Best CRM Software for Auto Repair Shops
Find the right shop management system for your business
We compared the top auto repair CRM and shop management platforms on features, pricing, and value. Whether you run a one-bay garage or a multi-location operation, find the software that fits your needs and budget.
Why Auto Repair Shops Need Specialized CRM Software
Running an auto repair shop in 2025 requires more than just wrenches and lifts. With the average vehicle age now exceeding 12.5 years, repair demand is at an all-time high, but so is competition. The shops winning today combine excellent mechanical work with smart technology that keeps customers informed, engaged, and coming back.
Shop management software (often called auto repair CRM) helps you track vehicle history, send digital inspections, automate customer follow-ups, and manage your workflow, all while building the kind of trust that turns one-time customers into lifetime clients. The challenge? Most options are either overpriced enterprise solutions or outdated desktop software that does not integrate with modern marketing.
What to Look for in Auto Repair CRM Software
- Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI): Send photos and videos of needed repairs directly to customers, building trust and increasing approval rates.
- Customer Communication: Automated texts and emails for appointment reminders, status updates, and service follow-ups.
- Vehicle History Tracking: Complete service records per VIN so technicians know exactly what was done before.
- Parts Integration: Order parts directly from suppliers without leaving the software.
- Marketing & SEO: Get found on Google and automate review requests to build your online reputation.
We evaluated the leading auto repair shop management systems based on features, pricing, ease of use, and value for independent shops. Here is how they compare.
Compare the Top Options
We've evaluated each platform based on features, pricing, ease of use, and suitability for auto repair businesses.
FlashCrafter
All-in-one website, CRM, and local SEO platform built for auto repair shops.
Starting at
$50/mo
Best For
Independent shops wanting website + marketing + CRM in one affordable package
Pros
- Complete website + CRM + SEO integration
- No per-user fees or hidden costs
- Built-in local SEO for Google visibility
Cons
- Newer platform (launched 2024)
- No native parts ordering integration yet
Shop-Ware
Cloud-based shop management with DVI, customer communication, and workflow automation.
Starting at
$249-499/mo
Best For
Multi-bay shops with 5+ technicians needing advanced workflow automation
Pros
- Excellent digital vehicle inspections (DVI)
- Built-in texting and customer communication
- Comprehensive workflow management
Cons
- Premium pricing excludes smaller shops
- Learning curve for advanced features
Tekmetric
Modern cloud shop management with real-time reporting, DVI, and parts ordering.
Starting at
$199-399/mo
Best For
Data-driven shops wanting modern UX and detailed analytics
Pros
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Excellent real-time reporting and analytics
- Strong DVI with photo/video support
Cons
- Per-location pricing adds up for multiple shops
- Limited marketing automation features
Mitchell 1 Manager SE
Industry-standard shop management with ProDemand repair info and labor guides.
Starting at
$290-450/mo
Best For
Established shops needing comprehensive repair information and diagnostics
Pros
- Industry-leading ProDemand repair database
- Accurate labor time guides (Real Fixes)
- Comprehensive vehicle history tracking
Cons
- Desktop-first design feels dated
- Separate modules increase total cost
AutoLeap
Modern cloud platform combining shop management, DVI, and marketing automation.
Starting at
$299-499/mo
Best For
Growing shops wanting marketing automation with shop management
Pros
- Strong marketing automation features
- Integrated payment processing
- Modern DVI with customer-facing features
Cons
- Higher price point for full features
- Requires internet connection at all times
Feature Comparison
See how each platform stacks up across key features.
| Feature | RecommendedFlashCrafter | Shop-Ware | Tekmetric | Mitchell 1 Manager SE | AutoLeap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website Builder Professional auto repair website included | |||||
Local SEO Google visibility and local search optimization | Basic | ||||
Digital Vehicle Inspections Photo/video inspections sent to customers | Coming Soon | ||||
Customer Communication Automated texts, emails, and follow-ups | Add-on | ||||
Parts Ordering Integration Direct ordering from parts suppliers | |||||
Labor Time Guides Industry-standard repair time estimates | Integration | Integration | Integration | ||
Vehicle History Tracking Complete service history per vehicle | |||||
Payment Processing Accept payments directly in the system | |||||
Marketing Automation Automated review requests, campaigns, follow-ups | Limited | Limited | Add-on | ||
Reporting & Analytics Business performance dashboards | |||||
No Per-User Fees Unlimited team members at base price | |||||
Free Trial Try before committing | 14 days | Demo only | Demo only | Demo only | 14 days |
Google Ads Integration Campaign management, ads creatives, and performance tracking | |||||
GBP Posts & Scheduling Schedule and publish Google Business Profile posts |
In-Depth Reviews: Best CRM Software for Auto Repair Shops
FlashCrafter
FlashCrafter takes a fundamentally different approach than traditional shop management software. Instead of focusing only on what happens inside your bays, it starts with what matters most for growth: getting found by new customers. The platform combines a professional auto repair website, local SEO optimization, and CRM automation in one $50/month package.
For independent shops tired of paying $200-500/month for software that does not help bring in new business, FlashCrafter fills a critical gap. You get automated customer follow-ups, review request sequences, lead tracking, and appointment scheduling, all connected to a website designed to rank in local search results. The trade-off? It does not yet include digital vehicle inspections or parts ordering, so shops needing those features may want to pair it with a dedicated DVI tool.
Shop-Ware
Shop-Ware is the premium choice for multi-bay operations that need sophisticated workflow management. Their digital vehicle inspections are among the best in the industry, with seamless photo and video integration that makes it easy for service advisors to show customers exactly what needs attention. The built-in texting platform keeps customers informed throughout the repair process.
At $249-499/month plus per-user fees, Shop-Ware is designed for shops doing $75K+ in monthly revenue with multiple technicians. Smaller operations may find the cost prohibitive, but for shops ready to scale, the workflow automation and parts integration justify the investment. Just know you will need separate solutions for your website and SEO.
Tekmetric
Tekmetric has earned a loyal following for its clean, modern interface that feels refreshingly different from legacy shop management software. The real-time reporting dashboard gives owners instant visibility into technician productivity, average repair order value, and customer retention metrics. If you love data, you will love Tekmetric.
Pricing starts at $199/month per location, which is competitive for the features offered. The digital inspections are solid, though not quite as polished as Shop-Ware. Where Tekmetric falls short is marketing: like most shop management systems, it focuses on operations rather than customer acquisition. You will still need a separate website and marketing solution.
Mitchell 1 Manager SE
Mitchell 1 is the industry veteran, trusted by thousands of shops for over 30 years. Their real competitive advantage is ProDemand, the comprehensive repair information database with Real Fixes (technician-verified repair procedures) and accurate labor time guides. For complex diagnostic work, there is nothing quite like it.
The downside? The interface shows its age, and the modular pricing structure means costs can escalate quickly when you add features like SocialCRM (customer communication) or TeamWorks (technician management). At $290-450/month before add-ons, Mitchell 1 is best suited for established shops that prioritize repair accuracy over modern UX. New shops may find the learning curve steep.
AutoLeap
AutoLeap positions itself as the modern alternative to legacy shop management, with a strong emphasis on marketing automation. Their platform includes automated review requests, customer retention campaigns, and service reminders built in, not as expensive add-ons. The integrated payment processing simplifies accounting.
At $299-499/month, AutoLeap is priced at the premium tier but delivers solid value for shops that want marketing and operations in one system. The onboarding experience is notably good, with dedicated implementation support. The main limitation is fewer third-party integrations compared to more established players.
Pricing Comparison: What Will You Actually Pay?
Shop management software pricing can be confusing with per-user fees, add-on modules, and implementation costs. Here is the real picture.
| Platform | Base Price | Per-User Fee | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlashCrafter | $50/mo | None | $50/mo |
| Shop-Ware | $249-499/mo | $49/user | $400-700/mo |
| Tekmetric | $199-399/mo | Included (limits) | $199-399/mo |
| Mitchell 1 | $290-450/mo | Add-ons required | $400-600/mo |
| AutoLeap | $299-499/mo | Included | $299-499/mo |
* Prices based on publicly available information as of December 2025. Contact vendors for current pricing.