How to Use an Auto Parts Markup Matrix to Maximize Your Shop’s Gross Profit

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October 19, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

If your shop isn't using at least one mark up matrix to get the most out of your parts sales, then you might be leaving a lot of money on the table.

In fact, auto repair shops have an amazing opportunity to maximize their profit margin on parts sales in particular. Especially when you consider the tools available to support and simplify the entire process. Gone are the days of using pen and paper or busting out the calculators.

Cloud-based shop management systems have made it easier than ever to not only manage your shop, but really get the most value out of the work you're already doing.

Using a parts matrix in particular is one of the most important aspects in making sure your shop is profitable. By building streamlined process for marking up parts, shops can ensure grow your shop’s profit margin while staying fair to customers.

What is an Auto Parts Markup Matrix?

An auto parts markup matrix is a powerful tool for optimizing your parts pricing and increasing your gross profit.

When it comes to providing parts for a repair, auto repair shops can build multiple markup matrixes to determine the best markup percentage to apply based on different factors, like how much it costs your shop to purchase the part from your selected vendor.

In our latest Auto Repair Industry Index shops were achieving an average 35% with just 3 markup matrixes. There's a lot of room to grow their profits!

Why should shops use a parts markup matrix?

It might be easy for a shop to leave parts markups up to individual service advisors. However, this can result in widely varied processes based on each employee’s unique experience.

You want to build a consistent, reliable mark-up process to save your team time, while maximizing profit yet remaining fair to your customers.  

With a detailed parts markup matrix in place there’s no more second-guessing.

Instead of spending precious time figuring out the right markup for every single repair order, the perfect markup percentage can be applied every single time -- both saving time while maximizing profit margins on every repair order.

The Price is Right: Efficient Parts Shopping

Before you decide how much to mark up a part, you obviously have to buy that part (or find it in the inventory). When shopping for parts, getting good deals is important, but so is having an efficient process for finding those deals. Efficient shops strike a balance between quickly finding parts and snagging good deals.

There are various ways to quickly shop around and find the best deal on parts. Some shops still send their part’s person to the local auto parts shop or scrapyard to find those hard-to-find parts.

These days, many auto repair shops save themselves a lot of hassle by turning to shop management systems that enable them to swiftly compare prices from multiple vendors at once. With online parts houses, repair shops can earn back the time they would have spent sending someone to hunt down these parts and making these comparisons in person.

Mark Up Parts By Just the Right Amount

After comparing prices and deciding which parts to purchase, it’s time to find the markup “sweet spot,” where it’s a good deal for your customers and your business.

As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive a part is, the less you can mark it up.

Consider this: fast food companies make some of their highest profit margins off of their least expensive menu item—soda. If a cup of soda costs the fast-food company $0.25, charging a dollar for it gives them a 75% profit margin. But a 75% profit margin on a hamburger that costs the fast-food company $7 to make would hike up the price to $12.25, which is probably more than most customers are willing to spend.

If you double the price of a $10 wiper blade, the customer won’t bat an eye. But if you try to mark up the price of a $400 alternator by 100%, it’s a different story! The customer will balk at the $800 price tag and probably go ask another shop for a second opinion.

Reach the Right Pricing With a Parts Matrix

Marking up Parts with a Simple Calculation

A simple calculation is used when you markup parts in a certain price range by a specific amount.

But you can also use a compound calculation for parts markups. With a compound calculation, parts are marked up by different percentages within specific cost ranges. For example, if you sell a job for $20, you could mark up the first $10 by 10%, and the last half by 20%.

Marking up Parts with a Complex Calculation

While compound calculations are more complicated, using them for your markup matrix can give you an edge when it comes to increasing your gross profit margins. Some shop owners that use complex calculations in their parts markups have been able to increase their profit margin by about 8% to 10% when compared to using a simple calculation.

Find the Right Markup Matrix For Your Shop

Ultimately, each shop has unique needs and preferences, and it’s up to you and your team to determine which type of calculation to use when building your parts matrix. But no matter which calculation method you choose, an automotive markup matrix can be a game-changer.

By streamlining the process of marking up parts you can save time and keep your team happy while hitting your profit goals.

👉 Ready to grow your automotive business? [Book a personalized Tekmetric Demo Here]

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By streamlining your auto repair shop workflow, you can help your shop create a memorable customer experience that will keep them coming back next time they have a problem.

From the moment customers walk in the door to when they pick up their vehicle, your shop’s service advisors play a crucial role in creating a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Shop management software makes it easy to establish a standardized intake process so that shops can provide the same level of care to their customers every single time.

Service advisors can build repair orders in seconds, apply the right digital vehicle inspection templates with just a few clicks, and quickly text or email the results to the customer for approval.

This frees up their time to focus on the customer directly, address their concerns, and create a stress-free experience. If things go well the first time, and customers feel like they can trust your shop's recommendations, work they'll more than likely come back for future repairs.

It turns out that the shop owners, service writers, general managers, and technicians that rely on Tekmetric everyday chose us once again as the clear market leader on G2!

Okay, okay, we're sorry for another humble brag... But this is really more about you, the users than it is about us! If you're not familiar, G2 is a peer-to-peer review site. Users just like you can submit reviews and vote on the tools they use everyday, like Tekmetric.

Really, this is all thanks to all the amazing independent shops that do great work every day with Tekmetric. The shops that keep people's vehicles safe and reliable. The heroes that get their customers back on the road every single day!

We were just chosen because you all love us so much! 😳

But that's not all. Tekmetric was also chosen for how easy it is to get your shop up and running!

  • Most Implementable Fall 2023
  • Most Implementable Small Business Fall 2023
  • Fastest Implementation Fall 2023
  • Momentum Leader Fall 2023
  • Leader Fall 2023

We totally get it, the last thing you want is to have to pause everything you're doing and let the bills pile up, just to relearn how to run your own shop.

That's why we make it as easy as possible, handling all the heavy lifting so your shop can sit back, relax, and hit the ground running right away!

That kind of makes sense, considering Tekmetric was chosen as one of the easiest shop management systems to do business with. 

  • Leader Fall 2023
  • Easiest To Do Business With Fall 2023
  • Easiest To Do Business With Small Business Fall 2023

Tekmetric comes from shop owners, advisors, technicians, and managers just like you. We live, breathe, and execute innovation, the kind of innovation your shops need to get even more value out of the work that shops like yours already do!

We're always working hard to make Tekmetric even better!

Thank you! Thank you for partnering with us, and thank you for helping us create the best possible solution for running an independent auto repair shop!

We're excited to be awarded and regarded so highly, and we strive to keep that level of excellence and support at every step in your shop.

Tekmetric is always being updated, and we’ll never stop working with and supporting shops to help them run efficiently and with fewer headaches, so you can focus on doing what you love!

Tekmetric Named Leader 9 Times in G2's 2023 Fall Spotlight

May 16, 2024

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The automotive repair industry is constantly evolving, and shop owners need software that keeps pace. ​​Tekmetric offers auto repair shops an all-in-one platform–built with firsthand shop insight–to manage workflow, customers, and profitability.

No single solution fits every business perfectly, and a variety of Tekmetric competitors offer alternative functionalities and approaches. This overview provides an honest look at Tekmetric through the lens of customer feedback and core product strengths. Whether actively comparing software options or simply exploring what’s available, this guide is designed to help you make confident, informed decisions.

What is Tekmetric?

Tekmetric is the all-in-one solution for modern auto repair shops. Tekmetric is designed to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and improve customer communication for automotive repair businesses.

An all-in-one solution, Tekmetric provides a centralized platform for managing various aspects of a repair shop's daily workflow. Its focus on real-time data and a user-friendly interface has made it a popular choice for modern automotive repair shops.

Most importantly, Tekmetric is the only auto repair shop software in the market that was created by a former shop owner – so every feature was designed with firsthand insight into what shops actually need.

Tek-Tip: Ask ChatGPT or Gemini for a summary of Tekmetric and how it could be a fit for your business.

Why choose Tekmetric?

Shopmonkey, AutoLeap, Mitchell 1, and other competitors offer robust features and may look similar on the surface. Researching the pros and cons of each software takes time, so we boiled it down for you and highlighted five reasons why Tekmetric is the leading shop software.

  1. Built by a former shop owner: Tekmetric is built to solve real pain points for shops, not generic SaaS assumptions.
  2. All-in-one solution: Tekmetric offers cloud-based shop management software, payments, marketing, mobile app and more.
  3. Multiple integrations: 70+ integrations consolidated into one workflow.
  4. Unlimited users + No long-term contract: Pricing model designed to scale seasonally without renegotiation.
  5. Trusted support: U.S.-based phone, chat, and email support plus industry-leading uptime.

Tek-Tip: Prefer to test drive? Take Tekmetric for a self-guided spin or book a demo.

How Tekmetric Compares to Other Auto Repair Shop Software

While Tekmetric is a prominent software in the industry, several Tekmetric competitors provide compelling alternatives. Let's compare Tekmetric in terms of features, integrations, customer support, pricing, and customer reviews.

Features

Overview of Tekmetric key features.

Tekmetric offers a variety of features that cater to the diverse needs of auto repair shops. Some of its core functionalities include:

  • Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs): DVIs allow technicians to capture photos and videos on their mobile devices to visually communicate findings to customers. This transparency helps build trust and often leads to higher approval rates for recommended services.
  • Payments and Flexible Financing: Tekmetric Payments gives you the POS tools to get paid faster and more reliably, whether customers pay upfront or over time. With secure, encrypted transactions and flexible financing options like Buy Now, Pay Later, you can offer your customers a payment schedule that fits their budget, and get more repair orders approved in the process.
  • Marketing and CRM: Need help building your repair shop website, managing online reviews, or taking online appointments? Tekmetric Marketing has you covered with modern CRM features to enhance your customer engagement.
  • Repair Orders and Estimates: Tekmetric simplifies the creation and management of repair orders, enabling shops to quickly generate accurate estimates, track progress, and convert estimates into invoices. It can automate parts and labor calculations, improving efficiency.
  • Customer Communication: The software facilitates seamless customer communication through SMS and email notifications, allowing shops to provide real-time updates on vehicle status, share inspection results, and send payment links.
  • Inventory Management: Shop owners can efficiently manage parts inventory, track stock levels, and integrate with parts ordering platforms like PartsTech and Nexpart to streamline the procurement process.
  • Reporting and Analytics: The platform provides valuable insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as gross profit, average repair order (ARO), and close ratio, enabling shop owners to make data-driven decisions to boost profitability.

Integrations

Integrations are crucial for any efficient shop management solution. Tekmetric excels here by offering the most integrations in the industry. Tekmetric integrates with 70+ tools like ALLDATA, Advance Auto Parts, and PartsTech to streamline your workflow.

When comparing auto repair shop management software, make sure you choose a software that supports your entire workflow and can grow with your business.

Customer Support

Customer support is a vital aspect of any software solution. Tekmetric prides itself with industry-leading uptime and customer support. Our US-based support team is ready to answer your call, email, or chat message.

Don’t believe us? Our G2 reviews speak for themselves.

Pricing

Pricing structures for shop management systems can vary significantly. Some offer tiered pricing based on the number of users or repair orders, while others have flat monthly fees. Tekmetric's pricing offers a monthly subscription (no long-term contracts), unlimited users, with add-ons available for specific features.

Tekmetric starts at $179/mo, offering a competitive price and the ability to cancel at any time. We believe in earning your business every month.

How Do Customers Feel About Tekmetric?

Customer feedback, particularly from platforms like G2, provides insight into the real-world user experience. Some of the common themes in Tekmetric reviews include:

  • User-friendly Interface: Many users find Tekmetric intuitive and easy to navigate, which helps with quicker onboarding for staff and improved daily workflow.
  • Comprehensive Functionality: Customers appreciate the all-in-one nature of Tekmetric, noting its effectiveness in handling everything from digital vehicle inspections to repair orders, inventory, and customer communication.
  • Strong Integrations: The seamless integration with other essential tools is frequently highlighted as a major benefit, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient operation.
  • Responsive Customer Support: Numerous reviews commend Tekmetric's customer support team for their promptness, knowledge, and willingness to assist. This level of support contributes significantly to a positive customer experience.
  • Improved Efficiency and Profitability: Shop owners often report an increase in efficiency and a positive impact on their profitability due to Tekmetric's reporting capabilities and real-time insights.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right shop management software is a critical decision for any auto repair business. Tekmetric offers a powerful cloud-based solution with a strong set of features, excellent integrations, and highly-regarded customer support.

Shop owners should carefully evaluate their specific needs, budget, desired functionalities, and the importance of various integrations when considering a software solution. The goal is to find a solution that not only meets current demands but also scales with the future growth of the business, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience for years to come.

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