Bolt On offering platform to Tekmetric users

PHILADELPHIA — Bolt On Technology L.L.C. is collaborating with automotive repair software provider Tekmetric to offer Bolt On's digital vehicle inspections, text-payment and other customer engagement tools to shops already using Tekmetric's shop management platform.

Bolt On said the collaboration allows shop owners to benefit from its cloud-based NextGear product, which features self-scheduling, workflow management and reporting on any Web-enabled mobile device. Shops currently using Tekmetric can use the benefits without any long-term contract or additional hardware.

The company also said there is no steep learning curve.

Cost to Tekmetric users is $199 monthly. There's no annual subscription or long-term commitment.

Among the benefits of NextGear that is available within the Tekmetric platform include:

• Customizable and unlimited DVIs: Digital vehicle inspection capabilities are enhanced with no limits, giving customers vehicle condition photographs and videos with red/yellow/green-light vehicle health reports;
• Two-way text messaging: Provides status updates and request approvals via texts with customers, sending DVIs for scanning and comprehension;
• Advance appointment scheduling: Return appointments and other routine maintenance can be scheduled; mileage and past appointment history can be tracked to help increase future business and confirmed appointments;
• Pit stop appointment scheduler: Shops can add a user-friendly online appointment booking system that integrates with their website, enabling customers to book appointments online at their convenience;
• Mobile payment and financing options: Customer and work order information from Tekmetric and text invoices can be sent directly to customers, allowing them to pay for services via their smartphone using Text to Pay technology. Primary and secondary financing options are also available; and
• Review manager: This option allows shops to request online reviews from customers after completing service.

"Tekmetric is a stalwart of the auto aftermarket, and its customers rightly love using it to manage just about all aspects of their shop operations," Bolt On founder and CEO Mike Risich said. "Bolt On's NextGear complements those capabilities with unprecedented driver communications tools that can help drive more repeat business, keep repair bays humming and increase average repair orders."