Creating accurate and professional repair estimates is essential for any auto repair shop. Torque360 auto repair estimate software simplifies this process, providing real-time parts and labor data, customizable templates, and seamless integration with invoicing systems.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of using the estimating feature to generate detailed estimates with ease. From selecting parts and labor to customizing templates and finalizing estimates, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
To make it even easier, we’ve included screenshots to guide you every step of the way. Let’s get started!
Getting Started with Estimating Process
The estimation process is designed to be intuitive, ensuring you can quickly input vehicle details, select required services, and access real-time parts and labor data.
Whether you’re working on a routine maintenance task or a complex repair job, the software guides you through each step seamlessly. Let’s dig into the details!
Let’s Create an Estimate with Auto Repair Shop Management Software
Creating an estimate requires 4 simple steps. Let’s look into these steps!
Step 1: Adding Vehicle/Customer
After logging into the software, you can see two options at the top:
- Add Vehicle and Search Vehicle
- Add Customer and Search Customer
Both of these options can be used to create an estimate. Let’s explore this in detail!
- Add Vehicle and Search Vehicle
To create an estimate, it is essential to add vehicle details for which an estimate needs to be generated. Click on “Add Vehicle” and enter the details. You can do that either by entering VIN, license plate number, or custom entry.
Through VIN: Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and hit the search icon (🔍). Select the correct vehicle from the results, and the system will auto-fill details like:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Engine Size
Manually input the unique “License Plate,” and the “Estimate” button will activate, turning orange.
Through License Plate: Enter the license plate number, select the state, and click on the search icon (🔍).
The search will show you results, select the vehicle, and the rest of the details will automatically be filled in. The “Estimate” button will also activate, turning orange.
Custom Vehicle: As the name suggests, you have to enter all the details manually, like:
- Vehicle Make
- Vehicle Model
- Model Year
- License Plate
Once these details are filled in, the estimate button will turn orange.
Search Vehicle: If a vehicle is already saved in the software in case of a returning customer, you can simply search the vehicle through:
- License Plate
- VIN
- Manual Search
- MC Number
- Unit Number
- Add Customer and Search Customer
Enter the customer’s name and phone number. The rest of the fields are not mandatory but you can fill in those fields. Add customer notes (optional). Check the required boxes and click on estimate which will be activated once details are entered.
Search Customer: The same goes for searching customers and leading to generating estimates. It is for returning customers whose data is already saved.
Step 2: Adding Jobs to the Estimate
Once on the “New Estimate” page, you can add jobs using these methods:
Manual Entry: Add job title, select a mechanic, and enter labor, parts, supplies, and miscellaneous costs.
Canned Jobs: Select pre-saved jobs for frequently requested services.
Labor Guide: Search for jobs through Epicor’s Labor Guides by code or description, and select the relevant options to add to the estimate.
Quick Jobs: Type a keyword (e.g., “brakes”) to instantly add related jobs from the Epicor Labor Guide.
Step 3: Ordering Parts with Integrations
Order parts using integrations with:
Nexpart: Select your Nexpart account, search and add parts to your cart, then click “Place Order” to order or “Back to Torque” to add to the estimate.
PartsTech: Search and compare parts, add them to the cart, then choose either “Buy Now” or “Submit Quote” to add them to the estimate.
To learn more about integrations in detail, click here!
Step 4: Customer Approval
Once the estimate is complete, you can obtain customer approval through:
Digital Authorization: Share the estimate via SMS or email. The customer reviews and approves it.
Manual Authorization: If the customer is present, manually show and get approval for the estimate.
For an in-depth understanding of these steps, click here!
And that’s how easy is to create an estimate with Torque360 auto repair shop management software!
