KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 13, 2024 — Vehlo, a distinguished leader in software and financial solutions for the automotive repair industry, proudly unveils its latest strategic move – the acquisition of Shop-Ware, a cloud-based shop management platform catering to independent repair shops within the automotive aftermarket.

Shop-Ware stands out with its distinctive methodology in addressing industry requirements through cutting-edge automation and cloud-based solutions including top-tier offerings like DVX, an all-encompassing customer communication interface that seamlessly supports digital media, live chat, online approvals, and payments. Additionally, Shop-Ware’s Parts GP Optimizer employs advanced machine learning techniques to optimize individual parts sales, effortlessly steering them towards the targeted gross profit goals set by automotive shops. By showcasing shop expertise with digital savvy, Shop-Ware enables service professionals to communicate better and sell their value. This functionality makes it a perfect addition to Vehlo’s comprehensive product suite.

“We’ve been impressed with Shop-Ware’s innovative solutions and commitment to providing premier tools for the aftermarket community, including multi-shop operations,” said Vehlo CEO Michelle Fischer. “Shop-Ware is a great addition to Vehlo’s suite of shop management solutions and aligns with our mission to be the automotive repair industry’s favorite technology partner, delivering a compelling return on investment with features loved by shop customers, shop owners, and technicians. We look forward to partnering with the Shop-Ware team to support their great customer base and continue innovation and feature enhancement our customers need to grow their businesses.”

Shop-Ware CEO Carolyn Coquillette founded Shop-Ware in 2013 out of her own repair shop in San Francisco to provide the transparency and sophistication that customers needed and other systems lacked. Coquillette, who will continue to lead Shop-Ware as part of Vehlo’s aftermarket leadership team, added: “From brand equity to technical leadership, I am very proud of Shop-Ware and everything we’ve accomplished to reach this incredible milestone. This alliance allows us to harness the sought-after partner synergies underlying this industry to foster the long-overdue digital transformation. Via this acquisition, Vehlo will scale its influence and market share, and we are thrilled to work together across the portfolio of outstanding companies and people to accelerate our cumulative growth even further.”

Houlihan Lokey served as Shop-Ware’s exclusive financial advisor.

About Vehlo

Across every part of the auto repair industry, Vehlo is igniting vehicle service success with software and financial solutions that unlock your potential. Our founder-led products power the entire service lane experience and keep customers coming back with streamlined tools that help you handle communication, workflow automation, touchless payments, valet pickup, and much more. We’re out to simplify the customer journey from start to finish and give power back to the people under the hood, making their jobs easier and your shop more profitable—just ask our over 30,000 customers, who generate more than $50M in annual repair orders. At Vehlo, our only purpose is your success, and together, we’re reaching your goals faster than ever.

To learn more, visit Vehlo.com

About Shop-Ware

Founded in 2013, Shop-Ware delivers professional-grade innovation to independent automotive service providers. Shop-Ware is committed to developing sophisticated tools to help the automotive aftermarket thrive and grow. Industry-first features include fully digital, cloud-based repair orders with native vehicle inspections, rich media, and customer live chat; real-time shop workflow and “expeditor” dispatch; native parts allocation and tracking for each job in progress; parts gross-profit “optimizer” that automatically seeks and attains a parts GP target; advanced analytics across unlimited repair facilities, and much more. For more information on Shop-Ware, visit shop-ware.com.

Media contact:

Shannon Vann

shannon.vann@vehlo.com

The post Vehlo Acquires Leading Auto Shop Management Software, Shop-Ware appeared first on Shop-Ware.

The Mobile Solution for Streamlined Auto Repair Workflow

Recognizing the urgent need for more technicians to join the trade and the pressure to stay profitable with the advance of vehicle technology, TechApp allows repair shops to maximize their technicians’ time, both to fix cars faster and to surface technician value to the customer at all stages of the repair.

TechApp is native mobile and supported on both iOS and Android. It applies smartphones’ embedded technology to use cases specific to automotive service professionals, based on in-depth user research and workflows best suited for the native environment.

By harnessing camera, microphone, authentication, user gestures, and touch, TechApp optimizes for service technicians’ needs in a faster, more intuitive, and naturally delighting interface to improve their efficiency, flat rate production, and value to the shop, while lowering their frustration in administering repair orders or wasting unpaid time.

Effortlessly Manage Repair Orders with TechApp

TechApp by Shop-Ware lowers downstream administrative burdens by syncing and automatically organizing technician findings in Shop-Ware’s web application. Unlike traditional DVIs, TechApp supports bi-directional communication between a shop’s back and front of house through all repair order stages (initial inspection, repair, and completed fix) and all contexts of the vehicle’s visit (maintenance, diagnosis, or repair).

Enhance Customer Satisfaction and Boost Revenue with TechApp and DVX Integration

Enhance the customer experience with TechApp and DVX: the ultimate solution for transparent automotive service.  Combined with Shop-Ware’s customer-facing Digital Vehicle Experience (DVX), service advisors can curate findings with additional service recommendations and urgency, allowing customers to approve and pay for higher tickets in a completely transparent, digitally-enabled buying flow.

“TechApp has increased our technician efficiency,” said Jonathan White, Service Manager at Phil’s Pro Auto Service in Greeley, CO. “Due to the ease of picture-taking, I’m able to capture more high-quality images compared to using the web version. This, in conjunction with the new recommendation color-coded system, has led to a 10% average improvement in approval percentage. This is a game-changer!”

Optimize Tech Time Tracking with Shop-Ware’s TechApp

Powered by Shop-Ware’s enterprise-grade shop management system, TechApp fully incorporates tech time tracking, both for shifts (presence at work) as well as flat rate efficiency, putting the power in the technician’s hands to know where they are on any job at any time, in real-time, to hit their goals. Live clocks lend visibility into speed but also when work is undersold (especially diagnostic time), so techs and their shops can stop giving away valuable expertise for free. 

TechApp is now available to all Shop-Ware customers, and the company expects it to be widely adopted throughout the industry. For more information about TechApp, please visit Getshopware.com/techapp.

The post Shop-Ware Launches Revolutionary TechApp to Expedite Auto Repairs and Enhance Customer Experience appeared first on Shop-Ware.

How to Make Money in Auto Repair

Unlock the secrets to optimize your Gross Profit and achieve greater success in your business.

VOYO’s Telematics Now Integrates with Shop-Ware’s SMS

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Shop-Ware, the industry-leading shop management software with an end-to-end digital customer experience, and Voyomotive, a top provider of advanced telematics solutions for shops and fleets, have announced a new partnership.

In a first-of-its-kind integration, shops can now use VOYO cellular telematics controllers to ingest vehicle data remotely into their Shop-Ware system, including service-related PIDs, scan tool level diagnostics, and third-party predictive analytics.

“We are proud to partner with Voyomotive to deliver a combined solution that is another big win for shops and their ability to collaborate with their customers,” says Carolyn Coquillette, Founder & CEO of Shop-Ware. “VOYO’s integration is a key stepping stone in the service of connected cars and our mission to help aftermarket professionals remain competitive long into the future.”

Shop-Ware has evolved its customer focus even further this year by adding the immersive, interactive buying experience, DVX (Digital Vehicle Experience). Within the Shop-Ware platform, shop staff can use two-way texting or a live chat messenger to communicate with customers on the go. The release of the telematics integration, as well as several other notable feature enhancements, further revolutionizes the way that auto repair shops diagnose and repair vehicles.

The benefits for SMS users

“The benefits of greater connectivity have been demonstrated in many industries, but the goal of managing shops using real time, remote vehicle data has evaded the aftermarket service sector,” says Peter Yorke, Co-founder and CEO of Voyomotive. “Our new partnership with Shop-Ware realizes the potential offered by telematics, including improved automation and supply chain management, lower operating costs and increased shop revenue.”

The VOYO controllers provide access to embedded vehicle data not available from standard telematics systems. When a condition requiring service occurs, a repair record is automatically created within Shop-Ware for approval by a manager. Service information and alerts include odometer value, low remaining oil life and “Check Engine Light” status.

Unlike standard telematics that only report generic codes from the ECU, Voyomotive’s Scan Pro feature reads manufacturer codes from all vehicle controllers and includes symptom byte and freeze frame data. The company also offers third-party analytics, such as Goodyear’s Sightline for tire health and Intelematics’ FailSAFE to predict battery failure. The VOYO controllers are plug and play and will automatically populate data into a user’s Shop-Ware account.

For more details on how to use this integration, we offer this article from our support team.

You can also get more details by watching this video by VOYO.

About Voyomotive

Voyomotive is bringing the world’s most advanced connected car technology to market. VOYO goes above and beyond any telematics system available in the aftermarket, providing next-generation visibility into a single vehicle or an entire fleet. The consumer-friendly, plug-and-play solution, VOYO, reads both manufacturer and generic DTCs from all vehicle controllers and automatically adapts its hardware configuration to any specific vehicle make, model and year. The comprehensive Voyomotive Platform enables business partners to access vehicle data that is ideal for consumer mobile apps, fleet and shop systems, insurance, IoT based components and data analytics development.

Find out more about Voyomotive

Get the latest in your inbox.

15 minutes will transform your shop.

Demo the industry’s leading shop management technology.

The post VOYO’s Telematics Now Integrates with Shop-Ware’s SMS appeared first on Shop-Ware.

How to Make Money in Auto Repair

Unlock the secrets to optimize your Gross Profit and achieve greater success in your business.

Caliber Auto Care Chooses Shop-Ware as Its Shop Management System

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Caliber Auto Care has chosen to partner with Shop-Ware for shop management systemacross all of its auto care locations. Caliber has dedicated itself to providing the highest-quality service at 32 centers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Its ASE-certified technicians and state-of-the-art equipment create a first-class automotive repair experience.

By using Shop-Ware’s shop management solutions, Caliber will benefit from the efficiencies offered at every point along the customer journey. As a result, that covers every step from booking appointments to customer communication, right up to contactless payment. Shop-Ware works unlike any other software on the market. For example, it recently added live-chat messaging with customers, on top of its game-changing Digital Vehicle Experience (DVX), Capacity and Parts GP Optimizer features.

“Shop-Ware and Caliber have the same vision for the future of auto care,” says Carolyn Coquillette, Founder & CEO of Shop-Ware. “Likewise, we share expectations for best-in-class customer service, corporate integrity, and the high-performing teams needed to build a great company. Shop-Ware looks forward to supporting Caliber’s enterprise growth in the auto care sector, as they’ve proven in collision.”

Joe Richards, President of Caliber Auto Care, exchanges hats and smiles with Ryan D’Souza, Shop-Ware’s Chief Revenue Officer.

Shop management solutions with complete transparency

Caliber has a mission to be the most trusted automotive service provider in every community that it serves. Above all, its certified technicians help people make informed decisions. Putting “Care” in the company’s name was intentional. It expresses how its teams are Reimagining Car Care. One of its guaranteed promises is the offer of complete transparency regarding car maintenance and repairs. Its technicians share complimentary digital vehicle inspections to provide a holistic view of a vehicle’s health. That way, they assist customers in determining what’s best for them and their vehicles.

Both companies have an unwavering focus on the consumer and on increasing transparency in the auto repair process. For example, when you’re waiting for your car to be serviced at Caliber, all of its locations have welcoming centers. These come equipped with high-end amenities, such as free Starbucks coffee and complimentary WiFi.

About Caliber Auto Care

Caliber Auto Care genuinely cares about its customers, their vehicles and most importantly their safety. Its core services include quick oil changes, mechanical and brake repairs, tire sales and repair, wheel alignments and routine state inspections which are all important to keeping your car road ready. Additionally, if you aren’t sure what services are needed, Caliber Auto Care offers diagnostic testing at its 32 locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio..

Find out more about Caliber

Get the latest in your inbox.

15 minutes will transform your shop.

Demo the industry’s leading shop management technology.

The post Caliber Auto Care Chooses Shop-Ware as Its Shop Management System appeared first on Shop-Ware.

How to Make Money in Auto Repair

Unlock the secrets to optimize your Gross Profit and achieve greater success in your business.

Free Auto Shop Management Software for ASE-accredited Schools

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Shop-Ware continues to lead the industry with free auto shop management software for schools who train the next generation of technicians. Its staff has teamed up with the ASE Education Foundation to arm future techs with the digital tools they need.

To date, Shop-Ware has provided more than 70 schools with access to its platform. ASE-accredited schools are welcome to subscribe to this free offering, including the full feature set of the shop management system. As a result, Shop-Ware can get any school started quickly with its in-product learning tools and training guides.

“Writing a repair order is a task and a standard in the accreditation process. Students will find it very difficult to transition from education to the industry if they are not prepared,” said George Arrants, Vice President of the ASE Education Foundation. “Having a shop management system in the classroom creates an opportunity to bridge that gap.”

Experts from Shop-Ware recently showed more than 100 instructors to highlight the value of shop management software in today’s shop. Above all, Sales Manager Monique Mondragon focused on how free auto shop management software:

» Plays a critical role in a shop’s overall business plan

» Improves efficiency and internal communications between shop staff

» Can make employees more productive and achieve higher gross profits

» Improves communications and relationships with shop customers

Keeping up with the industry with free auto shop management software

In her demonstration, Monique reinforced how the driving experience has gone digital, making the repair process more complex. While many shops remain mired in old paper-based processes, technology quickly evolves.

By training on a modern system, techs learn to showcase their problem-solving talents and present them in a clear and visual way. As a result, they start their careers by demonstrating their skills to their coworkers and managers – and the value they offer to customers.

When using Shop-Ware, students can gain insights into how shops harness cutting-edge tools during repairs. Then, they can build their confidence for workplaces that stay current with the latest technology.

To get started, schools just need a six-digit ID ASE accreditation program code and one minute to fill out this form. For more details, email our support team.

About ASE Education Foundation

The ASE Education Foundation works with more than 2,300 automotive technology training programs and more than 100,000 students nationally. It provides the transportation industry a viable workforce through standards and credentials for institutions, organizations and individuals. The Foundation also offers career development and workplace exposure by creating relationships and partnerships with employers. For more information, visit www.ASEeducationFoundation.org

Get the latest in your inbox.

15 minutes will transform your shop.

Demo the industry’s leading shop management technology.

The post Free Auto Shop Management Software for ASE-accredited Schools appeared first on Shop-Ware.

How to Make Money in Auto Repair

Unlock the secrets to optimize your Gross Profit and achieve greater success in your business.

Shop-Ware Releases DVX Auto Shop Management Software

February 9, 2022 – SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Shop-Ware has released several enhancements and feature additions that significantly improve its auto shop management software user experience. The industry-leading shop management software has built upon traditional DVI, in launching DVX (Digital Vehicle Experience).

This new platform, exclusive to Shop-Ware, serves auto repair customers in a more interactive way than ever before.

DVX is an immersive, all-in-one-place communication platform. It spans the entire customer journey, from initial conversations to inspection, work order, and invoice. The DVX auto shop management software makes customer approvals easier and transforms customer relationships through the use of brand-new features:

• One-Click Approvals – An eCommerce flow, enhanced for auto repair  allows customers to learn about recommended services and approve or decline them with the click of a button. Customers can more easily commit to a specific spend for their visit, then sign right from their phones.

• Messenger – An improved messenger platform provides a central location for all customer communications within the auto shop management software. This includes conversations about repair orders to inquiries before or after a visit. Customers can live chat with staff for an instant response, like they do with other mainstream service providers. Plus, they can navigate these conversations instantly, anytime, anywhere with two-way texting capability. Navigating messages is easier for shops too, as conversations are easily accessible right from the RO.

What DVX means for shops and their customers

“Shop-Ware was born with the mission to make repair shops look awesome,” says Shop-Ware CEO, Carolyn Coquillette. “DVX takes the value proposition to a whole new level. Its immersive communication and buying experience delivers what customers have learned to expect with other mainstream services (banking, online shopping, air travel, and countless others). The DVX auto shop management software allows our shops to delight their customers and stand above their competition. Once they experience it, I am confident that customers will not accept anything less.”

“Beta shops using DVX report that they are spending significantly less time on the phone while seeing an increase in approvals for recommended services,” says Darin Sullivan, Product Manager at Shop-Ware. “Their customers reference how simple it is. They also share that they much prefer to review all of the information on their own, rather than trying to understand an explanation over a phone call.”

Additional upgrades to Shop-Ware’s auto shop management software

DVX works in concert with several other recent improvements to Shop-Ware’s auto shop management software. This includes:

• Capacity – An innovative data visualization system that allows shops to absorb information at a glance. Track live billable hours, delegate work to staff and compare current performance to daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Easily gauge how much more work could be completed in a day to boost shop productivity.

• GP Optimizer – This cloud-based auto shop software program leverages advanced statistics and machine-learning principles. Next, they create a custom, “optimized” parts markup curve based on actual parts sales. As the distribution of parts by cost price changes day to day, GP Optimizer flexes its curve as necessary to stay on track.

• Integration with MyPlace4Parts – This alliance allows shops that source parts from Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper stores or warehouses to now purchase directly through the Shop-Ware platform.

• Integration with Zapier – This tool allows end-users to integrate their various web applications to customize automated processes and significantly increase shop efficiency, thanks to more than 3,000 available applications.

• Parts Authority integration – By pairing up with a premier national distributor of automotive replacement parts, tools, equipment, and transmissions, Shop-Ware opens the door for shops to access more than 3 million parts, 125-plus million applications, and 250-plus delivery locations.

• Native Parts Catalog – This interface allows users to review real-time parts fitment, pricing, and availability across multiple aftermarket parts distributors, all from within the Shop-Ware platform.

These features, when combined, create a version of Shop-Ware that empowers shop owners with insight and productivity that is unmatched by any other SMS currently on the market.

Get the latest in your inbox.

15 minutes will transform your shop.

Demo the industry’s leading shop management technology.

The post Shop-Ware Releases DVX™ Auto Shop Management Software appeared first on Shop-Ware.