Driving Business Outcomes For Over 8,000 Vehicle Service Locations

Mar 28, 2024 4:20:30 PM

Every auto shop faces the challenge of declined services, but what if you could turn these missed opportunities into chances for growth and customer loyalty? The digital revolution is here, equipping...

Feb 28, 2024 3:13:31 PM

Missed appointments are the bane of any auto repair shop's existence. They create scheduling headaches and can negatively impact many areas of your business. Fortunately, there are innovative...

Feb 1, 2024 3:15:00 PM

Navigating the sea of payment processing options can be daunting, but it's a vital step in ensuring the success and efficiency of your auto service business. The right payment processing software...

Jan 9, 2024 5:35:49 PM

As an auto repair shop owner, you know how important it is to consistently find and target new customers. That's why we've put together a few ideas designed to help you discover new opportunities and...

Dec 19, 2023 3:12:34 PM

As we approach 2024, it's crucial for technicians, service advisors, and repair shop owners to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing industry. So, let's delve into the anticipated auto...

Nov 30, 2023 11:00:00 AM

In the ever-changing automotive industry, you know integrating auto repair software isn't just a choice — it's a must. But, convincing your team? Well, that's a whole different story. Let's be real,...

Nov 10, 2023 12:30:00 PM

As an auto repair shop owner, you know that building trust with customers is essential for long-term success. In an industry often plagued by skepticism and misconceptions, it's crucial to address...

Oct 31, 2023 4:40:00 PM

In order to grow your business, you have to get to know your business on a deeper level. That's right, we're talking about the data. Knowing more about your shop's overall performance, customers, and...

Oct 13, 2023 10:58:57 AM

BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s automotive repair software is a guaranteed tool that will boost profits, increase productivity, retain customers and help you communicate with customers easier than ever. When...

Oct 12, 2023 11:19:56 AM

Sometimes, it's hard to keep productivity high in your auto repair shop, especially in the dead heat of the summer. Bays aren’t usually air conditioned, so your team of hard working technicians are...

Sep 28, 2023 11:30:00 AM

Establishing good communication for your dealership not only saves you time, but also can be a pathway to earning you more money. From your service advisors to your technicians, everyone has a busy...

Sep 15, 2023 11:02:44 AM

If you want to increase your customer retention and sell more services, then customer education needs to be a priority at your dealership. Informing your customers, whether they're new or have been...

Aug 30, 2023 10:45:02 AM

When you think about marketing your shop, you might often think about how you can attract new business. While focusing on new potential customers is necessary to grow and sustain your business, this...

Jun 8, 2023 10:29:37 AM

Are you still spending time on manual marketing tasks for your automotive shop? If you are, then it's time to start automating. Time is precious when you're trying to efficiently manage a business....

Sep 1, 2021 1:00:00 PM

So you've decided you want to grow your oil change business, but aren't sure how to enact that change. Don't worry, we've all been there. You have the goals, ideas, and dreams...but are coming up a...

Aug 4, 2021 11:00:00 AM

There's a new hot topic tearing through our industry right now—Right To Repair. While it's not necessarily a new topic, it's currently causing many of us in the automotive sphere to stop and ponder...

Jul 26, 2021 11:40:00 AM

When it comes to sharing an estimate, this can be a stressful experience for not only the customer, but for the shop. It's a delicate part of the repair process, so as a result, it should be handled...

Jul 16, 2021 10:38:00 AM

Your relationship with your digital vehicle inspection (DVI) software is like any other type of relationship—it takes a little work to make it thrive. Implementing your software will have you seeing...

Jul 10, 2021 2:31:00 PM

As a facility that exclusively services fleet vehicles, time is constantly on your mind. Thoughts surrounding how quickly a vehicle can be serviced, or how accurately you can predict the amount of...

Jul 9, 2021 3:00:00 PM

Making the switch to become a digital shop can understandably come with some hesitations and frustrations. The way you've run your shop likely hasn't changed all that much before now, and making the...

Jun 25, 2021 8:00:00 AM

If there's one thing that is bringing us together as an industry currently, it's the technician shortage. It's been an enduring problem for years now, and the automotive industry needs to proactively...

Jun 21, 2021 2:02:00 PM

We are in the digital age. Your shop is now a 24/7 business because your customers are searching for you online. What will they find? BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's auto shop website solution offers shops the...

Jun 21, 2021 10:53:00 AM

Many decades ago the electric car felt like a far off futuristic dream. We've heard talk throughout the years of electric cars and their benefits, but somehow the idea never took root in the...

Jun 14, 2021 12:00:00 PM

As a business owner, you've always worked to set your auto repair shop apart from your competitors. Your shop has its own way of getting the job done, and the right shop management system should...

Jun 1, 2021 9:00:00 AM

Fixing vehicles has been your passion for a long time, so is it time for you to start your own auto repair shop? Possibly! Going from employee to shop owner can be a bit of a shock to the system if...

Apr 19, 2021 2:45:00 PM

It's true, going green is all the rage these days. But while it has a lot of benefits for the environment, there are also a ton of benefits for your shop. Making the shift from paper to digital may...

Apr 1, 2021 12:00:00 PM

As the liaison between customers and technicians, service advisors have a lot on their plate most days. Not only are they working hard to meet the needs of the customer, but also to track and manage...

Feb 24, 2021 10:39:00 AM

If you want to become a successful independent auto repair shop, it’s essential that you have your sights on not only developing a long-term strategy for expanding your customer base but also...

Feb 23, 2021 7:00:00 AM

Carrier filtering can be a stressful feature for business owners attempting to communicate with their customers via text messaging. We’ll break down the what, why, and how so you’re aware of this...

Feb 16, 2021 11:00:00 AM

Every shop knows that marketing an auto repair shop comes with unique challenges. Competition can often be high, leaving your shop with the need to have an air-tight marketing plan in order to be...

Feb 4, 2021 3:27:00 PM

As the old saying goes, time is money. The less time you spend on time-consuming tasks, the more time you can invest in other parts of your business. While improving efficiency within your dealership...

Jan 29, 2021 8:30:00 AM

When it comes to measuring the success of your auto repair shop, the Average Repair Order (ARO) is one of the most important metrics. Now, you may know that if your automotive repair shop focuses on...

Jan 15, 2021 12:15:00 PM

After a vehicle is driven off the lot by a happy new owner, as a dealership you can feel moderately secure you'll see them again over the next couple of years for maintenance. But what comes after...

Dec 23, 2020 8:00:00 AM

For shops looking to grow, having a crystal clear idea of where you currently fall is important. We know that goals cannot be vague ballpark ideas if we ever want to see measurable results....

Dec 1, 2020 10:12:15 AM

Technology is ever-evolving, and as a result, the way we communicate needs to evolve too. For many people, messaging is the means of communication of the day. Sure, people still talk on their phones...

Nov 24, 2020 11:30:00 AM

Starting in spring of 2020, shops have had to drastically change the way they do business. Amidst all the shutdowns, shops across the nation were able to keep their doors open as essential...

Nov 17, 2020 2:30:43 PM

If we've learned anything this year, it's to expect the unexpected. Any plans or predictions we made for 2020 in 2019 were more or less dashed beginning in March of 2020 in the wake of COVID-19. So...

Nov 11, 2020 3:37:56 PM

Selling can often feel like an uphill battle when it comes to auto repair services. The average customer is relatively uninformed about their vehicle and a lot of what service advisors attempt to...

Oct 29, 2020 10:45:00 AM

Your website shouldn't just be a window dressing—it should be an active member of your team. Visitors to your site are great, this means you're getting the visibility you desire. But, if views are...

Oct 22, 2020 3:45:00 PM

If you find yourself running into the same frustrations day after day, this could be a sign that your efficiency isn't what it could be. Oftentimes we tend to live with the grunt work that's...

Oct 2, 2020 12:00:00 PM

The dreaded rush is often inevitable. While we enjoy the fact that there is so much traffic coming into our showrooms, that doesn't mean we enjoy the chaos that follows. In the lull that follows a...

Aug 28, 2020 10:15:00 AM

This year has turned the way we have to conduct business on its head. The reality is our day to day operations are no longer what they once were. There are new guidelines and procedures and the...

Aug 19, 2020 5:59:52 PM

If a business or organization doesn't have a web presence in 2020, it's almost as if they do not exist. The internet has become so integrated into our daily lives, that if we are not active...

Aug 12, 2020 5:04:51 PM

With the daily uncertainty of this evolving situation, shops need to stay fluid and flexible. In many places, the phases to reopening are well under way. But what does a phased reopening look like...

Jul 29, 2020 2:30:00 PM

Customer retention is a high priority among shop owners, there's no doubt about that. We've all tried different avenues to ensure that crucial repeat business—discounts, rewards programs, etc. While...

Jul 24, 2020 2:45:00 PM

Once you've purchased BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY software for your shop, the next step is to further train your automotive professionals. Becoming familiar with the ins and outs of your new software and...

Jul 15, 2020 12:00:00 PM

It's the 21st Century, so you likely already have a website set up for your business. You know it's an essential item as a modern business owner, but how can you ensure that it's seen by potential...

Jul 3, 2020 10:00:00 AM

The service advisor is the hub of your service process, their time and energy is invaluable for shop organization and productivity—which is why you want to make the most of it. Auto repair software,...

Jun 24, 2020 12:21:00 PM

Digital vehicle inspections don't just make things easier for customers, service advisors and owners—they directly benefit technicians in major ways. For many techs, miscommunication or lack of...

Jun 17, 2020 12:03:38 PM

When it comes to your customer base, there are certainly two things that are constantly on your mind: retention and acquisition. They’re both important for sustaining your shop, but what should be...

Jun 12, 2020 3:15:00 PM

Much like other aspects of a digital shop, the goal is to make sure all moving parts of your operations are running efficiently and seamlessly—and payments should be no different. Customers Can Pay...

May 26, 2020 2:38:00 PM

To get the most out of your shop’s website, there are certainly some essential elements that you should consider implementing. The people coming to your auto shop website are seeking out more...

May 19, 2020 1:14:00 PM

They say the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. When it comes to growing your shop, sometimes this means looking to improve what you do and how you do it. The three top things on...

May 15, 2020 12:53:00 PM

Between corresponding with customers and communicating with technicians, service advisors have a lot on their plates. It can be easy to get bogged down in the little things and lose time and...

May 8, 2020 3:00:00 PM

When transitioning into a digital shop, there can be unknown territory that can cause a bit of uneasiness among owners and service advisors alike. For some, one of those areas of concern is texting...

Feb 17, 2020 7:00:00 AM

Keeping customers happy is the most important part of business ownership. As an owner, you’re likely always wondering how to better your customer experience to keep those loyal to your shop...

Jan 20, 2020 7:00:00 AM

You might be dreading it, or you might be looking forward to it. Either way, retirement is down the road at some point and it’s better to be prepared than unprepared, of course. But, well, where...

Jan 15, 2020 1:58:40 PM

With a shortage of qualified techs out there today, you want to make sure the good ones you have stick around. Retaining employees is crucial to your business operating efficiently with little...

Nov 15, 2019 10:41:22 AM

Auto repair (mechanic) invoices are essential tools that auto repair shops use to collect payment for services performed. Traditionally, they have been simple paper invoices that both the auto repair...

Nov 6, 2019 4:30:59 PM

As a shop owner, it’s likely that growing your business is always top of mind—and a part of growing your business involves increasing the amount of revenue that is being brought in. You probably know...

Sep 25, 2019 12:05:25 PM

We've added even more firepower to your Digital Vehicle Inspections, starting with your techs being able to update vehicles statuses in your Workflow Manager. Your shop can also share tech and...

Sep 10, 2019 4:19:55 PM

We've supercharged our Workflow Manager and are now able to deliver you an array of new advantages and business growth resources, all from one simple program. **These benefits are completely free for...

Sep 5, 2019 11:27:22 AM

As the owner of an automotive repair shop, there are some significant numbers for you to know and track carefully. Among those numbers, one of the most important is your shop’s Gross Profit. Your...

Aug 30, 2019 9:52:51 PM

Many shop owners initially get into business for their general love of repairing cars, but day-to-day operations can take their toll. When shop owners let their days take control of their shop, they...

Jun 17, 2019 10:36:00 AM

It’s no secret that some services are harder to sell than others—but it really needs to be done, so how do you get your customers to buy in? Show the ‘Why’ With Digital Vehicle Inspections With...

Apr 1, 2019 8:55:44 AM

Shop owners across the country all suffer from some of the same pain points in their automotive repair shop. It’s more than knowing what goals to set, or the best practices for communicating with a...

Apr 1, 2019 8:54:39 AM

All shops want to grow, but what does growth mean to your shop? How does your team measure it? Choosing what metrics to track in your automotive repair shop can be tricky. Key performance indicators...

Apr 1, 2019 8:54:02 AM

Invoicing is important for both your automotive repair shop and your customers. It’s a record of sale and services provided that can also act as a reminder for a customer’s next service, show future...

Feb 20, 2019 8:19:55 AM

You work tirelessly every day in your automotive repair shop to make ends meet. After the bills are paid, and your employees are compensated, what do you have left? Focusing on your average repair...

Feb 20, 2019 8:16:48 AM

Invoicing is typically your customer’s least favorite part of their auto repair experience, but it doesn’t have to be your shop's. Take the frustration out of invoicing and explore all of the...

Feb 20, 2019 8:10:00 AM

Is your automotive repair shop inundated with paper? Paper inspections, paper invoices…paper everywhere. It doesn’t have to be that way. Our suite of add-on automotive software solutions fully...

Feb 20, 2019 8:04:07 AM

Did you know that something simple like attaching photos to your digital vehicle inspections can increase auto shop profits? This all-important task of snapping customer vehicle condition photos and...

Dec 26, 2018 12:44:25 PM

The start of the year brings a renewed energy to many businesses. It's a time for reflecting on the past year and planning for what is to come in the new year. And while the opportunity for new...

Dec 7, 2018 1:28:18 PM

The number one need for any automotive repair shop is always customers. How else would you make money? There are many ways to increase your gross sales, but most automotive repair shop owners will...

Dec 7, 2018 1:27:58 PM

It's no secret that it's cheaper to earn repeat customers than it is to try to gain new ones. In fact, it can cost up to FIVE times as much to attract new customers to your automotive repair shop...

Oct 23, 2018 2:01:35 PM

In an age where 92% of customers read auto shop reviews online before making a purchase decision, having a positive online reputation is critical for any auto repair business. Let's discuss some...

Oct 11, 2018 9:10:56 AM

The auto repair industry is a competitive market. Drivers are visiting shops less frequently each year and competitors are continuing to battle for their business. What is your repair shop doing to...

Sep 29, 2018 1:48:20 PM

Vehicles are one of the original and most progressive forms of technology, dating all the way back to 1885 when Karl Benz first invented the gasoline automobile powered by an internal combustion...

Sep 10, 2018 3:26:40 PM

Staying ahead of the growing complexity and constant changes when servicing vehicles is critical for today’s auto repair shop. Having immediate access to repair information is no longer a luxury, but...

Sep 6, 2018 11:41:44 PM

By Bob Cooper of Elite Over the past one hundred plus years marketing strategies, and the brands that were built, were developed by two entities: The client, and the ad agency. The client would tell...

Mar 16, 2018 8:00:00 AM

~ By Bob Cooper of Elite Most shop owners will start pumping more money into their marketing campaigns when they are looking to increase their car counts. This can help bring new customers into your...

Feb 16, 2018 4:18:30 PM

Great news! Now, shops who have an active ProDemand/ShopKey Pro account can now use a new feature that not only gives you the Service Reminder Reset directions for all makes and models, but also the...

Mar 24, 2017 11:06:43 AM

It’s the Law! All tires sold in the United States must be registered with the tire manufacturer. The amazing thing about this statement is that many shops are not aware of it, or are simply not...

Feb 10, 2017 6:00:00 AM

Shops have been doing inspections for as long as there have been cars, but they have always been recorded on paper. Digital vehicle inspections (DVI) are inspections performed by technicians using a...

Oct 6, 2016 10:54:05 AM

BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY is excited to announce our new partnership with AutoNetTV, providing shops with yet another way to educate customers why vehicle maintenance and repair is so important! Our...

Jun 6, 2016 6:00:00 AM

Making auto repair shops profitable can seem like squeezing water from a rock... Some shops resort to raising prices, instead of increasing their customer base. We've created a free eBook that tells...

May 6, 2016 4:13:41 PM

It's a tough decision many people face when driving a new vehicle - car dealership or independent automotive shop? Business Insider explores the eternal question of where you should get your vehicle...

Aug 7, 2015 6:35:21 AM

BOLT ON’s Welcome Station Kiosk was nominated for the PTEN (Professional Tools & Equipment News) Innovation Award. PTEN Innovation Award Recipient Every year, PTEN (Professional Tool & Equipment...

Jun 10, 2015 11:47:28 AM

Facebook and Google are constantly changing their algorithms, making it more difficult for auto repair shops to gain traction online. Direct mail can be expensive and traditional advertising nets...

Apr 8, 2015 7:47:15 AM

Every shop encounters customers who are reluctant to make recommended auto repairs or keep up with scheduled maintenance beyond the lube, oil and filter service. For skeptics, phrases like “do I...

Jan 13, 2015 6:25:09 AM

NAPA TRACS customers can now use BOLT ON’s suite of add-on auto repair shop management software solutions to save time, boost shop profits, increase efficiency and improve the overall customer...

Dec 4, 2014 6:40:57 AM

Equipped with a unified goal of sharing our automotive software solutions with as many independent auto repair shops as possible, BOLT ON, for the New Year's resolves to exhibit at more trade shows...