8 Best Auto Repair Shop Management Software

When you're an auto services pro trying to run a business, software may not be the first thing that comes to mind. After all, you have customers to call, parts to find, and plenty of cars to fix. How is software going to help you rebuild a six-cylinder engine?

Like any industry, managing an auto repair shop involves juggling multiple tasks, such as scheduling appointments, tracking inventory, and collecting customer payments. These might not be your favorite things to do each week, but they're essential for maintaining your business - and they're much easier to handle with auto repair shop management software.

This post will discuss the best management software solutions for auto repair shops. We'll explain what each one does and the pros and cons of each.

Best Auto Repair Shop Management Software

Finding the best software for your repair shop involves analyzing your business needs, determining a budget, and factoring in ease of use. Let's explore some of the best options available in the section below.

1. Thryv

Best For: Small Auto Repair Shops

Thryv Command Center, its free communication software, connects your business via phone, video, and web chat. You can chat with customers and team members while on the go, and your conversations are all tracked in one place.

Thryv also offers marketing and business management tools, like appointment-booking software and a CRM. These features automate marketing campaigns and improve workflow at your business. With its Centralized Inbox, a free chat tool, and a CRM system, you'll be well on your way to a more organized workday.

Pros:

• Command Center is free and includes a shared inbox, phone and video features, and web chat.
• The free plan includes a dedicated business line with 60 minutes of phone and video each month.
• Thryv's Business Center includes document management tools to help you track and organize documents at your repair shop.

Cons:

• The free option may not be best for larger shops since the centralized inbox only hosts three channels.
• Businesses that rely heavily on phone communication may need to upgrade their account to avoid usage limits.

Price:Get started with Command Center for Free; Business Center starts at $228/month; Marketing Center starts at $228/month

2. Shopmonkey

Best For: Mid-Sized or Growing Auto Repair Shops

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Built specifically for auto shops, Shopmonkey is efficient and easy to use. It is extremely user-friendly and a platform that allows you to manage appointments, invoices, and customer communications in one spot.

Shopmonkey also has an estimate tool that can predict the cost of a part or service. This software considers your labor costs, inventory, and other details affecting the final payment. It can also import vehicle data via the license plate and Vehicle identification number (VIN) so you can provide accurate estimates to customers.

Pros:

• It has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for those new to auto repair management software.
• You can book and reschedule appointments using the drag-and-drop calendar.
• Shopmonkey sends automated reminders via text or email, so you're constantly keeping in touch with customers.

Cons:

• Only the premium subscriptions offer e-signatures and inventory management features.
• The advanced features may be less useful for solo entrepreneurs or repair shops with small teams.

Price: $179/month for Basic Monkey plan; $292/month for Clever Monkey plan; $427/month for Genius Monkey plan

3. Shop-Ware

Best For: Auto Repair Shops with Multiple Locations

Shop-Ware is a cloud-based software (meaning that your data is stored within Shop-Ware's online system, not on your own device) designed to improve customer service and day-to-day operations. Using your login credentials, you can access your account from any computer or phone.

Shop-Ware is known for its excellent workflow management, thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. From one dashboard, you can see and manage everything that's going on in your shop, like repair orders and parts fulfillment.

Pros:

• You can order parts directly through the software, so you don't have to bounce between apps or devices.
• The cloud-based system lets you access your account from anywhere, even on the go.
• The mobile-friendly features make it easy to manage your business even when you're not in the shop.

Cons:

• The Mobile/Diag plan is limited to one user, which isn't ideal if you have multiple people on your team.
• The Master plan is the only plan that offers reporting and analytics. Otherwise, with other plans, you have to pay separately for it.

Price: $135/month for Mobile/Diag plan; $225/month for Startup plan; $334/month for Journey plan; $445/month for Master plan

4. AutoLeap

Best For: Auto Repair Franchises

When it comes to reliability and ease of use, AutoLeap is a top contender for the best auto shop management software. It has solutions for independent repair shops, franchises, and businesses with multiple locations.

AutoLeap provides an impressive collection of tools designed to enhance productivity. For example, it has a productivity-tracking workboard that shows incomplete tasks and when they need to be completed. You can also assign and reassign tasks to efficiently delegate work at your shop.

Pros:

• AutoLeap provides advanced reporting features, like digital vehicle inspections and sales tracking.
• The "One-Click Estimates" feature automatically converts estimates into invoices.
• The "Smart Review Management" tool helps you respond to Google Reviews.

Cons:

• Integrating third-party tools with this software is more difficult than other options on this list.
• Accounting features may not be as useful if you don't use QuickBooks.

Price: Contact for Pricing

5. TekMetric

Best For: Mechanics Constantly on the Go

TekMetric is a cloud-based software with features such as a shop management system, integrated payments, and real-time data. Your dashboard updates automatically, which means it's constantly refreshing to provide the most up-to-date information.

TekMetric also has a two-way texting feature, so you can contact clients from your phone. It's a convenient communication channel if you're always on the go and don't want to send an email.

Pros:

• The digital vehicle inspection feature creates custom inspections for any service your shop provides.
• The "Tire Suite" feature helps you manage your inventory and register with tire manufacturers.
• You can purchase replacement parts and new inventory directly through the TekMetric interface.

Cons:

• TekMetric doesn't have a feature that estimates the costs of your services.
• The interface is not very customizable. Users need to work within the default views and settings.

Price: $199/month for Start plan; $349/month for Grow plan; $439/month for Scale plan

6. Mitchell1

Best For: Auto Repair Shops that Service Trucks

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Mitchell1 provides a comprehensive management program known as Manager SE. It has over 180 reports for tracking your shop's performance, and features management tools such as scheduling and productivity tracking.

The "Parts Catalog" feature is particularly useful for shops that work with specialty vehicles. It has one of the largest selections of parts, so you can usually find what you're looking for. And the catalog uses real-time pricing, making it easy to provide quotes to customers before confirming their purchase.

Pros:

• You can access a large database of repair information to assist with diagnostics.
• Its marketing tools help you manage and update your local online listings.
• You can create and customize invoices using the "Report Pro" feature.

Cons:

• Due to its advanced features, Mitchell1 can be tougher to work with compared to other software options.
• The onboarding process takes longer than other options on this list.

Price: $184/month for ProDemand plan; $254/month for TeamWorks plan

7. Shop Boss

Best For: Shops That Need to Upgrade Their Software

Shop Boss is designed specifically for small auto repair shops. With solutions like digital vehicle inspections and appointment scheduling, you'll have plenty of tools to manage your daily operations.

Additional features include project tracking, digital payments, and text messaging. Clients can also access documents like invoices and updates through a customer portal.

Pros:

• Shop Boss is really for small auto repair shops, and its features reflect that.
• The internal chat feature makes it easy to message coworkers and collaborate on tasks.
• Shop Boss integrates with several third-party apps to store all your information in one place.

Cons:

• The limited customer support options can make Shop Boss more difficult to use.

• Some customers said the software was tricky to navigate.

Price: $199/month for Gold plan; $299/month for Platinum plan; $399/month for Premier plan

8. Wave

Best for: Auto Repair Shops with Limited Budgets

While Wave isn't specifically set up for repair shops, it is quite useful for businesses in this industry. Its abundant accounting features make it great for managing finances, and its payment tools make it easy to stay on top of invoices.

It also has payroll features that ensure you and your team are paid on time. That keeps your staff happy and avoids costly payroll disputes.

Pros:

• You can scan receipts from your mobile phone and upload them into your database.
• Wave offers advice from accounting experts who can help you manage your business's finances.
• Invoices are completely customizable, so you can design them with your company's branding.

Cons:

• Wave isn't made specifically for auto services pros, so it doesn't come with features like parts fulfillment, estimates, and customer communication.
• It also doesn't provide marketing tools or channels to engage customers.

Price: Free to get started; $16/month for Pro plan

What to Look for in Auto Repair Shop Management Software

Are you wondering what to look for when shopping for auto repair shop management software? Here are a few key features:

1. Inventory Management. It's vital to keep track of parts and supplies; effective inventory management helps reduce the risk of running out of items you'll need.
2. Appointment Scheduling. Appointment scheduling is essential for an auto repair shop because it will reduce customer wait times, prevent overbooking, and help you manage your time efficiently.
3. Customer Relationship Management. A CRM system will help you build stronger customer relationships, maintain buyer profiles, and keep detailed records of automobile information.

Finding the best auto repair shop management software will help you maintain day-to-day operations, improve productivity, and increase customer satisfaction. Use this list to explore the providers in this post and choose the best software for your small business.

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