Best Practices for Creating Estimates

Think of how long it takes you to play phone tag with your customer to explain to them that their brake pads are due to be replaced, not to mention what happens when customers misunderstand the cost of the repair they said yes to... Now imagine sending them this estimate instead!

When used effectively, our estimates can speed up approvals, boost customer satisfaction, and drive revenue. This article explores key best practices for using estimates and highlights why they’re essential to your success.

Why Kimoby estimates are so important

Instead of calling customers for authorization, advisors can create and send a clear, detailed estimate through Kimoby, allowing customers to review and approve work instantly. This is a great way to accelerate approvals for additional work in a simplified way.

• More streamlined for customers. Estimates sent through Kimoby are more visually appealing and user-friendly, making it easier for customers to understand. A polished presentation can make all the difference in securing approvals faster.
  
  
• Faster approvals, less waiting. On average, estimates sent to customers through Kimoby are approved in just 5 to 20 minutes. Say goodbye to chasing customers for approvals!
  
  
• Individual estimates lines. Your customers can approve individual estimate lines directly on their phones—it’s convenient and less intimidating for customers.
  
  
   
• Import op codes. If your plan allows, you can import a list of op codes, including parts and pricing. This will make your estimates more accurate and easier to fill out. Detailed estimates with cost breakdowns show transparency with customers and increase the likelihood of an approval. Click here to learn more about managing your op codes.
  
  

Estimates Tips

Learn how to make the most of your estimates to save time and increase approvals. Here are some pro tips on how you can use estimates to its full potential:

• Give customers the Affirm option. If Kimoby Pay is set up on your account, your customer will have the option to check if they qualify for financing on the estimate you sent them. Offering financing, especially when it comes to higher-cost estimates where upfront expenses might be a deal-breaker, can greatly increase approval rates.
  
  Click here for more information about Affirm financing.
  
  
• Make use of MPI findings. Multi-point inspections can be completed directly within Kimoby, with results seamlessly available while building your estimate. Instead of switching between the MPI and the estimate, you can save time by turning inspection findings into jobs right within your estimate.
  
  

• Create estimates directly within Repair Orders. While you can create estimates separate from Repair Orders in Kimoby, it is best to create them directly within the RO itself, so that all the information is in one place. That way, if a technician uploads a walkaround video to the RO, you can easily add it directly to the estimate.
  
  
  
• Add media to individual jobs. In addition to the walkaround video, we recommend adding additional pieces of media to individual estimate jobs. This is a great way to show the customer why they should approve a job. For example, if the estimate contains a brake job, consider adding an image of their worn brake pads/discs.
  
  

• Use the Declined filter for following up on declined work. You can filter your estimates to show only declined work, then export the data to your email. This can help you create a campaign to follow up with customers about declined work.