The process of starting a small engine repair business can be confusing and overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We hope our tips have helped you get started on the right foot! If so, then please share this article with your friends who may need some guidance as well.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Small Engine Repair Business Software, equipment repair shop software, outdoor power equipment software, and what is auto repair software.
Small Engine Repair Business Software
If you’re thinking about starting your own small engine repair business, there are plenty of things to consider. Here we’ll cover all the steps you need to get started including things like licensing and insurance, but first let’s do an overview of what kind of tools you might need as well as some other tips for success.
Most small engine repair shops do not need any specialized software to run their business. A basic accounting package should be sufficient to meet your needs. Generally speaking, a one-time cost for a software license on a personal computer is preferred over recurring monthly charges for an internet-based solution.
If the accounting package you use has these two main features, it will be fine for your needs:
- Customizable workflows based on your business structure. This lets you set up the system to reflect your own organization’s unique workflow and reporting needs. For example, if you have branch offices that run their own payrolls and need a different format than what is built into the basic accounting software program, this function will allow you to customize it yourself.
- The ability to generate reports that meet government-mandated recordkeeping requirements. Some basic programs will let you create files in specific formats so they are easily imported by other applications like QuickBooks or Peachtree (more advanced systems).
If you plan on maintaining a large inventory of small engines, mowers, and outdoor power equipment parts, then an inventory management system might be the better choice. Inventory tracking will help prevent loss and increase profitability by being able to effectively manage what you have and keep track of it all in one place.
Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.
You don’t necessarily need any special tools or equipment, but there are some things that can make life easier as a Small Engine Repair Business Owner. Some examples include:
You don’t necessarily need any special tools or equipment, but there are some things that can make life easier as a Small Engine Repair Business Owner. Some examples include:
- An air compressor and pressure gauge to inflate tires and check for leaks in hoses and fuel lines.
- A torque wrench to tighten fasteners properly so they hold up under stress.
- A set of wrenches in several sizes, which will help you get all the nuts and bolts off your customer’s small engine parts without having to borrow tools from them every time you want to work on their engine (which they may not have).
A toolbox with common tools
Your toolbox should contain common tools, including a screwdriver set, a wrench set, and a socket set. You can find these in any home improvement store or online. Having these items on hand will allow you to do many small repairs at your location rather than having to transport the engine back and forth between its owner’s home and your shop.
Shelving units or workbenches to store your tools and other supplies like oil cans, rags etc
An essential part of any small engine repair business is having a place to work on your engines. You can set up a garage, or you can use an old shed in the backyard if you don’t want to pay for a shop. If you have an old table from work or school that’s still in good condition and doesn’t take up too much space, then this might be the solution for you.
If possible, try to avoid working on the floor; it’s hard on your back and makes it difficult to find tools when they fall off the table. Also make sure that whatever surface you use has enough room around it so that nothing gets damaged while working with sharp tools such as screwdrivers and pliers (especially if children are around).
An air compressor (if applicable) to power air tools like impact wryers or ratchets which may be needed in order to complete certain repairs quickly without damaging them too much during disassembly processes such as removing seized bolts from mounting surfaces easily due to rust buildup after many years of exposure outdoors where these items were left unattended when not being used regularly.
The first step to starting your small engine repair business is to get your business license. This can be done through your state’s department of commerce or secretary of state. The second step is to get the necessary insurance, which will protect you and your customers in the event of an accident or mishap.
The third step is make sure that you have all the tools you need to complete repair jobs on small engines. You don’t want to be without a wrench when a customer comes in with a broken lawn mower or trimmer!
To start your small engine repair business you’ll need the right business license, insurance and the necessary tools for the job.
To start your small engine repair business you’ll need the right business license, insurance and the necessary tools for the job.
Business License:
To operate a small engine repair shop you must have a business license. This will be issued by your city, county or state government depending on where you live. You can find out how to get one here.
Insurance:
Having proper coverage is essential in case something goes wrong while working on someone’s property or if an accident happens with another person’s vehicle when it’s being repaired in your shop. You can learn more about this here.
equipment repair shop software
From booking, quote, Job Card and Invoicing, right through to reporting and Workshop Management, you’ll be in complete control of your business.
Workshop Software helps you streamline your Farm Machinery Mechanical Repair Workshop anywhere, anytime. Take back control of your workshop with easy to use, online workshop management software that you can get up and running in an instant.
Because Workshop Software is so simple to use, you’ll be up and running in no time, and you can be comfortable with Workshop Software being able to handle the biggest job right down to a quick repair. With easy pre-set comments, don’t spend ages typing out your invoices. Plus, if you’ve got a job that runs over multiple days, Workshop Software’s unique Booking Diary allows you to carry over your booking for as many days as you want (you can even pre-book over multiple days if you know the vehicle will be in your workshop for a few days).
The easy to access Vehicle History will mean that you’ll be able to see what you’ve done previously on a vehicle in no time and see exactly when and how much you have charged.
With integrations to your favourite accounting package, you can take care of the front end, while your accountant and bookkeeper will love using world class accounting packages such as Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB.
Take out a free, no obligation trial of Workshop Software now, to see how simple and effective Workshop Software will be for your Farm Machinery Mechanical Repair Workshop .
Integrates with your entire toolkit
Workshop Software seamlessly syncs with all the critical systems and tools that power your business. Accounting, marketing, CRM, purchasing, Digital Vehicle Inspection, and more are all connected in one place and safely secured in the cloud.
No starting from scratch, lost data, or disruption to the business.
Don’t see your system or need customization? Get in touch!
We don’t believe in a cookie-cutter approach for your workshop, and we always add new integrations.
Don’t see your system or need customisation? Get in touch!We don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach for yourworkshop and we add new integrations all the time…
Transform Your Workshopinto a Profit Machine
Completely optimize your workshop and free up your time with an overflowing suite of versatile features that handle every aspect of your busy, hectic daily operations.
Streamlined Workflow
Manage your entire workflow in one place from start to finish via an easy-to-use dashboard. Track job progress, stock tracking, quotes, staff allocation, invoicing, and more.
“I needed workshop specific invoicing software, I chose this software as it was the best one I found that could do what I needed. I’m better at organising my work and it looks very professional, I do recommend this software as it’s easy to use.”
Zane Kieser, Byron Shire Auto Repairs
‘One-Click’ Customer Management
Take the stress and time out of managing customers with automated text messages, emails and reminders. Deliver customer service like the ‘big shops’ – without the cost or overstaffing.
“So glad we made the leap and started using this software! We know we don’t use it to its full capacity being a small business but it has been a godsend for our sanity! Thanks James and team!”
Deana Blackwood, Blackford’s Mechanical & Auto Electrical
Dead Simple Invoicing
Get paid in full and on time, manage cashflow and keep pinpoint accurate books with simple invoicing that integrates directly with your accounting systems.
“The software has simplified the paperwork side of our workshop. Everything in one package, stock to invoice.”
Tommy Glover, Advance Service Centre
Automated Service Reminders
Increase your leads, conversions and income with automated service reminders that bring customers back through your doors. It’s like having a full-time marketing assistant working around-the-clock.
“The System is Awesome. I have been using it for a bit over 12 months now. The sms reminders are fantastic. My customers love get a reminder to service their car and I love my customer returning.”
Efficient Customer Inspections
Auto-compiled, paperless inspections make job management simple and efficient from first quote to completion. Deliver details and costs to your customers’ smartphones. Then get the go-ahead with one click.
“Really happy with Workshop Software simple and easy to use, also it’s web base so I can access it anywhere to do an invoice as I am mobile Mechanic.”
outdoor power equipment software
Windward Software’s Outdoor Power Equipment solution takes advantage of the most current technologies, from wireless hand-held scanning to full Internet compatibility. This integrated shop management system works in real-time, is powerful and advanced, yet easy to use.
Windward’s outdoor power equipment software is designed to provide real-world solutions for industry professionals. Developed in collaboration with real business owners, we created System Five to fit in with the way you operate. We help you run your business, instead of just reporting on it.
Add Some Horsepower to Your Business Management System
Effective Inventory Management
Windward System Five OPE dealer software helps users conduct quick and efficient stock counts while monitoring buying patterns to make better decisions when ordering, buying, and pricing. You’ll be able to set seasonal inventory levels to adjust product lines according to the time of year with accurate estimates and prices.
All-in-One Business Management
Meet all of your outdoor power equipment business management needs with one complete software solution. Windward System Five is fully integrated, meaning individual modules work in unison to streamline every aspect of your operation, making things easier for employees so they can better serve your customers.
Windward Expert Support
Operate with the reassurance that Windward Software’s expert support staff is with you every step of the way. From the installations to training to troubleshooting, we offer live global support seven days a week. Our Customer Care department is available right at your fingertips, and we’re not happy until you are.
Outdoor Power Equipment Dealership Software Features
Manage your operation from start to finish with Windward System Five
Point of Sale
With Windward Software, you can engage customers and increase profits by equipping your sales staff with the tools and knowledge they need to provide an exceptional level of customer service. With years of experience, we understand the solutions that a sales department in the outdoor power equipment industry needs.
Barcoding
Enjoy greater inventory control with barcoding for faster checkout service, improved customer satisfaction, fewer errors, and quicker stock checks. Windward Software allows for easier tracking of total sales and stock, keeping your business ahead of the competitors in the area.
Signature Capture
Windward helps you reduce paperwork, streamline administrative processes, and incorporate a higher level of security with our POS software’s electronic signature-capture capabilities. This next-level solution affords an easier sales process for an outdoor power equipment business.
Multi-store POS
Keep your business network running smoothly and cohesively with Windward’s dealer management software. Business owners are better able to oversee operations from a single location and communicate business-critical information between branches, providing updates faster than ever before.
Credit Card Processing
With Windward Software’s integrated credit card processing, you’ll be able to conduct credit, debit, and gift card transactions quickly, accurately, and securely. Any business from an outdoor power equipment retailer to a repair shop can transform its sales process with greater peace of mind that important information is safely stored away.
eCommerce
By integrating your online and offline operations, Windward’s outdoor power equipment software keeps administrative costs down while maintaining tight control over your expanding inventory. The best part is having all of the important information you need in one simple-to-use solution.
Business Management
Buy better, market smarter, and work more efficiently in your company. Windward System Five provides you with the knowledge and control to drive profits for your outdoor power equipment business. Transform everything from customer support to keeping track of inventory and customer history.
Inventory Control
Windward helps you control your inventory, track inventory movement, optimize stock levels, and improve cost-control measures through reports. With a computer system that updates barcodes and invoices in real-time, everyone from business owners to technicians will feel comfortable using this software.
Customer Management
Windward creates a database with your customer information to provide a smoother, more personal shopping experience and increase your selling and advertising opportunities. An outdoor power equipment business can have a better assessment of everything that drives its profits.
General Ledger
Windward Software’s integrated accounting solutions allow you to view, print, enter, and report data quickly and conveniently, providing a simple, error-free way to manage your books. A general manager can feel better knowing that each bill is accounted for and sales transactions are matching up to current prices on goods and services.
Serial Number Tracking
For businesses that require that extra level of inventory management, Windward’s software provides serial number-tracking capabilities so that you know where your product is at all times. This can lead to a quick turnaround in getting products to customers or estimates on repairs before moving forward with a work order.
Admin & Control
Empower your employees with the access and information they need to perform their jobs properly, without compromising security or confidential data. Windward System Five can help any entity from a new business to a larger retailer tackle special orders, service history, and more.
Financial Reporting
Windward Software helps users track and compare company performance with P&L statements. An outdoor power equipment business can use these balance sheets to determine financial standing in comparison to competitors in the area or nationwide.
Customer Reporting
Windward offers remarkable insight into the people who matter most to your business: your customers. Business owners can comb through customer data to optimize processes for everyone from your sales department to your parts manager, with customer satisfaction at the forefront.
Create Your Own Reports
The beauty of Windward’s custom report designer is that you can analyze the details that matter most to you, whether that’s staff in multiple locations, inventory levels, or other areas of interest. As a leading provider of business system software, we understand that confidence in your solutions as a business owner goes a long way.
SMB & Enterprise Editions
Windward System Five is available in two versions: SMB lets you choose the modules you need most, and Enterprise comes fully loaded to provide the most comprehensive business management system available. An equipment dealership can adapt to the business system that suits their needs.
Installed or Cloud
Choose from two options for deploying our dealership management software: through a tried and tested local installation or by using our innovative Windward Cloud model. Windward’s outdoor power equipment software takes care of the little things to give business owners more time to focus on the issues of their customers.
Software Integrations
Configure Windward’s business management software to handle industry-specific processes and integrate with systems you already have in place. Any company from an outdoor power equipment dealership to a chain of outlets can operate their entire business more easily than ever.
Recommended POS Hardware
Windward System Five’s point-of-sale software supports a range of optional hardware to help your business run smoothly, including scanners, printers, computers, touch screens, and more. As a leading provider of business system software, we understand the importance of peace of mind when it comes to your POS system.
Fail Safe Technology
Whether you need a reliable backup to protect against system failures or you need to synchronize information across multiple locations, Windward’s fail-safe technology has got your back. This versatile product keeps important information safely stored while making sure all departments are operating in sync.
Expert Support
Windward offers phone support, virtual assistance through screen sharing, or on-site support depending on edition and plan. Self-help is always available 24/7 through our extensive knowledge base.
Training
Windward’s comprehensive training materials are available for all customers. Whether you’re just getting started or need to train a new employee, you’ll love the video library and how-to tutorials. Everything from an estimate on repairs to tracking profits for your service department is easy to learn and even easier to use.
what is auto repair software
Running an auto shop is demanding, time-consuming and stressful (but ultimately worth it), and there’s shop management software that helps owners and managers run their business effectively. Sounds simple enough, right? But what does auto repair shop software actually do, who needs auto repair shop software and how do you get started? Read on!
Auto repair management software is a system that automates the daily aspects of managing an auto repair shop (it’s one part of an auto shop POS system). This software offers other helpful features that strengthen customer relationships, help you increase your profit margin and easily schedule your employees. It’s another tool in your box to increase the number of cars your shop services while you spend less time behind a desk!
You’ll see two distinct categories with auto repair shop software:
Web-Based or Cloud-Based Software
You’ll need an internet/data connection to use this type of shop management software. Most cloud-based softwares charge you based on a monthly subscription cost. Sometimes this cost is per user, location or device. With this plan, you can experience the benefits of shop management software without the hassle of downloading software onto every terminal or piece of work equipment. You also won’t have to pay for software updates for technical fixes, new features and interface improvements.
On-Premise Software
For on-premise shop management software, you’ll likely pay a one-time fee to install and own the software. You will also likely have to pay for any software updates and any technical support you’ll need. Although there’s more setup involved with downloading and installing the software on all your main devices (POS hardware like desktops, laptops, terminals, mobile devices, tablets, etc.) you’ll own the software as long as you find it helpful. And although that one-time fee could run into the thousands of dollars, you may find that in the long run, an on-premise auto repair shop management solution may be more cost-effective.
What Are Common Auto Repair Shop Management Features?
Here are some industry-standard shop management features you should expect to see:
Bay Management & Scheduling: Add and name bays, assign employees and tickets, block out time for vehicles with longer expected service times; view your schedule by day, week or month. When you add a mobile solution, your technicians can also see their assignments before they arrive at work.
Inventory & Auto Parts Ordering: See your inventory, shortages and surpluses at a glance, connect your vendor/supplier catalogues, and set up automatically triggered parts ordering.
Invoices & Estimates: Provide clear and detailed print or digital invoices to your customers and generate estimates with labor times, parts used and other profit indicators.
Appointment Booking & Service Reminders: Maintain a detailed customer service history so your technicians are informed and ready for every ticket. Schedule, move or edit your customer appointments at the time of service — or allow your customers to book their service appointments themselves online! Most shop management softwares include auto-email or -text features that let you remind your customers of an upcoming maintenance appointment (or encourage them to schedule an appointment when they hit a certain milestone).
Labor Rates & Tracking: Set billable rates and cost per hour, assign technicians to jobs and build custom canned jobs for quicker assignments and billing.
Ready to spend less time behind a desk, speed up service & bring in new business? We’ll help you create a shop management software shortlist for free!
Why Should I Use Auto Repair Software?
You’ll save time across the board and improve employee productivity with more detailed work orders, streamlined scheduling, customer service history and improved customer communication. Get your technicians away from the clipboards and back to the cars.
Shop management software includes access to a variety of reports, analytics and vital performance indicators, like labor costs, that will help you track your auto repair shop’s performance. You don’t lift a finger — just use the system, generate the reports you need from the data the software will gather and learn where you can boost revenue.
Get the shop overview you’ve been wanting with a user dashboard, reports and more. See job statuses, parts statuses, work timers and customer information in one comprehensive view, whether you have one location or 10.
A paperless shop management system is powerful, flexible, secure and professional. Cut out unnecessary paper and print expenses, and experience the peace of mind knowing your digital documents are guarded by data encryption and other software security tools. Quickly combine lists, update customer information across systems and communicate with customers online — no more duplicate data entry, disorganized file cabinets or rapid note-taking.
With automated customer service reminders, you can cut down on the number of disappointing no-shows for scheduled service appointments. A quick text or email to a customer could be the difference between reliable revenue and wasted labor hours. Plus, customers appreciate the reminder and modern convenience.
It’s easier to keep your inventory updated and well-stocked with shop management software. You can set up triggers so that the software automatically orders parts from your selected suppliers when stock hits a certain number.
Auto repair shop management software keeps you competitive. Don’t get left behind by auto shops that have upgraded and are already experiencing the dramatic operations, sales and customer relationship boosts that come with a comprehensive and affordable auto shop software solution!