How Payment Processing Systems Can Improve Auto Shop Customer Experience

Whether you are a car dealer, repair shop owner, or a mechanic, the success of your business hinges on your ability to provide a first-class experience to your customers. 

Although the direct services you furnish are crucial, you also need to give your patrons choices and flexibility when it comes to how they make their payments. The secret to your success in this regard comes from the tools contained in your point of sale system.

The advantages of taking credit cards

In an increasingly cashless society, it is more important than ever to accept credit cards at your auto business. Studies from the Federal Reserve indicate a consistent decline in cash usage for every type of transaction, small ticket as well as large. In 2021, cash was used for approximately 20% of transactions. That figure dropped to 16% in 2024.

Accepting credit cards brings a number of additional benefits to your company.

In this industry, the cost of major services or purchases can be high, particularly if you require that payments be made in one large lump sum. But when customers are allowed to transact with credit cards, they give themselves the ability to pay for expensive repairs over time. 

Moreover, you get paid faster with credit cards. And if a customer is late with their own payment,, it’s the card company, and not you who takes on the risk. 

You might even find that clients are more willing to say yes to optional or premium services when their payment experience is smooth, and gives them choice and flexibility in how they resolve the bill.

Types of auto industry payment processing

Burgeoning technologies now furnish you with a variety of choices when it comes to accepting digital payments. Whichever you choose, they can be obtained from your merchant provider, who can assist you with integrating them into your existing systems.

Countertop terminals

Countertop terminals are the most traditional option and are ideal for your shop if it has a front desk. These systems offer familiarity, security, and the ability to interface with other software packages. However, their fixed status restricts your ability to accept payments elsewhere.

Virtual terminals

A more mobile alternative is the virtual terminal. This software application is used to transform your smartphone or computer into a payment portal. 

Virtual terminals are ideal for taking payments over the phone or sending online payment links that enable customers to resolve their invoices from anywhere. Although you usually will need a strong internet connection, virtual terminals are very flexible and do not require any additional hardware.

Mobile payments

If you want to run your business on the go, mobile payments are the perfect solution. These involve attaching a card reader to your tablet or smartphone and conducting transactions via the use of payment processing software. You can take payments from anywhere.

Wireless terminals

Another choice is the wireless credit card terminal. These systems are similar to the countertop device described above except that they are portable. 

You can use them to take payments in your multi-bay shop or at multiple workstations. Although you can only operate within the range of the system’s base station, this device untethers you from the front desk and allows you to serve customers from anywhere in the shop.

ACH payments

A final option is known as Automated Clearing House or ACH payments. These are direct bank-to-bank transfers between your customer’s financial institution and yours, and are ideal for large transactions and recurring or subscription plans. 

When the right payment processing partner is chosen, ACH setup is fast and easy. You may even find that you pay less for processing high-volume payments when using this method.