Repair Cost Predictor helps shops spend less time writing estimates that may not result in work. A potential customer, using their phone, can add images of their vehicle to a chat with the shop, and CCC’s AI-powered tool generates a predicted range for the cost of repair in seconds. The customer is then prompted to either get a full estimate or book a repair appointment. If the customer asks for an estimate or appointment, shops also receive these photos and the predicted range right into CCC ONE.
“My initial take is that I’m very happy with it,” Aldo Jr. said.
“One of my concerns was that the predictor would be off,” he said. “In this day and age, we are getting used to AI and new technology and how reliable it will be. I was thinking it would be on the low side for the cost predictor, but it’s actually pretty accurate. I’ve been very surprised and happy to see how accurate the predictor is.”
Customers have also been pleasantly surprised by the speed with which they can get an idea of how much a repair might cost.
“They’ve commented on how quickly they were able to get a response, which gave them some guidance,” Aldo Jr. said.
The Repair Cost Predictor allows AC Automotive to get the ball rolling on a potential repair in a relatively simple manner without tying up a staff member on writing estimates that may not go anywhere, Aldo Jr. said.
“This is just another way for us to control costs without having someone simply dedicated to writing estimates all day long,” he said. “It allows my staff to be freed up to do some other important tasks throughout the day.”
Giving customers an immediate estimate also “weeds out” those who aren’t serious about getting a safe and proper repair done on their vehicle, further saving the shop time, Aldo Jr. said.
“Once they get the lead, the ones that follow through are the ones who want their cars back to OEM specifications,” he said. “The ones looking to cut corners usually won’t follow through after the cost predictor.”
After participating in the test, Aldo Jr. said his shop’s two locations would absolutely continue using the Repair Cost Predictor.
“A customer calls, we can offer the feature and get the process going. People are used to instant gratification, so if you’re not immediate, you’re behind,” he said.
CCC Intelligent Solutions
877-208-6155
www.cccis.com
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LinkedIn: @ccc-intelligent-solutions
To read more auto body shop profiles in the October 2023 Shop and Product Showcase, click here.
Abby Andrews