ARI

Pros

Easy to use while being extremely powerful.

Cons

That I can't use appointment scheduling without allowing customers to schedule themselves.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

I like that is cheaper than other apps that are $300 + monthly

Cons

Customer support takes a long time, or what I need is not answered, monthly reports can not be printed and are confusing. You have to continue saving every page that can be annoying or you lose everything.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Its affordable and gets the job done adequatly.

Cons

Its very buggy. At least the repeating payments and invoice entries seems to have been fixed. However the scheduler is confusing because you cant assign tasks to different technicians or change the color for appointments so it is very difficult to use. The invoice tempkates became very difficult to edit when they used to be easy. I need to be able to add regular fees, before taxes and they need to be totled by my choice not "other" no one is happy seeing "other" on an invoice. There needs to be a way to add a customer paid fee to the pay online option. I dont need to sacrifice $100 so a cuatomer can put their $2000 bill on a credit card. I need to be able to pass that cost on to the consumer. Also when Im in invoices and I ipen one and go back to the list, it should take me to where I was not back to invoice #1 every time.

Pros

Its ease of use, great inventory management, and the invoice emails it sends out to my clients is really nice.

Cons

You have to pay extra for sending sms messages.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Easy to use and it’s not the old developer systems

Cons

Needs to be able add more venders for parts distribution

Pros

grow my business in the most professional way possible

Cons

little history record with the client in call or text

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

The app is very user friendly and the price is way less thank anything on the market. You can do everything that the expensive services offer.

Cons

I wish they had their own labor rates within the app.

Pros

Easy to use and very user friendly, ARI is the best

Cons

Bank integration in other countries like Namibia can not use

Pros

On Line payments. Professional looking work order

Cons

Adding parts to inventory then it not tracking correctly

Pros

It is loaded with so many different tools

Cons

A little difficult to learn way around the app

Pros

ARI is very reasonably priced for the amount of features. I don't know how I managed my business without it. It's perfectly simple and not overburdened with useless features for smaller shops. No hidden or extra fees is the best part.

Cons

3 months ago I would have had a few things that I disliked about the software but with their latest update everything I wanted and more has been added. Sometimes I stumble on weird, very minor glitches but I believe it's due to me using an iPhone as none of these exist on my tablets.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Billing is easy only thing is the glitches quiet often

Cons

The glitches and they lost all my customers info and history one time and couldn’t fix the issue

Pros

30 day trial is way too generous! Within the first invoice you already know you need this program. Simply click a few buttons to see what other tools you have.

Cons

I love everything, so many options, you're excited to discover things at every stage. If I could have one thing available, I'd ask for pre-safety inspection sheets.

Pros

I can't say enough good things about this company. I am starting up my own business and I am so grateful to have found ARI. I was looking into many other CRM's like ShopKey, ShopMonkey, etc, but the price was far too steep on those programs for my situation. Don't get me wrong, ShopKey is a great software, but it was a $300 a month commitment that I couldn't not do. After searching high and low I found ARI. ARI is simple, affordable, and has all of the features I need, and more. What I love most about ARI is that their team listens to feedback and is CONSTANTLY IMPROVING. I have never had an issue with their program, when I need it, it works. I love it for the price point and simplicity, it is perfect for me.

Cons

At this moment, after using ARI for a year now, I really do not have any cons that I can think of. It's a great CRM and for the price point I promise it cannot be beat.

Alternatives Considered

Pros

First price are very reasonable .
i did not know all fuctions and how to use this program but now much much more useful fuctions found.
i used tried lots of invoice which free trial one, before found fuctions they start charge it.
Too Many good reasons to use this ARI .I can not say all of it.
TRY FIRST AND COMPAIR TO OTHERS.
I PAID ALMOST $ 275.00 A MONTH ON OTHER PROGRAM.
some programs are not in this ARI. but labor estimates are offered by vendors.
So far very good for invoicing.
Finally highly recommend try use ARI positively.
If you are profession on your job will be fit to you.
I found ARI still updating the program.
i was looking for invoice program , now no more looking ,just try more fuctions in ARI.
good luck and try first and say it.
if need good invoice program and good price
that's it ARI

thanks

Cons

Price
and ARI still progress it.
send estimate and invoice to customer

Pros

This product is very easy to use! It has almost all the functions you need to run an auto repair shop.

Cons

Frequent crashes on android. Sometimes I have to restart the app to see the parts tech pop-up when adding parts. Quickbooks integration needs work. Sometimes I'm unable to sell 4.5 qts of oil, I have to round it up to 5qts Sometimes to get it to send to quickbooks.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

The mobility of the invoicing program. When I started my buisness it was mobile so the ability to write estimates on the go was a must.

Cons

Sometimes it's very slow to respond. Also the fact that I always need service to open estimates/repair orders.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

The amount the amount of actual options that you have available to you in a single location is amazing

Cons

The Diagnostics you could use to have choices of more donegal's other than the one or two that is implemented in there at the moment because it's not clear fide it just says the best one to use it does not say the only one the fact that too many steps in the process to be able to create an invoice from start to finish to be a little easier to navigate not a big fan of outside parties such as QuickBooks and stuff like that to be able to do the accounting / bill pay that y'all offers too many other steps to be able to make it easier on the consumer be easier way down corporate on me I like the fact that you guys offer that but to go about it there's no where are you guys you guys don't explain that you know Pearson ditional fee from a different company and I just not a big fan of that

Pros

It's the total package at at more than reasonable price.

Cons

Vehicle information from decoder isn't always accurate/detailed

Pros

The things I like most about this product is how you can customize each estimate to supply your needs of Auto auto body or diesel repair I also like the fact that you can keep your customers updated via text message or email as well as send them pictures and allow them to be able to follow along with the repair process through the job card and updates I also like the fact that the VIN decoder pretty much breaks everything down for you as far as the vehicle information

Cons

One thing that I would like for it to have is labor rates and times for repairs and also a little bit of repair information for different procedures for jobs

Pros

Software worked when it wanted too despite multiple glitches.

Cons

Invoices and quotes would glitch and show as double paid until you exited the software then came back. Customer service has no phone option, only chat or email. They take hours or days to respond and by that time i have already lost money and customers.

Pros

The fact that for the most part the application and software easy to use, and has everything from accounting down to inventory and inventory pricing .

Cons

I can't say that there's anything that I dislike about the software, for the most part everything's pretty self explanatory and easy to use. Now I do have issues with some things here and there but I think that's more user error than it is software.

Pros

The very best part of ARI is their customer service! Any time we have had an issue or needed more information, we are able to message or email them, and they always respond back within 24 hours (time zone difference)

Cons

We use it between 3 devices, and sometimes it takes it a while to sync the device something was changed on to the other 2 devices.

Pros

Efficiently keeping track of ordered parts for customer repairs is crucial to make money. Since switching to ARI my profits have increased.

Cons

Could be less simple, I like the ease of use but my previous shop used LightSpeed which had way more options and data points. More Data Points and shop statistics would be nice. A Video series for tips and tricks would be cool, maybe I'm missing a lot of hidden features.

Pros

Features, ease of use, affordable, functional

Cons

It crashes sometimes when doing things, pictures don’t stay attached to invoice

Pros

Automotive repair invoicing software offers several advantages that enhance efficiency and accuracy in managing a repair shop's financial transactions. It automates the billing process, reducing manual errors and ensuring invoices are generated promptly. This software also helps in organizing customer information, service histories, and parts inventory, making it easier to track and manage every aspect of the repair process. Additionally, it often integrates with accounting systems, simplifying financial record-keeping and reporting. Overall, it's a valuable tool for improving productivity and customer service in automotive repair businesses.

Cons

So far, so good, but one area that could be improved is the complexity of navigating through different sections of the software.

Pros

Because we are a mobile vehicle repair business, we love the functionality of ARI. Job cards can be created while a tech is en route and the tech will have access to the job card before arrival to a job. The tech can then update the job card as necessary. This is a very intuitive and fluid process. We rolled ARI out on cell phones and it is working excellent!

Cons

We are still learning how to utilize the reports functions so that we are not feeling like we have to keep track of revenue, expenses, and taxes elsewhere. There are several reports however there is no single report that will give you all of this at a glance. You are able to export each report which is helpful!

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Parts tech built in, ease of use the functionality of being able to Ed parcheck and square and your abilities to have Carfax built in for repair history makes it so much easier to function

Cons

Lack of features. I would love to see the ability to create an estimate inside an open work order.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Pros

All around an amazing software that helps with our day to day task. But, not only ours, also our customers being that the Client Portal is one of the handiest tools we could ever ask for. It allows for a stop in most of the day to day call ins of customers looking for an update,

Cons

Not really anything we don't like at this time, especially after the latest update.

Pros

I gave this software a chance 3 different times, and I'm honestly glad that I did. The features have grown exponentially in the last year. They offer so much more than just invoicing and work order management. The marketing, financing, obd2 scanner, it's all great.

Cons

Could be more customizable all around, or more user friendly. I wish the customer and vehicle would sync a little more easier than they do now.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Pros

Coming from the corporate gaming industry, IT, finance, and HR. Interned for two years with an independent in Exotics locally in Las Vegas that used Shop Monkey I feel that the software and customer support by far is superior for the cost incurred on a monthly basis. While in the Gaming Industry and rolling out Forrest migrations costs can be main deterrent when presenting to the finance department. I feel that the IT department can save money if properly planned, discussed and integrated with the finance departments. I tend to lean towards new innovatives and underdogs as they listen to their customer base know what truly is needed and implement as such.

Cons

Only thing that would be great is a 24 hour customer service or an assigned POC for accounts to assist in any operational glitches, customizations, or answering questions. Timing is critical when you have a customer waiting when trying to keep things consistent in my system and data scrubbed properly for estimates, invoicing and houses data.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Simple to use and easy to learn. Would recommend.

Cons

None That I can think of cause its a simple program.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Very user friendly, customer service is great, and they are always updating to meet broader needs of an automotive business.

Cons

Cons cannot be in the vocabulary of an app that is just coming up the game. Functionality is there but needs time to catch up to the big players far as full integration is concerned. It wouldn't be fair to judge the underdog that is trying their best to compete.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

I love how intuitive ARI is to use. I can easily create invoices, manage inventory, and track customer records. The online payment feature is fantastic, making transactions hassle-free for both me and my clients.

Cons

I found that ARI's scheduling feature lacks flexibility, especially for varying business hours. However, customer support reassured me that they're addressing this issue in an upcoming update.

Pros

This is showing to be super easy to use & not too time consuming. The fact that it is set up like an app is nice as it speeds up the work for entry by our staff. The DVI's are awesome, especially for our C techs who are still learning. Really looking forward to moving from paper reminders to digital & this also opens up more opportunities for reminders. Coming from a shop with no real shop management system we like that it will also track customer vehicles so we can see what the issues were last time, what we did, what it took, etc.

Cons

No actual edit button on work orders, you have to select the more & then edit. We really would like as little steps as possible. The parts entry/order process seems a little longer than needed as well.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Very difficult to operate. Only pros that it doesn’t automatically delete information entered

Cons

Unlimited Glitches, software is slow. Freezes most of the time.

Pros

The changes that your company has made has been amazing over the years.

Cons

It took some time getting used to but I stuck it with them

Pros

I love the ease of use ARI provides, it is simple to track customers and write up invoices. They integrate parts tech which is new to me but a wonderful add on. But the biggest key thing that keeps me an ARI user for life is the customer servjce they provide. Customer service is very prompt and they always respond and actually listen and make changes. I lersonally have had things changed that i suggested to there team amd to ny amazement it was there on the next update.

Cons

The old interface i lreffered much mlre to this new one they have but i am sure with time they will work out the kinks. Everyone apparently wanted a new interface i was one of the few that liked the old one a lot.

Pros

It's constantly growing two years ago when I started with this company they didn't have the VIN to scan didn't have a lot of things in love features that they have no they're constantly growing and getting better I enjoy working with the software every day me and my customers happy. the price they're unbeatable I've looked into several other companies and I can't come near the price of what they did offer so thanks guys

Cons

Occasionally when I go to save a vehicle it saves multiple times I don't know if it's due to my phone service or do to the app but that sometimes gets frustrating then I have to go back in one by one erase all the multiple copies of that vehicle

Pros

easy to use and setup, the monthly fee is fair, only a small issue for multi invoices payment,

Cons

invoicing & customer searching, download invoice, email, print.

Pros

I loved that it is easy to use! Especially in the automotive industry that I am in. Also that I can use it on my phone and computer.

Cons

Sometimes it lags a bit. But it solves itself.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

The ease of navigation and user friendly

Cons

initially i didn't like the no labor integration, but got fixed and integrated.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Quick & Easy to use & set up. Professional presentation & support

Cons

Only one. Some item duplicated themselves in some invoices & cause issues with customers thinking they're being overbilled. Support are trying to sort but has been going on a while.

Pros

Invoicing and Vehicle Inspection Sheets.

Cons

Issues with pc use(I have not tried new windows app yet), printer problems, occasional bugs and syncing problems across devices.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

Its intuitive and simple to use for a small business.

Cons

The obd interface and app os lacking would love to see an elm or j2354 device offered by ARI and more bidirectional and software updating features via obd dongle

Pros

Invoicing is great but it has glitches.

Cons

Invoicing sometimes doubles billable items and labor. it does not always pull accurate totals and changes I have made. gets very frustrating having to go back and edit invoices. It also does not keep accurate records for end of year totaling. I have had invoices double items after I've totaled out and closed invoice. Makes a nightmare for going back and printing invoices for my accountant.

Pros

Job cards, invoices and pretty much everything

Cons

The fonts size below the icons are too small to read. The icons used can be better and more relevant and they should all be same branding color.

Pros

Very easy to navigate and keep updates with customers over the time the vehicle is in the shop. This gives the customer a general time and less back and forth.

Cons

No labor times. I would like to have vehicle labor times for each VIN matched vehicle to the invoice.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

The initial costs are low and the access you get to third party integration is worth it.

Cons

It is clunky and does not seamlessly flow. Its compartmentalized and requires numerous mouse clicks. Not fully customizable and the invoices (for me or my clients) are not detailed enough.

Alternatives Considered

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI

Pros

It is the missing piece of the puzzle that brings all of our shops tools together in one place.

Cons

The platform layout was foreign to me but after spending some time with the system, it is actually very user friendly.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing ARI

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to ARI