Autovitals vs. Autotext.me?

[astorlie]

I know the digital inspections and tablets have been available for quite some time, but we are just now looking into implementing one in our shop. I've done demos with both autovitals and autotext.me and while autotext.me is significantly cheaper than autovitals, I was wondering if anyone has had experience with one over the other? I can't seem to find much feedback on autotext.me or really how it will integrate with mitchell1 as our management software. Thank you in advance!

[bantar]

33 minutes ago, CAR_AutoReports said:

Just an FYI, we provide DVI's and allow you to invoice and communicate with your customer through our platform.... for less than most systems.

Right on CAR!!!  This is the way to do it!  The POS industry should be enhancing their core platform rather than abdicating the creation of these features to others.  

I abhor overlay software systems.   When you use a 3rd party software package, they have to store data in a separate database, while at the same time communicate with your POS system.   Now you have twice the chances for something to go wrong as either can have a bug that breaks the system.   If you terminate the service of an overlay program and keep your POS, the historical data in the other database is now gone.   Please note:  I'm not critiquing any of these overlay software products.  They add value for some shops.    I only have one software vendor to contact when I need help and this simplifies my life.   Instead, I'm critizing the POS vendors and/or recommending selection of a modern POS system.

The system that I use has customizable DVI, but no ability to store pictures.   They integrate with a 3rd party overlay system(s), but, IMO, the fees are insane compared to the value provided.    Our system makes it really easy to capture needed work and present it to the customer.  

[MINI4U]

We are doing the same thing but looking at other companies currently. I talked to Bolt On (very expensive $300 per month and somehow they work with Mitchell so they both get a cut according to a competitor). And now we are looking at Repair Shop Solutions DVI  $110 per month (Digital Vehicle Inspection) 

I would like to hear from other shops on their experience with these different platforms.

Edited April 8, 2021 by MINI4U

[CTC]

Use Mitchell & Bolt on currently, works ok. We are primarily HD, no one has anything other than Mitchell. Have tried autovitals in the past, it’s a good system, feature wise, just very unstable, crashes a lot. Always looking for a better alternative, maybe someone will eventually develop a better alternative!

[Auto Repair Coach]

When looking at the prices of the different systems out there, it is very important to look at what that fee gets you. The price that is quoted for Bolt On Technology software is much more than just digital inspections. You get....

Direct integration to the supported management system's data base.

A program that not only prints a lube sticker it sets recommendations and future appointments for all completed work that has intervals. It also sets up an automatic reminder text message that goes to the customer a week in advance reminding them of their appointment.

You also get a complete texting solution for communications with customers. Send inspections and estimates to customers. Send the invoice when the job is complete with the ability for the customer to pay via text before picking up the vehicle. The inspections even have a built in Zoom feature for immediately video conversations with customers.

You are also provided with the ability to build your own digital invoices that will work for your shop when sent to your customers. A workflow solution that displays your complete shop process on one screen giving an overview of the shop flow. Drag and drop job assignments. Perform most required functions with a ticket right from one screen.

Using the tablets you can meet and greet customers by their vehicle and write them up with full access to past history, recommendations and digital inspections so you can show your customer why they the need work. All the data going two ways to and from your supported management system data base in real time.

Totally customizable digital inspections are also completed on the tablets that automatically feed the recommendations back to your management system. Video and pictures with canned findings and recommendations all just a few taps away.

And yes, there is more....