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20 Groups – Automotive
- We have assembled a list of the top Independent Automotive 20 Groups. Many professional shops in the auto service industry are members of a Shop Management Peer Group. Learn new ideas, better strategies, and best practices for increased profitability by exchanging information with other auto shop owners.
  ATI
  Automotive Consultants Group
  Bottom Line
  Coker Consultant
  DSP
  Elite
  Horizon
  Import Automotive
  Management Success
  NCM
  Repair Shop Coach
  ShopPros
  Strategic Alliance
  Turn Around Tour
  Waterhouse Group
  WORLDPAC
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Air Conditioning Parts and Supplies
- We have put together a directory of the top suppliers of mobile air conditioning parts and A/C supplies for autos, trucks and heavy equipment.
  A/C Parts House
  AC Parts
  Arizona Mobile Air
  Auto Air Online
  Auto Cooling Solutions
  Auto Parts Warehouse
  CarQuest
  Discount AC Parts
  GPD
  GWR AC Treatments
  NAPA
  O'Reilly
  Polar Bear
  Ranshu
  ReStockIt
  Sherco
  TechChoice
  UAC
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Diagnostic Scanners, Tools, Software

Comprehensive lists of both OEM and aftermarket scan tools and diagnostic software with coverage for domestic, Asian and European vehicles. The directory includes everything from basic code scanners to those with computer programming / calibration / flashing ability and advanced communication options to address the needs of all types of auto repair shops.


AllData Mobile
ATS Escan
Autel
AutoEnginuity
AutoLand DOL
Autologic
AVI
CarDAQ
Delphi
Direct-Hit, from Identifix-Find and Fix Faster!
DST-i Honda - Acura
Ease
ESI - HD Truck
HDS - Honda - Acura
IDS - Ford
Innova
Launch
MasterTech
Matco Maximus
MDI - GM
OTC Diagnostics
ProgRama
SDT - Suzuki
Snap-on
Tech2 - GM
TechStream - Toyota
VAS - VW-Audi
VCDS / Ross-Tech - VW - Audi
VCM - Ford
WiTech - Chrysler

Employee Sources

The following is a list of automotive specific employment services. Posting auto repair shop jobs on many of these sites increases your hiring potential as both employees and employers in the industry are more inclined in recent years to search beyond their local market.Automotive Specific Sites


ACTStaffing
All Automotive Jobs
Auto Career Professionals
AutoCareCareerHub
AutoJobs
Automotive Crossings
AutoServiceJobs.com
AutoStaffNow
CarPeople
DieselTech
Find A Mechanic
Find A Wrench
FleetJobs
iATN Auto Pro Careers
iHireAutomotiveProfessionals
InAutomotive
NeedTechs

Financing – Business

We searched for companies familiar with financing for auto repair businesses needing funds for inventory, equipment, improvements, cash flow, new locations, marketing, working capital and any other type of financial need. Companies listed here offer a variety of services including small business loans, short and long term loans, and flexible revolving lines of credit. Answers often can occur very quickly.


BFS Capital
Business Lending
Capital Alliance
Capital Direct
Crest
DAC - Automotive Industry Small Biz LOANS
Fast Capital 360
First America
Fora
Fundivo
Horizon
Kabbage
LCA
National
Omega
OnDeck
Park Place
Rapid Advance
Reliant
SBA
Silver Rock
United Capital Source

Financing – Customer Auto Repairs
- When customers need auto repair, but cannot afford the cost, shops often turn them away when a customer does not have a credit card to use or when they have poor credit history. This results in lost revenue for independent shops, dealerships, tire stores, transmission shops and franchise shops.Auto service businesses can offer their community the convenience of financing programs that provide customers with a loan for the additional funds they need. Many offer monthly payment plans. Customers can often apply for their account at the repair shop and get approved quickly.
  Alpha
  Blispay
  Car Care One
  CFS
  Financing Your Way
  First American
  First Look
  Flexxbuy
  Lending Point
  Loans Now
  NAPA
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Vehicle Inspection Software

The list below includes over 20 providers of Electronic Vehicle Inspection Software giving you the ability to create professional customizable multi point safety inspection forms and reports for cars and trucks using tablets or smart phones. Options include fleet tracking, paperless or printed, basic or comprehensive, attachment of photos and audio, web based or in house, integration with your management software or part of your shop software.


AMT
Auction Streaming VIR
AutoFluent
AutoServe1
AutoVitals, Inc.
Autoxloo
BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY
Cherry Inspect
ClearMechanic
Driveroo
E-inspect
FastTrak
FlexCheck
GoCanvas
Identifix
Inspect2GO
Kukui
Mitchell1
Mobile Manager Pro
PDspect
Safety Culture
Shop-Ware
Super Service
Vehicle Integrity Manager

Insurance for Repair Shops
- While there are hundreds of insurance companies, the ones listed here have programs specifically designed for automotive service businesses. Custom insurance coverage for automotive repair service, gasoline station, car wash, auto body, and towing. Get affordable rate quotes and payment plans for policies including general liability protection, workman’s compensation, garage keepers, and umbrellas.
  AIC
  American Family
  Arrowhead
  Auto-Owners
  Farmers
  Hastings Mutual
  Nationwide
  Prime
  Progressive
  USA
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Lift Manufacturers – Automotive

In this directory you will find the major manufacturers for auto lifts, truck lifts, and vehicle lifts for most applications. We have included in-ground, above-ground, 4 post, twin post, scissors, mid-rise, low-rise, rotisserie, drive on, and car alignment lifts. Rolling jacks and other automotive shop equipment is offered by several of the companies listed.


AmmCoats
ARI-hetra
Atlas Lifts
Ben-Pearson
BendPak / Ranger
Challenger Lifts
Forward Lift
GrayUSA
Herkules
Hoffman USA
Hunter Engineering
Interstate Lift
JohnBean
KarLift Solutions
MaHa-USA
Mohawk Lifts
Nussbaum-USA
PKS Lifts
Quality Lifts
RAV America
Rotary Lifts
Stertil Koni Lifts
Titan Lifts
TLS Lifts
Western Lift

Lube Sticker Labels and Printers

To make your search easier we have assembled a list of companies who manufacture automotive oil change label printers – or what some refer to as lube sticker printers – for applying to vehicle windshields after maintenance service for recording the date, miles and interval that the next service is due.


Cobra Striker
Cub CB-724e
DuraReady Lube Labels on Demand
Dymo Label Writer 450 Turbo
Dynamic Services
Estampe
Godex RT-200i
Great American Automotive Products
Oil Shop Supplies
OILabel
OilChangeStickers.com
TSC TTP-225
Zebra 2824 Plus

Management Training, Coaching

Over 20 companies offering auto repair shop management training, coaching and consulting. Almost every aspect of managing an automotive service shop is covered by one or more of these trainers or coaches. Webinars, classes, evaluations and one-on-one training covering efficiency, employees, marketing, customer retention, and expenses.


180BIZ
ACGI
AMI
ATI
Auto Profit Masters
AutoFix
Automotive Aftermarket E-Learn
Automotive Training Centres
AVI On Demand
BOLT ON University
Charley Fewell
Criss Consulting
Elite
ESI
Ferris State University
Horizon
Institute for Automotive Business Excellence
Kelly The Coach
Lincoln Tech
Management Success
MotoSkill
Remarkable Results
RLO Training
ShopPros
Terry Greenhut
Vin Waterhouse
WTI

Marketing & Advertising

We have assembled a list of more than 35 companies that specialize in marketing and advertising services specifically for auto repair shops. Attract new customers and retain existing clients using CRM, follow-up, referrals, direct mail, email, TV commercials, radio advertisements, specials and discounts, parts vendor programs, automotive specific websites and SEO.


23kazoos
ACCLAIM MAILER
AskPatty.com
Auto Repair Marketing 360
Auto Repair Media
Auto Shop Follow Up
Auto Shop SEO
Automated Marketing Group
AutoNetTV
Autoshop Solutions
Bill Enross
Blispay Point of Sale Financing
Boundary Jumpers
Business Actualization
Car Care Connect
Car People Marketing
Checkmate Marketing
Cinron
Dagen Media, LLC
Dealer Alternative Marketing
DemographixMedia
eCarNetwork
Elite
eMarketing Sherpas
Fixed Ops Digital
Full Throttle
JustTheBestMarketing.com
ListPipe
Manon Marketing
Mechanic.Media
Motor Service Marketing
Motorhead Advantage
MyShopManager
Openbay
Optimize Social Media
RepairPal
RobMax Website Solutions
ShopPros
SI Auto Pro
Spark Punch

Parts Store Programs – Automotive
- Many automotive parts vendors, suppliers and manufacturers offer programs through auto parts stores to help repair shops. Assistance may come in the form of training, classes, clinics, webinars, certification reimbursement, service information, enhanced warranties, labor claims, marketing, newsletters, discounts, and other incentives.
  AC Delco
  Auto Plus
  Auto Value
  Auto Zone
  AVI
  Bumper to Bumper
  CarQuest
  Federated
  Jagbits New and Used Jaguar Parts
  Mighty Auto Parts
  NAPA
  O'Reilly
  Parts Plus
  PartsTech
  Pronto
  WorldPac
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Service Advisor Training

This directory includes more 20 companies who specialize in training service advisors through classes, coaching and consulting for auto repair shops. Service writer employee training courses include customer relations and customer service skills, efficiency, profitability, productivity, quality control, selling maintenance and repairs, and time management.

	Description

A World of Training
Advisor Fix
Applied Concepts
ATA - Automotive Training Academy
Auto Profit Masters
Automotive Training Centres
AVI On Demand
BOLT ON University
Coker
Criss Consulting
Dealer Pro Training
Dealer Service Academy
Elite
ESi
Horizon
Jeff Cowan's PRO TALK
Kelly The Coach
Lloyd Schiller
Markee Group
RLO
Sheriff 5-Star
Top Secret Service Advisor
WorldPac
	Description

Service Advisor Training – Online
- The companies listed here offer a variety of online service advisor training, webinars, classes, coaching and consulting covering a number of topics including efficiency, time management, productivity, profitability, and customer service skills. Service writer eLearning is becoming the primary method many automotive repair shops are now using for employee training.
  Auto Training Centre
  Centennial College
  Coker Consultants
  Horizon
  Jeff Cowan's PRO TALK
  Mar-Kee Group
  ShopPros
  Steve Shaw Training
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Service Information – Automotive

The list below includes more than 25 links to companies offering OEM and aftermarket electronic service information, automotive workshop manuals, vehicle maintenance schedules, factory technical service bulletins, manufacturer recalls, and vehicle specifications for all types of auto and truck repair shops and service facilities.

		Name
Acura		Acura
All Data		All Data
Audi		Audi
Autodata		Autodata
Bentley Motors		Bentley Motors
Bentley Publishers		Bentley Publishers
BMW		BMW
Chilton		Chilton
Chrysler		Chrysler
General Motors		General Motors
Helm		Helm
Honda		Honda
Hyundai		Hyundai
iATN		iATN
Identifix		Identifix
Isuzu		Isuzu
Jaguar		Jaguar
Kia		Kia
Land Rover		Land Rover
Lexus		Lexus
Mazda		Mazda
Mercedes-Benz		Mercedes-Benz
Mitchell 1		Mitchell 1
Mitsubishi		Mitsubishi
Motor Selectline		Motor Selectline
Nissan		Nissan
Porsche		Porsche
Subaru		Subaru
Suzuki		Suzuki
Toyota		Toyota
Volvo		Volvo
VW		VW
		Name

Shop Equipment – Automotive

We have put together an industry directory that includes the primary vendors and suppliers of automotive shop equipment and tools for auto and truck repair shops. Start here when shopping for lifts, work benches, scan tools, car pushers, fluid dispensers, exhaust welders, air compressors, wheel aligners, tire changers and balancers, brake lathes, bearing presses, strut tools, battery chargers, engine stands, tool storage, and any other tool or piece of equipment you need for your shop.


Arizona Tools
ASE Equipment
AW Direct
Best Buy Equipment
CarQuest
Direct Buy Automotive Equipment
Eagle Equipment
Garage Equipment Supply
Greg Smith Equipment
GWR Automotive Products
Harbor Freight
Hunter Engineering Company
Matco Tools
Myers Tire supply
NAPA
Northern Tool and Equipment
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Renegade Parts Washers
Shop Equipment Co
Shop Equipment Parts
Shop Equipment USA
Shop Tools For Pros
SnapOn
Standard Automotive Equipment
Superior Automotive Equipment
Tool Source
Tool Warehouse
Western All Tool

Software Shop Management

The following is a list of the top software companies offering automotive and truck repair shop management systems from the most basic to those with a long list of features. Some are cloud based while others are downloaded or require a CD. Some of the features offered include accounting, employee payroll, advertising and marketing, CRM, electronic vehicle inspections, job estimating, technical service information, profitability and efficiency tools, and appointment scheduling. If you are curious what features are offered by a particular auto management software, then try a free demo – or get more details from the Management Software Demos links on our Management Resources Page.Note about survey results: All companies listed here were invited to participate in the survey. We appreciate the responses of the companies that have completed it so far. We are waiting for results from the companies which do not yet have a results link. If you are considering a software company that does not yet have survey results link, please encourage them to complete their survey and send it in so we can include them.

	Description	Software Survey Results
AllData
AllsystemsMax LLC - AllsystemsMax PRO		View Survey Results
Auto Fluent		View Survey Results
Auto Repair Bill
Auto Shop Controller
Auto Shop Wiz
Auto Shop Writer		View Survey Results
Auto Wise
Auto Workshop Manager
Automated Invoicing Management Software - WinAIMS		View Survey Results
Automotive Expert
AutoSoft Online		View Survey Results
bitkar
BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY
Car Biz Pro
Carrus
Complete Auto Reports LLC, CAR		View Survey Results
CoStar		View Survey Results
Digital Wrench		View Survey Results
Direct-Shop, from Identifix-Find and Fix Faster!		View Survey Results
egenuity
FastTrak		View Survey Results
Full Bay Software
Garage Partner Pro		View Survey Results
GEM-CAR		View Survey Results
GenesisFour Service Shop		View Survey Results
GetAFix		View Survey Results
hibittsautopro
Invomax		View Survey Results
Lankar Pro 9
MAM Software		View Survey Results
Master Repair
Max1 Solutions / Shopmax1		View Survey Results
MCI Methods		View Survey Results
MFS
Mitchell 1 Manager SE		View Survey Results
MotorWare
MotoSHOP
NAPA Tracs
Omnique		View Survey Results
Pace / Yes		View Survey Results
Pluss PTM-Vision		View Survey Results
PM Attendant		View Survey Results
Profit Boost		View Survey Results
Protractor		View Survey Results
Quick Quote
R.O. Writer		View Survey Results
Ramp		View Survey Results
Repair Shop Director
RepairTRAX		View Survey Results
Ritty
Shift Mobility
Shop Boss Pro		View Survey Results
Shop Controller
Shop Key		View Survey Results
Shop Ware		View Survey Results
SHOP4D
Smart Auto Shop		View Survey Results
Star Service
StockTrac		View Survey Results
Tekmetric		View Survey Results
Tire Guru
Tireshop
Winworks Software Inc.		View Survey Results
Workshop Software		View Survey Results
WorkTracer
	Description	Software Survey Results

Software – Specialty
- The following is a list of management software companies offering automotive shop management systems from the most basic to those with a long list of features. If you are curious what features are offered by a particular auto management software then try a free demo – or get more details from the Management Software Demos links on our Management Resources Page.
  Ideal Computer Systems - Non-Automotive Shop Management
  IntactAuto Holdings, LLC - Custom Automotive Spreadsheets
  Mechanic Advisor - Telematics
  QuickTrac - Efficiency Tracking
  Shore - Online Scheduling
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Technician eLearning – Automotive

In this directory you will find a number of schools and training options for both apprentice and experienced auto and truck technicians to take automotive repair and technology classes. Take advantage of online training or what is often called eLearning. Classes and webinars presented by professional certified instructors cover HVAC, transmission and engine repair, engine performance, auto electrical, steering / suspension, diagnostics, braking systems, and preparation for mechanic certification.


ACDC / Hybrid EV Training
Aeswave
Alldata
Ashworth College
AutoMate Training
Automotive Training Centres
CDX Automotive
Cengage Learning
Electude
I-CAR
James D Halderman
Kevin Sullivan Autoshop 101
MACS
Motoshop Technology
NAPA
Penn Foster
SAE
Southern Career Institute
Stratford Career Institute

Tire and Wheel Equipment
- To make searching easier for auto repair shops we have assembled a list of over 20 manufacturers of automotive and truck tire and wheel equipment including tire changers, wheel balancers, and tire and wheel repair tools.
  Ammcoats
  ARI-hetra
  Atlas
  BeeLine
  BendPak - Ranger
  Bosch
  Branick
  CEMB
  Corghi
  Dannmar
  ESCO
  Hofmann
  Hunter
  JohnBean
  Ken-Tool
  Launch
  Nussbaum
  Premier Nitrogen Systems
  Ravaglioli
  SUTO
  TEC
  TSISSG
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TPMS Tools
- The companies listed here offer a wide range of automotive tools and diagnostic equipment for servicing tire pressure monitoring systems including relearning (activation, programming), warning light reset, and OEM and aftermarket TPMS sensor repair for auto repair shops.
  Alligator TPMS Sensors
  ATEQ
  Autel
  Bartec
  Ken-Tool
  Matco
  NAPA Echlin
  OTC
  Pilot
  Rema Tip Top
  Standard TechSmart
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Trade Associations – Automotive

This directory includes over 50 trade associations and programs for owners of automotive service industry businesses including independent auto repair shops and garages, tire dealers, and service stations at the local, state and national level.


AAAS - Southeast U.S.
AASP - Illinois
AASP - Massachusetts, Rhode Island
AASP - Minnesota
AASP - Missouri
AASP - National
AASP - New Jersey
AASP - Pennsylvania, Delaware
ACA
AMRA
AOCA
APSAIL - Illinois
ASA - Arizona
ASA - Colorado
ASA - Georgia
ASA - Houston
ASA - Illinois
ASA - Michigan
ASA - Midwest
ASA - National
ASA - Northwest
ASA - Ohio
ASA - Pennsylvania
ASA - Texas
ASCCA - California
ATDA - Alabama
ATRA
BARA - Bahamas
CABA - Maryland, Delaware, D.C.
CIAA - Canada
CTDA - California
IAPA - California
IGONC - North Carolina
MAP
MAPSA - Midwest U.S.
MATDA - Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma
MTAWA - Western Australia
NATA - Oregon, Washington
NESSARA - New England
NETSA - New England
NYSASSRS - New York
SMTA - Scotland
TIA
TTDA - Texas
VAA - Virginia
VADA - Vermont
WMDA - Maryland, Delaware, D.C.

Uniforms – Automotive
- Comprehensive list of companies which provide automotive work uniforms and clothing, towels, shop rags and mats to auto and truck repair shops. Technician work pants, shorts, work shirts, polo shirts, belts, coveralls, and jackets can be rented and laundered or purchased.
  All Seasons Uniforms
  American Wear
  Aramark
  Automotive Workwear
  Cintas
  Dickies
  Discount Uniforms
  Domestic
  Gallagher
  Mission Linen
  My Locker
  National
  Prudential
  Red Kap
  Sullivan
  UniFirst
  Vicco
  Wearform
  Work Clothing
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Website Design

More than a dozen website design companies offering both custom and template websites specifically for auto repair shops. Customizable features and content, web search / SEO, unique marketing and advertising options.


Auto Profit Masters
Auto Repair Marketing 360
Automated Marketing Group
AutoShop Solutions
Car Care Connect
ECN
Ezytire
Fixed Ops Digital
Kukui
Mechanic.Media
MS Web Pros
Net Driven
Optima Automotive
Repair Shop Websites
RobMax Web Solutions
TCS
Tire Guru
Turn Key

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Tips For Management

Tips #87 Planning for Equipment and Tool Purchases

#87 Planning for Equipment and Tool Purchases

08.18.2009

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