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The Secret Weapon Every Successful Auto Shop Is Using (And Why You Should Too)
Discover how Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) can revolutionize your auto shop by building trust, boosting close ratios, and modernizing operations. This guide breaks down the benefits, shares real-world success stories, and provides a step-by-step process to get started. Learn why top shop owners say DVIs are the single best thing you can do for your business.
Alex Rapp
December 27, 2024 • Read Time: 7 minutes
What Are Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs)?
DVIs digitize the traditional inspection process, allowing technicians to document vehicle conditions with photos, videos, and detailed notes. This technology brings unparalleled transparency to repair services, creating a better customer experience and improving shop efficiency.
Why Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) Are Essential for Modern Auto Shops
In today’s automotive world, keeping up with technology isn’t optional—it’s necessary for success. A recent discussion in an automotive shop owners’ group, Auto Shop Owners Hangout, highlighted the debate about Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs). Jason Fennessey asked, “Do you guys feel like using a digital inspection service is worth it?” The thread quickly filled with compelling testimonials and diverse opinions, offering valuable insights into why DVIs are becoming indispensable in modern auto shops. We knew this was a conversation worth sharing, so in this month’s newsletter, we’re breaking down the best insights from the community and our own experience with DVI’s to help your team earn more through technology.
1. Building Trust and Transparency
Transparency is the foundation of customer trust. Visual documentation, such as photos and videos of vehicle conditions, allows customers to see exactly what needs repair. As Tyler Schmalzried put it:
“When a customer can see a pic (good or bad), they don’t have to be sold.”
Customers appreciate this clarity, which not only alleviates skepticism but also strengthens long-term relationships.
2. Boosting Close Ratios
Louis B. Hardin shared his shop’s transformation:
“I came into a shop with an 18% close ratio, instituted Tekmetric's DVIs, and got us to a 55% close ratio with a $2,150 average repair order. Let the pics and videos speak for themselves.”
The ability to show customers visual proof of needed repairs reduces pushback and builds confidence in your recommendations, translating directly into increased revenue.
3. Improving Efficiency and Scalability
Shops using DVIs can save time by eliminating manual processes. Features like automated checklists and color-coded status indicators ensure inspections are thorough and consistent. This efficiency frees up technicians to focus on delivering excellent service.
“If you aren't doing digital inspections, you're missing out. The inspections help build trust and transparency when done correctly, and those things alone will sell more work.”
Benefits of DVIs: Insights from Industry Leaders
Enhanced Transparency Through Visual Evidence
Photos and videos demystify the repair process for customers, making them feel involved in decisions about their vehicles. Clear communication builds trust, which is key to fostering loyalty.
Advance Scheduling and Maintenance Reminders
Digital inspection tools often include features for scheduling follow-up appointments and sending maintenance reminders. This proactive approach helps customers stay on top of their vehicle’s needs while driving repeat visits to your shop.
All-in-One Solutions Streamline Operations
As discussed in a popular article regarding DVI’s “Everything You Need in One Place”, an integrated platform for scheduling, inspections, and communication simplifies workflows. Shops can reduce subscription fatigue while improving productivity and customer experience.
The Digital Inspection Process
Switching from traditional paper methods to DVIs doesn’t just modernize your shop—it resolves common inefficiencies:
Consistent Standards: Pre-written descriptions and automated workflows ensure every inspection is thorough and standardized.
Visual Evidence: Technicians can capture clear photos and videos, giving customers the transparency they demand.
Color-Coded Urgency: Visual urgency scales (red, yellow, green) help customers prioritize repairs without confusion.
Instant Delivery: Completed inspections can be emailed or texted to customers, ensuring they stay informed and engaged.
Payment Integrations: With some shop management and digital inspection systems, you can accept payment and offer flexible financing options, which can simplify customer vehicle checkout, especially those that want to utilize early bird or after hour pickup boxes.
Overcoming Skepticism with Transparency
Many customers approach repair shops with a degree of distrust due to past negative experiences or industry stereotypes. Addressing this skepticism head-on is crucial, and DVIs provide the tools to do so effectively:
Visual Proof of Work: By showing customers exactly what needs repair, shops eliminate the guesswork and foster trust.
Clear Communication: Simplified explanations paired with visual evidence ensure customers understand the value of your recommendations.
Getting Started with DVIs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Evaluate Your Needs: Determine what features are most important to your shop.
Research Software Options: Popular DVI solutions mentioned in the thread include:
TekMetric: Great for shops looking to integrate DVIs with repair order management.
Bolt On Technology: Liked for its easy system, but note the 10-second video limit.
AutoVitals: Highly customizable and user-friendly for staff.
AutoFlow: Another option used successfully by many in the thread.
Set Up a Demo: Test the software to ensure it meets your needs.
Train Your Team: Ensure technicians are comfortable with the new system for a smooth transition.
Adopt Consistent Practices: Implement an “every car, every time” policy to maximize the benefits of DVIs. Consistency is key.
For Shop Owner Considering DVIs
While most contributors praised DVIs, Kevin Yeoman offered a dissenting view: “For us, the addition of some pictures hasn’t made much difference in sales. Our customers already trust us.”
This highlights the importance of understanding your customer base. For shops with well-established reputations, DVIs may be less about sales and more about maintaining trust.
However, we believe that every successful shop considers all pros and cons of integrating a new system, and as we’ve discussed above - there is more than just a sales dollar benefit when it comes to using DVIs in your shop.
Why Wait? Start Using DVIs Today!
As Todd Ainsworth said:
“This is 2024, and our business needs to be as modern as the vehicles we service.”
Whether it’s increasing transparency, boosting sales, or modernizing operations, Digital Vehicle Inspections aren’t just a trend—they’re a game-changer for auto shops looking to stay competitive in an evolving industry.
Stay Ahead with LeadFoot Automotive: Subscribe for More Tech Tips and Strategies
If you found these tips helpful, don’t miss out on more ways to streamline your shop’s operations and get the most out of the latest tech. Subscribe to the LeadFoot Automotive newsletter and podcast, where we share tips, strategies, and discussions on using technology to help you earn more and stress less.
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