Quantcast
Jump to content


Web-Based Shop Management

meowpox
 Share

Recommended Posts

meowpox Enthusiast

meowpox

Posted
Posted

Business is booming and we need to become paperless, web-based, w/QB integration. Any ideas on programs? Would love any and all input!

  • Omnique: I hear a lot of good things about it but looks like you need to pay for their most expensive package $400/mo to get QB integration. 
  • Shop Boss: looks really affordable with the features that it comes with ($99/mo comes with QB int). This is my favorite one so far. Does anyone use this? 
  • Any others?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
mspecperformance Mentor

mspecperformance

Posted
Posted

meowpox,

 

From my experience none of the cloud based SMS are as complete as some of the bigger players such as RO Writer and Mitchell. Sad because both RO Writer and Mitchell have gaping holes as well. I believe Omnique seemed to be the most complete out of all the ones I have looked at. None have convinced me to convert and I desperately want a cloud based SMS. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jay Huh Rising Star

Jay Huh

Posted
Posted
On 3/10/2017 at 7:57 PM, meowpox said:

Business is booming and we need to become paperless, web-based, w/QB integration. Any ideas on programs? Would love any and all input!

  • Omnique: I hear a lot of good things about it but looks like you need to pay for their most expensive package $400/mo to get QB integration. 
  • Shop Boss: looks really affordable with the features that it comes with ($99/mo comes with QB int). This is my favorite one so far. Does anyone use this? 
  • Any others?

I've been using shopboss since 2014. Best decision ever. price has gone up but I dont mind. Seriously go with shopboss and dont look back

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jay Huh Rising Star

Jay Huh

Posted
Posted
On 3/11/2017 at 11:07 AM, mspecperformance said:

meowpox,

 

From my experience none of the cloud based SMS are as complete as some of the bigger players such as RO Writer and Mitchell. Sad because both RO Writer and Mitchell have gaping holes as well. I believe Omnique seemed to be the most complete out of all the ones I have looked at. None have convinced me to convert and I desperately want a cloud based SMS. 

Name a feature on Mitchell and RO Writer and I'll let you know if Shopboss has it or not. Here is what I do with Shopboss- I manage RO's from home, employees clock in and clock out, keep track of technician hours, VIN scan with iPad and uploads automatically, send email quotes, 5 day 60 day 90 day automatic followup email, keeps track of GP, cores, writer stats, etc, it sends text message to customers and they can approve work on their phone, integrated scheduler- my "schedule appointment" on my website is from shopboss and loads directly into shopboss, there is a chat feature where I can chat with any one of my 9 employees at 2 different locations, each employee has their own login, integrated parts ordering, QB integration. I mean it's just too much list out. Im not affiliated with them but I should be with all the referals I've given them lol

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
meowpox Enthusiast

meowpox

Posted
  • Author
Posted
On 3/12/2017 at 1:05 PM, Jay Huh said:

Name a feature on Mitchell and RO Writer and I'll let you know if Shopboss has it or not. Here is what I do with Shopboss- I manage RO's from home, employees clock in and clock out, keep track of technician hours, VIN scan with iPad and uploads automatically, send email quotes, 5 day 60 day 90 day automatic followup email, keeps track of GP, cores, writer stats, etc, it sends text message to customers and they can approve work on their phone, integrated scheduler- my "schedule appointment" on my website is from shopboss and loads directly into shopboss, there is a chat feature where I can chat with any one of my 9 employees at 2 different locations, each employee has their own login, integrated parts ordering, QB integration. I mean it's just too much list out. Im not affiliated with them but I should be with all the referals I've given them lol

Yeah I've been really digging Shop Boss' demo and the 99/mo is affordable, given that it comes with all those features. We only have 4 techs and it seems like it would meet our shop's needs. Couple questions for you since you've used it for a couple years now:

  1. What QB do you use with it? Is the QB integration pretty seamless? I currently use QB desktop version but want to switch to Online version. I'm guessing since Shop Boss is web-based, using the QB online should be pretty effortless, am I right? Does it sync automatically or do I have to do something to upload the data?
  2. Have you had to use their customer service? How is it?
  3. Did you switch from one program to Shop Boss? If so, what was it? We're currently using Winworks and I dont see anything about importing data? 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jay Huh Rising Star

Jay Huh

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, meowpox said:

Yeah I've been really digging Shop Boss' demo and the 99/mo is affordable, given that it comes with all those features. We only have 4 techs and it seems like it would meet our shop's needs. Couple questions for you since you've used it for a couple years now:

  1. What QB do you use with it? Is the QB integration pretty seamless? I currently use QB desktop version but want to switch to Online version. I'm guessing since Shop Boss is web-based, using the QB online should be pretty effortless, am I right? Does it sync automatically or do I have to do something to upload the data?
  2. Have you had to use their customer service? How is it?
  3. Did you switch from one program to Shop Boss? If so, what was it? We're currently using Winworks and I dont see anything about importing data? 

Thanks!

1. Sorry I actually don't use QB so I dont know but I see the button at the top so I know the have the integration

2. Their customer service is excellent. I had an emergency on a Sunday where site was not allowing me to look up tech hours. They fixed it within an hour. Contacted them multiple times through the years and they always answer back. I needed custom hours for appointments and they coded that too

3. Luckily I started with Shop Boss so I am not sure how you would get all your customer data- I know it worked the other way around. Mitchell was trying to get me to switch and they said they can import all data from Shopboss for $500 so it should be possible

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
meowpox Enthusiast

meowpox

Posted
  • Author
Posted
14 hours ago, Jay Huh said:

1. Sorry I actually don't use QB so I dont know but I see the button at the top so I know the have the integration

2. Their customer service is excellent. I had an emergency on a Sunday where site was not allowing me to look up tech hours. They fixed it within an hour. Contacted them multiple times through the years and they always answer back. I needed custom hours for appointments and they coded that too

3. Luckily I started with Shop Boss so I am not sure how you would get all your customer data- I know it worked the other way around. Mitchell was trying to get me to switch and they said they can import all data from Shopboss for $500 so it should be possible

Thanks for the info!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
juangb1085 Newbie

juangb1085

Posted
Posted

I have been using shopboss for a month now and I am very happy with it. The prices is affordable for all the features it has. The Qb integrator is very easy to use. I use online qb but you can also use a desktop one. Customer service is excellent, there is a chat option where they respond right away. They are currently changing their appearance and still needs some work finished, but I'm sure within time they will tweak all the little details and it will be a great program

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GobblesAuto Contributor

GobblesAuto

Posted
Posted

I use Mitchell Manager Enterprise Pro which is the same as Protractor. Mitchell buys it from Protractor and rebrands it under their name as their multi -shop software. It is different from Mitchell SE software. Protractor is a good system. Definitely worth looking at.

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
mspecperformance Mentor

mspecperformance

Posted
Posted
21 minutes ago, GobblesAuto said:

I use Mitchell Manager Enterprise Pro which is the same as Protractor. Mitchell buys it from Protractor and rebrands it under their name as their multi -shop software. It is different from Mitchell SE software. Protractor is a good system. Definitely worth looking at.

 

Thanks. I am going to demo the system next week. I do know that mitchell enterprise is protractor, I am told the price points are the same.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GobblesAuto Contributor

GobblesAuto

Posted
Posted

Xrac business is a little soft but overall Cleveland is booming. I expect business to rebound stronger than ever soon. Recently we had a Discount Tire open and this week an NTB and now they are building a new Tire Discounters so Cleveland is growing and were having to cope with the big guys coming to town. I think its splitting up some of the work. Were doing ok but running slightly behind last years numbers.

I think I pay close to $400 a month for Mitchell Enterprise Pro. I don't know the exact amount without looking it up.

Hope all is well with you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Trealubit Explorer

Trealubit

Posted
Posted

I have been using omnique for 3 years now. Before omnique i had alldata manage. By far omnique is the most capable and almost complete cloud based system i found at that time and they continue to update. Its updating to version 5 somtime this year and have great support. I am using the highest plan since i import to quickbooks. In my coaching group all of them are using protractor. looks really in depth and full of features and cloud based. I have not seen what shopboss does yet.

I would suggest that you demo all three and see what fits you and your business. Also check it Carolyn's (luscious garage) system called shopware. Its also cloud based. Good luck and let us know what you decide on!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 year later...
Brett Corvino Newbie

Brett Corvino

Posted
Posted

I just took over a shop which was totally in the stone ages and running on an 11 yo laptop using QB only

 

Looking at Shop Boss and shop ware as well as Omnique it would be nice if there was a feature comp list anyone see one out there ??

 

Any other comments welcome please need to decide soon

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      Are You Sure You Want to Charge Your Customers A Fee for Using Their Credit Card?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Geeking Out With The Motor Oil Geek [E157] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
      By carmcapriotto
      Oil analysis expert Lake Speed Jr., "The Motor Oil Geek," explains the critical role of oil analysis in diagnosing engine health and performance. Lake Speed Jr. is the son of race car driver Lake Speed Sr.
      Lake Speed Jr.
      https://www.speediagnostix.com www.youtube.com/@themotoroilgeek
      Show Notes
      Discussion on Friction and Lubrication (00:00:45) Oil Analysis Services (00:02:12) Importance of Trend Analysis (00:03:13) Interpreting Oil Analysis Data (00:05:29) Evidence-Based Diagnosis (00:06:34) Identifying Head Gasket Leaks (00:07:22) Comparing Testing Methods (00:09:10) Experience in Oil Analysis (00:11:47) Early Detection of Engine Issues (00:12:43) Fuel Dilution Problems (00:13:18) Diesel Engine Challenges (00:17:11) Diagnostic Value of Oil Samples (00:18:55) Ecosystem of Vehicle Data (00:19:57) Value to Vehicle Owners (00:21:19) Misunderstandings About Motor Oil (00:22:45) Data-Driven Decisions (00:25:01) Importance of Filtration (00:26:24) Foam and Lubrication Properties (00:30:18) The Impact of Innovation (00:32:08) Rules Evolving from Success (00:32:30) Promoting Oil Analysis (00:32:46)
      Contact Information
      Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/No Show Notes!!!
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      How To Make Your Brand Stand Out [E121] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      By carmcapriotto
      Today, we’re diving into an essential topic—how to make your brand stand out from the competition. While you may already provide exceptional service, standing out in a crowded market requires a focused strategy. It’s not just about doing good work; it's about showing what makes your shop truly unique.
      We’ll break down the key ways to differentiate your brand, from nailing your customer service to using your core values to your advantage. We’ll also talk about how paying attention to your shop’s appearance and maintaining an active social media presence can make a big difference in how customers see you.
      If you're ready to learn how to make your shop rise above the rest and attract more customers, this episode is for you.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller : https://storybrand.com/building-a-storybrand-book/ 
      McCart’s Auto Center - Ratchet and Wrench : https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/shop-life/article/11464229/shop-view-mccarts-auto-center 
      https://shopmarketingpros.com/how-to-make-your-brand-stand-out-from-your-competitors/ 
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to Brand Differentiation (00:00:10) Brian introduces the topic of brand differentiation for auto repair shops. Understanding Brand (00:02:26) Explains that a brand is more than just a logo; it embodies the overall customer experience. Customer Perception and Reviews (00:04:25) Discusses the importance of customer reviews in identifying what makes a shop unique. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses (00:05:30) Encourages owners to focus on strengths while addressing weaknesses for better brand differentiation. Concept of a Four-Dimensional Shop (00:06:32) Introduces the idea of a four-dimensional shop, focusing on customer service, quality, timeliness, and price. Timeliness and Price Mindset Shift (00:08:29) Stresses the importance of communication and fair pricing in building a strong brand. RepairPal Sponsorship Mention (00:10:28) Thanks RepairPal for sponsoring and highlights its benefits for auto repair shops. Building Trust with Clients (00:11:26) Emphasizes the need to cultivate trust through social media and transparent communication. Core Values Integration (00:12:23) Explains how core values should be central to the brand and daily operations of the shop. Daily Recognition of Core Values (00:13:19) Describes the implementation of daily recognition for team members based on core values. Core Values and Brand Identity (00:15:19) Discusses how core values, like happiness, differentiate a brand and impact team morale. Outward Appearance of Shops (00:17:18) Emphasizes the importance of a clean and organized environment in shaping brand perception. Customer Perspective (00:19:28) Encourages shop owners to view their business from a customer's angle to identify areas for improvement. Impact of Shop Aesthetics (00:20:35) Explains how the physical appearance of a shop affects customer impressions and overall branding. Importance of Business Name (00:23:10) Highlights the significance of a shop's name in representing its identity and differentiating from competitors. Examples of Effective Names (00:24:03) Provides examples of shop names that effectively convey their unique selling propositions. Role of Logos in Branding (00:27:47) Discusses how a logo serves as a visual representation of a shop and its differentiation Logo Importance (00:28:53) Discussion on effective logo design and its impact on brand representation. Color Theory in Branding (00:29:48) Exploration of how colors influence perceptions and emotions related to a brand. Crafting Your Brand Message (00:30:55) Advice on creating a brand message that resonates with client concerns rather than just shop credentials. Understanding Client Problems (00:31:52) Emphasis on identifying deeper client issues to tailor brand messaging effectively. Book Recommendation: Building a Story Brand (00:32:44) Recommendation of Donald Miller's book for crafting impactful brand messaging. Differentiation in a Competitive Market (00:33:39) Final thoughts on the necessity of standing out in the auto repair industry. Call to Action for Marketing Help (00:34:37) Invitation for listeners to seek marketing assistance from Shop Marketing Pros. Acknowledgment of Sponsors (00:35:36) Thanks to RepairPal for sponsoring the podcast and supporting the auto repair community.
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Do You Want a Better Relationship with Clients & Employees? Go to Marriage Counselling! [E154] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Matt Fanslow dives into the intricacies of customer interactions within the automotive repair industry, highlighting the critical role of communication, trust, and validation. He draws insightful comparisons between personal relationships and client engagements, noting how defensive behavior from employees can undermine trust. Matt underscores the importance of fostering an environment where clients and employees feel safe expressing their concerns. He offers practical communication strategies, such as validating emotions and responding with empathy, and recommends resources like the Gottman Institute for deeper understanding. The episode highlights empathy as a cornerstone for cultivating strong, lasting relationships with both clients and employees.
      Show Notes
      Dating Isn't Emotional Rehab with Margaret Light [E081]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/081 Relationships 101 with Margaret Light [E058]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/058 The Importance of Relationships (00:02:50) Insights from John Gottman (00:04:09) Creating a Safe Space for Clients (00:07:02) Understanding Validation (00:08:22) Consequences of Invalidating Feelings (00:09:35) The Role of Safe Spaces for Employees (00:11:50) Open Dialogue and Solutions (00:13:01) Addressing Client Concerns (00:14:15) Escalation of Emotions in Interactions (00:15:38) Reassuring Clients During Tensions (00:18:02) Creating Trust in Relationships (00:19:10) Building Client Loyalty (00:22:51). Proactive Communication Strategies (00:26:20) The Impact of Empathy on Business (00:27:36)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
      Contact Information
      Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Fast Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50
    • Changing The Industry
      Navigating Shop Management Systems #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips #autorepairowner
      By Changing The Industry
      Navigating Shop Management Systems #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips #autorepairowner


  •
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 2,156 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 2,108 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 2,331 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...