Procces and hardware/software of writing RO start to finish

[Dr.Dave]

Hey guys I need some help I,m opening a shop for the first time.Ive been a tech 25+ years but only worked the front counter very limited.I know this may sound stupid but I, was wondering if some of you could take afew minutes and give me the run down.Now I know some are using Alldata or Mitchel orRO Writer or simalar so some processes may differ.But say a costomer comes in you open your program and write a RO then it prints out on a printer ,is it specal paper? is it a specal printer? they sign it it goes to the tech and down the line to where the costomer picks up is there a reciept printed out in the end ?And what about a cash register?Would it be a register that ties in with the PC your using to write your RO,s? and is tha t diffrent program?Any support you can give would be greatly appricated I feel that I should already know all this.I have not bought a PC ,cash register ,printer or program yet this whole department has not been adressed yet I still have a month or so before opening ,but time goes fast thanks

[Joe Marconi]

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[CARMandP]

I"m with Joe. I love my Mitchell program. It makes life so much easier to keep track of everything. I don't have a cash drawer since I don't have the space for it and almost never get cash. Its either check or credit card.

[Joe Marconi]

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[xrac]

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[xrac]

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[CARMandP]

I like that sheet. Do you mind if I borrow that design?

[xrac]

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[Alex]

No problem. I posted it because I thought it could be useful to someone. We get them printed 2,500-5,000 at a time for about 5 cents each. We probably used 15-20 per day.

 

Nice Sheet, feel free to add it or any other form to the downloads section: Download Manager

[HTI.WERKSTATT]

I'm personally a fan of Automotive Expert, it actually learns from you. It will store part numbers, all written estimates with customers information, as well as all previous invoices for each customer. Will also maintain vendors, tech tracking, accounts receivable, and a customizable parts mark up that you control with multiple labor rates. Prints out very professionally. It also has a built in function for time line service reminders for each customer that can be printed off and mailed to the customer. I've used the Mitchell and still do on occasion if I'm having issues looking for O.E part numbers. But with the onslaught of 29.95 - 49.95 brake jobs , and 9.95 oil changes, I find it very hard to sell alot of the retail pricing that is built into that program. On a side note though being such a new shop its hard to stay afloat and give work/parts away for next to nothing. But there is always the psychological advantage of making the customer feel better about spending a little bit more with you than anyone else.