Introducing Smart Jobs: The Revolutionary New Way to Build Repair Orders
Smart Jobs, a new Tekmetric feature, revolutionizes auto repair order creation by automating labor selection, fluid adjustments, parts sourcing from a vast PartsTech catalog, and pricing into just one or two clicks, enabling service advisors to save significant time, streamline workflows, order parts directly within the platform, and enhance customer service efficiency.
Smart Jobs is a new feature in Tekmetric designed to streamline the process of building jobs in auto repair shops. Traditionally, creating a repair order involves multiple steps: selecting labor rates, sourcing parts, applying markups, and packaging jobs together. Smart Jobs reduces this to just one or two clicks per job, automating many of these tasks.
"Smart jobs is a must have, it'll speed up your service writing by a huge amount.” - Chris Chagnon, COO at the Cardinal Plaza Shell
What's New with Smart Jobs?
Smart Jobs enables service advisors to quickly add jobs to repair orders. Key features include:
- Automatically adds the relevant labor line based on the selected vehicle and labor matrix
- Adjusts fluid quantities according to the vehicle
- Sources required parts from preferred vendors via the PartsTech catalog (15M+ parts)
- Applies a parts matrix based on cost
- Sets a total package price for the job
This automation allows service advisors to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time engaging with customers.
Why You'll Love Smart Jobs
Smart Jobs is designed to simplify workflows and improve efficiency for service advisors. Benefits include:
Get More Out of the Work You Already Do
Rather than focusing solely on increasing car count, Smart Jobs helps shops work smarter. Shops have reported saving up to 20 minutes on routine jobs, such as cabin air filter replacements, with even greater savings possible for more complex jobs.
Buy Parts Directly from Tekmetric
Smart Jobs integrates with PartsTech, allowing users to source and order parts from over 225 suppliers across 30,000+ locations directly within Tekmetric. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple tabs or windows.
Offer Amazing Customer Service
By saving time on job creation, service advisors can focus more on delivering a consistent and high-quality customer experience.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
With the automotive industry evolving rapidly, Smart Jobs helps shops meet rising customer expectations and capitalize on new business opportunities. Tekmetric shops have seen increased car counts, with drivers keeping their vehicles longer and seeking reliable service providers.
Simplify Training
Smart Jobs makes it easier for new team members to get up to speed, allowing shops to focus training on customer service and shop expectations rather than complex software workflows.
See Smart Jobs In Action
To learn more about Smart Jobs and see it in action, Tekmetric offers webinars and personalized demos.
10 Steps to Open Your Tire Shop Business
- 1.
Market Research and Planning
- Assess demand, analyze competition, and identify your target market.
- Develop a business plan outlining services, pricing, and financial projections.
- 2.
Legal Considerations and Permits
- Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.).
- Obtain necessary licenses, permits, and insurance.
- 3.
Startup Costs and Financing
- Estimate costs for property, equipment, inventory, marketing, and staffing.
- Secure funding if needed.
- 4.
Choose a Location
- Select an accessible, visible location with consideration for competition.
- 5.
Marketing and Branding
- Develop a brand identity and marketing plan.
- Build a website, optimize for SEO, and use social media and local advertising.
- 6.
Equipment and Tools
- Invest in essential equipment: tire changers, balancers, alignment machines, diagnostic tools, jacks, and lifts.
- 7.
Inventory and Suppliers
- Establish relationships with suppliers and stock a diverse inventory of tires and related products.
- 8.
Staffing and Training
- Hire skilled technicians and provide ongoing training.
- 9.
Tire Shop Software
- Implement management software like Tekmetric's Tire Suite for DOT# registration, tire specifications, and inventory management.
- 10.
Grand Opening and Beyond
- Plan a grand opening event, focus on customer service, and continuously improve operations.
Benefits of Adding Tire Services
- Increased revenue streams by attracting a broader customer base
- Enhanced customer retention through expanded service offerings
- Improved shop efficiency with integrated management tools
Tekmetric Mobile App Update
The Tekmetric Mobile App now includes Mobile Check-In, allowing service advisors to greet customers in the parking lot, scan VINs or license plates, and start or access repair orders directly from a phone. This streamlines the check-in process and reduces time spent moving between the lot and the desk.
Key Features
- Confirm arrivals and start new repair orders on the spot
- Technicians can find assigned repair orders, complete digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), and track work progress
- Service advisors can greet customers, scan VINs/plates, and start repair orders without a desktop
- Fully native app for iOS and Android, optimized for shop use
Future updates will expand mobile workflows further.
Email Marketing for Auto Repair Shops
Email marketing is a powerful tool for auto repair shops to build relationships, drive new business, and retain customers. It allows for direct, personalized communication and offers measurable results.
Why Use Email Marketing?
- 1.Cost-effective: Higher ROI compared to traditional advertising.
- 2.Top of mind: Keeps your shop in customers' thoughts for future service needs.
- 3.Customer Retention: Reminds customers of upcoming services and shows appreciation.
- 4.Measurable Results: Track open rates, click-throughs, and appointments booked.
- 5.Direct Communication: Share updates, offers, and tips directly with your customer base.
Email Campaign Ideas
- Welcome Emails: Introduce your shop and offer a first-service discount.
- Service Reminders: Automated reminders for scheduled maintenance.
- Promotional Emails: Announce discounts and seasonal offers.
- Maintenance Tips: Share educational content to build trust.
- Customer Feedback Requests: Request reviews after service.
- Birthday/Anniversary/Holiday Emails: Personalized greetings with offers.
- Abandoned Appointment Emails: Remind customers to complete online bookings.
Best Practices
- Segment your email list for targeted messaging
- Craft compelling subject lines
- Personalize emails with customer names and vehicle info
- Include clear calls to action
- Ensure mobile responsiveness
- Automate routine communications
- Provide value beyond promotions
- Optimize send times
- Integrate with other marketing efforts
- Monitor performance and adjust strategies
- Maintain a reasonable email cadence and always offer an unsubscribe option
Final Thoughts
A well-executed email marketing strategy is essential for modern auto repair shops. By delivering valuable content, timely reminders, and exclusive offers, shops can build loyalty and drive business growth. Start building your email list, embrace automation, and watch your marketing efforts yield results.