuitive technology has earned it the trust of shop owners nationwide,” said Sunil Patel, Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. “Together, we are building an all-in-one platform that empowers shop owners to attract, retain and serve customers more effectively, driving long-term growth.”

“Tekmetric’s relentless pursuit of innovation and passion for creating products that make shop owners’ lives easier could not be a more perfect fit for Shopgenie and our customers,” said Kieran O’Brien, CEO and Co-Founder of Shopgenie. “Our combined strengths will create a more complete, powerful platform that sets a new standard for auto repair software solutions.”

At Tekmetric, helping shops measure up is at the core of everything we do. With this combination, we’re building a seamless, all-in-one solution to manage every aspect of your shop more effectively. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for the industry and aim to take your shop to the next level. Learn more at https://www.tekmetric.com/shopgenie.

How to Choose the Best Auto Repair Shop Software

October 15, 2024

Read time: 3 min

read more

Choosing the best auto repair software for your shop is essential for staying competitive in today’s digital landscape.  While many shops are adopting digital solutions, the variety of options for the top auto shop software can make the choice overwhelming. To find success, it is important to identify a solution that aligns seamlessly with your business goals and strategy.

What is Auto Repair Shop Software?

Auto repair software is a digital tool shop owners can use to streamline workflows and help with daily tasks like invoices, reporting, and payments. These softwares are designed to make shops run smoother and reduce headaches. Each software has a unique set of features and functionality. This guide was created to help you find the best shop management software and compare and contrast features.

Benefits of Auto Repair Software

Auto repair software can offer a lot of benefits for your shop including:

  • Reduced back and forth with customers through two-way texting.
  • Quicker inspections leading to more vehicles per day.
  • More secure files through cloud-based software versus pen and paper.
  • Automated tasks take less time like parts ordering and repair order creation.
  • Increased visibility of how your business is doing through real-time dashboards.
  • Keep track of customer notes, names, and vehicle history in one place.

All of these benefits improve efficiency in your shop leading to more revenue. Plus, your staff will be able to do more in less time making their lives easier.

Top Shop Management Software Features to Look For

The solution you use in your shop should offer a comprehensive suite of features to streamline operations, enhance your customer experience and increase profitability. These features might take on several forms, so look for options that fall into one of the following five categories:

  • Security Features
  • Convenience Features
  • Trust Features
  • Efficiency Features
  • Expansion Features

Tek-Tip: While features are important, don't forget to calculate cost. Compare if the cost is monthly or yearly and what the ROI will be for your shop. Tekmetric users see a 25% average increase in repair orders within the first 120 days.

Security Features

The best automotive repair shop software is one that prioritizes security. Your shop collects tons of data both internally and externally each day. Not only do you store information on your shop’s productivity and financial performance, but vehicle owners also entrust you with their personal information. In all cases, that information should be stored safely and protected by your software solution. Some key features to look for include:

  • Cloud-based. Cloud-based systems are one of the most secure solutions available. Not only is the data stored in a cloud-based system available to you anytime, anywhere, but it is also regularly backed up to provide an additional layer of protection against unforeseen events like natural disasters or equipment failures.
  • Third-party security certification. Third-party certifications validate a shop management system’s commitment to data protection. Tekmetric recently achieved SOC II Type 2 Compliance, demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding customer data in five areas: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy.

Convenience Features

When customers have an excellent, convenient experience, they are more likely to return to your shop for future repairs. The best car repair software you can use in your shop helps you personalize the customer experience for your target audience and improve customer communication. Here are some customer-centric features to consider:

  • Digital payment solutions. With features like integrated payments, buy now pay later and text-to pay, customers can pay in a manner that works best for them, allowing them to pick up their car after hours, pay invoices from their office and even complete a payment for their college student from states away.
  • Two-way texting. Two-way texting features can streamline communications, allowing your team to easily text with customers. With two-way texting, you can even designate your shop’s existing landline number as the contact to avoid confusion.
  • Automation. With automation-based features like SmartJobs, your service advisors can create jobs in only one or two clicks, allowing them to focus less on manual tasks and more on interacting with customers.

Trust Features

In the auto repair industry, creating customer loyalty is critical for differentiating your shop and driving business. Your customers will keep coming back if they trust your team and the services you provide. As you search for the best shop management software for your shop, look for a solution that helps you increase transparency and build trust with new and existing customers alike. Some features might include:

  • Digital vehicle inspections. DVIs allow technicians to complete a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle and send customers pictures and videos of any repairs it might need. This strategy helps customers better understand what is happening with their vehicle, making them more likely to agree to necessary repairs.
  • Educational integrations. Some integrations can help educate your customers on the necessity of a repair or how their vehicle should work. With Tekmetric’s integration with MotoVisuals, for example, customers can view animated videos of proposed repairs that explain why these repairs are vital for their vehicle. This creates a seamless experience for your customers while building trust and strengthening the relationship.

Efficiency Features

In addition to providing secure data storage and enhancing your customer experience, investing in auto repair software can also help your mechanic shop run more efficiently. The best auto repair software for you should offer customizable functionality that streamlines your internal processes and workflow to help you finish repairs on time. Here are some features that promote efficiency:

  • Inventory orders. In addition to building the estimates, a comprehensive shop management system can support your team in ordering parts and managing inventory. Tekmetric has created an inventory management solution that enables your technician to order parts as they are completing the repair diagnosis. This streamlines the work order process and removes any potential miscommunications between technicians and managers or service advisors ordering parts, leading to a more accurate and efficient process.
  • Automatic progress updates. Tekmetric automatically updates new notes within a repair order for all team members to view the updates as soon as they are entered. Service advisors can then automatically send these updates to the customer, so the customer remains informed even if the service advisor is occupied with another task. With automatic updates, the customer has a play-by-play of the repair – and they can complete the next task, such as approval or payment, without any back-and-forth over the phone or having to come in person.
  • Mobile App for 24/7 access. A mobile app can help your technicians perform inspections faster and be able to take pictures/videos right from their device. Mobile apps can also help shop owners check on reporting and dashboards while away from their desks.
  • Shop dashboard real-time reporting. Reviewing dashboards in real-time allows you to respond to potential bottlenecks or problems that arise throughout the day. For example, you can review your profitability early in the week and determine if you’re on the right path or if you need to take steps such as calling customers for approvals or following up on declined work to generate more repairs.

Tek-Tip: Unbiased review sites like G2 can be helpful when comparing which software is best for you.

Expansion features

One common mistake shop owners make is buying an auto repair shop management software that only meets their current needs. The best auto repair softwares grow with your business and can integrate with other products.

  • Integrations. Each auto repair shop is unique and has different needs. In addition, each shop will grow and have new emerging needs down the road. Purchase an auto repair shop software that meets your current needs and can integrate with other features you will need later on. Ask fellow shop owners which integrations they find helpful and learn from their success.
  • Multi-Location. If you are a shop owner with a vision to expand into multiple locations, make sure your auto repair software can handle the task. Tekmetric offers multi-shop management where you can view all of your reports in one place and streamline your workflow across locations.
  • New Services and Products. Do you envision your shop offering tires or other products in the future? Not all auto repair softwares are built equal, so make sure your software is up the task.

What is the best auto repair shop software?

The best automotive repair shop software for you is one that allows you to run your business smoothly while also supporting security, convenience and transparency between you and your customers. When your software supports these areas, you will be better poised to streamline your shop’s processes and create a better customer experience – ultimately driving your bottom line.

Choosing a software is a personal decision based on your specific business strategy, budget, customers and team. Fortunately, many softwares have advanced features that can be customized to your goals and needs. These advanced features come at a price and each software has differing pricing plans. Make sure your research includes pricing and what the ROI will be for your shop.

Final Thoughts

When researching the right shop management solution for your shop, look for the right features to meet your needs and workflow. Another expert tip is to utilize unbiased review platforms like G2 to discern which software is best for you. Lastly, network and connect with fellow shop owners and see what they recommend.