Your auto parts inventory management system should match the operational pace of your shop, and the system shouldn’t be so complex or time-consuming that it takes time away from hours better spent repairing cars.
Running a more efficient shop will lead to a better experience for customers, more clarity in the repair process, and ultimately more approved repairs. That means more money for your shop!
Still using pen and paper to keep track of your shop's parts inventory? Let's help you find a better way with a modern, cloud-based shop management system.
Managing Inventory with Pen and Paper
We hear it all the time: if it ain't broke, don't fix it! And sure, that might be true for your favorite recliner, but when it comes to running your shop like a well-oiled machine, there's some big room for improvement. Especially if you're relying on pen and paper.
And we get it, pen and paper requires very little training, can be completed offline, it's pretty cheap, and most importantly it's the way it’s always been done.
In reality, pen and paper records may seem inexpensive at first, but costs quickly add up:
The process is generally slow and requires managers to flip through multiple pages in a notebook or keep a long log of everything. If you need to audit a purchase, you'll be digging through pages manually.
Paper records are easily destroyed, lost, and damaged, and creating copies is a time-consuming task in and of itself.
Hand-writing! We all know it takes a nurse to read a doctor's handwriting, but what about a technician's or a shop owner's? Chances are, someone else might have a hard time reading your records. It might sound silly, but it’s a simple issue that can lead to huge problems.
Your shop has a lot of moving parts -- no pun intended. Tracking repair orders, contacting customers, and completing digital vehicle inspections, everything is so much easier with the right tools for the job. Especially when we're talking about tracking your shop's parts inventory.
Instead of hoping you wrote it down right or even at all, wouldn’t it be easier to track such items with a digital database?
Going digital, but not quite modern
We sometimes hear that shops have upgraded away from the really old school pen and paper methods to shop management tools the generally rely on spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are essentially very simplistic databases, and understandably, plenty of shops have been using spreadsheets for decades. Programs like Excel are a clear upgrade from a humble, physically maintained auto parts inventory management records system.
But ultimately, spreadsheets aren’t built with auto parts inventory management in mind or with auto workers in mind. It can be difficult to set up your own spreadsheet system, and there’s always the risk of human error or simply losing spreadsheets stored on a personal computer.
That's where a modern cloud-based system comes in.
Modern Parts and Inventory Management with Shop Management Software
Shop management software can be automated and comes with pre-created templates and tables ready for the user to fill in.
With auto parts inventory management software, service writers don’t have to invent their own templates as they would with a spreadsheet records system, and the software does much of the record-keeping for them. Shop management systems like Tekmetric have portals specifically dedicated to parts inventory management.
If your old parts management system has your shop stuttering like a rusted-out pickup running on empty, systems like Tekmetric may be the perfect solution to get your team on track with an intuitive auto parts inventory management system built for teams just like yours.
Tekmetric lets you put together and track your parts orders, store information about vendors, monitor parts sales performance over time, and even put together and save special parts lists for jobs your shop completes on a regular basis
Upgrade Your Shop's Inventory Management
Maybe your team conducts a yearly deep dive into its inventory but only supplements this with brief monthly bookkeeping reviews and weekly maintenance checks. Or maybe your shop moves enough stock that staying on top of auto parts inventory management requires fastidious, day-to-day monitoring
In the former scenario, it is easy for stock problems to creep up on shop owners without anyone noticing for some time. For shops carrying more parts and conducting more frequent monitoring, the greatest challenge may be sorting a massive volume of parts.
Whether you run a shop that sells a lot of stock parts or makes more profit on labor, the one consistent way to gain control over the pace of parts inventory management is to use a program like Tekmetric.
A shop management software worth its salt centralizes information about what you have on your shelves and lets you update records fast.
FAQ
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop Management
Free Auto Repair Receipt Template & What You Need To Include
Mechanic interviews are challenging for both the employer and candidate because the right candidate has to be a fit in personality and technical ability. Plus, the numerous certification types, manufacturer nuances, and shop needs make it even more challenging.
This guide can be used to help repair shops/dealerships ask the right questions and also help technicians be prepared for questions they will likely encounter. Below you will find the most common car mechanic interview questions broken down by mechanic and service advisor level plus tips to ace your next interview.
Top mechanic job interview questions
While every auto repair shop differs in how they run their job interview process, these are some of the most common questions you can expect. Ranging from technical questions to customer service, be prepared to answer these common questions before your next interview.
General interview questions for car mechanics
These common questions cover basic automotive repair experience and relevant work history.
Tell me about yourself and your experience as an automotive technician.
Why do you want to work for our company/shop?
How do you stay up to date with new automotive technologies and repair techniques?
What certifications do you currently hold (ASE, manufacturer-specific, etc.)?
Are you comfortable working weekends, evenings, or overtime if needed?
Technical interview questions for mechanics
These technical interview questions cover more specific hand-on experience and tools/equipment.
Which repairs are you best at?
How much would you estimate your tool inventory to be worth?
What steps do you take when diagnosing a check engine light?
What tools and diagnostic equipment are you most familiar with?
Have you worked with hybrid or electric vehicles?
Do you believe in factory recommended vehicle maintenance intervals?
How comfortable are you with OEM scan/diagnostic tools?
Experience & situational questions for mechanics
These questions help employers understand how you would handle various shop situations and also helps them understand your communication skills.
Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline?
How do you deal with angry customers?
How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple vehicles to work on?
What would you do if you made a mistake on a repair? How do you handle accountability?
What do you do if you encounter a vehicle with an issue you've never seen before?
Additional questions to expect
Are you comfortable serving those in need once a month?
Are you comfortable doing a DVI on the majority of vehicles you touch?
How do you handle a high-pressure environment when the shop is busy?
How do you handle a situation where you're unsure about how to fix a problem?
Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?
Top interview questions for service advisors
While the interview questions for service advisors will be similar to mechanics, there will be small differences. Typically, service advisors will be more customer facing and shops will tailor their questions to focus more on customer service and communication style.
General interview questions for service advisors
Are you comfortable selling repair services?
Are you comfortable working on a commission based salary structure?
Who do you believe has the best after market products?
How do you deal with a customer saying that you are more expensive than their last shop?
How do you win back angry customers?
How do you handle over the phone quotes?
Technical interview questions for service advisors
What are your greatest strengths as a service advisor?
Who do you trust for moving electrical parts?
How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment?
Are you comfortable meeting sales goals and upselling services?
How do you stay up to date with new automotive technology and service trends?
How do you handle stress during busy hours?
Experience & situational questions for service advisors
How do you explain complex vehicle repairs to a customer who doesn’t understand cars?
What steps do you take to build trust with customers?
Have you ever had to deal with a miscommunication between a technician and a customer? How did you resolve it?
Can you describe a time when you turned a dissatisfied customer into a repeat customer?
How do you handle multiple customers needing assistance at the same time?
Additional questions to expect
How do you explain the importance of routine maintenance to a customer?
What experience do you have with automotive service software or point-of-sale systems?
How do you prioritize repair orders and schedule work efficiently?
How do you explain repair estimates to customers?
How would you respond to 1-star reviews?
Job interview tips for mechanics
Research: Not all shops are created equal so make sure to research before applying to make sure they are a good fit. You can also look at online reviews to see what their customers are saying.
Preparation: Use the commonly used questions above to help you prepare for the interview. Practice how you would answer each question and ways you can present yourself well.
Attire: You have 7 seconds to make your first impression and attire is a big part of that. Dress to showcase your professionalism and experience.
Highlight your experience/certifications: Showcasing your certifications and experience can go a long way to in making sure you land the job.
Ask thoughtful questions: Some interviewers will allow you to ask questions during the conversation. Make sure you have a few questions to ask that help you learn more about the shop.
Follow up: if you haven’t heard back from the shop and you are still interested, give them a call and remind them of your interest in the position.
Final thoughts
Interviews are challenging in any industry but mechanic interviews can be even more challenging with the shortage of talent available. This guide will help you either prepare for your next interview or provide you with common questions to ask your next hire. Lastly, always hire for culture fit and talent second. Culture problems are a lot harder to correct than technical car knowledge.
If you're running an auto repair shop, investing in a car lift is essential. A high-quality vehicle lift makes it easier to work on cars, increases efficiency, and ensures safety. But how much does it actually cost to install a car lift? That depends on the type of lift, installation costs, and other factors such as weight capacity and safety features. Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best automotive lift for your needs.
Do you need a car lift?
Car lifts are essential in auto repair shops because they provide mechanics with better access to a vehicle’s undercarriage, making inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. Unlike floor jacks, lifts offer a stable and elevated workspace, reducing the risk of injuries and improving workflow.
With a car lift, technicians can quickly perform tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, exhaust system work, and suspension adjustments without having to crawl under the vehicle. This efficiency leads to faster turnaround times and higher shop productivity.
Additionally, lifts help maximize shop space by allowing vertical storage for vehicles, which is especially useful in high-volume repair shops. Overall, car hoists are a fundamental investment for any auto repair shop looking to enhance efficiency, safety, and the quality of service provided to customers.
Types of car lifts and their costs
Each type of lift has its pros and cons. Some lifts are better for oil change shops and some are better for tire or repair shops. In general, car lifts can cost between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on brand, lift capacity, lift height, and features. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most common lift options for your shop.
Two-Post car lifts
A two-post car lift is one of the most popular choices for auto repair shops. They are popular because they take up less space and can be affordable depending on features. Make sure to plan out your shop layout as these lifts are permanent and cannot be easily moved. These hoists come in asymmetric and symmetric configurations, allowing flexibility based on vehicle type.
Price: $3,000 - $10,000
Best For: General repair shops working on SUVs and smaller cars.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
Popular brands: BendPak, Rotary, Tuxedo.
Advantages: High lifting capacity while saving space for smaller shops.
Four-Post lifts
A four-post lift provides greater stability and weight capacity, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. If your shop works on a lot of trucks or heavy-duty vehicles, the four-post lift might be the best lift for you. Tire and brake shops should avoid these lifts as the tires sit on the lift making it difficult to work on these areas.
Price: $5,000 - $25,000
Best For: Dealerships and professional shops.
Lift capacity: 7,000 - 14,000 lbs.
Popular brands: BendPak, Titan, Tuxedo, Rotary.
Advantages: Heavier lifting capacity for larger vehicles.
Scissor lifts
If saving space is your top priority, the scissor lift may be your best option. They are almost invisible when not in use and lie flat on the ground to optimize garage space. Double check the lift capacity and height to make sure it can accommodate the types of vehicles you work on.
Price: $1,500 - $10,000
Best For: Quick repair shops where space is limited.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 15,000 lbs.
Brands: QuickJack, BendPak, MaxJax
Advantages: Compact and cheaper.
In-Ground lifts
In-ground car lifts are a great choice for shops that work on heavier vehicles and want to save space. These lifts are the perfect balance of the space saving capabilities of a scissor lift while also providing optimal strength for large vehicles.
Price: $10,000 - $25,000
Best For: Repair shops and dealerships.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 20,000 lbs.
Brands: BendPak, Rotary, Atlas
Advantages: Compact while also offering enough muscle.
Portable car lifts
If your shop layout frequently changes or you are a mobile mechanic, a portable lift may be the best option. These lifts can be easily moved around a garage or taken to a job site and are often the cheapest option. However, they can be less reliable and don’t provide the same level of strength as a stationary lift.
Price: $500 - $5,000
Best For: Home garages, mobile mechanics, DIY enthusiasts.
Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
Brands: QuickJack, MaxJax
Advantages: Affordable, compact, mobile.
Installation prices for car lifts
Installing a vehicle lift is not just about purchasing the unit. You also need to consider the installation costs, which can vary depending on the type of lift and garage setup. Here are the main factors affecting installation costs:
1. Concrete requirements
Most lifts, especially two-post car lifts and four-post lifts, require a thick concrete base. If your floor isn’t thick enough, you may need reinforcement, which adds to the cost.
2. Electrical setup
Lifts need power, and if your garage isn’t wired for it, you’ll need an electrician.
3. Air compressors & accessories
Some lifts require compressors and additional balancer tools for operation.
4. Professional installation
Hiring a pro ensures the lift is ALI-certified and meets safety regulations.
Choosing the right car lift for your auto repair shop
Each type of lift comes with its own advantages, making it important to choose the right one based on your needs. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
How big is your shop?
Which repair services do you offer?
What is your budget?
Does the lift offer a warranty?
Will you garage layout change over time?
How important is a car lift warranty to you?
How heavy will the vehicles you work on be?
What is the average review rating of the lift?
How easy or hard is the lift to install?
How much will the maintenance cost?
Final thoughts
Installing a vehicle lift in your auto repair shop is a smart investment. Whether you choose a two-post car lift, scissor lifts, or portable lift, knowing the lift cost and installation costs upfront can help you budget wisely. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s ALI-certified for safety and performance. Lastly, don’t forget about regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure your lift continues to run for many years.
Shop Management
Thought Leadership
How Much Does a Car Lift Cost + Installation Prices
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