Openbay, a marketplace for auto repairs, has launched their subscription service for auto repair shops. The marketplace’s subscription service was announced in a press release earlier in the month.
The long-awaited service works to help shops acquire and retain customers.
A suite of services is offered to help consumers connect with auto repair services. The new service allows repair shops to use the company’s automated quote service to quickly gain customers and keep service bays full. The service’s automatic quotes are written up by ASE certified technicians. Users can calibrate quotes to ensure accuracy.
The company’s service requires a monthly subscription fee and allows shops to track their activity in the included app. Service centers will be present in the company’s marketplace, allowing customers needing repairs to schedule appointments and receive quotes for repairs required.
Openbay provides an easy method for service shops to add quotes and appointment booking to their website, too.
“The automotive aftermarket industry spoke and we listened and delivered. Openbay’s new service suite helps conserve employee time spent pricing service inquiries, and helps with customer acquisition and retention,” states CEO and founder Rob Infantino.
The Cambridge, MA company received funding from GV, Stage 1 Ventures and a16z Boston Seed.
A pilot program completed by the company indicates a higher return on investment for new and current marketplace service centers. The company first announced their subscription service in 2015.
The company’s service led to Allstate partnering with Openbay to offer an innovative solution to policyholders. The partnership allows Allstate to offer auto repair and maintain service to customers. The company’s Allstate Mobile and Drivewise app helps connect users to service centers using Openbay’s technology.
Gary Hallgren, Allstate Connected Car President, states, “Integrating with Openbay enables Allstate to ease the burden of comparing and booking vehicle service.”
Car owners using the company’s marketplace can choose their service, browse shops and review quotes using the system. The ability to book appointments with a desired automotive center allows consumers to connect with shops that lack a mobile or online presence.
OpenbayConnect is an additional service offering from Openbay that connects to car technology to help owners maintain and care for their vehicle better.
The company states that the auto-industry hasn’t caught up to user’s behaviors, noting an increase in buying products and services online. Repair shops will pay a 13% nominal fee on services originated and completed via Openbay’s platform.
Shops can join the company’s platform if they meet strict criteria.