There are many garage management systems on the market. Shop owners must choose the one that is correct for them. If it is free or included with a repair platform, remember you typically get what you pay for.

When deciding on what is right for your shop here are some questions to ask the garage management sales rep. Skipping the obvious one, cost.

• Is this system cloud-based?

• Can I login in from home?

• What is included?

• What reports can you run?

• What features can be added or subtracted if I do not need them?

• Training or Support in use of technology?

• Inventory tracking?

• Will the system grow with your shop?

• Can you order directly from a parts catalog?

• Is there a customer retention management system?

Example of What to Track

As a bookkeeper, I do suggest the sales reporting should break out as follows: Parts, Labor, shop supplies, hazmat, discounts and sales tax collect. This helps in the reporting on financial statements. One example is parts sales to the cost of goods sold. Picking dates should be available in the systems in chronological order as well.

A Few Garage Management Systems to Check Into

One of my favorite west coast sites is GetShopStuff.com. This site is a wealth of information for a shop owner. From there you can get in contact with a sales rep to start the process of shopping for the right garage management system for you. I have also come across Tekmetrics which is cloud based. The reports they supply are simple and easy to read. These are just a few of my most recent favorites.

The important thing is to use a garage management system. Pick the one that is simple for you and your staff to understand and use. Many of these claim to integrate with an accounting platform such as Quickbooks Online. Be certain they do not glitch, and you understand the report mapping. Many will overstate income or not push the invoices into these platforms without correct mapping worded exactly. Do not pay for the added service of integration without your bookkeeping professional's approval.

Consulting is always free and a phone call away.

If you need a few more recommendations to help streamline your shop, and understand your income and expenses, contact Jacki Kiss at info@hwybookkeeping.com.