Wash Doctors, the UK’s leading mobile car care provider, has today launched ‘Automate’, a booking and scheduling platform for car care professionals. This game-changing technology is designed to help mobile car washers, valeters, detailers and smart repair professionals transition into the digital world, giving them the ability to efficiently and profitably manage their day-to-day bookings and operations, while also simplifying the booking process for new and existing customers.

The pandemic has accelerated the digitalisation of the high-street, and the car care industry is no different. The mobile car care industry has exploded over the past year, with Wash Doctors experiencing 200% increase in demand for their services. The growth of this sector is set to continue as the predicted Covid-induced car ownership boom takes shape… 78% of respondents in an Ernst and Young survey indicated that they are more likely to use a car for travel in a post-pandemic world.

Despite the growth in this sector, many smaller businesses operate inefficiently, as they cannot afford to digitalise and develop software of their own. Wash Doctors’ recent research found that 79% of the mobile car care industry manage their bookings with pen and paper and are unable to capture those customers wanting to book services outside usual operating hours, while 65% of the entire car care industry still operate offline. 

With Automate now on the scene, companies are able to streamline their operations, minimise wasted time and maximise earning potential. The software offers car care professionals a full suite of services which enables them to scale and rapidly grow their business. With this technology, they can conveniently manage appointment bookings, point-of-sale, customer records, inventory and financial reporting. Automate also gives businesses a user-friendly digital presence which simplifies the booking process to help maintain and attract new customers.

WashDoctors and Automate Founder, Will Mapstone commented: “Automate is a game-changing investment for any car care professional looking to optimise and scale their business in an efficient and profitable way. Our software enables businesses to streamline their operations and take the day to day hassle out of running a business. We’re giving back time so car care professionals can focus on what really matters, and at the same time empowering local entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level.” 

Mapstone continued: “A growing number of consumers expect to be able to book services online and this trend will continue to increase as younger, tech-savvy clients take over the market. Some 41% of online bookings are made outside of normal business hours, so it’s vital that companies have a way of meeting this demand.”

Automate is a SaaS designed platform, which will initially be available for mobile car care professionals and will then be rolled out to static car workshops across the UK in the next two months. Businesses pay a small subscription fee for the technology, and are guaranteed big rewards. Those who adopt the Automate software will also have access to the Wash Doctors marketplace, enabling them to expand their existing client base. They will also automatically join the Wash Doctors Academy where they can benefit from expert tips from industry professionals looking at how to successfully build and grow businesses in this sector.