More than 450 mechanics signed up and a fast growing waitlist was established

Reserve with Google debuted at the 2024 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, and AutoGuru reports the level of interest and signups surpassed all expectations.
Reserve with Google has integrated with AutoGuru to provide an easy and convenient way for motorists to book local mechanics directly from Google Search and Maps online.
This is the first product to launch in a planned suite of solutions AutoGuru is developing to help mechanics better support consumers who want to book online 24/7 without having to pick up the phone.
“Over 450 workshops are now live with Reserve with Google, and we have a sizable waiting list of new to AutoGuru workshops who will be onboarding for Reserve with Google in the coming weeks,” AutoGuru Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Eden Shirley, said.
“We are so pleased we chose AAAExpo to launch Reserve with Google.
“The event was bigger than we imagined, with 400-plus incredible exhibitors and 13,000 trade visitors through the door.
“You could feel the buzz in the room with workshop owners and staff keen to hear about new products and services like Reserve with Google.
“It gave us the opportunity to speak to hundreds of workshops face to face and talk to them about their wants, needs and challenges.
“This kind of market research is so valuable during the early stages of product development and will shape the features of the solutions we develop.
“Booking technology is of keen interest to most independent repairers we spoke with, as they know consumers want it, and every booking means one less phone call.
“We had a tonne of workshop owners comment on how they love seeing the bookings come in overnight and on weekends.”

AutoGuru reports that it took the following learnings from workshops it spoke to at Expo:

1. Independent and group workshops see value in online booking systems,
2. Booking tech needs to be flexible to cater to the different needs of workshops,
3. There are use cases for both priced and unpriced booking experiences,
4. They want booking tech to integrate with Garage Management Software,
5. Flexible payment options are a must; workshops are keen to take more deposits,
6. Workshops are aware of the need for better calendars and availability, and
7. Google reviews are keenly sought after, and workshops want more control.

“The vast majority of workshops knew that online booking systems could be configured to increase Google review collection and understood that Google Reviews boost local search rankings, which was refreshing to hear,” Eden said.
Reserve with Google provides a direct booking solution for workshops from Google Search and Maps, powered by AutoGuru’s direct to workshop booking tech, BookingGuru.
Workshops don’t have to be on AutoGuru’s marketplace to activate Reserve with Google. There is a fixed monthly access fee for unlimited bookings with no commissions, and merchant service fees apply if the customer prepays online with a credit card, PayPal, or BNPL.
Reserve with Google is available to all aftermarket workshops and is not exclusive to pre-existing AutoGuru members. Workshops don’t require participation in the AutoGuru consumer marketplace or directories to activate Reserve with Google.
Workshops will require 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.
AutoGuru plans to extend its Workshop Direct Booking Technology to include booking buttons, which workshops can add to their website to enable customers to book online and on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which are key marketing channels for most workshops.
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 small and large automotive service and repair providers.

To learn more about Reserve with Google, visit www.autoguru.com.au/google