5 Tools Australian Workshop Owners Need to be Successful

23 Dec 2021 Helpful Tips

The Australian Auto Repair Industry has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. Workshops have had to adapt to the changes brought on by Covid as well as the rise of electric vehicles in the Australian market to stay competitive.

To be successful in the Australian Auto Repair Industry in 2021 Workshops need to have all the essential tools in place that minimise workload and streamline operations.

Here are 5 Tools Australian Workshop Owners Need to be Successful.

1. Workshop Website

72% of Australian consumers find their next workshop online. To put it simply, if your Workshop doesn’t have a designated Workshop Website, you are losing hundreds of potential bookings.

A website has become a MUST have tool for mechanical workshops as it leverages new customer acquisition. A workshop website creates a brand-new sales channel to drive new customers to your workshop.

More importantly a workshop website simplifies the customer booking process. Potential customers can search for your Workshop online and easily book their next service or repair without having to call or email.

There’s no point having a website if it doesn’t have all the things that customers look for. Your website must be easy to use, load quickly and be mobile friendly. It should also clearly show what services you provide, include a booking form and directions to your workshop. The main purpose of a Workshop Website is to simplify your customers service & repair process.

Related article: Why Australian Workshops MUST Have a Website?

2. Workshop Management Software

With the Australian Auto Repair Industry continuing to change, it is almost impossible to manage a Workshop manually and be successful. As a Workshop owner you have so many things to do, you just don’t have the time to do manual administration tasks.

A Workshop Management Software like Workshop Mate provides Australian Mechanics with an industry specific, centralised management software that automates the day-to-day tasks of running a mechanical workshop. Everyday tasks like Job Management, Customer Reminders, Stock Management, Bookings, Quoting, and Accounting are automated.

The main benefit of a Workshop Management Software is it reduces time spent on manual administration tasks - freeing you up to focus on growth.

Related Article: Tasks You Can Automate Using a Workshop Management Software.

3. Cater for Electric Vehicles

You cannot underestimate the growth of electric vehicles in the Australian Market. To be successful servicing and repairing cars in Australia, you now need to cater for electric vehicles. If you decide to shun electric vehicles you could lose hundreds of potential customers.

To get prepared for the for the demand of electric vehicles, workshop owners need to invest in education. Learn about the ins and outs of servicing and repairing electric vehicles, understand what parts you need and begin to look for part suppliers. The sooner your workshop can cater for electric vehicles the better the position your workshop will be in.

Related article: Is Your Workshop Ready for Electric Vehicles? How Your Workshop Can Prepare.

4. Google My Business Account

As a Workshop owner your biggest priority is to acquire and retain customers. When it comes to new customer acquisition for mechanical workshops, there is no bigger platform than Google.

Think about it, if you were a potential customer how would you find your next mechanic? It’s very likely they will do a Google search for a local mechanic. It is so important that your Workshop appears. To make your Workshop appear on Google your need to create a Google My Business account.

5. Integrated Accounting

This is a big one! A common frustration for many small business owners is Accounting. Many businesses get caught up trying to locate and complete simple accounting tasks. The problem with this is it takes you away from your primary focus of servicing and repairing cars.

To simplify accounting, Workshops need to have integrated accounting. Integrated Accounting is the process of transferring data instantly between two electronic programs.

The biggest benefit of using a Workshop Management Software like Workshop Mate is you can integrate your management software to your accounting software. All financial information will sync instantly and accurately from the management software to your accounting system without you or your accountant needing to do anything.

Related Article: Why Integrated Accounting Is Essential for Mechanical Workshops.

Final Word,

To be successful in the Australian Auto Repair Industry, Workshop Owners need to make sure they have all the tools in place that automate administration tasks and leverage future growth.

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About Workshop Mate

Workshop Mate by Jeal is an Australian Auto Repair Industry specific, web-based workshop management software that simplifies and automates all the tasks involved with running a mechanical workshop in Australia.

Workshop Mate includes everyday management features like Parts Inventory, Job Management, , Bookings, Customer Reminders, Quotes, Service History, Integrated Accounting and so much more – all in the one web-based solution.

Want to learn more? Call us today on 1300 473 744 to see what sets us apart or click the button below to start a 14-day free trial of Workshop Mate.

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