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.
So when you're wondering what's going on with that SUV sitting in your shop's pickup lot for the last two weeks, you can see if it is awaiting customer approval or if parts are still on the way.
Within Tekmetric, Repair Orders flow through your Job Board, visually representing your shop's overall workflow in three columns: “Estimates,” “Work-In-Progress” and “Completed.”
The idea is for service advisors, general managers, shop owners, and even Technicians, to gain a birds-eye view of everything happening in your shop with just a quick glance. Everyone is responsible for their tasks, every step of the process is accounted for, and it can all easily be tracked and managed in a simplified workflow.
We also understand that some shops may want a little extra flexibility, and maybe there’s some extra level of detail you would like represented visually on your job board. That’s where Tekmetric’s RO Labels come in.
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.
With this latest update, we want to deep dive into one of the most beneficial features, buy now, pay later, so shop owners can see for themselves.
Tekmerchant was designed to help shop owners, like you, to build trust with customers, close out the day faster, and turbo charge shop’s payment processing by offering them a fully integrated payments solution, all managed by a trusted team. Building off your existing Tekmetric experience, Tekmerchant is another way to supercharge both your shop’s processes and your customer’s experience at the same time.
More specifically, we're really excited to tell you about our new buy now, pay later feature , making it easier for your guests to do business with your shop -- especially on those more expensive repair orders.
With just the inclusion of Tekmerchant alone, Silver Lake Auto’s shop performance continues to grow. At the organization’s flagship store, average repair order (ARO) has increased by more than $200a month!
And we’re excited to see how much those AROs grow with buy now, pay later.
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