Quantcast
Jump to content

MaxxTraxx Pro - Anybody Using it? - Pros and Cons

Marksas
 Share

Recommended Posts

Marksas Enthusiast

Marksas

Posted
Posted

We have been a long time user of RO Writer (10+ years) but feel it is somewhat behind the times when it come to features. We are also using AutoVitals on top of it which we absolutely love. We have been using it for a little over 2 years. Along with that we are using The Back Office for our Quickbooks interrogation. We also use an outside payroll processor to handle all benefits, payroll and retirement. I used to handle all this through Quickbooks and chose to outsource a couple of years ago to reduce some of the administrative burdens of dealing with healthcare, 401K etc..

 

Based upon my managers and AutoVitals conversations, ROWriter is becoming difficult to work with regarding the latest updates.

I am really looking for a fully integrated product, preferably web-based solution. We are currently evaluating a demo version of MaxxTraxx. I really want something I can look at remotely without having to dial into the onsite server. I am a hands off owner and don't get involved in day to day operations but I look at numbers and stats daily. It also needs to support multiple locations.

 

Any input or recommendations would be appreciated. We are not taking this lightly as we know its a lot of work to convert as we just went through this last year in our bodyshop.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites









mmotley Proficient

mmotley

Posted
Posted

I'd also be interested in hearing feedback about this software. I have no complaints about Mitchell really, but MaxxTraxx looks more affordable and has some nice features built in that Mitchell has really drug their feet on.

 

Mark, did you look at bolt on technologies at all before you signed up with AutoVitals?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
UsedTireShop Collaborator

UsedTireShop

Posted
Posted

I am actually still paying Scott Systems for Maxx Traxx so I can have access to my old records.

 

Pros: Great company, Awesome people and great customer service.

 

Cons:
1. Kinda klunky getting around. Takes to long to get the story of the customer. Allot of clicking.

2. Hard for new people to learn although they have great training videos.

3. Not sure if it is a good thing that they have accounting built in. I had issues in the past.

4. You can not add parts without a labor line. This sounds petty but, as you may soon find out, it is aggravating.

5. Since it is cloud it is very hard to have your history if you choose to leave them.

6. Not totally sure one this one but I do not believe they work with Bolt On.

7. Big one here... Unless they recently added it, they do not supply a labor guide. I use to have to pay AllData for real time labor.

 

Feel free to contact me with any Maxx questions. I used it for 1.5 years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Marksas Enthusiast

Marksas

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'd also be interested in hearing feedback about this software. I have no complaints about Mitchell really, but MaxxTraxx looks more affordable and has some nice features built in that Mitchell has really drug their feet on.

 

Mark, did you look at bolt on technologies at all before you signed up with AutoVitals?

I briefly considered bolt on but became sold on AutoVitals after spending time at a shop that was using AutoVitals. Once I saw that it would meet our needs and looked at the cost of it, I just paid for the whole year. We've been very happy with it and they have been very responsive to any issues we have had. We spent some time with some other users in the past year and started using even more of the features. In my opinion it's a great tool and very reasonable.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Marksas Enthusiast

Marksas

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I do have some concerns about an integrated package as usually one or the other suffers. I have a hard time even considering Mitchell since we ran their management system in our collision shop and the customer service was bad and the software wasn't really that good.

I don't have a problem using gotomypc.com but it's another monthly cost that must be factored in.

That's some great feedback regarding the pros and cons. Something we will be investigating further.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted (edited)

Markas said:

Based upon my managers and AutoVitals conversations, ROWriter is becoming difficult to work with regarding the latest updates.

Can I ask you to clarify this? Are you saying that ROWriter is getting nasty because they have a competing tablet offering and see AutoVitals as a competitor? I just demo'd AutoVitals yesterday and one of my concerns was the complexity of using 2 systems and the confusion that it might bring. What sold you on their overlay system? Interesting that of the two, you're more willing to toss ROWriter. It sounds like I'm looking for the same system that you want.

 

 

 

UsedTireShop said:
About AutoVitals. MINUS 5 Stars. I paid them $1,400 set up fee bought Ipads and after 6 months I decided to leave them. They are suing me for the remainder of the contact. BAD BUSINESS!!! I will NEVER go back to them.

 

Do yourself a favor and get Mitchell, Bolt-on and GoToMyPc.com. The only grief I have with Mitchell ( and I will be posting more about) is the short Notes field.

I failed to ask AutoVitals if they had a contract period. What is the length of your contract? May I ask why you abandoned AutoVitals? You saw value initially, but in practice it didn't pan out.

 

I recently talked to ROWriter and they want to lock me into a 3 year contract, which made me nervous. The ROWriter sales lady was a bit pushy and upset at the world the day I talked to her. She's not called back and I've not called in either. I just started looking at MaxxTraxx today, but didn't realize that their software was cloud based.

 

Edited by bantar
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 years later...
Grace Automotive Rookie

Grace Automotive

Posted
Posted

I know this is an old thread, but the information in here regarding Maxx Traxx is also old. 

They're constantly improving the product, and most of the things UsedTireShop complained about have been addressed...except they still do not have their own labor rate guide. 

I subscribe to Mitchell ProDemand for labor rates, specs, Labor Manuals, Wiring diagrams, etc....but Maxx Traxx does everything else for me.

The cost of ProDemand and Maxx Traxx combined is still less than using the full Mitchell suite for an SMS, and much more full featured.

It takes care of all of my accounting, book keeping, payroll, inventory, quotes, invoices, CRM, appointments, digital inspections, etc....

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      Want to End Your Technician Shortage? Focus on Retention!
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      What Are Your Top Ways to Attract and Retain Auto Technicians?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, Technician Find Building the dream team in the automotive industry goes beyond hiring technicians—it's about creating a culture that fosters growth, respect, and development. Join our panel of shop owners as they share their experiences and strategies in building an outstanding team. Topics include the significance of culture, passive and active recruiting, development through apprenticeship and training programs, and retention strategies like understanding employees' goals, compensation, and creating an enjoyable work environment. Want to learn more? Join Chris Lawson's 'Repair Shop Growth Systems Live 2024' May 31st - June 2nd in Mt. Arlington, NJ. https://www.repairshopgrowthsystems.com/ Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com. Chris’ previous episodes HERE Shawn Gilfillan, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE Russell Crosby, Russ’s Wrench Auto Repair, Clinton, NJ. Russ’s previous episodes HERE Rob Morrison, Morrison's Auto Rite, Jamaica Plain, MA Roy Niemi, A & D Auto & Body Repair, Haslett, MI Show Notes
      Repair Shop Growth Systems Live 2024, May 31st - June 2nd, Mt Arlington, NJ: https://www.repairshopgrowthsystems.com Attracting Employees (00:00:01) Discussion on strategies and stories for attracting skilled technicians and employees to automotive repair shops. Upcoming Summit (00:01:11) Introduction of a summit focused on attracting, growing, and retaining employees in the automotive repair industry. https://www.repairshopgrowthsystems.com/ Personal Stories of Attraction (00:02:26) Shop owners share personal stories and strategies for attracting and hiring employees, including promoting unique employee benefits and culture. Writing Attractive Job Ads (00:10:03) Discussion on the importance of highlighting ongoing training and development opportunities in job ads to attract skilled technicians. Employee-Centric Job Ads (00:14:31) Highlighting the core elements that technicians look for in job opportunities, including compensation, growth opportunities, and respect for work-life balance. Creating an Apprentice Program (00:16:21) Establishing in-house mechanic apprentice program with local institutions and colleges to attract and develop young technicians. Focusing on Personal Growth (00:17:09) Prioritizing individual growth and ambitions, not just automotive knowledge, to attract and retain young staff. Hiring and Fostering Culture (00:18:09) Emphasizing the importance of hiring and fostering culture through team involvement in the hiring process and internal recommendations. Attracting and Retaining Talent (00:19:43) Introducing TechnicianFind.com as a solution for finding skilled automotive technicians and retaining a strong team. Recruitment Strategies (00:21:05) Recruiting individuals with strong work ethic and potential, focusing on personal and professional development, and utilizing mentorship programs. Building a Candidate Bench (00:24:17) Emphasizing the importance of keeping and organizing job applications to build a candidate bench for future hiring needs. Engaging Families and Open Communication (00:29:00) Involving employees' families in company activities, promoting honesty and open communication, and addressing personal well-being through a life coach. Listening and Individual Management (00:31:14) Highlighting the importance of active listening, intuition, and individualized management to improve employee retention. Attracting and Retaining Employees (00:31:57) Strategies for supporting employees' financial well-being and making work enjoyable. Creating a Fun Work Environment (00:32:37) Implementing games, profit-sharing, and unique incentives to make work enjoyable. Recruiting and Developing Future Technicians (00:35:40) Strategies for attracting potential superstars from marginal shops and nurturing talent. Employee Compensation and Long-Term Care (00:40:33) Ensuring fair compensation and care for long-term employees to retain talent. Profit Sharing and Business Understanding (00:45:33) Educating employees about profit sharing and the mechanical perspective of business operations.
      Thanks to our Partner, Technician Find If you are tired of struggling to find skilled automotive technicians for your independent auto repair shop, say goodbye to the endless search and let Technician Find be your solution. We are a 'Single Stop To Staff Your Shop.' http://www.technicianfind.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on (X) Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Joe Marconi
      Are Your Using Multi Tier Labor Rates?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Using Dealership Weakness to Build a Strong Auto Repair Shop - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
       
      In this podcast episode, Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching examines the JD Power 2024 US Customer Service Index Study. He offers strategies for auto repair shops to outperform dealerships by focusing on immediate service, convenience, and the smart use of technology. Cotton emphasizes the need for shops to educate customers and offer value through quality service rather than just competing on price. He advises shops to enhance their online presence and local advertising to attract customers. The episode is a guide for auto repair businesses to improve service and capitalize on dealership shortcomings to gain customer loyalty.
      The JD Power 2024 US Customer Service Index Study (00:01:10) Insights from the study on dealership customer service, wait times, and technician retention.
      Dealership Wait Times and Technician Retention (00:02:14) Discussion on the impact of wait times, technician retention, and the influence on customer satisfaction.
      Customer Preferences and Technology (00:06:25) Customer preferences for immediate service, convenience, and the importance of technology in service updates.
      Rising Costs and Customer Satisfaction (00:09:02) Increase in the average amount spent on dealer visits, the impact of inflation, and customer satisfaction.
      Adapting to Market Landscape (00:13:18) The need to embrace technology, improve communication, and address wait times and cost concerns.
      Advertising Strategies for Auto Repair Shops (00:14:22) Tactical approaches to leverage speed, convenience, technology, cost-effectiveness, education, and tailored promotions in advertising.
      Implementing the Marketing Strategy (00:19:05) Guidance on assessing current advertising channels, revamping content, and staying responsive to market changes.
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Top Ten Canva Tips from The Pros [E094] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      By carmcapriotto
      Top tier shops want to have personalized marketing but often don’t know how to take the photo from their camera roll and convert it into a graphic for social media that’s pleasant and professional. In this episode, Kim Walker shares top tips from the pros on how to efficiently and effectively use the widely popular tool Canva for creating eye catching graphics.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Show Notes
      Canva: what it is, why you need it, how to find it, who uses it
      April 2, 2024 at 12pm in our FB Group
      Keep it simple. Less is more. Be consistent! Maintain branding: company colors, fonts, logos, tone. Keep your posts personal! Use YOUR own photos.  Create the “brand kit” in Canva. A place to store your logo, select the fonts, colors.  Stay organized. Create folders.  Save your designs in calendar order to make scheduling more efficient. (Be sure to lock designs so moving things around is easier). Use grid-view to get a birds-eye view and ensure branding consistency and that your designs are pleasing to the eye Use moving elements and animations to help create eye-catching graphics. Use templates for things like birthdays, anniversaries, and hiring to save time. Create a few for each to keep them interesting. Explore and don’t be afraid of Canva’s AI like Magic Media to create fun new photos and videos Create a “Mood Board”  - a collection of images, textures, typography, color palettes and description words - or an ‘inspiration board’ to help when the ideas are just not there.  Canva Design School  
      How To Get In Touch
       
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
       
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
       
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Canva - Mood Boards  
       
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 554 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    0 comments 771 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 650 views

  • Our Sponsors










Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...