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 sharing them, along with digital multi-point inspections and repair orders is dramatically boosting average repair orders for a growing number of independent auto repair shops in Guam, South America, Canada, and The United States.
The sentiment that “a picture is worth a thousand words” has perhaps never been truer than for a customer literally staring down evidence of needed—and most times unexpected—vehicle repairs.
Since BOLT ON launched its Mobile Manager Pro automotive software suite in fall 2013, shops have taken and shared over 30 MILLION (updated August 2019) photos for their customers.
Instead of trying to explain why a customer may need to buy new tires, new brake pads, or replace a corroded battery—technicians can show them with photos and videos attached to their digital vehicle inspection report.
Our data shows that nearly 90% of Mobile Manager Pro users actively utilize the software’s photo-taking capabilities. We have seen a steady upward trend of more and more shops taking photos regularly, and in turn they have seen their bottom lines trend upward as they continue to integrate inspection photos into their daily routines. Along with the photo capture feature, shops are also benefiting from VIN scanning (88% usage rate) and digital inspections (84% usage rate). The new recommendations capability, which goes hand-in-hand with image capture, continues to increase in popularity as more than 70% of shops regularly use it to make new repair recommendations as part of the vehicle inspection process.
As an add-on automotive software solution that automatically integrates with leading shop management systems, Mobile Manager Pro enables technicians to ditch scrawled handwriting in favor of digital, easy-to-complete forms. This includes customizable multi-point inspections, VIN and license plate scanning/decoding, and more.
Mobile Manager Pro has been proven to increase efficiency and productivity in the bays. But, for many shop owners and technicians, the real proof of the application’s usefulness is in its ability to take photos.
Our research has shown that the uptick in photo-taking is paying off. Techs that take three or more photos have seen repair orders increase anywhere from $60 to $85. Shops are more than doubling their repair order profits simply by showing, not telling. Streamlining digital vehicle inspections by sending customers photos of their current vehicle condition will not only boost your average repair order, but you will build an undeniable trust with your customers that will have them coming back time and time again.
Ready to learn more about integrating photos into your digital vehicle inspections? Talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members about adding Mobile Manager Pro to your automotive repair shop.