Reserve with Google and AutoGuru just made it faster and easier to book Aussie workshops online

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Reserve with Google has integrated AutoGuru’s booking engine into Google Search and Maps.
This makes it faster and easier for Aussie motorists to find and book scheduled servicing, repairs, and tyres directly from Google Search results, expanding the array of bookable services Google offers.
When given a choice, the majority of consumers choose to book accommodation, dining, and even beauty and health services online over picking up the phone.
COVID-19 significantly influenced the adoption of online purchasing and booking, particularly among millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z consumers.
Fortunately, the benefits of booking systems can be equally compelling for business owners.
Online booking systems can reduce unnecessary inbound calls asking for quotes and availability and should streamline booking reminders, rescheduling and cancellations, allowing staff to focus on service delivery and efficiency.
Another key benefit is that consumers are far more likely to give quality Google reviews if prompted digitally the day after a service than if asked to do so over the counter, requiring them to write something on the spot or remember to do so in the future.
A well-designed booking system will automate the review request process to help business owners collect more reviews faster without thinking about it.
SearchEngineLand.com says, “Google reviews can impact your local search rankings and matter significantly more than you might think. Building a strong review strategy is a crucial part of your SEO efforts that you might be overlooking.”
Search engine optimisation experts around the world consistently comment that quality Google reviews contribute to the prominence Google gives businesses in local searches and maps.
Achieving good local rankings may increase online bookings and calls, which can all be tracked and reported through a workshop’s Google Business Profile.
“We’re incredibly excited by the response we’ve received from workshops. This tech is exactly what they want and need to keep pace with tech-savvy customers.” AutoGuru Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Eden Shirley, said.

How does it work?
Reserve with Google is incredibly easy to use. Users simply click the ‘Book online’ button on participating Workshops’ Google Business Profile or the ‘Schedule’ button in Google Maps and Local Listings.
This launches a streamlined version of AutoGuru’s booking process where customers can specify their vehicle details, choose the required services, and get an instant quote from the specific workshop.
To book, they simply choose their preferred date based on the workshop’s availability and payment options, including pay on pick up, credit cards, PayPal, and buy now pay later (BNPL) providers Afterpay, humm, or Zip.

Do you have to join AutoGuru?
Reserve with Google is open to all aftermarket workshops and is NOT exclusive to pre-existing AutoGuru members.
Also, workshops don’t have to participate in the AutoGuru consumer marketplace or directories to activate Reserve with Google.
Workshops must have a Google Business Profile and set up an AutoGuru account to configure pricing, activate Reserve with Google, log in and confirm their bookings on a daily basis.

How does AutoGuru calculate quotes?
Workshops have complete control over their pricing and can set preferred labour rates and parts pricing via the AutoGuru workshop Admin.
AutoGuru partners with Autodata to access manufacturer service and repair times, which it matches with tens of thousands of parts to enable their proprietary quoting engine to quote over 2.5 million vehicle services and repairs based on each workshop’s labour rate and parts markup.
Workshops can set different labour rates for each day of the week, including Saturdays, and individual fleet clients using FleetGuru and AutoGuru.com.au, which is typically used by workshops to acquire new customers.

How much does it cost?
There are no booking fees or commissions charged by AutoGuru to use Reserve with Google, and workshops don’t need to be existing AutoGuru members to sign up. AutoGuru charges a set-up fee and ongoing subscription to participate.
If the customer chooses to pay the workshop upon completion of the service, there are no additional fees or charges. Merchant service fees apply if the customer prepays with a credit card, PayPal, Afterpay, humm or Zip.

When does Reserve with Google launch?
Since announcing Reserve with Google to existing members, AutoGuru has been inundated with enquiries and has established an activation waitlist.
The first 100 workshops launched in February as part of a beta trial, and a second tranche of up to 300 workshops are scheduled to launch in March.
“Reserve with Google will officially launch to the auto industry at the AAAExpo in April,” Eden said.
“We are exhibiting and encourage all workshops to visit our stand, meet the team, and see Reserve with Google in action. Before then, if workshops are keen to get on the waiting list, they can visit the link provided at the end of this article and pre-register.”

Looking ahead
AutoGuru says it is committed to empowering auto workshops to thrive online and plans to extend its Workshop Direct Booking Technology to social media platforms and provide booking solutions to power up a workshop’s website.
This initiative is part of AutoGuru’s broader vision to support the automotive service industry’s adaptation to the digital age, ensuring convenience and efficiency for businesses and consumers alike.
AutoGuru is an award-winning automotive services technology company that operates a retail marketplace for consumers to book car servicing and repairs and a Fleet Maintenance Portal used by some of Australia’s largest fleet operators.
More than 9,000 OEM and Aftermarket workshops process scheduled services, repairs and tyres online with AutoGuru per annum.

To learn more about Reserve with Google, visit the AutoGuru team at the AAAExpo from April 11-13 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre at Stand N02, or go to www.autoguru.com.au/google