ARI vs Shop-Ware:
Which software is
best? [compared in
2024]

Deciding on the right car repair software? ARI and Shop-Ware are top contenders. This comparison will help you understand their differences and strengths, guiding your choice for your business.

Facing trouble managing appointments or keeping track of inventory in your car repair business? ARI and Shop-Ware offer great solutions, tackling these common industry hiccups efficiently. But, there's also a new player, Vev, merging ARI and Shop-Ware's top features for an even smoother operation. Let's dive into how these software can make running your repair shop a breeze.

ARI (Auto Repair Software) vs Shop-Ware

ARI (Auto Repair Software)Shop-Ware

Website

Website

ari.app

shop-ware.com/

Pricing

ARI (Auto Repair Software)Shop-Ware

Pricing

Pricing

$39.99 - $59.99

$135 - $445

Features

ARI (Auto Repair Software)Shop-Ware

Top Features

Top Features

  • Payment Processing

  • Reporting

  • User-Friendly Interface

  • CRM

  • Mobile App

  • Support for taxes

  • Customer Support

  • Online Booking

  • Brand customization

  • Delivery tools

  • Payment Processing

  • Reporting

  • User-Friendly Interface

  • CRM

  • Mobile App

  • Support for taxes

  • Customer Support

  • Online Booking

  • Brand customization

  • Delivery tools

Pros & Cons

ARI (Auto Repair Software)Shop-Ware

Pros

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.
  • 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

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.
  • 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.

Which is better?

Ultimately, ARI shines for its user-friendly design and cost-effectiveness, ideal for smaller shops. Shop-Ware excels with robust features and scalability, perfect for larger operations. Both have their strengths; the right choice depends on your shop's needs and growth plans.

Have you considered Vev?

If you're searching for a robust solution beyond ARI & Shop-Ware, Vev stands out with its smart, self-improving system and exceptional compatibility across devices. Vev evolves with your business, learning from your use to offer a smoother experience every day. Plus, its inclusive design means you can manage your car repair business effortlessly from any phone, tablet, or computer. Why settle when Vev promises ease, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring your business thrives in an ever-changing industry?

Do you have a small business?

Expand and improve your small business. Vev has the tools to help you out.

Free, no credit card needed.

Screenshot of ari-auto-repair-software-

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.
Screenshot of shop-ware

2. 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.

Do you have a small business?

Expand and improve your small business. Vev has the tools to help you out.

Free, no credit card needed.