Quantcast
Jump to content

Do yourselves a favor and NEVER sign up with Mitchell


Recommended Posts

I absolutely can't stand that company. They are the leader in the market (auto repair shop management software) and arguably the biggest company however move at a snail's pace when it comes to making any sort of productivity or efficiency changes. They know they have a lock on their subscribers so they are just milking the cows for all they are worth. Even through that annoyance the most annoying thing is their billing department. I have heard horror stories from others but from my experience they are absolutely garbage. I had a QB integrator on the account that I had tried to cancel multiple times. I kept on getting billed for it even though it showed in their records that I had cancelled months prior. 

I can't wait to move on from these turds.

 

/end rant

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



We just signed with them. I'd really like some more information on what to watch out for. We looked as a bunch of other systems and I thought this would be good. Is it not?

 

So far I have only gotten the software. What I've found is it comes preloaded with all the stuff you aren't using, and then it runs all those additions in the background and causes the computer to absolutely crawl. (I have to close all those background processes manually.) I have a brand new, custom built top of the line desktop with nothing on it. It should be blazing fast. I couldn't imagine this as an upgrade on an older system.

 

Sent from my LGLS992 using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have been using Mitchell TeamWorks for about 2 years now. And I have absolutely no complaint. I feel some of their add-on service are a little bit expensive. But I'm happy with everything I have. Definitely cheaper than RO writer and AllData Manage


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you want to be an advanced user the program is absolutely horrible. There are definitely highlights to it however there are so many holes. But regardless of functionality the company itself are a bunch of crooks. I can't wait til the R+W Conference because whoever is repping Mitchell is going to get a piece of my mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, mmotley said:

I hear a lot of complaints and I agree that Mitchell has room to improve, but is there any alternative software that anyone recommends?

I'll be using Protractor for the new shops and will convert the original store after I have a good familiarity with the program. Its awesome. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, mspecperformance said:

I'll be using Protractor for the new shops and will convert the original store after I have a good familiarity with the program. Its awesome. 

I would love to hear your feedback on protractor once you get it up and running. I've heard good things about it

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been using Mitchell for 3 years and no complaints. I call the help desk about once a month to figure stuff out and they are great.

The only thing I don't like is they don't train you on how to use the system. The want you to watch videos. For the money I am spending I would think they could come out and train shops.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been using BayMaster shop management software for over six years and I only have good things to say about them. Their support staff is excellent, the program more than meets my needs and it is affordable. They are very receptive to our needs and will listen to suggestions or ideas and implement changes when possible. From my expieriance Mitchell would never take the time to review a suggestion or make a change based on my input. I do use Mitchell Pro Demand information system which for the most part is very good. Over the years I have sent Mitchell numerous messages from within their own program concerning observed mistakes in Pro Demand information or with questions concerning Pro Demand content but they NEVER respond. It is for that reason that I have always been happy that I chose BayMaster over Mitchell for shop management. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree. I switched from Mitchell to Protractor in November 2015. I love the time clock, parts integration and the accounting all together. We never tracked the parts returns until Protractor, 2nd week I had it a supplier transposed a number and could have cost me $50 on the return, we caught it right away. That would add up over the years. I never tried the Mitchell integrator with quick books, everyone I asked told me it wasn't worth the money and didn't do as much as they wanted. Reporting in protractor is cool, I need more education on excel but will get there. I miss copy and paste and being able to build 3 or 4 estimates that way. I will not go back. Mitchell Enterprise is exactly the same, different people on the support end though FYI. We started the visual inspection integration with Autoserve1 September will be the first month, last week seemed promising from the feedback we received from the few we did a trial on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I am still in dispute with them over 8 months they charged me for QB integrator for $39 per month. These A-holes even say, "OH... I see that you did cancel but I don't know why you are continuing to be charged..." I am making it my life's mission to convert any shop friends from them. Protractor has been awesome so far at one of our other stores. I can't wait to convert my original store over. I'm going to give these idiots an earful at the RW Conference thats for sure. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, mspecperformance said:

I am still in dispute with them over 8 months they charged me for QB integrator for $39 per month. These A-holes even say, "OH... I see that you did cancel but I don't know why you are continuing to be charged..." I am making it my life's mission to convert any shop friends from them. Protractor has been awesome so far at one of our other stores. I can't wait to convert my original store over. I'm going to give these idiots an earful at the RW Conference thats for sure. 

Adam, have you tried calling Back Office about this? That's probably who you should talk to I think

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've heard from one local auto shop owner who uses Mitchell that the Snap-on version of Mitchell, ShopKey Management , has much better support. Can anyone confirm this?

He also said the agreement between Mitchell and Snap-on makes it almost impossible for him to switch to ShopKey.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were promised the rainbow when switching to Mitchell.  We were very specific and some areas we had questions about and were told that they could handle that aspect of what we were looking for.  The guy that came to install the software was a joke.  Knew nothing about computers or how to use the software.  After 2 months of getting information transferred from Quickbooks to get ready to go live..... we jumped in both feet and went live.  Ha.  2 weeks later I quit and walked out of the shop. (I'm the owner's wife and bookkeeper and resident IT person).  I was told over and over by tech support "you can't do that with our software".  It became "stump the dummies" whenever I called them. I think there is a note on our file that I'm the crabby b!tc# when I call. The original integrator was a joke.  We now use The Back Office for Quickbooks integration and it works wonderfully!  When we opened our second shop, the representative that came and installed the software was great and gave a short training and was helpful, it was night and day.  Over a year later and we are still learning how to use the software.   //Rant over**

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I signed up for a trial last fall - Shopkey/ProDemand. I use All Data and Identifix also so there was duplication. My CRM and POS software handles my scheduling, inventory, time-clock, and SMS messaging and works great. I cancelled by phone per their instructions. They give me one more month to try it based on my concerns and reasons for cancelling. Now they say the extra month voided out the opt-out option and after four months of nothing they start billing me again. Never explained to me that way or I would have refused the extra month and continued with the original cancellation. I called today and like Xrac detailed, you get nowhere. I'm now sending a letter and will hire an attorney hoping they allow me to cancel without dinging my credit. That's my concern. It's an 'ok' product but nothing more. Their sales tactics are just like software companies of the 1990's and early 2000's. Get a customer excited, make promises, give them an 'out', but then hold them to the contract as if the 'out' really wasn't viable. It's not a huge sum of money but on principle they're not getting away with it if I can avoid it. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Here is a preposterous suggestion for those who have billing issues with Mitchell that they won't correct.  I say it's preposterous because it involves something so many small business owners think has no use, no value and is onerous.  Try utilizing the government.  Yes, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help.  I know, you're told by your favorite radio talk show "Entertainers" that the government is evil, no good and useless.  But it's really there to help in many instances and this could be one of them.  I had a fight with AT&T Yellow Pages over an ad that I specifically told them I did not approve.  They hounded me for a year after they published the ad that I told them I did not approve and then sent the file to a collection agency.  After fighting with the collection agency where they would provide NO documentation I told them to stop calling me.  They then started emailing me and sending threatening letters.  I contacted the CFPB and the last correspondence I received from the law offices that were the collection agency was that they understood I wanted the to stop contacting me.  Well DUH!  They then sold the file to a new collection agency and the process started all over again.  That is until I informed the new firm of the CFPB complaint and that unless they could provide proof where I agreed to the ad that I explicitly did not approve, then they would be reported to.  So give it a try, the government will work for you, if you ask it to.  Of course, in certain partisan circles it's just more fun to complain.  As for the issues with Mitchell and the billing, thankfully I never fell prey to their schemes.  The first and biggest red flag was having to sign a two year contract.  If they demand you sign a contract that is the first indication that they will NOT be concerned with solving your problems.  Why should they?  You can't stop paying for the service you aren't getting. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 years later...
On 8/27/2017 at 5:33 PM, JimO said:

I have been using BayMaster shop management software for over six years and I only have good things to say about them. Their support staff is excellent, the program more than meets my needs and it is affordable. They are very receptive to our needs and will listen to suggestions or ideas and implement changes when possible. From my expieriance Mitchell would never take the time to review a suggestion or make a change based on my input. I do use Mitchell Pro Demand information system which for the most part is very good. Over the years I have sent Mitchell numerous messages from within their own program concerning observed mistakes in Pro Demand information or with questions concerning Pro Demand content but they NEVER respond. It is for that reason that I have always been happy that I chose BayMaster over Mitchell for shop management. 

I have been with BayMaster since it was a DOS program!!! Amazing support, has stayed current with integration, texting, emails and postcard marketing. Wish they had better tutorials on their advanced features but I know that they are working on it! Great team, especially Tina!    

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
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         3 comments
      Got your attention? Good. The truth is, there is no such thing as the perfect technician pay plan. There are countless ways to create any pay plan. I’ve heard all the claims and opinions, and to be honest, it’s getting a little frustrating. Claims that an hourly paid pay plan cannot motivate. That flat rate is the only way to truly get the most production from your technicians. And then there’s the hybrid performance-based pay plan that many claim is the best.
      At a recent industry event, a shop owner from the Midwest boasted about his flat-rate techs and insisted that this pay plan should be adopted by all shops across the country. When I informed him that in states like New York, you cannot pay flat-rate, he was shocked. “Then how do you motivate your techs” he asked me.
      I remember the day in 1986 when I hired the best technician who ever worked for me in my 41 years as an automotive shop owner. We’ll call him Hal. When Hal reviewed my pay plan for him, and the incentive bonus document, he stared at it for a minute, looked up, and said, “Joe, this looks good, but here’s what I want.” He then wrote on top of the document the weekly salary he wanted. It was a BIG number. He went on to say, “Joe, I need to take home a certain amount of money. I have a home, a wife, two kids, and my Harly Davidson. I will work hard and produce for you. I don’t need an incentive bonus to do my work.” And he did, for the next 30 years, until the day he retired.
      Everyone is entitled to their opinion. So, here’s mine. Money is a motivator, but not the only motivator, and not the best motivator either. We have all heard this scenario, “She quit ABC Auto Center, to get a job at XYZ Auto Repair, and she’s making less money now at XYZ!” We all know that people don’t leave companies, they leave the people they work for or work with.
      With all this said, I do believe that an incentive-based pay plan can work. However, I also believe that a technician must be paid a very good base wage that is commensurate with their ability, experience, and certifications. I also believe that in addition to money, there needs to be a great benefits package. But the icing on the cake in any pay plan is the culture, mission, and vision of the company, which takes strong leadership. And let’s not forget that motivation also comes from praise, recognition, respect, and when technicians know that their work matters.
      Rather than looking for that elusive perfect pay plan, sit down with your technician. Find out what motivates them. What their goals are. Why do they get out of bed in the morning? When you tie their goals with your goals, you will have one powerful pay plan.
  • Similar Topics

    • 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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Recorded Live at MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) 2024 Training Event & Trade Show, Adam Kimmel discusses the refrigerant and thermal management industry. He highlights the significance of air conditioning technology in vehicles, the essential use of fluorine in refrigerants, and the evolution of refrigerants for environmental safety. Adam Kimmel, Koura, [email protected] Show Notes
      The importance of air conditioning (00:00:01) Discussing the significance of air conditioning in vehicles and homes and the commitment of industry professionals. Understanding fluorine in refrigerants (00:01:53) Evolution of refrigerants (00:05:16) Future challenges and developments (00:10:19) Regulations and alternatives (00:14:18) Safety and handling precautions (00:16:10) Engineer training and transparency (00:17:11) Understanding refrigerant nomenclature (00:19:47) Efficiency and GWP (00:25:38) Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.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 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
    • By carmcapriotto
      Matt Fanslow explores the analogy between running a repair shop and the world of dating. He shares insights on first impressions, trust-building, and the value of substance over style in both customer relationships and shop management. Matt emphasizes the need for repair shops to maintain high standards of service and to view customer feedback as opportunities for growth.
      Show Notes
      Dating in Modern Times (00:01:15) Comparison of modern dating to historical dating and personal experiences with initial interactions. Physical Attractiveness and Shop Appearance (00:02:25) Reflections on interactions with physically attractive individuals, similar to the importance of a shop's appearance. Importance of Customer Reviews (00:04:54) Discussion on the significance of customer reviews, the impact of negative reviews, and the importance of backing up a shop's exterior with quality service. NAPA Auto Tech Training Sponsorship (00:11:34) Information about NAPA Auto Tech Training and its benefits for technicians and shop profitability. Constant Improvement in Customer and Employee Interactions (00:13:42) Emphasis on the importance of constant improvement in customer interactions and the parallels with employee relationships. Long-Term Relationships and Continued Accreditation (00:17:06) Discussion on the importance of continued accreditation and constant improvement to maintain long-term relationships with customers and employees. Shop Relationship Parallels (00:18:13) Drawing parallels between shop hiring and dating, emphasizing the importance of attracting and maintaining long-term relationships with employees. Attracting Talent (00:19:16) Encouraging self-reflection on what attracts and separates a shop from competitors, and the importance of perpetuating long-term relationships with employees. Promoting Training (00:20:20) Advocating for the importance of training.  
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com
       
      Email Matt: [email protected]
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE
      Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      One of the most misunderstood types of marketing is geofencing. People often don’t know what it is, but they know they want it. It’s new, it’s sexy, it’s cool. But what is it? And will it work for an auto repair shop? Join Brian as he interviews Mary Ann Pruitt from Mosaic.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      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]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • 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 episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses auto repair business owners, focusing on revitalizing February's sluggish pace. He emphasizes the power of a goal-oriented mindset, offering actionable advice on setting objectives and adopting proactive strategies. Cotton's insights aim to help listeners transform typically slow periods into opportunities for profit and success, underscoring the significance of attitude and planning in business.
       
      The importance of mindset (00:00:04) Discussion on the significance of a goal-driven mindset to turn February around for auto repair business owners.
       
      Challenging the negative mindset (00:02:23) Encouraging shop owners to shift from a negative mindset about February and its impact on business performance.
       
      Analyzing February sales data (00:04:30) Reviewing sales data from February and questioning the mindset of shop owners who did not experience significant growth.
       
      Preparing for slow periods (00:08:05) Emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and preparation for slow months, such as February, to achieve success.
       
      Overcoming negative mindset trap (00:09:07) Discussing the negative mindset trap and how it affects the performance and attitude of the team.
       
      Adopting a positive mindset (00:10:16) Exploring the power of a positive mindset and proactive approach to transform slow periods into successful and profitable times.
       
      Setting ambitious goals (00:11:11) Encouraging shop owners to set ambitious but achievable goals and involve the team in brainstorming strategies to attract more business.
       
      Reinforcing the impact of mindset and goals (00:13:20) Highlighting the impact of mindset and goal setting on team performance and attitude, and its role in breaking the cycle of slow periods.
       
      Driving the shop to new heights (00:15:34) Empowering shop owners to use their mindset and leadership to transform challenges into opportunities and drive their shop to new heights.
       
      Coach Chris Cotton', '00:02:23', "I heard it like, 'Oh woe is me, February sucks, January sucks, it's always going to suck and there's nothing we can do about it.'" 'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:03:24', "If you tell all the employees, 'Hey, this is going to be the best month ever,' and you put your efforts towards that, then guess what? It will be the best month ever." 'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:09:07', "What would $25,000 have done for your shop? What would $50,000 have done for your shop in January, February, March moving forward?"
       
      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


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...