Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Has anyone tried RepairPal? What were your experiences? Cost? Did it work? I am thinking abut tiring it for my locations. Just need a little information to base a decision on.

Thanks,

Richard Rollilns

Posted

We use, have been for about 6 months +/- it is 199. monthly plus if customer comes in via repairpal , towed or off their website they get a 10% fee of invoice amount, we have gotten a handful (one handful ) of new customers in this span of time , I don't think we will continue much longer , don't really see the value. A lot of bargain hunters ....we are not a bargain shop, we are better than that.

 

jeff

Posted

So, what you are really saying is that the callers looked at the price range of $179-$429 and then went looking for the $179 guy?   😁   

Posted

I just became "RepairPal Ceritifed" this month and haven't seen anything from it yet. $199 is really cheap to the $425 I spend on Yelp (which I'll probably cancel soon) and $2000+ on google (which is the best so far)

  • Like 2
Posted

We have been with RepairPal for a little over 2 year.  It has brought us some decent work and with the towing program we get a car towed in every now and then.  About $22,000 worth of work.  Not a huge number but it helps.  They are now involved with CarMax and another warranty company.  We are listed on the Carmax website as a recommended service facility, and have had 2 new customers come in recently from there.  Plus we can add that we are RepairPal certified to our marketing,  Having said all that, if we got busy enough tomorrow, it would probably be one of the first things I would drop from our marketing.  We waste a lot of time with calls from people just wanting a price, and a lot of them are shocked that you don't know the price instantly.  Not even sure I would call them price shoppers.  I think it is more of an extension of the site.  People go there to find out what something should cost, then they call to get a price as part of further research or curiosity, not necessarily because they are going to get the work done.  If you need more work in your shop, I would say give it a try and see how it works for you.  At $199 per month, it won't break the bank to try it out.

 

Scott      

  • Like 1
Posted

We did it for a year. At the end of the year we added up what we made from all Repair Pal customers and what we paid them.

It was roughly the same amount. Very few ever returned because they were towed in and from a different area. We cancelled them and didn't see

any drop in profits the following year, didn't even miss them.

  • Like 1
  • 3 years later...
Posted

Great feedback on this thread.  We are considering RepairPal.  From what the salesperson says, it seems that have dropped the 10% discount for referrals.  I'm not sure if that makes the service more appealing, but I would be very interested to hear feedback if anyone has used them more recently than 2017.  

  • Like 1
Posted

We have been with RepairPal for years and honestly, their reach has really fallen in our area. The last tow-in from them was Sept 9, 2020. 5 months ago! The customer spent all of $142. Not our clientele, not our ARO, NOT worth it. I will tell you that you can negotiate the monthly fee with them. We have not paid the $199 monthly fee for about 4 years which is why we are still in their program. If it cost us the monthly fee, I would kill it today. HTH.

  • Like 2
  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

We tried it for about a year. Repair pal did a great job gathering reviews for my shop and generating calls. I'd say over 75% were calls from people who self diagnosed and wanted us to install their parts that they determined would fix the problem. Well it got old steering them into a proper repair so we dropped them. And some of the requested repairs were insane like "I want you to replace the timing chain guide on my Mercedes, the chain is still good according to the forums and you don't need to replace the coolant because it's less than 3 years old and the book time is wrong you can sneak it out in 3 hours not the 28 hours Mercedes wants and I insist on watching so I know you are doing it right and" so after a while it just got old. 

  • Like 1
Posted

I had thought about giving Repair Pal a try and am glad it was brought up.

As it is now with the majority of customers nowadays using YouTube as their Tech School. Most want to bring in their own parts and try to tell me the procedure and time it will (not should) take.

Since starting in 1974, my best means of advertising has been HAPPY/APPRECIATIVE Customers who will spread the word of the GREAT WORK they received.

Still in BUSINESS...

  • Like 1

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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

    • By carmcapriotto
      Getting involved in your community is powerful, but how do you share your efforts without sounding boastful? There’s a fine line between successful and selfish self-promotion, and in this episode, Brian and Kim Walker discuss how to highlight your work with authenticity and gratitude—not ego.
      We’ll discuss framing your message to focus on the cause, aligning community service with your company culture and purpose, and sharing stories that connect and inspire rather than just promote. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples—like our team’s work with Our Daily Bread Food Bank—and how to encourage others to get involved.
      Tune in now to learn how to support your community while staying humble and making a real impact!
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops. 
      Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Start with Why - By Simon Sinek
      Our Daily Bread Food Bank
      Commission Mankind
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and the topic of community involvement. Topic Suggestion Acknowledgment (00:00:34) Brian mentions Doug DeLuca's suggestion for the episode topic. Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:01:00) Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode. Technical Issues Discussion (00:01:30) Brian and Kim discuss technical issues and Brian's experience with braces. Community Involvement Concerns (00:03:44) Kim shares a friend's hesitation about promoting community involvement due to fear of appearing boastful. Successful vs. Selfish Promotion (00:05:44) Discussion about the fine line between effective promotion and self-promotion. Promoting Community Engagement (00:07:24) Kim emphasizes the importance of spacing out promotional posts about community involvement. Starting with Gratitude (00:07:46) Kim suggests starting messages about community involvement with expressions of gratitude. Importance of "Why" (00:09:09) Discussion on the significance of explaining the reasons behind community involvement. Examples of Community Involvement (00:09:15) Brian and Kim share experiences of their community service activities. Promoting Community Work (00:11:25) Brian discusses the importance of promoting community service to demonstrate business values. Messaging about Community Involvement (00:12:21) Kim provides examples of how they communicate their community involvement on social media. Team Engagement in Community Work (00:14:20) Brian reflects on the team's connection with community members during service activities.  Closing Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:15:14) Brian thanks RepairPal again for supporting the episode. Community Engagement Strategies (00:15:26)   Discussion on how RepairPal helps auto shops gain customers through certification and fair pricing. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:16:25)  Introduction of App Fueled, a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops. Highlighting Community Work (00:17:11)  Tips on emphasizing organizational missions instead of personal achievements in community involvement. Authentic Community Involvement (00:17:54)   The importance of sharing community efforts without seeking personal recognition or return. Sharing GoFundMe Campaigns (00:18:51)  Encouragement to promote charitable causes without boasting about personal donations. Industry-Specific Support (00:19:16)  Discussion on giving back to the auto repair industry and local communities. Respecting Privacy in Sharing (00:19:39)  The balance between sharing community involvement and respecting the privacy of those served. Educating Marketing Teams (00:22:43)  The need to guide marketing teams on how to portray community involvement authentically. Collaborating with Other Organizations (00:24:17)  Benefits of partnering with local businesses for community service efforts. Celebrating Local Teams (00:25:38)  Highlighting local sports teams and community events to promote goodwill. Telling the Story of Donations (00:27:40)  Importance of sharing the personal connection behind charitable contributions. Personal Anecdotes from Mission Trips (00:28:28)  Sharing impactful stories from mission trips to illustrate the importance of community support. Personal Anecdote on Community Support (00:29:29)  Kim shares a personal story about supporting organizations that assist her brother with disabilities. Encouragement to Join Facebook Group (00:30:44)  Kim invites listeners to join their Facebook group for further engagement and community building. Request for Podcast Reviews (00:31:03)  Brian asks listeners to leave reviews for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of feedback. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:31:36)  Brian concludes the episode, thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week.
      Thanks to our Partners,
      RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • 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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.




      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/


      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind


      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton delves into the critical topic of enhancing customer experience within the auto repair industry by effectively merging cutting-edge technology with personalized service touches. Drawing from his own life, Chris shares vivid personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of customer service on brand perception and loyalty.
      He begins by recounting his contrasting experiences with two tech giants, Apple and Lenovo. Through these stories, Chris highlights how Apple's commitment to seamless, customer-centric service left a lasting positive impression, whereas Lenovo's lackluster support fell short of expectations. These anecdotes serve as powerful examples of how excellent customer service can significantly influence customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
      Chris also shares his positive interactions with Starlink, the satellite internet service provider. He emphasizes how Starlink's proactive communication and dedication to resolving issues made him feel valued as a customer. This experience underscores the importance of making customers feel appreciated and respected, which can transform a one-time transaction into a long-term relationship.
      Introducing the concept of "relationship coins," Chris encourages auto repair shops to view customer interactions as opportunities to invest in building strong, lasting relationships. He explains that each positive interaction adds to a metaphorical bank of goodwill, which can pay dividends in terms of customer loyalty and repeat business.
      Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode underscores the necessity of providing exceptional service to foster customer loyalty and drive business growth. Chris argues that in an industry where trust and reliability are paramount, auto repair shops must prioritize customer experience by integrating technology that enhances service efficiency while maintaining the personal touch that makes customers feel valued and understood.
      Throughout the episode, Chris Cotton passionately advocates for a balanced approach that leverages technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery, while also emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection in creating memorable customer experiences. By doing so, auto repair shops can not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ultimately leading to sustained business success.
      Introduction to Supercharging (00:00:09)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on enhancing auto repair business through innovative insights.
      Guest Introduction and Technology Discussion (00:01:12)
      Chris introduces Craig O'Neill and discusses the impact of technology on customer experience in the auto repair industry.
      Personal Customer Experience Anecdote (00:02:21)
      Chris shares a personal story about his customer experience with laptop purchases and the importance of customer service.
      Switching to Apple Products (00:05:49)
      After poor service from Lenovo, Chris decides to purchase a MacBook, highlighting the positive experience he had.
      Apple's Exceptional Customer Service (00:08:00)
      Chris details his satisfaction with Apple's customer service, leading to his continued investment in their products.
      Starlink Customer Experience (00:09:14)
      Chris recounts his positive interaction with Starlink customer service while setting up internet for travel.
      Importance of Merging Technology and Personal Touch (00:12:15)
      Chris emphasizes the need for auto repair shops to blend technology with personal service to enhance customer experiences.
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • 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.

    • 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.



  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...