Question about management program?

[nonstopgo68]

My shop manager any good?  Cant find anything bad on Web. No contracts and guaranteed.

 

Thanks in advance.

[dfrisby]

I just started a demo with them. I think I like the inspections. I'm calling them in the morning because there are automated emails based on my scheduler in AllData. I may use the scheduler different from most shops. I move customers jobs in and out of the schedule constantly as jobs get moved forward for waiting on parts frequently. Apparently that triggers a text to my customer that their appointment has been cancelled. I had to explain the situation to several customers Saturday morning because of this. Our shop works on everything from small engine and powersports to automotive and commercial trucks. My schedule probably is in a more constant state of change due to parts availability. Auto only parts are seldom more than a day away. I can't find a way to turn that text feature off. Not real happy about answering all those texts Saturday morning.

[nonstopgo68]

Ok this is good info.  We are just a 2 man shop but we do about 200k a year.

Hoping to increase.

I also use AllData , However I dont use the schedueling feature.

[dfrisby]

I think the marketing has potential, but in one day of use so far, I have had a very positive feedback from customers about the inspections. I had been using alldata mobile inspections, but you can't attach pictures. Pictures are worth a thousand words and I'd rather have my techs working than trying to type a thousand words on a phone or tablet.

We are also a small shop in a very rural community. last year about 220k. This year shooting hard for 280 to 300. 

It's taken 7 years to get there, but things are finally improving for us enough to not be as stressed every day. Might be changes in economy, but I believe it's all we've invested into the business over the years in tools, equipment and workflow. We are probably the only shop in 20 miles that does digital inspections. Might be the only shop in 10 miles that doesn't do written work orders.

[nonstopgo68]

Interesting. 

Hope you get there.  I believe you will just listening to you. 

And thank you for your info, I was a little apprehensive because they want card info for a trial . 

But I want to do something different this year because we are so seasonal on the gulf coast . 

 

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[dfrisby]

I'll know tomorrow morning if we will continue on with them or not.  

[dfrisby]

Update. My call today went really well. It was my input while exploring that sent the text message and now I know how to keep it from happening.  The inspections are still going well. Have a phone call Wednesday with the rep and we'll see how that goes. Seems like it should generate the extra business to be worth it and I haven't had any customers having negative reactions to the text messaging besides the one that was confusing because of me.  I lose a few minutes in the morning responding to some of the texts coming back to us, but those responses have also added more work to the schedule.

[nonstopgo68]

On 10/21/2019 at 5:33 PM, CAR_AutoReports said:

We also provide full digital inspections, mandatory with ever service performed.  If it is not done, the technician or service advisor must physically bypass it.

 

Forcing everyone to really inspect vehicles consistently.

 

If you're interested in an organized approach to processing vehicles and customers, we would be happy to help you get setup and give you several month of free use.

 

You can learn more @ www.completeautoreports.com

 

OK thank you I will definitely consider this.

[dfrisby]

After the trial and a better understanding of what it's doing, I've decided to subscribe to my shop manager.  The inspections work great. Feedback from customers has been very positive. It fills the holes that were lacking in the Alldata Manage Online side.  I think it will add to our bottom line enough to make it worthwhile. 

[Greg S.]

I love them. Over 100 new reviews in 3 months. I don't use the inspection, so I can't confirm the comment that you have to bypass anything.

I also didn't have to leave a cc for the free trial?