Two kinds of tools, two needs
Shop management software handles the shop's paperwork: written estimates, work orders, invoices with sales taxes, parts and inventory, and each vehicle's history.
Appointment management software fills the shop and gets customers in on time: online booking, calendar, confirmations and reminders, visibility with drivers. That's what Garago does. Many shops keep their invoicing software and add a dedicated booking tool.
Auto shop management software or appointment software: which one?
The right choice depends on what costs you the most time: the shop's paperwork or the appointments. Shop management software handles invoicing; Garago handles appointments and works alongside it.
| Kind of tool | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shop management software | Written estimates, work orders, invoicing, inventory, vehicle history | Shops that want all their paperwork in one tool |
| Garago Excel template (free) | Written estimate, work order and invoice with GST and QST calculated | Small shops getting started |
| Garago | Online booking, calendar, text or email confirmations, public profile; no invoicing | Shops that want a full calendar and fewer missed appointments, across Canada |
Features and prices vary from one shop management tool to another: compare them before choosing.
Is there free auto repair shop software?
Yes, with limits. Some shop management tools offer a reduced free plan; advanced features such as inventory or several users are usually paid.
For invoicing alone, a good template is enough to start. We offer a free Excel template with the written estimate, the work order and the invoice. It is set up for Quebec's GST and QST; outside Quebec, replace them with your province's HST or GST and PST.
Garago isn't free, but the 30-day trial lets you try online booking at no cost.
Where Garago fits
- Online booking 24/7, based on your services, their length and your number of bays.
- A calendar where you also add phone bookings.
- Confirmation requests by text or email, in your shop's name.
- A public page where drivers find you by service, make and city.
- Export your appointments to Excel, alongside your invoicing software.
- Available to repair shops across Canada, in English and French.
- $109.99 per month with no commitment, or $88 per month on an annual plan, with a 30-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Does Garago do invoicing?
No. Garago handles appointments: online booking, calendar, confirmations, a public page and reviews. It works alongside your invoicing software, or our free Excel template.
Do I need both kinds of software?
Not necessarily. A small shop can invoice with an Excel template and manage appointments with Garago. Shop management software becomes useful when re-entering data and tracking inventory take too much time.
Does Garago work outside Quebec?
Yes. Garago is available to auto repair shops across Canada, in English and French.
Is there free auto repair shop software?
A few shop management tools have a limited free plan. For invoicing, our Excel template is free. Garago is paid, with a 30-day free trial.
Is there a free invoice template?
Yes: our Excel template includes the written estimate, the work order and the invoice, with GST and QST calculated automatically.
How much does Garago cost?
$109.99 per month with no commitment, or $88 per month on an annual plan. The free trial lasts 30 days.
Keep your invoicing, fill your calendar
Try Garago for 30 days: online booking, a calendar on your phone, and confirmations by text or email, alongside your current software.