The Digital Shop® Blog
Looking for a more efficient way to handle scheduling at your shop? Implementing new online scheduling technology can save you time, and money, and lead to fewer mistakes in your scheduling. Implementing new technology can be overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you make the switch as painless as possible.
Choose Your Partner
There are tons of products on the market that you can use for scheduling your customer’s services. It is always best to consider a product made specifically for your industry. Platforms like AutoVitals which are known for their auto repair shop scheduling should be your first choice.
Here are a few must-have features for every auto repair shop:
- Easy implementation for your staff
- Integration with your current POS software
- Training for your staff
- Reasonable price
It’s important to make note that partnering with the right solution means you don’t need to worry about transitioning as they will do the heavy lifting for you.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
How do you get the buy-in of your staff to make this major switch to auto repair shop scheduling software instead of the standard board? It starts with having open communication and initiating a dialogue with your entire staff.
Hold frequent meetings to discuss the possibility of the switch and the benefits of each software you are considering. Your employees want to feel that they have a voice in the matter and may see flaws in the software you are looking at that are invisible to you. They have the most expertise in booking appointments and making sure the shop runs smoothly, so be sure to seek out their opinions and input.
Be Positive
No matter what you choose to share with your staff, you need to make sure that you present all of the options in a positive light. Always share the benefits of the new technology when talking with your staff. They need to know that you’re decision is primarily for their benefit.
Moreover, let them know that you have done the homework and are ready to address any concerns they may have about the upcoming change.
Train
Coming in just behind communication in the degree of importance is training. You need to present different training options to get your staff up to speed on the new software. This means scheduling both individual and group training sessions so that everyone has a chance to familiarize themselves with the program before you officially implement it.
Performing test runs is an important aspect of training that will help your staff to figure out where they have questions. They might notice a bug that needs to be worked out or a way to make the system easier to use. Without hands-on experience practicing with the booking process, they may not be as prepared to put the software into practice when the time comes.
Make sure that everyone on the team feels included. Everyone should have at least a brief introduction to the auto repair shop scheduling software just in case they ever need to use it.
Leverage It
Implementing auto repair shop scheduling is first and foremost an internal change. Customers may not see the inherent benefits of this switch, but you can absolutely use it as a promotional tool for your shop.
Many auto repair shops find it feasible to set up a campaign around this major internal shift. For example, they may offer a discount for customers who come in for a test run. The discount doesn’t have to be major. It can be as small as 20% off labor or a special price on routine services.
By sharing your internal changes with the public, you differentiate yourself as an agile company. You aren’t afraid to share what is going on behind the scenes in your office and how it ultimately benefits the customer experience.
Customers love knowing that their auto repair shop is keeping up with the times, ensuring that they are in the best possible care for their vehicle.
Transition Easily
If you want to make the transition to an auto repair shop scheduling software from the boards you have been using, then you need to ensure a smooth implementation. AutoVitals is the top software choice for auto repair shops that want to turn to a more digital model. They offer training and support so that you can make the transition seamlessly.
Other benefits of AutoVitals software include professional advising, workflow management, digital vehicle inspections, and customer retention management. They also offer a full marketing suite that shop owners can utilize to promote their new scheduling software. With AutoVitals, you can create custom websites and digital marketing campaigns that will bring more customers than ever into your shop.
If you have been thinking about making the switch to digital scheduling, now is the best time to do so. Reach out to AutoVitals today to learn more about how they can help your auto repair shop thrive!
