Now that you have gotten a glimpse of what automotive shop management software is capable of offering, perhaps you have now decided to buy a system for your shop. This is one of the best decisions you can ever make as a shop owner. Nevertheless, with all the software options that you have, it can be difficult to select a good one. Here are some questions that you can ask the provider before you buy the automotive shop management software that they are offering to you.
Is it easy to use?
You do not want to spend a lot of time mastering the use of the software, right? That is why it is best to choose a system that you are comfortable with. That way you and your employees can enjoy the full potential of the program with a minimum of hassle. Keep in mind that automotive shop management software should make things easier and not harder for you.
What features does it have?
Asking this question is very important – it allows you to determine whether the software is capable of performing the tasks that are important to you. After all, there is no use in purchasing software that has a lot of features they are of no use for your business. Ask the provider about special features and what specific jobs it is capable of doing. After listing the features, determine whether they fit your unique needs or not.
How good is the customer support?
You can’t expect any software to always be trouble-free. There will be times when you experience problems while using it. So, you need to know whether the customer support will meet your needs when trouble occurs. You will have greater confidence in the software if you know that there is someone to call when problems arise, who will give you competent, timely assistance. Support is particularly important when you are just starting to use the software.
Is there a contract?
Typically, buying automotive shop management software involves signing a contract that lasts for a few months to a year but there are also some shop management systems that do not require a contract commitment. Read the contents of the contract. If a sales person tells you something that does not agree with the contract, have them give it to you in writing. If you are still unfamiliar with the software but you just want to know if it fits your business or not, it would be best to go with the shortest contract term, or no contract commitment at all.
How much does it cost?
Of course, we should never leave this question out. As a business owner, you want to get a fair price. It is best to set a realistic budget and only consider software that fits your budget. A reasonable minimum is one that will get the features that you require, and ensure that the quality of the software and support will not be compromised. On the other hand, you don’t need to opt for the most expensive software either. Apart from the cost, you should also consider whether it can grow with your business.
As always, see you next week.
