How-To Use Tekmessage – Tekmetric
Tekmessage in Tekmetric provides a messaging sidebar accessible via a header icon, allowing users to create, search, and manage customer message threads, send texts from multiple phone numbers, view customer profiles, create appointments and repair orders, receive delivery notifications, and communicate directly within repair orders, appointments, or customer profiles, while estimates and invoices are sent through the usual Tekmetric interface with reply notifications enabled when Tekmessage is active.
After Tekmessage is set up and activated, you will see a message icon in the header of your shop. This allows you to open the messaging sidebar.
Tekmessage Sidebar
When you click the message icon, the messaging sidebar will appear on the right side of your screen, showing a list of your messages.
In the Tekmessage sidebar, you can:
- Create a new message
- Search for an existing thread
- Mark any or all of your messages as read
- Mark certain messages as unread
- View customer's profile
- Create an appointment
- Create a repair order
Note: You can set sound notifications for incoming texts by clicking the three dots at the top right.
Customer Messaging Center
After clicking the New Message button or selecting a customer's thread, you can send messages to any valid phone number on the customer's profile.
In the Messaging Center, you can also:
- Choose which phone number to send the message from
- View customer's profile
- Create and view upcoming appointments
- Create and view active repair orders
Note: The green check icon indicates the message was delivered.
Sending Estimate/Invoices
You will still send estimates and invoices as usual within Tekmetric by clicking the computer icon on the top right, then clicking Share Estimate or Invoice. If Tekmessage is activated, your customer can reply by text to those messages, generating a notification that you have a new message.
Customer's View versus Shop's View of Message Thread (example):
Locations to Access Messaging Center Within Tekmetric
Within the Repair Order
You can communicate with your customer from within the repair order by clicking the messaging icon next to their phone number on the grey RO sidebar.
Within the Appointment
You can start a messaging thread by clicking the messaging icon within your customer's appointment.
Note: If the message is not delivered, you will be notified and have the option to try to resend.
Within Customer Profile
You can start a messaging thread by clicking the messaging icon within your customer's profile.
Important Notes
- Do not use personal mobile numbers; all your personal messages will then populate into the shop. Be aware of which number you choose to host.
- You cannot delete messages; be mindful of what you send to your customers.
- Everyone in the shop has access to view messages.
- If you are using your business phone number with any third-party services and want to use Tekmessage, the phone number will be hosted by Tekmetric and you will need to find a different phone number to use with those third parties.
- If you need to switch phone carriers, disconnect from Tekmessage and reconnect. This will reset the integration and allow messages to be sent again.
- Currently, there is no way to block numbers or prevent messages from being sent to a number. Although rare, spam messages can occur; it is recommended to contact your phone provider if this happens.
Video Tutorial
Please watch the short video clip below on how to use Tekmessage within your shop: