Quantcast
Jump to content


Appointment Scheduling


Recommended Posts

I was hoping to get some feedback on what software others are using for appointment booking. We're still hand booking appointments with a paper and pen, but I'm slowly working on modernizing our procedures. I'm considering anything from outlook or Google calendar to automotive scheduling software with online booking capabilities.

We're fairly unique. We're a very small town power sports dealership which also does satellite sales and service for a nearby Kia dealership. We currently have one automotive and one small engine tech. Our DMS is power sports focused (DX1) and they don't currently have any scheduling software that integrates with their system. So I'm open to almost anything, but cost is a factor due to our size. If you have scheduling specific software that you use it would be great to hear what you use and what you think of it. Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

We use Google calendar which is shared with all our techs, but don't let customers book themselves because we do all types of jobs/repairs and don't always put the time right on google calendar (by that, i mean, if a job takes 3 hours, we dont put it on calendar as that---maybe we should though)

 

We just put name, car and job to be performed and then customers phone number in the description.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 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
      In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into a range of strategies designed to help auto repair shop owners elevate their business operations through the implementation of the "Profit First" methodology. This approach is centered around the critical aspects of cash flow management, profitability enhancement, and the adoption of effective financial practices. Chris underscores the significance of establishing separate accounts specifically for profit, taxes, and operating expenses to ensure a clear and organized financial structure. He also highlights the necessity of having supportive financial partners, such as banks and accountants, who can provide valuable guidance and support.
      Furthermore, Chris encourages shop owners to take proactive steps towards improving their financial health by engaging with educational resources, such as watching a webinar or seeking additional guidance tailored to their specific needs. This episode is proudly sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company dedicated to providing specialized marketing strategies aimed at boosting the visibility and success of auto repair shops. Through their sponsorship, Shop Marketing Pros underscores their commitment to supporting the growth and development of businesses within the auto repair industry.
       
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:04)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business strategies.  
      Importance of Profit First (00:01:01)
       
      Chris discusses the significance of adopting the Profit First mentality for auto repair businesses.  
      Webinar Promotion (00:02:20)
       
      Information about an upcoming webinar on implementing the Profit First system is provided.  
      Understanding Cash Flow (00:03:24)
       
      The necessity of managing cash flow for successful auto repair operations is emphasized.  
      Challenges with Traditional Accounting (00:04:35)
       
      Critique of traditional accounting methods and their inadequacy for auto repair shops.  
      Profit First Methodology Explained (00:05:46)
       
      Overview of the Profit First approach and its application in the auto repair industry.  
      Setting Up Separate Accounts (00:06:58)
       
      The importance of establishing separate accounts for profit, taxes, and expenses is discussed.  
      Bank and Accountant Collaboration (00:08:02)
       
      Challenges in getting banks and accountants on board with the Profit First system are explored.  
      Incorporating Dave Ramsey's Principles (00:10:16)
       
      Integration of financial control principles from Dave Ramsey is highlighted for better financial management.  
      Results of Implementing the System (00:11:27)
       
      The positive outcomes of using the auto shop profits and cash flow system are outlined.  
      Call to Action (00:14:44)
       
      Chris encourages listeners to take proactive steps in managing their shop's finances effectively.  
       
       
      https://autoshopcoaching.com/
      https://connect.autoshopcoaching.com/profits-cashflow-webinar-form
       
      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 carmcapriotto
      In this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the latest updates on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) from the IRS. This episode is a must-listen if you're unsure about your ERTC status or how it impacts your taxes.
      Explore the IRS's recent announcements and what they mean for your ERTC claims. Understand the different risk categories the IRS has assigned to ERTC applications. Learn the tax implications if you’ve received ERTC funds but haven’t filed your taxes yet. Get practical advice on what to do if you're still waiting for your ERTC money.  
      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. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. 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]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop   
      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.
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 178 - Working Remotely In Automotive Repair With Kyle Buenger and Kasia Thompson
    • By Changing The Industry
      The Future of Automotive Repair Software: Is It Cloud-Based Or Server-Based? #podcast


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...