A standard automotive repair order form usually isn’t more than a page or two. It contains vital information like the work to be done on a vehicle, any parts to be ordered, and a cost estimate of all the services to be provided.
While traditional auto repair order forms have served as a reliable method for managing repair orders for many years, it is becoming increasingly clear that they are no longer the most efficient or effective option available.
In fact, there are several ways in which the use of manual auto repair order forms may be limiting the potential of your shop.
Old-School Repair Order Forms Should be a Thing of the Past
Auto repair shops typically use repair order forms to present customers with vital information like vehicle inspection findings, recommended repairs, parts information, and a cost estimate for all the services provided.
Traditional repair order forms are printed out on paper, typically only one or two pages, or even handwritten in some shops.
While traditional auto repair order forms have served as a reliable method for managing repair orders for many years, it is becoming increasingly clear that paper-based systems just won't cut it.
Everything today is digital, from paying your doctor to ordering a slice of pizza. Most customers just don't want to have to worry about paper receipts.
Even if they haven't realized it yet, offering a completely digital experience will be a game changer.
Provide a Modern Customer Experience with Digital Repair Order Forms
Customers feel the same way about paper receipts and paper estimates as most of us do about a glove compartment crammed full of paper maps: inconvenienced and overwhelmed.
With a cloud-based shop management system, independent auto repair shops can revolutionize their entire process of building, sending, and approving estimates in a way that encourages customers to complete those critical repairs.
1. Simplify The Entire Repair Order Process
Your customers lead busy lives and might dread coming into the shop because of the time commitment alone. Relying on a traditional auto repair order form process means taking up even more of their time by tying them to your shop with in-person authorizations and payments.
Typed reports are easy for everyone to read, minimizing the potential problems that come with difficult-to-decipher automotive repair order forms.
Remember: more time spent tending to prospective customers is more opportunity to say “yes” to customers. Help your team focus on the tasks at hand and get customers back on the road.
2. Add Visibility with Digital Vehicle Inspections
A picture speaks a thousand words. With digital vehicle inspections, you can write a story for the customer using pictures and explanations of any vehicle issues your technicians found. A handy color-coded system even lets customers know which concerns are most time-sensitive.
Simply telling customers their ball joint is loose might leave them wondering why it matters if they can't feel the impact when driving. But showing them the massive play between components, torn boots, and dirty globs of grease will help them understand why the repair is worth the cost.
3. Text or Email Customers Directly
Customers want things fast, simple, and on their phones. When they're already texting their doctor, babysitter, or coworkers, why shouldn't they be able to text their shop when they drop off their car?
Well, now they can. With a digital automotive repair order form process, shops can text or email inspection findings, estimate forms, or even directly communicate and answer questions customers might have through text or email.
Tekmetric makes it easy and lets shops text directly from the app with their shop's landline number, so no extra phone services or phone lines to worry about.
4. Make Paying Your Shop Easy
Shops should look to take advantage of alternative payment methods when possible to provide customers with flexible service to simplify the payment process.
Whether you let customers text-to-pay directly from their estimates, or offer Buy Now, Pay Later options, your shop will surprise customers with the convenience offered, and have the opportunity to sell larger repair orders.
Not only does this make it easier for your customers, but Tekmerchant and our buy now, pay later options provide shops with the necessary protections, working to prevent any potential fraud from falling on your shoulders. You can relax with that peace of mind, knowing your shop will always get paid for completed work.
Streamline Your Auto Repair Order Form Process, Boost Your Sales
By digitizing your automotive repair order form process with Tekmetric, you can simplify your shop’s data, improve legibility, provide a full picture of each vehicle, and give your customers more freedom and convenience.
Make the switch to a modern digital solution to drive your sales, your team, and your success.
There are many reasons you might want to sell your auto repair shop.
You might be ready for another venture; you might be trying to fund your retirement; or you might just be curious about the value of your business if you do decide to sell.
Whether you're actively in the market to sell your shop, or you just want to know how to value an automotive repair shop just in case, you’ve come to the right place.
How to value your auto repair shop
The industry standard for establishing a sale price for an automotive repair business is to use total owner benefit (TOB) multiplied by four (or TOBx4).
So, if you took home an average of $50,000 a year for the past three years, the price of your business will likely be valued around $200,000. Keep in mind this TOB value does not include property value.
For those who are reading this with the hopes of selling in the near future, that valuation method might seem low to you. And it is.
The good news is that you can go above and beyond the industry standard, and sell your shop for a higher value, if you stay on top of your numbers.
Not only will diligent reporting and good customer service increase your TOB, but you’ll also have more leverage when negotiating offers from buyers.
Here are three steps you can take to improve the valuation of your business and secure the money that you worked hard to earn.
"Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity—not a threat.” - Steve Jobs
Like any business owner, auto repair shop owners must consider all aspects of their business: operations, marketing, collections, bookkeeping, payroll, profitability, and customer service.
But how do you track, monitor, and gain control over these various business functions and analyze the relationship between them? Many shop owners turn to automotive computer programs as a solution, but there are a lot of options to consider. As you research automotive computer programs, you may be asking yourself:
Is it better to have one program for each business function, or one system that covers various aspects? What is the right mix of programs?
Tekmetric is a cloud-based shop management system; but that doesn’t mean all other software and systems out there align with what our software can do. Some automotive computer programs cover diagnostics, some focus on marketing, some focus on digital inspections, and there are some systems out there that check off most—if not all—the boxes.
There is a lot to consider when determining which automotive computer programs are right for your business, and we want to make sure your shop’s needs are met.
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 to become a mechanic.
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.
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