Yes, this is a very important bulletin.  Of course that could be said for every bulletin we send because we share information that helps you get the most from your Auto Shop Writer installation.  PLEASE take some time to read these notes.

Current version:  9.43.21

The current version on your machines should be 9.43.21.  Don’t worry about the data version.  You only want the one found in the Help – About menu item.  There will be no more updates posted until August 18th at the earliest.

Did you know ?

We’ve had some really great ideas suggested, and they get implemented fast.  We usually put descriptions in the notes and bulletins.  Sadly, because many people don’t read these bulletins, I often hear “Oh, we can do that ?  Wow!  I never knew that.  I can really use that feature.”  PLEASE read the bulletins.  The new features described come from the suggestions of your peers – other successful shop owners.  Don’t miss out on what you can do to improve your profitability.

Have you looked at Demand Force ?

Auto Shop Writer works well with Demand Force.  In the coming weeks you may get a call from your local rep and they will say “We got your name from MasterLink”.  That is true.  Why did we give them your name?  So many people have asked about an interface with this product that we figured you might want to talk with them.  They will be polite when they call, but if you are not interested in a customer follow up service, there is no requirement to continue the call.  Are you a CustomerLink client ?  Demand Force purchased that company and will be transitioning all of the clients to their system by April of 2015.  It appears to be a much better system.  Let us know what you think.

Credit Card Processing

Every week credit card processing companies call to see if they can be integrated into our program.  Most are here today, and likely gone tomorrow, or are filled with hidden fees.  ASW has two companies with interfaces so you can actually process the cards right in a workorder.  It is so much easier, and those who use it find they save money, time, and get a much better result.  We’ve included info on Charge It Pro several times.  This is a company you would truly like to do business with.  Let us know, and we will have them give you a call to discuss possibilities.

Carfax continues to add FREE services

Carfax is rolling out a new service called MyCarFax.com  Check out the website.  Essentially, your clients can sign up for the site, and track their own vehicles.  It shows them (reported ) service histories, factory recommendations, and actually reminds them when services are due.  YOU can sign up as a preferred provider, and the customers who setup an account on Carfax will get reminders that their car is due for specific services at YOUR shop.  People looking for a local shop to perform services can also see you on the list.  What is the cost to you ?  Like all other Carfax services, it is FREE.  And to your customer ?  FREE.  All of this is incorporated with your existing services from the company which includes VIN decoding data, License to VIN  lookup, and vehicle service histories.  If you would like Carfax to contact you so you can get started on this program, email support@masterlinksoftware.com and we’ll ask them to call you.

Thanks for reading this bulletin.  We hope your summer is wonderful.