Openbay app improves B2C communication

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Nov. 25, 2015) — The auto-repair marketplace Openbay Corp. has launched OpenbayASP, a mobile app for iPhone systems that “promotes transparency between repair shops and consumers" via text, video and photo exchange.

OpenbayASP combines the online-to-offline customer-acquisition capability that Openbay delivers to its network of service professionals with the benefits of a mobile platform, the company said.

The app gives shops the flexibility to attract online consumers, Openbay said, who value the ability to make educated purchase decisions and will be able to see and hear remotely explanations of recommended and completed repair work.

Shop owners and operators can use OpenbayASP to review incoming service requests in real-time, respond immediately with quotes, communicate with consumers, schedule appointments and process payment.

“Openbay's community of repair professionals were integral to the development of OpenbayASP,” said Rob Infantino, founder and CEO of Openbay.

“We're dedicated to meeting their needs and to helping grow their businesses. This mobile platform positions shops to efficiently acquire and communicate with in-market consumers.”

The app supports iOS 8.2 or later, Openbay said, is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and is available on the Apple App Store.

In addition, OpenbayASP brings transparency to auto repair, the company said, enabling shops to share videos and photos of vehicle issues, so customers are better informed about the need for repair and maintenance.

Service providers are encouraged to use OpenbayASP's complimentary multi-media exchange to inform customers, strengthening trust between the shop and the consumer.

Among the features OpenbayASP provides are:

• Instant notification of service requests from local, in-market consumers;
• Simple quote submission;
• Customer-messaging capabilities, including the ability to gain approval for repair work;
• Notifications when “automated quotes” are sent and accepted;
• A to-do list, with overview of daily activities, including customer messages, active requests, appointment confirmations, etc.;
• Appointment scheduling and adjustment;
• Ability to edit and update repair quotes on the spot;
• Payment processing; and
• Track history of Openbay revenue and bookings.

Businesses interested in joining Openbay should contact the company at openbay.com.

Some testimonials from OpenbayASP users:

“The app makes me want to use Openbay more, especially for customers' sake – they can see everything,” said Rob Burden, service manager of Bonita Valley Auto Care, Bonita, Calif., “and I like the messaging features especially when customers can't take a phone call.”

Arto Dermovsesian, president of Arto's Service Station, Watertown, Mass., said, “It's great being able to hop in and out of the app throughout the day. Now I don't have to dedicate time to sitting at a computer.

“Also, the video and photo-sharing function is a game-changer — customers appreciate seeing what's going on, without even having to be at the garage.”