It’s a busy day at your shop, and you have many customers waiting to get estimates for their vehicle repairs. You are trying your best to cater to every customer. To avoid keeping your customers waiting, you start handing over quick handwritten estimates.
After waiting for so long, some customers find them confusing and incomplete, along with miscalculations.
Such a situation is frustrating for both customers and auto repair shop owners. But what if there is a better way to handle this situation that is quick, efficient, and complete with zero errors?
Intriguing, right?
If you had a digital auto repair estimate software for accurate and organized estimates, everything could have turned out right. Not too late, though!
Today, we are going to talk about how automated process helps you create professional and clear estimates for your customers with just a few clicks.
Also, we will learn how auto repair estimating software enhances customer experience, productivity, and overall workflow.
Step-by-Step Guide on Creating Digital Auto Repair Estimates
Creating digital estimates has never been easier. With tools like Torque360, the estimating process significantly improves because of repair estimate templates and integrations like Epicor. Let’s explore the steps of creating professional estimates:
Step 1: Vehicle Identification
The first step in creating an auto repair estimate is the identification of the vehicle. Instead of adding each detail manually, you can easily pull up the vehicle’s details by entering the VIN or plate number. This method eliminates the chances of errors as the details are filled in automatically. It is also less time-consuming.
Example:
When you enter a vehicle identification number (VIN) into Torque360, the software automatically fills in the make, model, year, and engine size of the vehicle. The only thing you have to enter is the license plate number as it is unique for each vehicle.
Another way is to add a vehicle using the plate number, which also auto-fills the required details. This ensures the right vehicle details are entered, reducing mistakes and saving more time.
Step 2: Selecting Necessary Services and Parts
Once the vehicle is identified, the next step is to add parts and supplies. It is important to add these in the estimate so the customer is aware of what work is to be done and what parts are required.
There are multiple methods to add these parts to an estimate. Several integrations help in adding or ordering parts without any hassle to keep the workflow going without any interruptions.
Example:
Torque360 has integration with Nexpart and PartsTech. These offer an extensive catalog of parts and supplies. You can compare prices from different suppliers and choose the required part based on availability and cost.
This way, you can always add the updated pricing in the estimates to avoid discrepancies and offer a fair quote. The integrations show you real-time pricing, making the whole process convenient.
Step 3: Adjusting Labor Times and Rates
Labor time and rates are important as they determine the wages of the employees and how much you have to charge the customers. Setting and adjusting fair labor rates is necessary so you are not overcharging or undercharging the customers.
Also, you are not underpaying or overpaying the employees. The main purpose is to make a profit and cover the operational costs, not to scare away customers with high rates.
Example:
With Torque360, you can easily add a fair labor time using Epicor. This integration has industry-standard labor times and rates for each service, making it easier for you as you do not have to manually calculate.
It ensures consistency and accuracy in the estimates. Moreover, you can also order parts through Epicor, which makes it convenient to add parts and labor at the same time.
Step 4: Including Customer-Specific Notes/Photos
Another important part of the estimate is to add notes or photos that are customer-specific. These notes help point out certain areas of the vehicle that require special attention.
The photos and videos can be added for the customers to understand the issues in a better way. Although estimates can be generated with these visuals, there are chances that customers may not understand the issues at hand clearly.
Example:
With Torque360 auto repair shop management software, you can attach photos and videos to the estimate and send it to the customer to ensure transparency. Customers trust the auto repair shops that are open and transparent about the services and charges.
It also portrays professionalism and helps in building a reputation in the auto repair market. Moreover, adding visuals ensures that there are more chances of approval of the estimate.
Step 5: Sending Digital Estimate for Customer Approval
This is the final step in the estimation process. Once the estimate is completed, approval from the customer is required. The repair work cannot start unless the customer is satisfied with the estimate.
A manual method of getting approval requires making phone calls, which is time-consuming and also causes delays when the call is not connected. Another way is a digital method for instant approvals.
Auto Repair Estimate Example:
Torque360 offers convenience for both auto repair shop owners and customers. With digital estimate approval, shop owners do not have to make phone calls to every customer and explain the issues and solutions.
For customers, they get a clear idea of costs and issues through a digital copy of complete details. This eradicates any chances of confusion for the customer, as many customers are not aware of the technicalities.
Other than that, the estimate can be sent via email, SMS, or both. Offering multiple ways speeds up the process and improves customer experience. For more details on this feature, visit the Torque360 Estimating Feature Page.
Tips for Creating Effective Digital Estimates
Creating repair estimates digitally is just the tip of the iceberg. You can generate a professional and clear estimate, but what are the chances of it getting approved by the customers?
How can you be so sure that the labor rates are not high enough that the customers hesitate in getting their vehicle repaired from your auto repair shop?
To ensure a high estimate approval rate and the best customer experience, here are some tips on how you can create effective digital estimates:
1. Keep It Readable
Readability matters! Why? Because if there are just chunks of text and technical jargon, the customers may not even understand it properly. Using a clear font, having separate sections for costs, and mentioning the prices that remain consistent are important.
2. Itemize Everything
The customers are not into technical details, so keep the estimate simple. Make separate sections for the required parts, services, labor rates, and associated costs. It is best to mention the cost of each item instead of mentioning the total. Customers appreciate simple and transparent estimates.
3. Be Transparent
Make sure you are as transparent about the services and costs as possible. There should be no confusion about anything involved in the process. All the costs related to repair work should be mentioned clearly to avoid any disputes later at the time of billing. If there are any hidden charges, they should be mentioned in the estimates so the customers are aware of what they have to pay.
Conclusion
Switching to digital auto repair estimates is the most convenient way the auto repair shop owners can benefit. It not only helps in creating professional estimates but also improves the overall workflow of your shop.
You can save more time and make more profit when you have organized methods instead of manual methods. The reduction in errors leads to more efficiency and productivity with quick turnaround times.
See how easy digital estimates can be with Torque360. Request a demo today and transform your digital estimating process for auto shops!
