Shop4D

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

Reasons for Choosing Shop4D

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Shop4D

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.