Shop4D Reviews

Pros

I love how easy this is to use. There's a learning curve, but after you learn, it's easy. I love that they have weekly trainings so I can learn what new features came out. I feel that there is support in place, I never feel alone. When I utilize the tech support I am grateful that they are stateside and speak clear and perfect English. They are always so helpful too and I feel like they are my friends. I lovingly call them my NerdHerd and contact them anytime I have a question or need a quick reminder on how to do something. I've never felt talked down to, I've never felt rushed or ignored when I needed help. Having this software really gave us a great view on where our weaknesses were so we could address them. The reports are the most robust I've seen! I feel like we know everything about our business. We are on track to meet some serious goals and I feel like this software was the last piece of the puzzle we needed to really get where we want to be.

Cons

The hardest part of this software was learning this software. I'm highly skilled in the computer area and I struggled a little in the first week. After 4 weeks I had the complete hang of it (or so I thought) then I did a training session and learned way more! Switching from Mitchell to Shop4d was difficult but so worth it!! I'd never go back.

Alternatives Considered

Shopmonkey and AutoVitals

Reasons for Choosing Shop4D

We wanted something modern with serious metric tracking so we could get serious about our business. Mitchell failed on all accounts, Shop4d checked the right boxes.

Switched From

Manager SE

Reasons for Switching to Shop4D

We wanted something modern with serious metric tracking so we could get serious about our business. Shop4d checked the right boxes.

Pros

The layout and the process really make business efficient and, for lack of a better word, easier for all!

Cons

I can’t think of any at the moment. It’s a hard question to ask when you love it all so much.

Pros

Where do I start?
The software is intuitive and easy to use. It realigns the relationship between the tech, the service writer and the customer. Estimates are more accurate to start with because the person that is working on the car knows what is needed, the service writer isn't guessing as to what parts are needed and isn't guessing if the labor guide is right or wrong.
The software is completely integrated. The shop management (with integrated RPM tool kit), point of sale, digital inspection, marketing and diagnostic information is genius. Gone are the days of trying to get different software to play nice together. Also gone are the days of different vendors blaming the other one for a problem, it's so nice.
Being able to compare parts prices and availability within seconds is genius!!! I LOVE that feature.
The software is not perfect and needs to be tweaked (all software is like this) and guess what? You see something that could be improved, or would help your particular shop. You bring it up to tech support, they take the time to look it over and more often than not you get a notice in a few days saying, that the change has been made.
The folks at Shop4D have always checked in with me to see how we are doing and to see if there is anything they could do to help. The feeling is more like friendship.

Cons

Having get buy in from some employees for the tech to do the service writers job. Some techs are so set in their ways that they don't even consider that taking the time to make part of the estimate themselves actually allows them to make a better living.
Some writers don't like the techs having a hand in the process because a tech just shouldn't be involved.
I've heard both of those arguments. in the end the people on my team now are making a better living and I feel that our customers are getting a better over all service.

Pros

EVERYTHING!!!! This platform helped us double the productivity and sales in our automotive shop in two years. VERY EASY TO USE - all in one shop management system from managing workflow to accounting to inventory to monitoring employee production - ALSO BUILT IN TRAINING PODCAST & MORE.

Cons

THAT I PROCRASTINATED ABOUT SWITCHING TO THIS SHOP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

Pros

Shop4d is game changing. It is like drafting the number one pick for a struggling team. It provides organization, transparency and profit management in one package. It also includes full CRM capabilities, as well as the tools to set targets, monitor progress and learn how to affect the most critical key performance indicators. It was easy to integrate into our shop because the Shop4d technical support and onboarding teams are well-trained and prompt in all that they do. Simply put: Shop4d is the full package for auto repair business management.

Cons

I once believed Shop4d to be expensive. Compared to some point of sale programs for auto repair, it has the highest cost. Now I believe that using another management program will cost your company more than the monthly subscription to Shop4d: Shop4d will find you money to make.
I wish that there was a website integration feature so that the program synchronized with a company website planner where clients could reserve appointments online. Management would monitor the calendar to approve, deny or change appointments based on availability. It would certainly eliminate data entry on my end when clients send email appointment requests and ultimate save time.

Pros

We previously used five different sources of software to manage our business, and then it was a labor to coordinate the information. Shop4D does all that we were doing plus much more and it is all sync'd and coordinated every single day. That gives us the ability to manage our efforts and direct them to improvement, which we do daily with all workers and staff. It has made a huge difference.

Cons

It would be nice to be able to toggle repair order to an estimate, we can change from the estimate to a repair. When I find something I do not like, I suggest an improvement to the development team and so far in the last four years of use, they have made changes and repairs to my requests.

Alternatives Considered

Manager SE and AutoEntry

Reasons for Choosing Shop4D

We were using 5 different software to manage our store at a cost of about $2400 a month and it was a lot of work to get the financial information needed to run our store, We switched to 4D and save a lot of money and we now us one software and it is sync'd and coordinated every single day. Accurate and transparent clean information lets us mange our shop to a higher level of performance than ever before.

Switched From

Manager SE

Reasons for Switching to Shop4D

Shop4D was a better bang for the buck, it had an internal marketing module, it sync'd with our accounting system, and most of all the support team was live and very helpful, and they still are four years later.

Pros

There are so many features it would be impossible to list them all. This software was designed by shop operators. It's extremely impressive. The transition was very smooth from our old POS.

Cons

Give me time to try to come up with one.

Pros

1. Workflow management. The RO has multiple stages that it flows through so everyone knows where the Vehicle and repair is at at all times. The technicians individual pages are laid out in an easy to use and understand way so they know what needs to be looked at, what is waiting on parts or waiting on an approval from the customer, and what is ready for repair. As soon as they mark it complete it shows up as ready to roll on the service writer screen so we know it is ready to call for payment and pick up.
2. Estimation. Has multiple labor rate guides built in to the program so the technician can see what times are required and choose the best labor operation, they can even choose which parts they want so they get the correct part the 1st time everytime!
3. Parts look up. Can get all of your top suppliers (oem & aftermarket) loaded in the the program so you can compare pricing at a glance to see who can get it quickest and at the best price for you and your customer
4. Reviews. built in Google review request button so you can send a link to your customer right away
5. No more paper storage. The system is cloud based so you no longer need to keep hard copies of paperwork because we capture a signature digitally for pickup and it saves right to the Repair Order. You can even send invoicing and payment request through the program so that the customer can pay online just in case they cannot make it in for in person pickup.
6. IT support. Usually respond within minutes online!

Cons

At the moment nothing! Everything works great, if there is ever an issue their IT support team is on it immediately via the chat function built right in to the program. No need to call and wait on hold, they are so responsive it is amazing!

Pros

I love the program because it has been the best tool (investment) I have made. There is not a better tool that I have purchased to get this rate of return (ROI) on this than anything else I have purchased! The techs love the ability to cut down there required steps, and the data that they can quickly reach. The advisors are able to quickly fix problems, source parts and communicate, resulting in better sales! The techs are getting more work done which means they are making more money! Also the tech support from shop4d is amazing, when we have a problem they are on it immediately and have it fixed!

Cons

I do not have complaints. We have helped make this software better as have other users. We may make suggestions and they listen and come up with great ways to cut out steps and make the program better for all users! Also if we ask a question or have an issue they will improve on that to develop a better way of doing it, many times with out needing to ask.

Pros

We are all creatures of habit. I did not want to change a system I had been using for decades. However, Shop4D has been a game changer for my business. The Shop4D made the change over easy. Any time we had questions they were answered immediately. It took little time for my employees to find their way through a very friendly system. So I would say what I like best is how easily Shop4D and the team made the transition. It was my biggest concern and it was erased. The other thing I will say that I like the most is how it is constantly improving and getting better. Our ideas are listened to and feature are built based off of that. It is really cool to be a part of.

Cons

Well, I had to think a minute hear. I hate to be a downer here but...… I really hate the taxes I have been having to pay since making the change. I mean I have multiplied the taxes several times and it really is painful. Of course the profits are good. But taxes! Dang!

Pros

I've never seen a software program like Shop4D. I've used many in my 35 years in the business. I like the ease and the capability of finding parts fast. The ease of all information contained within the Shop4D system. BAsically whenever there were issues they are handled right away. The support team is grat and has [SENSITIVE CONTENT] to have by just a message built in the program. I've seen my sales skyrocket with the use of Shop4D.

Cons

We introduced the new program and once we learned the system and had any suggestions they were implemented.

Pros

The whole overall package is very well thought and laid out. The support from the shop4d team is the best I have experienced from a software vendor. They actually listen and you can tell there passionate about what they do. The whole team goes above and beyond. They truly care and go the extra mile as they want to see there clients succeed. There live training is every week and they don’t rush through it. They will stay until everyone is satisfied and every question is answered. I highly recommend any serious shop owner take a look. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Cons

That it can’t fix the cars for me.
The price is a little high but only because I’m Canadian and our dollar is low.

Pros

The entire program is outstanding. It has changed my life and my employee's lives. I find my self bored at times now with how efficient the program has made me. This program has saved me hours a day from the "old school" way of doing things, no more staying late to finish invoices. I was nervous to make the switch to shop4d but I wish I had done it sooner.

Cons

Can not find one flaw with the program.