We get that looking for a new shop management system can be overwhelming. There are a lot of options to wade through, and a lot of features you need to learn about. But most are probably of you are probably thinking “can this tool do what I need it to?”
To help you wade through all the options out there, the best way to find the right tool for the job is to look for information from the people using those tools every day. That means shop owners, general managers, service advisors, and technicians.
Of course, word of mouth is great, and it's always awesome to get the chance to talk to shop owners and workers in person at industry events, but you don't have to wait. With so many resources at their disposal, we wanted to help shop owners looking for a new shop management system leverage the wealth of information out here like online reviews, user groups, and case studies to help them make the best decision for their team.
Finding the Best Online Shop Management Software Reviews
The best part about the internet is just how much information you can find! But you gotta know where to look. And while you might not be too familiar if you haven't made a software purchase before, we've got you covered.
G2 Reviews
The beauty of G2 is the dedication to creating a resource for business owners, managers, and workers just like yourself and your team.
Users, like shop owners, service managers, or even technicians, can log onto G2 and write reviews of their experience using different tools and platforms.
These reviews help G2 put together an overall score for each specific platform, making it easier for buyers to learn more about the tools they're shopping around for, before buying, with insight only from actual users.
We're a big fan of G2 in particular. And we can't lie -- transparency is part of our game-- we're a little biased… because of how much our users on G2 love us. Check out our highlights from the Summer and Fall of 2023!
Google Reviews
The most obvious source for reviews would be Google. Simply because the majority of people use Google to find and review businesses, they'll use Google to review their shop management system.
Just like how you'd look for reviews for your local pizza place, search the company’s name, and the reviews will pop up in the company’s business profile.
At a glance, you’ll be able to see the overall rating users have given the company, and can get more specifics by clicking on the reviews.
However, you might start to see why G2 is such a great resource. While Google reviews are the easiest to find, they’re not necessarily going to be the most in-depth.
Users will generally leave a sentence or a paragraph describing their experience without the larger context around who their business is, what their role is, and how their shop uses their platform.
Company Case Studies
Auto repair shop software companies frequently publish customer case studies that elaborate on how their customers have benefited from their system, as well as how they’re using it.
Case studies can give you the most in-depth information because they are based on detailed interviews the company conducts with its customers.
By reading case studies, you can identify shops that have had similar challenges to you.
See how Sam strategically leveraged Tekmetric to elevate his customer experience, yielding remarkable results in average repair order, customer feedback and more.
What to Look For in Automotive Repair Shop Software Reviews
Whether you turn to software review sites, Google, case studies, or a mix of all of these sources, there are several general things you should look for when you’re reading automotive repair shop software reviews.
What to Look For
Why It Matters
Desired features in a shop management system
Look for reviewers who mention specific features to guage the quality of the system.
Reviewer tenure
Longer tenure generally means a better udnerstanding of the pros and cons.
Reviewer's job title
Different reviewers (shop owners vs service advisor vs technician) will have different perspectives.
Likes and dislikes
Knowing what reviewers don't like is just as important as what they do like.
Ease of transition
Smooth onboarding is important to get up and running quickly and efficiently.
Customer support experience
Good customer support is crucial for quick issue resolution and business operations.
Of course, there are some specific types of phrases you should look for as well, based on what you want to prioritize from a shop management system. Here’s a rundown:
[insert table]
Next Steps for Finding the Right Shop Management System for You
After reading multiple automotive repair shop software reviews, you still might want to gather more information before you set up a demo with the company.
You can get that information from various sources:
Reach out to the reviewers themselves
Ask your existing network
Join coaching groups
Read industry publications
Follow shop management systems on social media
Protip: Try to look out for user-groups!
The Tekmetric User Group is an amazing resource for all things Tekmetric and shop management. This dedicated Facebook group is exclusively for current Tekmetric users, where they can provide feedback or ideas, ask questions and network with other shops. Plus you'll get extra insights on new releases and upcoming updates!
Questions to Ask When Searching For Automotive Repair Shop Software
After you’ve narrowed down your search, you might decide it’s time to schedule a demo with the team behind the shop management system you’re considering.
Here are some good questions you can ask during a demo:
“Who makes up your leadership team—any former shop owners?”
"What specific features do you have to help me boost my shop’s profitability?”
“What specific features do you have to make my team’s operations smoother?”
“Do you offer email and text notifications as part of your communication tools, so we can reach our guests more effectively?”
“How can I best save time at my shop by using your shop management system?”
During the demo, take notes and ask follow-up questions if needed. If you can, try and schedule a second demo with a few of your service advisors and technicians.
Find the Right Shop Software For You and Your Team
Tekmetric is the cloud-based shop management system designed for Auto Repair Professionals who are driving the industry forward.
Selecting the right business name for your auto repair shop can be a challenging task. Your business name will be the first impression your potential customers have of your shop and will determine how memorable your shop will be. Use the ideas below to brainstorm the perfect name for your auto repair business.
Creative auto repair shop names
On The Road Again Repairs
NextGear Auto Service
Check Engine Repairs
Torque of the Town
The Engine Room
Chrome & Steel Auto Care
Axle & Alloy Repair Co.
Peak Performance Garage
Smooth Ride Mechanics
Driven Dynamics
Velocity Auto Shop
ClearPath Automotive
Funny automotive repair shop names
The Brake-Up Shop
Motor Mouth Mechanics
Hit & Run Body Shop
Exhausted Mechanics
Hot Wife Automotive A/C Repair
Don’t Tread On Me Auto
The Laughing Lugnuts Auto Repair
Wheel Be Alright Auto Repairs
Motor Mouth LLC
Rust in Peace Repairs
Tek-Tip: Have you thought about how you will market your new business? We reccomend Shopgenie for all automotive marketing needs including websites, CRM, reviews, and more.
Cool mechanic shop names
The Car Whisperers LLC
RoadReady Mechanics
StreetSmart Garage
GearShift Garage
Velocity Motors
Gearhead Garage
The Repair Authority
PitStop Pros
Full Throttle Repair
Trackside Garage
Unique and catchy names
Car Medic Garage
Nuts & Bolts Car Mechanics
Unleaded Car Repair
Honest Engine Repair
Auto Barn Car Care
Iron Horse Garage
Blue Ridge Auto Works
RevSync Mechanics
The Auto Vault
Summit Auto Haven
Rust & Revive Repair
Simple auto shop name ideas
Car Surgeons
The Car Guys
Engine Experts
Quick Fix Automotive Repairs
The Brake Brothers
One Stop Auto Shop
Auto Solutions Inc.
Pit Stop Garage
Turbo Tires & More
Wrench Wizards
Service-Specific shop names
Brake Check Repairs
Oil Be Back Automotive Repairs
Vivid Vehicle Body Shop
1 Hour Heat and A/C Auto Repairs
Battery Solutions LLC
Actually Discounted Tires
Renew Collision Center
30min Oil Change Shop
Restored Right Auto Body Shop
Mobile mechanic business names
Repair on Wheels
Roaming Automotive Repairs
One Stop Repair Shop
One Call Repairs
Wheels On The Way
(Insert last name) Mobile Mechanic
The Leaky Gasket Mobile Repair
1 Hour Mobile Mechanic
24/7 Mobile Mechanic
How to select the right auto repair shop name
Once you have your list of potential shop names narrowed down, it is time to do a final round of research to make sure your name is legal, optimized and ready to launch. Check out our final 6 tips and tricks below.
1. Legal checks
Before you can launch your new automotive shop name, you should check for Trademarks by visiting the US Patent and Trademark Website. Simply search your pending business name to see if it is taken or if you can proceed.
Search engine optimization for auto repair shops is an important avenue for driving brand awareness and new customers. To maximize your new business name, aim to include common keywords like “automotive”, “repair”, and “shop”. Also, try to use local terms like “Houston” to help search engines know where your services are located. Lastly, check to see if any competitors are using a similar name and determine if your name will be unique enough.
GoDaddy can check if your new automotive repair shop name is available to use. You will also be able to see how much the domain name will cost and whether it would be cheaper to use a variation of your business name.
4. KISS
Keeping your new shop name simple will help you in the long run. Potential customers will find it easier to remember (and share via word of mouth) if you keep it short and simple. Plus, shorter business names are easier to fit on business cards, advertisements, and social media.
5. Marketing
Looking down the road, your new business name should fit within your overall automotive marketing strategy. Are you planning to use a certain logo or color scheme? Make sure your name fits the theme you are aiming for and attracts your target audience. If you plan to use social media marketing, check to see if your business name is available as a social handle.
6. Set the tone
Your name is likely your first impression with your customers. Once you are ready to launch, give it one more review to make sure it conveys the right brand identity and message. Lastly, have a friend or colleague offer feedback on your business name and see how it resonates with them.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the right name for your business is a daunting task and we hope this guide has helped you brainstorm new business name ideas and narrow down your list. We recommend taking the extra time to make the right choice up front so you don’t have to rebrand down the road. As always, there is wisdom to asking for feedback from your community. Select your top 5 names and ask for help picking the best shop name for your business.
Building a startup takes time, effort, and a lot of determination. You and your team have invested in a great idea, and everyone works diligently to bring new team members, investors, and customers on board. However, the process doesn’t end once the product or service has taken off and gained popularity.
A startup can operate on a lean team, with people wearing multiple hats and taking on extra responsibilities. But as the company grows, it will be time to hire more employees and scale the company to meet demand.
How to scale the business is an enormous question that causes hesitation for many leaders. How do you expand your business offerings and your team without losing the heart and inspiration that helped the startup succeed in the first place?
In my own business, Tekmetric, which offers shop management software for auto repair businesses, I have relied on a few tactics that enabled me—and our whole team—to scale sustainably. Here are four of the most vital.
Thought Leadership
Shop Management
You’ve Built a Successful Auto Repair Shop Startup. Now What?
In auto repair, there are many moving parts to keep track of—both the literal parts your shop uses to repair vehicles, and the parts of your business that determine your shop’s efficiency, security, and ability to grow. If you want your shop to flourish, it’s crucial to devote part of your business to keeping track of the parts you order.
Many shops track parts in terms of cost of goods sold. The parts you need for the job are included on every repair order, so it’s easy to see what parts your customers are paying for as long as you have a solid process for building repair orders.
But what about in terms of accounts payable? How does your shop track how much you’re spending for parts from the supplier?
Thought Leadership
Why Match Parts from Repair Orders on Purchase Orders?