Mechanic App

[higgymech]

Hi All,

I was sick of expensive over complicated systems. So I have started the build of an affordable app for mechanics which is simple and effective all on the iPad or phone.
I would appreciate feedback on what people would want, being a mechanic myself I have my own personal ideas:

The database is linked to the DVLA so simply inputting registration gives all the car details

1. Main dealer looking Vehicle Health Checks (adds notes, prices, photos)
This will be emailed/printed for the customer, who can review and approve further work
All personalised with mechanics logos and contacts

2. Automated invoices
Again emailed/printed for customers
Again personalised for the garage

3. Automated reminders.
The app will take in annual mileage to understand when services are needed, and MOTs, minor and major services. Emailed directly to the customer to get in contact. To attract customers back.

4. Easy to access service history

5. Calendar

6. Accounting - all invoices can be pulled out whenever as a excel CSV file (edited appropriately)

Nearly completed this, was thinking of charging £49.99 a month. Compared to the crazy £150+ a month.

Please let me know what else you guys think it will be massively appreciated.

I can add anything which is need...

Thanks,

Matt

[french crap fanatic]

Nov 17, 2016 22:54:16 GMT 1 higgymech said:

Hi All,

I was sick of expensive over complicated systems. So I have started the build of an affordable app for mechanics which is simple and effective all on the iPad or phone.
I would appreciate feedback on what people would want, being a mechanic myself I have my own personal ideas:

The database is linked to the DVLA so simply inputting registration gives all the car details

1. Main dealer looking Vehicle Health Checks (adds notes, prices, photos)
This will be emailed/printed for the customer, who can review and approve further work
All personalised with mechanics logos and contacts

2. Automated invoices
Again emailed/printed for customers
Again personalised for the garage

3. Automated reminders.
The app will take in annual mileage to understand when services are needed, and MOTs, minor and major services. Emailed directly to the customer to get in contact. To attract customers back.

4. Easy to access service history

5. Calendar

6. Accounting - all invoices can be pulled out whenever as a excel CSV file (edited appropriately)

Nearly completed this, was thinking of charging £49.99 a month. Compared to the crazy £150+ a month.

Please let me know what else you guys think it will be massively appreciated.

I can add anything which is need...

Thanks,

Matt

sounds like an excellent idea!
oh,hang on,you want to charge for this!!!
customers will never agree to that,dont you know,that us mechanics have no overheads and all our invoices generate 100% profit!!

[rpm]

Firstly welcome.

2nd, good idea but there are tried an tested systems out. Admittedly dearer, but what garage owner is going to look at saving a little and risk a lot if he on an established system that works, has backup, and is used to using.

So, 3rdly. So therefore your target base is likely to be 1 man band type people like me. But not at that price.

You need to be cheaper to attract people like me, or else aim at the bigger setups? What are you offering them thats better or different?

So, good luck, but no thanks

[remmington]

Good luck and no thanks from me too....

[valhalla]

GA4 can do all the above, and tons more, for a one-off payment of around £300. I cannot recommend the Software Solutions (SWS) program highly enough, it is great for small-medium garages, very reliable. The fact that it's a lifetime service (they are reasonable on upgrade costs for existing customers) makes it good value for money. SWS also make it easy to run and recover data when things go wrong, so one less load of hassle on PC breakdowns.

Nobody is going to want to run a garage on a mobile device, not unless thay trade under "Fly-by-Night Mobile Mechanics, T/A Bodgit & Scarper"

There's a time and place for iPhones and iPads, serious jobs need something better......