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
      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
      SHOW NOTES
      Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com
       Phone: 940.400.1008
       www.autoshopcoaching.com
       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ 
      AutoFixAutoShopCo
       Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com Phone: 940.400.1008 www.autoshopcoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae 
      www.autoshopcoaching.com 
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      The 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 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.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      #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 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
      SHOW NOTES
      Throughout the episode, Coach Chris covers a range of pivotal topics that are crucial for business growth and sustainability. He discusses the potential benefits of real estate investments, drawing parallels to the Monopoly board where acquiring properties can lead to increased revenue and long-term financial gains. Additionally, he explores the concept of financial diversification, encouraging shop owners to explore various avenues for generating income beyond their core services.
      A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the value of forming strategic partnerships and investing in employee development. Coach Chris emphasizes that nurturing relationships with other businesses and fostering a skilled workforce can lead to enhanced service offerings and a competitive edge in the market. He also highlights the critical role of cash flow management, advising shop owners on how to maintain a healthy financial status that supports both day-to-day operations and future growth initiatives.
      Strategic expansion is another key theme, with Coach Chris providing insights on how to scale operations thoughtfully and sustainably. By aligning expansion efforts with clearly defined business objectives, shop owners can achieve financial stability and set the stage for long-term success.
      Introduction and Overview (00:00:09)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business strategies.
      Monopoly Metaphor (00:01:05)
      Chris uses Monopoly to illustrate strategic business management and growth opportunities for shop owners.
      Defining Your Business Size (00:02:03)
      Discussion on ambitions regarding the size of the business—local, regional, or national expansion goals.
      Opportunities for Growth (00:03:12)
      Encouragement to view business opportunities as "squares" on a Monopoly board, representing growth potential.
      Real Estate Investments (00:04:25)
      The benefits of owning property, including passive income and stability for the auto repair business.
      Diversification of Income Streams (00:05:28)
      Exploration of additional income sources like storage facilities and rental properties to enhance financial security.
      Financial Investments (00:06:41)
      Importance of stocks and retirement accounts for long-term financial growth and stability beyond the auto industry.
      Flexibility in Business Strategy (00:07:58)
      The need for adaptability in response to unexpected challenges and opportunities in the business landscape.
      Strategic Partnerships (00:08:41)
      Value of collaborations with suppliers and other businesses to create growth opportunities and enhance profitability.
      Employee Development (00:09:04)
      Investing in team training and development as a critical factor for business success and employee retention.
      Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com
       Phone: 940.400.1008
       www.autoshopcoaching.com
       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ 
      AutoFixAutoShopCo
       Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com Phone: 940.400.1008 www.autoshopcoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae 
      www.autoshopcoaching.com 
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      The 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 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.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      #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 carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      “Do I have enough to retire?”
      It’s the question every business owner eventually asks—but most never answer. In this episode, Hunt breaks down why your retirement isn’t about hitting a number… it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.
      What You'll Learn:
      Why there’s no universal retirement number (and what to focus on instead) The simple formula to estimate how much you really need How Social Security, real estate, and your business really factor in The danger of carrying debt into retirement What the book Die With Zero teaches us about using our time and money wisely
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      The 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 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.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb

      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...