Repair estimates are the foundation for your shop’s revenue. But how you estimate work and send those findings and estimates over to your customers will shape your shop’s profitability, your customer relationships, and how professional you come across to your customers.
Some shop owners might be tempted to use the free online car repair estimator tools to run their own estimates. But will this shortcut actually help your shop get to where you want it to be?
Free Estimates Versus Paid Software
If you’re relying on free estimate tools for your customers’ estimates, you might run into some issues. Maybe the online estimator tool isn’t updated with the most recent info on a customer’s vehicle. Or, if your local tax laws changed, the estimate might not reflect that.
So, how accurate are car repair estimates? They aren’t very accurate and aren’t as reliable as paid shop management software. They simply can’t tie into the rest of your shop’s system and processes.
A shop management software not only provides estimates to your customers but can also further explain vehicle repairs via digital vehicle inspections. A shop management system will give your shop:
- A workflow to build estimates with speed and accuracy
- A methodical system for analysis
- Digital tools and integrations
- The ability to track declined jobs
- Better compliance standards
- A direct tie to all shop systems
- The capacity to set and reach profit goals
Free car repair estimator tools might seem like they help you in the moment, but over the course of your career, they can limit your ability to grow. There’s a tendency for people to rely on a solution longer than may be beneficial. To overcome this tendency, it’s important to understand it.