If you run an auto repair shop, you already know the daily juggle — estimates flying, parts on order, technicians waiting, and customers texting for updates. The right shop management software can turn that chaos into a streamlined operation. After evaluating over a dozen platforms, Tekmetric stands out as one of the strongest options for independent and multi-location shops alike.
Here is an honest, owner-to-owner look at what Tekmetric offers, what it costs, and whether it is worth the investment.
What Is Tekmetric?
Tekmetric is a cloud-based shop management system built specifically for auto repair businesses. Unlike legacy systems that chain you to a single desktop, Tekmetric runs in any web browser — which means you can check on your shop from your phone, your home office, or the counter. It serves everyone from single-bay independents to multi-shop operators, and it has quickly become one of the most talked-about platforms in the industry.
Key Features That Matter
Smart Jobs is Tekmetric’s flagship workflow tool. It lets service writers build repair orders in just a few clicks by pulling in pre-built job templates with parts and labor already attached. For shops processing dozens of ROs a day, this alone can save serious time.
Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) allow your techs to capture photos and videos right from their mobile devices and send them directly to customers. Clear visuals build trust, and trust leads to higher approval rates. Shops using quality technology solutions alongside strong DVIs often see the biggest jumps in average repair order value.
Real-Time Reporting gives owners instant visibility into gross profit, average RO value, technician efficiency, and more — no waiting until month-end to know where you stand.
70+ Integrations connect Tekmetric to parts suppliers, payment processors, marketing tools, and accounting software like QuickBooks. It also integrates with PartsTech, CARFAX, and Podium, making it a true hub for your daily operations.
Two-Way Texting keeps customers in the loop without extra phone calls, reducing front-counter bottleneck and improving the overall customer experience.
Pricing
Tekmetric offers three tiers: Start at $199/month, Grow at $349/month, and Scale at $439/month. An Enterprise plan is available with custom pricing. There are no long-term contracts, and every plan includes unlimited users — a major advantage over competitors that charge per seat. For shops already investing in smart payment processing tools, adding Tekmetric can be a natural next step to tighten up the entire operation.
Pros
- Clean, modern interface with minimal learning curve
- Unlimited users at every pricing tier
- Excellent mobile experience for techs and owners
- Strong DVI tools that boost customer trust and approval rates
- Responsive customer support, especially during onboarding
Cons
- The Start plan may feel limited for shops that need advanced reporting
- Some users report that post-onboarding support could be more proactive
- Higher monthly cost than budget options like ARI or AutoFluent
- No built-in accounting — you will still need QuickBooks or similar
- Does not offer compliant dual pricing — a feature shop owners increasingly want so they can pass credit card fees to customers transparently and legally
The Verdict
Tekmetric earns its reputation. It is not the cheapest option, but it delivers a polished, cloud-native experience that helps shops work faster, communicate better, and track profitability in real time. The one notable gap is the lack of built-in compliant dual pricing — if reducing credit card processing fees is a priority, you will need a separate solution for that. If you are running a growing shop and want a platform that scales with you, Tekmetric belongs at the top of your shortlist.