On the heels of its release of NextGear, which untethered its popular Digital Vehicle Inspections from existing shop management software, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, a leading supplier of technology solutions for the automotive aftermarket, recently launched SecondGear. This edition adds BOLT ON’s Text To Pay functionality to the digital customer communication process for seamless payments in a manner with which ever-more drivers are comfortable – right from their cell phones.

In conjunction with SecondGear’s debut, BOLT ON also announces BOLT ON Pay, an enhancement and rebranding of the company’s Quick Charge Pro program. BOLT ON has partnered with EasyPay Finance to provide repair shops using BOLT ON products the ability to offer consumers flexible payment options to afford unexpected repair costs. BOLT ON Pay includes the Text To Pay capability and is available to all BOLT ON customer shops whether they’re using NextGear or not.

SecondGear and BOLT ON Pay are available at no additional up-front monthly subscription cost to current NextGear and Pro Pack users respectively. Third-party processing fees may apply.

“With SecondGear, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY is helping shops shift revenue into even higher gear by providing complimentary tools to best accommodate customers’ needs, whether those include paying easily and securely with a few clicks on their phone or the ability to afford necessary repairs to keep their vehicle running safely in the first place,” said Mike Risich, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s founder and CEO. “NextGear has proven popular since its launch, and this new module helps bridge the gap for shops that want to take advantage of Digital Vehicle Inspections and other valuable BOLT ON benefits.  And it can be used with any Web-enabled device, with or without a third-party management system.”

BOLT ON Pay was designed to pull all payment options under one convenient umbrella. Besides Text To Pay, shops can offer credit to vehicle owners who might not have easy access to other forms of credit but nonetheless need important repair work. Shops that choose to offer the option can present it to customers when providing the estimate, and the customer can be approved on the spot. The entire process, including completing the application, takes 20 minutes or less.

“We recognize the importance of offering consumer payment options to customers during this difficult economic period, and we are excited to combine our program with BOLT ON’s technology to create a first-class experience in the mobile environment with complete transparency for consumers,” said Paul Funchess, VP of sales and marketing for EasyPay Finance. 

Text To Pay, introduced one year ago as part of BOLT ON’s Mobile Manager Pro, simplifies and streamlines the checkout process, allowing shops to focus on what really matters – serving their customers. BOLT ON partners with many leading credit card processing companies to provide the secure option, which lets vehicle owners pay with the same convenience they’ve already embraced for reviewing and authorizing recommended service. And because BOLT ON Pay and its features are available with either NextGear or BOLT ON’s legacy product, no shop will be left out.

SecondGear augments NextGear’s suite of functions and capabilities, which include:

• Vehicle condition photographs and videos
• BOLT ON’s red/yellow/green-light vehicle health reports
• Two-way texting between customers and the shop
• Speech-to-text note taking
• Complete vehicle maintenance profiles
• Ability to clearly track progression and wear of parts over time
• Future appointment scheduling
• Cloud storage of all data, for protection and easy access
• Access to hundreds of pre-written tech notes and recommendations
• Fully customizable inspection templates
• No annual subscription fee, simply pay as you go, month-to-month

Data shows that Digital Vehicle Inspections can increase Average Repair Orders (AROs) by nearly 40 percent when vehicle owners can see and more fully understand the nature of the repair. What’s more, the two-way texting ability allows drivers to approve recommended repairs and book follow-up appointments with just a few taps on their cell phones or tablets, further increasing revenue for shops.

Aside from increased AROs, customers appreciate the transparency DVIs provide. As a result, NextGear can also help build customer trust, confidence and repeat business.

For more information or to take a test drive of SecondGear, visit the NextGear website.