Top 5 ARI
(Auto Repair Software)
alternatives [in 2024]

1. ARI (Auto Repair Software)

Who is it for

ARI (Auto Repair Software) is designed for car repairs. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing client details, vehicles, inventory, and financial transactions.

Features Overview

ARI (Auto Repair Software) offers a wide array of functionalities tailored for car repairs, including Client Management, Vehicle Management, Inventory Management, Job Cards, Estimates, Invoices, Inspections, Appointments, Service Reminders, Accounting, Reports & Stats, OBD Scanner, Payments, Marketing, and Time Tracking.

Its user-centric design and budget-friendly subscription model aim to meet the intricate demands of auto repair businesses. While it lacks specific automotive collision and refinishing data, and importing certain information can be tedious, ARI's commitment to continuous enhancement and responsive customer support ensures its value for the auto repair sector.

Pricing

• ARI pro $39.99/mo ARI pro plus $59.99/mo

• $39.99 - $59.99

Website

ari.app

Pros

• The software has seen significant improvements in recent years, offering a comprehensive feature set, ease of use, and an affordable monthly price.
• Continuous development and strong customer service further enhance its value.
• Integration features and electronic invoicing and estimates, which customers can approve via their phones, make it an excellent management program for the cost.
• Overall, it's been easy to use and a valuable asset to our company.

Cons

• While the software has many strengths, it lacks some automotive collision and refinishing references, which could be beneficial.
• Some information import features are lacking at times, and manually inputting detailed vehicle information can be challenging.
• Extended computer use may cause eye strain, and the abundance of options can feel overwhelming.
• Although the app has improved, there are still some bugs, and the online appointment system could be more intuitive.

2. Vev

Who is it for

Vev car repair software suits small to medium-sized businesses. This multifunctional software solution simplifies key tasks such as scheduling and customer management, making it a valuable tool for owners looking to improve the way they provide their services and deal with administrative work.

It really helps with client relationships and in simplifying administrative tasks that would cost a lot with many traditional systems.

Features overview

Vev's booking system is flexible, designed to meet the needs of car repairs. Vev's booking system is flexible, designed specifically for car repairs needs. It is a complete CRM system that allows businesses to maintain comprehensive records of client preferences and histories, facilitating every interaction.

The platform provides automated reminders and notifications to keep your clients informed and engaged, reducing no-shows and ensuring smooth operations. Vev's built-in marketing suite makes it easy for car repairs businesses to create and manage targeted marketing campaigns that reach new customers and boost engagement.

Vev's dashboards provide a clear view of cash flows, client data, and other critical business metrics in a user-friendly environment. The software also offers customized branding options.

Pricing

• Free version $0 Plus version $8.99 - First month free. Pro version for enterprises: get in touch for custom pricing

• $0-$8.99

Website

vev.co

Pros

• Automated schedule management: Saves time and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual scheduling.
• Increased efficiency: Allows for more streamlined operations and the ability to focus on other tasks.
• Improved client experience: Provides clients with a convenient and user-friendly booking process, enhancing satisfaction and potentially leading to repeat business.
• Built-in CRM: Helps maintain organized customer information, facilitating better communication and customer relationship management.

Cons

• Setup Time: May take time to set up and get started.
• Tech Reliance: Relies on technology to manage orders.
• Learning Required: Staff and customers may need time to learn how to use it.

3. Napa Tracs

Who is it for

Napa Tracs is designed for car repairs seeking a comprehensive solution to efficiently manage their business operations. Suitable for a range of automotive services, it stands out for its integration with Mitchell1 ProDemand® for detailed estimating. This software caters to those prioritizing in-depth vehicle repair data and effective job management.

Features overview

Napa Tracs offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance car repairs operations. Its fast and accurate estimating capability ensures reliable quotes, fostering trust and transparency. Profitability management tools enable owners to monitor and adjust margins for business sustainability.

The software facilitates multi-vendor sourcing and scheduling, improving resource allocation. Integration with popular tire distributors streamlines access to products. Robust inventory management and marketing tools help create repeat business opportunities. Digital Vehicle Inspections and Mitchell1 ProDemand® integration enhance service quality and efficiency.

Pricing

• Silver, $109/Month, Gold, $199/Month, Platinum, $329/Month, Platinum Plus, $369/Month

• $109 - $369

Website

napatracs.com

Pros

• NAPA TRACS offers easy installation, updates, and online training, along with effective support and feature enhancements.
• It helps businesses maximize profits by ensuring accurate billing and accessible profit margins.
• The VIN and license plate lookup feature is a significant improvement over previous software.
• As a growing company, NAPA TRACS has been valuable in navigating our growth.

Cons

Responsiveness to problem-solving could be improved, as emails regarding complaints have gone unanswered.

The handling of RO numbers when ordering from sources other than NAPA can be frustrating, and the VIN decoder for late-model vehicles isn't always accurate.

Transitioning from another system was challenging, with unexpected results when using certain functions like "history."

4. Shop-Ware

Who is it for

Shop-Ware's software caters to car repairs seeking a comprehensive solution for managing their car repair and mobile glass repair jobs efficiently. It's designed for car repairs that need to manage their business.

Features overview

Shop-Ware offers a user-friendly platform with customization capabilities, favored by users transitioning from traditional systems.

It provides comprehensive features for different aspects of car repair, including inventory management for organized tracking of parts and supplies. The canned jobs feature streamlines repetitive tasks by saving and replicating standard job templates.

Shop-Ware facilitates direct communication with customers through live chat, enabling real-time updates and approvals. Its native parts ordering system integrates smoothly with suppliers, simplifying procurement. The platform supports various payment processing options for transaction flexibility.

Pricing

• Mobile/Diag, $135/mo, Startup, $225/mo, Journey, $334/mo, Master, $445/mo

• $135 - $445

Website

shop-ware.com/

Pros

• Shop-Ware is user-friendly and highly customizable, with excellent support.
• Choosing Shop-Ware has been a positive experience, and it's recommended for any facility.
• Transitioning from an old system was a significant technological leap, greatly appreciated by customers who can approve repairs remotely.
• The software's ease of use and comprehensive reporting are also praised for managing business operations effectively.

Cons

• While the software has seen significant improvements, occasional issues can lead to complete shutdowns, unlike with a server-based system.
• Correcting errors in received invoices, such as vendor selection or incorrect amounts, can be challenging without a built-in correction feature.
• Additionally, there's no prompt to ensure recommendations are published before transferring an RO, leading to frequent mistakes.

5. Shopmonkey

Who is it for

Shopmonkey is designed for car repairs seeking a comprehensive management solution. It offers tools for drafting estimates, managing customer communications, tracking inventory, overseeing workflow, and empowering technicians.

Features overview

Shopmonkey offers a comprehensive toolkit for car repair management, integrating essential components such as Estimates, Customer Communications, Inventory, Workflow, Empower Techs, Team Management, Marketing Suite, Reporting, and Payment Processing into a single platform.

Its intuitive design enables easy navigation and management, allowing for the quick creation of accurate estimates that keep customers informed and engaged throughout the service process.

Communication is enhanced through text updates, ensuring customers are always in the loop. The platform also supports a range of promotional activities with tools like discounts and advanced search options.

Pricing

• Basic Monkey, $179/mo, Clever Monkey, $292/mo, Genius Monkey, $427/mo Multi Shop: contact sales

• $179 - $427

Website

shopmonkey.io

Pros

• Easy integration and usage with seamless features and benefits.
• Customers appreciate the text message updates.
• The discount feature and the ability to search by various criteria are particularly useful.
• The software's user-friendly nature stands out and continues to improve, contributing to a calm and efficient shop office.

Cons

• Some users prefer a "pay per feature" model over bundled packages.
• Despite overall positive experiences, there have been occasional issues with tasks like calculating sales tax and markup pricing.
• For small and growing teams, maintaining organization and preventing customer communication from falling through the cracks can be a challenge.
• However, the company is responsive to addressing faults and providing support when needed.