Systems and methods for management of automotive services

Abstract

An automotive service system and associated methods for facilitating communication between an automotive service shop and its customers are described. According to some aspects, the automotive service system may send a customer access to an inspection video including a demonstration in which one or more components of the customer's vehicle are shown and a recommendation for an automotive service involving the one or more components is given. In some embodiments, the automotive service system may include various modules that provide different functions to the customer, such as allowing a customer to: self-diagnose issues with the vehicle, book an appointment at an automotive repair shop, receive service recommendations and quotes, receive financing options, and/or receive appraisal options.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A computer-implemented method of providing automotive repair services to a customer, the method comprising:
 sending a communication to the customer, wherein the communication provides access to a video including a demonstration in which one or more components of a customer vehicle are shown and a recommendation for an automotive service involving the one or more components is given, wherein the video is displayed via an automotive service system application;   sending the customer a recommended automotive service and a cost estimate for the recommended automotive service;   receiving approval of the recommended automotive service from the customer;   sending the customer a financing option for the recommended automotive service; and   receiving approval of the financing option from the customer.   
     
     
         29 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the financing option is provided via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         30 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the financing option is provided via a second automotive service system application. 
     
     
         31 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the recommended automotive service and the cost estimate for the recommended automotive service are provided via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         32 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the recommended automotive service and the cost estimate for the recommended automotive service are provided via a second automotive service system application. 
     
     
         33 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the step of sending the communication to the customer comprises a server communicating with a customer's communication device. 
     
     
         34 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , further comprising receiving payment for the recommended automotive service. 
     
     
         35 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , further comprising receiving, via a network, confirmation that the video has been accessed by the customer. 
     
     
         36 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the step of sending the communication to the customer comprises sending the customer an SMS or MMS containing a link to the video. 
     
     
         37 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 28 , wherein the automotive service system application comprises a web-based application. 
     
     
         38 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 37 , wherein the step of sending the communication to the customer comprises sending the customer a link to the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         39 . A computer system, comprising:
 a server computer including one or more processors that are configured to:   send a communication to a customer, wherein the communication provides, via an automotive service system, access to a video including a demonstration in which one or more components of a customer vehicle are shown and a recommendation for an automotive service involving the one or more components is given;   send the customer, via the automotive service system, a recommended automotive service and a cost estimate for the recommended automotive service;   receive approval of the recommended automotive service from the customer;   send the customer, via the automotive service system application, a financing option for the recommended automotive service; and   receive approval of the financing option from the customer.   
     
     
         40 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 39 , wherein the financing option is provided via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         41 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 39 , wherein the financing option is provided via a second automotive service system application. 
     
     
         42 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 39 , wherein the recommended automotive service and the cost estimate for the recommended automotive service are provided via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         43 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 39 , wherein the recommended automotive service and the cost estimate for the recommended automotive service are provided via a second automotive service system application. 
     
     
         44 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 39 , wherein the automotive service system application comprises a web-based application. 
     
     
         45 . The computer system of  claim 39 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive confirmation that the video has been accessed by the customer. 
     
     
         46 . A computer-implemented method of providing automotive repair services to a customer, the method comprising:
 sending a communication to a customer, wherein the communication provides, via an automotive service system, access to an automotive service system application;   sending the customer, via the automotive service system application, a recommended automotive service and a cost estimate for the recommended automotive service;   sending the customer an offer to appraise a customer vehicle;   receiving an acceptance of the offer by the customer; and   notifying a sales department of the acceptance of the offer.   
     
     
         47 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 46 , wherein the step of sending the customer an offer to appraise a customer vehicle occurs via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         48 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 46 , wherein the step of sending the customer an offer to appraise a customer vehicle occurs via a second automotive service system application. 
     
     
         49 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 46 , wherein the automotive service system application comprises a web-based application. 
     
     
         50 . A computer system, comprising:
 a server computer including one or more processors that are configured to:   send a communication to a customer, wherein the communication provides, via an automotive service system, access to an automotive service system application;   send the customer, via the automotive service system application, a recommended automotive service and a cost estimate for the recommended automotive service;   send the customer an offer to appraise a customer vehicle;   receive an acceptance of the offer by the customer; and   notify a sales department of the acceptance of the offer.   
     
     
         51 . The computer system of  claim 50 , wherein the offer to appraise a customer vehicle is sent via the automotive service system application. 
     
     
         52 . The computer system of  claim 50 , wherein the offer to appraise a customer vehicle is sent via a second automotive service system application.