Tekmetric's September 2024 Product Rundown

As the world around us is constantly evolving, so is the auto repair industry.

An auto repair shop that stays stagnant and sticks to the status quo could be losing out on profits, reputation and valuable time.

Without a growth-focused mindset or the right forward-looking strategies, your shop could be missing out and fall behind others.

Fortunately, implementing a modern shop management system and standardizing your shop’s processes can help unlock your shop's full potential.

Break The Status Quo

Rapid advancements in technology are changing every industry around us, and because of this, customer expectations are higher than ever.

However, making changes to a process that you’ve had in your shop for years can seem like a daunting task.

These days, the best tool a shop can have in their back pocket is a shop management system. The right system should provide you with the tools to increase your bottom line, your reputation with customers and your overall productivity.

Implementing a quality shop management system can be a game-changer for shops when it comes to growing profits.

Systems such as Tekmetric help their users streamline processes, optimize workflow and enable shops to repair more vehicles in the same amount of time it was previously taking them.

Most importantly, the simple act of integrating a shop management system can increase your shop’s bottom line.

Increase Customer Loyalty

Shop management systems allow shops to ensure consistent, quality service to their customers.

As a result, these shops are building a loyal customer base, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth which promotes growth of the business.

Customer trust can lead directly to your shop's financial gain, so it's important to ensure you're using tools, like Tekmetric, to increase customer trust and loyalty.

Gain Back Time

Finally, it's important to recognize whether some of your most time-consuming tasks can take up less time in your day by being automated through a shop management system.

Think about the tasks that you spend the most time on in your shop.

By using a shop management system to automate tasks such as appointment scheduling, inventory management and invoicing, shop owners can reduce both the time their team spends doing simple tasks as well as manual errors.

When less time is being spent on these important yet time-consuming tasks, the time shops get back can be spent on repairs, putting more money in everyone’s pocket as a result.

Breaking the status quo and unlocking your shop's full potential by implementing a shop management system is made easy by systems like Tekmetric.

This, in turn, can increase your shop's revenue and efficiency, build customer trust and satisfaction and provide valuable time and cost savings.

Tekmetric is the perfect solution for shop owners looking to take their business to the next level.

For more information, view our Cost of Doing Nothing E-book Here

Your automotive shop is the beating heart of your business. A well-designed basic auto shop layout can streamline operations and refine your business.

When you plan to refresh your auto mechanic shop, consider how to make efficient use of your available space, enhance safety, refine the look and feel of the shop, and improve customer comfort.  Most of all, upgrading the technology that forms the backbone of your business is a major component of a modern auto shop. 

Manage space effectively

No matter how much square footage your shop has, you can maximize your layout to house everything you need. Consider the size and shape of your space before you commit to a specific layout. Evaluate the services you currently or intend to provide so you can plan your space safely and efficiently. 

Some of those considerations include: 

• Equipment locations: Look at your  permanent installations, such as lifts and compressors as well as movable items.
• Storage: Organize storage areas so parts and equipment are easily accessible and tidy, both making them easy to find and improving your shop’s appearance and parts storage.
• Working areas: Set up your workbenches and counter space so technicians can perform detail work away from the vehicle. 
• Loading bays: Verify your loading bay areas have adequate clearance.  
• Waiting rooms: Design an appealing space so your customers have a clean, well-lit, and comfortable place to wait. 
• Administrative offices: Make sure your employees have all the tools they need to keep the business running efficiently.  

Effective space management also plays a big part in keeping an auto shop safe. 

Payment methods aren’t simply about an exchange of money. They're personal. And in the ecommerce environment, offering the right payment methods is like extending an invitation — it lets your customers know they're welcome here and they can expect a seamless experience.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) methods provide even more convenience and flexibility, allowing customers to break their purchases into smaller payments. When you add BNPL to your menu of payment options, you open the door to even more customers and to higher-value sales. In fact, a recent survey found that more than 70% of businesses using BNPL report higher conversions, average order value, and customer acquisitions.

We've partnered with Stripe to make Affirm’s BNPL payment methods available to your customers. Businesses that offer BNPL through Stripe on average see a 24.5% increase in sales. Adding Affirm to your mix of payment methods can help your business:

1. Boost Conversion

A $400 price tag, for example, might discourage some customers from clicking buy, but when they can split that cost into four $100 payments, the transaction may be more appealing. That's how BNPL methods can help motivate your customers to make an order, driving up your conversion rate.

2. Increase Your Average Order Value

 BNPL methods may encourage your customers to order more lower-value goods at one time, increasing your average cart size. It may also encourage them to purchase high-value goods, such as luxury items or furniture. In either case, your customers have greater ability to place higher-value orders, which can help drive revenue.

3. Reach More Customers 

BNPL methods can help you tap into new market segments by making a purchase easier on a customer's budget through a series of smaller payments. These payment methods are especially attractive to younger customers who may not have a credit card or the ability to pay for large purchases in a single payment.

The flexibility of buy now, pay later is a huge benefit to your customers—one that can inspire them to make a purchase. And—maybe the best part—this all happens without extra work on your part, and Affirm takes on any potential risk.

With Affirm, you get paid in full immediately, while your customer owes only a portion or nothing up front. Affirm handles underwriting the customer and collecting payments, and assumes liability if a customer files a fraud-related dispute, so you can focus on growing your business.

Click here to learn more about how Tekmetric and Stripe can help you optimize your checkout