Switching garage software

When to switch

Common triggers: rising costs, credit charges that keep growing, features you're paying for but not using, a system that's too complex for your team, or no online booking when customers increasingly expect it.

Before you switch

1. Export your data: customer records, vehicle history, outstanding invoices. Ask your current provider what export formats they support (CSV, Excel, PDF).
2. Check contract terms: some providers have notice periods or early termination fees. Know what you owe before committing to a new system.
3. List your must-haves: what do you use daily? Diary, job cards, invoicing, DVLA, parts ordering, SMS? Don't pay for features you won't use.
4. Ask about data migration: does the new provider help import your customer and vehicle data? Garegi offers free data migration where compatible formats exist.

The switch itself

1. Overlap period: run both systems for a week or two if possible. Complete existing jobs in the old system; start new jobs in the new one.
2. Import historical data: customer names, vehicle regs, phone numbers and email addresses at minimum. Full job history is ideal but not always possible.
3. Set up your diary: technicians, bays, working hours, service types.
4. Configure integrations: accounting export, payment processing, parts ordering.
5. Train your team: even one 30-minute walkthrough reduces confusion dramatically.

What to ask a new provider

• Is there a setup fee? (Garegi: no)
• Is there a contract or notice period? (Garegi: cancel monthly)
• Are there per-user charges? (Garegi: no)
• Are there credit charges for SMS, DVLA, etc.? (Garegi: no. 300 SMS and DVLA lookups included)
• Do you help with data migration? (Garegi: yes, free where compatible)
• Is a booking website included? (Garegi: yes)

Information checked 19 August 2026.

Common concerns

"I'll lose my customer data." Most systems can export to CSV. Even if the new system can't auto-import everything, customer names, phone numbers and vehicle regs can usually be mapped across.

"My team won't like it." Change is always uncomfortable, but simpler systems are usually adopted faster. Ask your team what they find frustrating about the current system; the new one should fix those pain points.

"I'm locked in." Check your contract. If you're on a rolling monthly plan, you can switch with one month's notice. Some providers have annual contracts; wait for the renewal date.