[adamsautoadvice]

I recently started working at an shop that doesn't have any Auto Repair Software. I feel it's time to upgrade.

I've used a program called Protractor in the past, which is absolutely amazing! However... I believe it's expensive for a small shop. ($200 a month!) Does anyone have any other Auto Repair Shop Software they would suggest? Anything comparable to Protractor? What have people used and liked?

[LATECH]

Never heard of protractor, have used shopkey ...it sucks.
Alldata is far superior in format and ease of use.

[adamsautoadvice]

AllData is a good program. Protractor though is a complete management software for Auto Shops, and that is what we need.

[OneMoreTime]

I use quickbooks for the business side and keep my tech programs separate..to me it makes life a bit easier and is more cost effective..But then again I am used to quickbooks and how to use it.

Sam

[adamsautoadvice]

Most shops that use Protractor tend to use Quickbooks for accounting. Even though Protractor does have accounting software built into it as well. I believe with the next version you'll be able to use X-Charge through the software.

Sam what Tech Programs are you using? Do you like them?

[matt167]

not sure. all i have ever used is Alldata

[adamsautoadvice]

I think mosts shops have AllData. I haven't seen many without it nowadays.

[adamsautoadvice]

Anyone used this program?

http://smartautoshop.com/

[T-bucket23]

We use S2K and it does everything and will export to quickbooks

[adamsautoadvice]

Can you tell me what you like about SK2? What don't you like? Can you email customers estimates? Have you used other programs? How do those compare to SK2? How much does it cost a month?

I assume this is the website.

http://www.vai.net/solutions/service...-software.html

[adamsautoadvice]

Protractor is more expensive than I thought. The standard edition, which is best for 1 shop, is $349 for up to 5 workstations (computers) and $399 for unlimited terminals. That's over $4,000 a year for software!

SK2 is pretty expensive as well. It's 150.00 a user a month. The guy said that a typical setup is at least 10 users.

[T-bucket23]

Originally Posted by adamsautoadvice

Can you tell me what you like about SK2? What don't you like? Can you email customers estimates? Have you used other programs? How do those compare to SK2? How much does it cost a month?

I assume this is the website.

http://www.vai.net/solutions/service...-software.html

The support was real good, not sure on the email, we don't work that way. We always speak to the customers. It interfaces nicely with quick books and it does everything we need. We have had it for a long time, we used something prior to it but I dont remember what it was called.
It is a little difficult to gt around at first. Once you get used to it it is a great tool

[adamsautoadvice]

Originally Posted by T-bucket23

Not sure on the email, we don't work that way. We always speak to the customers.

I would usually email customers a quote or pricing, and then call them as well. Some people sit at computers all day so it's a great tool to connect with those customers. It also cuts down on confusion if a customer misheard you or didn't remember something. People like getting an email breaking down all the work and costs of a job.

[T-bucket23]

Originally Posted by adamsautoadvice

I would usually email customers a quote or pricing, and then call them as well. Some people sit at computers all day so it's a great tool to connect with those customers. It also cuts down on confusion if a customer misheard you or didn't remember something. People like getting an email breaking down all the work and costs of a job.

Depends on you customer base, there are still a lot of people who dont get email on a mobile device and only check it once a day or less. We still like the personal touch. The older generation is not as totally dependent on email or text messages to function.
If we call we get an answer right away it keeps from tying up a lift waiting for an email answer. Most people have cell phones so contacting them is not difficult

[adamsautoadvice]

You'd be surprised. Nowadays a lot of older people are on computers, and use email quite often. I never said you shouldn't call people!