Shop management insights, software comparisons, and how-to guides for independent mechanics and performance shops.
2026-09-13 · 13 min read
There is no widely used auto repair product called ShopMaster. Here are the shops-management names it gets confused with, and every published price in one table.
2026-09-13 · 14 min read
A competitor's review of Shopmonkey, sourced entirely from Shopmonkey's own pages. What each tier includes, the per-user cost, and who should actually buy it.
2026-09-13 · 18 min read
Both publish their pricing, so this compares them on their own numbers. Where each one is cheaper depends entirely on which features you actually need.
2026-09-13 · 16 min read
Tekmetric bills unlimited users. Shopmonkey licenses 3 to 5 seats and charges $20 per extra one. That single difference decides which is cheaper for your shop.
2026-08-24 · 15 min read
Manager SE now has cloud sync and mobile inspections, but the core still runs on your server. A sourced look at what a move costs and what you give up.
2026-06-14 · 8 min read
If any of these five things are happening in your shop, you're already paying the cost of running without software. You just can't see it on a line item.
2026-06-14 · 9 min read
Billable tech time leaks out through handoff gaps, parts delays, and status limbo. Here's where it goes and what to do about it.
2026-06-14 · 10 min read
Managing a custom build in your head or on a spreadsheet is how jobs go sideways. Here's a better system that keeps parts, time, and customers straight.
2026-04-07 · 10 min read
Shop-Ware built its reputation on customer approvals and DVIs. If that's not your bottleneck, here's what the alternatives look like, with honest tradeoffs.
2026-03-30 · 11 min read
Shopmonkey publishes pricing from $215/mo. That can still price out a 2-tech shop. Here's how Third Gear Shop compares at $79, with sourced numbers.
2026-03-17 · 11 min read
Running a drift shop means managing builds that span months, customers who want updates, and jobs that don't fit standard shop software. Here's what actually works.
2026-03-11 · 6 min read
Your ARO is the single most important number in your shop. Here's how to grow it by fixing the leaks, not by pressure-selling your customers.
2026-03-11 · 11 min read
Setting your labor rate by guessing what the shop down the road charges is costing you money. Here's the math to price your work correctly and stop underselling.
2026-03-11 · 6 min read
Tuning shops, fabrication shops, and custom build operations have different needs. Here's what standard shop software gets wrong, and what actually works.
2026-03-11 · 8 min read
A visual job board transforms how your technicians work: less confusion, more billed hours. Here's how to run your shop floor with a Kanban-style job board.
2026-03-11 · 13 min read
Tekmetric is the market leader for growth-stage repair shops. Third Gear Shop is built for independent shops and performance builders. Here's an honest comparison.
2026-03-10 · 6 min read
Paper tickets, sticky notes, and group chats are costing your shop more than you think. Here's how to calculate what disorganization is actually worth.