Customer database/invoicing

[19Eddie82]

I own and run a mot station and vehicle repair centre and it’s been going really well since I opened 4/5 years ago, I’ve built up a great customer base and it’s growing rapidly, However In the past 6 months I’ve been forced to register for VAT and become a LTD company, most would see this as a good thing but because I work alone and have to deal with everything for ordering parts and dealing with customers to cleaning the toilet and paying bills it’s a lot more admin work that takes me away for actually fixing cars.

Now the problem I have is now that I have to charge vat a lot of newer customers are expecting a certain amount of professionalism and just me saying a job is done to a certain standard isn’t really suitable anymore and people are expecting invoices, quotes, service reports and so on, I’d also like to offer MOT and service reminders and have a database of customers with a record of jobs required and carried out.

I have no idea where to start looking but I’d like a garage management system I only need a pretty basic one, has any one got any ideas where I should start looking or does any already use one that sounds suitable?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

[Panamax]

Quickbooks
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/?&cid=ppc_G_Q...

Or if you just want to do that VAT, TaxCalc
https://www.taxcalc.com/agents-mtd-for-vat

[Triple Six]

Our accountant steered us toward Xero, we switched from Sage about 6 years ago and have no regrets. I find it much easier to use.

[voicey]

I own a specialist vehicle repair workshop and looked at many garage management software offerings when I set up. I had previously worked at other workshops so had a good idea of what I needed. I was also aware of the exorbitant costs that one could incur, especially if you wanted some customisation.

I have my own bookkeeping system so just wanted simple things like customer and vehicle records, stock control, invoicing, quotes, reports, etc. I ended using (and still do 7 years later) Onyx Garage Software. The costs are fair but what really attracted me was the fair pricing of the customisation. Most of my requests are implemented FOC in upcoming releases.

One thing you need to be aware of with Onyx is that it is run by a husband and wife team. I guess the husband is the developer and the wife front of house. But there is no telephone support number. You have to email everything in. The response time is excellent and you do get fair warning of closures due to them going on holiday. It works for me but might not work for others.

I’m happy to take a PM if you have any specific questions

[Mr Pointy]

voicey said:

One thing you need to be aware of with Onyx is that it is run by a husband and wife team. I guess the husband is the developer and the wife front of house. But there is no telephone support number. You have to email everything in. The response time is excellent and you do get fair warning of closures due to them going on holiday. It works for me but might not work for others.

That would really scare me; your business is relying on one man who doesn't even work for you. If he fell under a bus your business would not be in a good position.