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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Trackara's mobile app solution for auto repair shops

Implementation Timeline

How long does it take to get my custom app up and running?

The typical timeline from kickoff to launch is 3-4 weeks, broken down as follows:

  • Week 1: Initial consultation, branding asset collection, and app configuration
  • Week 2: System integration, service catalog setup, and initial app development
  • Week 3: App testing, refinement, and preparation for app store submission
  • Week 4: App store review process and approval

This timeline assumes prompt responses from the shop partner for required information and approvals. Some integrations may require additional time depending on your shop management system.

How much of my time will be required during the implementation process?

We've designed our implementation process to be minimally disruptive to your shop operations. Most partners spend about 3-5 hours total over the 3-4 week implementation period:

  • Initial Consultation: 30-60 minutes
  • Providing Brand Assets & Shop Information: 1-2 hours (can be delegated)
  • System Integration Support: 30-60 minutes
  • App Testing & Feedback: 1-2 hours

Our team handles all the technical work, coding, design, and app store submission process.

Can the implementation timeline be accelerated if needed?

Yes, in certain circumstances we can expedite the implementation process. Our fastest implementations have been completed in as little as 2 weeks from kickoff to app store submission.

Factors that can help accelerate your implementation:

  • Having all brand assets and content ready at kickoff
  • Using one of our standard integrations (Mitchell1, Shop-Ware, Tekmetric, etc.)
  • Quick response times for feedback and approvals
  • Selecting our standard app template without extensive customization

Please note that while we can accelerate our part of the process, app store review times (typically 3-7 days) are outside our control.

What are the key milestones in the implementation process?

Our implementation process includes the following key milestones:

  1. Kickoff Call: Initial consultation to understand your needs and collect basic information
  2. Brand & Service Setup: Configuring your app with your logo, colors, and service offerings
  3. System Integration: Connecting your app to your shop management system
  4. App Preview: First look at your custom app for review and feedback
  5. Testing Phase: Comprehensive testing of all features and workflows
  6. App Store Submission: Submitting your app to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
  7. App Approval: Final approval from app stores
  8. Launch Training: Brief training session for your team on promoting and using the app

You'll receive regular progress updates throughout the process, and we have checkpoint calls at each major milestone.

Technical Requirements

What technical skills or resources do I need to have on my team?

No technical skills are required from your team. Trackara handles all technical aspects of app development, deployment, and maintenance. You don't need:

  • Programming or coding knowledge
  • Web development experience
  • App store developer accounts
  • IT staff or dedicated technical resources

The only technical requirement is having administrator access to your shop management system to authorize our integration.

Our solution is specifically designed for shop owners who want enterprise-level technology without needing technical expertise or dedicated IT staff.

What hardware or software requirements are needed at my shop?

There are minimal hardware and software requirements for implementing Trackara:

Required:

  • An internet-connected computer or tablet for accessing the Trackara partner portal
  • A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Admin access to your shop management system

Recommended (but not required):

  • Smartphone or tablet to test your app (we can provide testing if you don't have devices)
  • Stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download speed
  • Updated shop management system (latest version recommended)

Your customers will need smartphones running iOS 12+ or Android 8+ to use your app, which covers approximately 95% of smartphones currently in use.

Do I need Apple and Google developer accounts?

No, you do not need to create or maintain Apple or Google developer accounts. Trackara handles all aspects of app store submission and maintenance using our developer accounts.

This saves you from:

  • Annual developer account fees ($99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google)
  • Complex app store submission processes
  • Technical requirements for certificates and code signing
  • App maintenance for OS updates and security patches

Your app will appear in the app stores with your shop's name and branding, while Trackara is listed as the developer.

What information and assets do I need to provide to get started?

To begin the implementation process, we'll need:

Business Information:

  • Shop name, address, phone number, and website
  • Business hours and scheduling preferences
  • Service descriptions and pricing information (if you want to display prices)
  • Administrator credentials for your shop management system (for integration)

Brand Assets:

  • Logo in high resolution (preferably vector format like .ai, .eps, or .svg)
  • Brand colors (specific hex codes if available)
  • Any photos of your shop, team, or completed work you'd like to include
  • Any existing marketing materials for reference

Don't worry if you don't have everything in perfect format. Our design team can work with what you have and help fill in any gaps.

Commission Structure

How exactly does the 5% commission model work?

Our 5% commission model is designed to align our success with yours:

  • You pay 5% commission only on revenue from new appointments booked through your mobile app
  • No commission is charged on repeat business, even if customers use the app for scheduling
  • One-time $1,000 setup fee covers development and integration, no monthly fees or hidden charges

Here's how it works in practice:

  1. A customer downloads your app and books an appointment
  2. Our system identifies if this is a new customer or new revenue
  3. After the service is complete, we calculate 5% of the revenue generated from that appointment
  4. You receive a monthly invoice for commissions due

Example: If your app generates $10,000 in new revenue in a month, your commission would be $500. The remaining revenue and all future bookings from those customers are 100% yours.

How do you determine what counts as "new" revenue?

We use a combination of methods to determine what qualifies as "new" revenue:

  • New Customers: Any customer who has not previously done business with your shop
  • Returning Customers: Previous customers who have not visited your shop in 12+ months
  • Additional Services: Existing customers purchasing services they've never had before at your shop

Our tracking is based on:

  • Customer information in your shop management system
  • Appointment history retrieved through our integration
  • App analytics that track customer journeys

We provide a detailed breakdown of commission calculations in your monthly invoice, and you can view all tracked appointments in your partner dashboard.

Are there any upfront costs or hidden fees?

There is a one-time $1,000 setup fee that covers development, deployment, and system integration. No hidden fees or monthly charges. Our current program includes:

  • $1,000 one-time setup fee covers custom development and integration
  • No monthly subscription fees
  • No ongoing app maintenance costs
  • No app store developer account fees

After setup, the only ongoing cost is the 5% commission on new revenue generated through the app. This covers:

  • Custom app development and design
  • App store submission and management
  • Ongoing updates and maintenance
  • Technical support
  • Integration with your shop management system

If your app doesn't generate new revenue, you pay nothing. This ensures we're motivated to make your app successful.

How are commissions invoiced and paid?

Our commission billing process is straightforward:

  1. Monthly Calculation: At the end of each month, we calculate commission based on new revenue generated
  2. Detailed Invoice: You receive an itemized invoice showing each new appointment and the associated revenue
  3. Payment Terms: Invoices are due within 15 days via credit card, ACH transfer, or check
  4. Online Portal: Access your invoice history, payment status, and revenue reports through your partner portal

Optional payment methods:

  • Auto-pay: Set up automatic payments from your preferred payment method
  • Quarterly Billing: Available for partners who prefer less frequent invoicing

All invoices include detailed reports showing each appointment's customer information, service details, revenue amount, and commission calculation.

App Store Approval

How does the app store approval process work?

The app store approval process involves several steps:

  1. Preparation: We prepare all required assets, screenshots, descriptions, and metadata for your app
  2. Submission: We submit your app to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
  3. Review Process: Each app store reviews your app to ensure it meets their guidelines:
    • Apple typically takes 2-4 days to review
    • Google typically takes 1-3 days to review
  4. Approval: Once approved, your app becomes available for download in each store

During the review process, app store reviewers may request clarification or changes. Trackara handles all communication with the app stores and makes any necessary adjustments.

We've submitted hundreds of apps and have a thorough understanding of app store requirements, which helps ensure a smooth approval process.

What are common reasons for app store rejection?

While our approval rate is over 98%, these are the most common reasons for initial rejection:

  • Misleading Information: Discrepancies between app functionality and description
  • Incomplete Information: Missing privacy policy or terms of service
  • Technical Issues: App crashes, broken links, or performance problems
  • Content Concerns: Inappropriate content or images
  • Design Issues: Poor user interface or user experience

Our pre-submission testing and review process addresses these common issues before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

If your app is rejected for any reason, we immediately address the issues and resubmit, typically within 24 hours. This may add a few days to the overall timeline, but it rarely causes significant delays.

Who owns my app in the app stores?

The app is published under Trackara's developer accounts, but your shop maintains ownership of:

  • Your brand identity and assets used in the app
  • Your customer data collected through the app
  • Your service information and pricing

In the app stores, your app will appear as:

  • App Name: "[Your Shop Name]" or "[Your Shop Name] Auto Service"
  • Developer: "Trackara LLC"
  • App Icon: Your shop's logo

This arrangement allows us to handle all technical aspects of app maintenance and updates while ensuring your brand is prominently featured. If our partnership ends, we can transfer customer data to you, but the app itself would be removed from the stores as it runs on our platform.

How are app store ratings and reviews handled?

App store ratings and reviews are a critical part of your app's success. Here's how we manage them:

  • Review Monitoring: We actively monitor all reviews for your app
  • Response Management: We can respond to reviews on your behalf or provide suggested responses for you to use
  • Issue Resolution: Technical issues mentioned in reviews are immediately addressed
  • Rating Prompts: The app includes strategic rating prompts at optimal moments (after successful service, etc.)

To help build positive reviews:

  • We provide in-shop promotional materials encouraging satisfied customers to rate the app
  • We implement a "feedback first" approach where negative experiences are directed to your team before prompting for public reviews
  • We maintain the app with regular updates to address any issues that might lead to negative reviews

Most Trackara-powered apps maintain a 4.7+ star rating in the app stores.

Shop System Integrations

What shop management systems do you integrate with?

Trackara offers standard integrations with the following shop management systems:

Mitchell1
Shop-Ware
Tekmetric
AutoVitals
Shopmonkey
AllData

We also offer custom integrations for many other systems, including:

  • NAPA TRACS
  • R.O. Writer
  • Protractor
  • MaxxTraxx
  • Custom or proprietary systems

Not sure if we can integrate with your system? Contact us for a free assessment. In most cases, we can build a custom integration solution for your specific needs.

How secure are your integrations with shop management systems?

Security is a top priority for all our integrations. We implement multiple layers of protection:

  • Encrypted Connections: All data transfers use TLS 1.2+ encryption
  • Secure Credential Storage: API keys and credentials are encrypted at rest using AES-256
  • Limited Access Scope: We request only the minimum necessary permissions required for app functionality
  • Regular Security Audits: Our integrations undergo quarterly security reviews
  • Compliance Standards: We adhere to SOC 2 and GDPR security principles

For system access, we use:

  • Official API integrations whenever available
  • Read-only access when possible
  • Tokenized authentication rather than storing passwords

Our integration approach has been reviewed and approved by all major shop management system providers we work with.

What happens if I change my shop management system?

If you change your shop management system, we'll help you transition smoothly:

  1. Migration Plan: We'll work with you to create a migration plan with minimal disruption
  2. New Integration: We'll set up integration with your new system
  3. Data Mapping: We'll ensure customer data and service information is properly mapped
  4. Testing Phase: We'll thoroughly test all functionality before going live

Important considerations during a system change:

  • Your customers will continue to use the same app without interruption
  • The transition typically takes 5-7 business days to complete
  • There is no additional cost for standard integrations
  • Custom integrations for less common systems may incur a one-time development fee

We recommend notifying us at least 30 days before changing systems so we can prepare accordingly.

What data is synchronized between my shop system and the app?

Our integrations synchronize the following data between your shop management system and your mobile app:

From Shop System to App:

  • Customer information (name, contact details, vehicles)
  • Vehicle service history
  • Scheduled appointments
  • Service status updates
  • Digital inspection results (if supported)
  • Service recommendations
  • Estimate details

From App to Shop System:

  • New appointment requests
  • Customer profile updates
  • New vehicle information
  • Service authorization responses
  • Estimate approvals

The specific data synchronized depends on your shop management system's capabilities and API access. During implementation, you can configure which data is shared and how it's displayed in your app.

Support & Maintenance

How are app updates and maintenance handled?

Trackara handles all aspects of app updates and maintenance:

Regular Updates:

  • OS Compatibility Updates: When Apple or Google release new operating systems
  • Feature Updates: New functionality added quarterly
  • Security Updates: Proactive security patches as needed
  • Performance Optimizations: Regular improvements to app speed and reliability

Content Updates:

  • You can update service information, pricing, and business details through your partner portal
  • Major branding changes (logo, colors, etc.) are handled by our team upon request

Updates are deployed seamlessly with no action required from you or your customers. Your app will always be compatible with the latest devices and operating systems.

What support is available for my team and customers?

We provide comprehensive support for both your team and your customers:

For Shop Partners:

  • Dedicated Account Manager: Single point of contact for all questions and support
  • Technical Support: Available via phone, email, and chat during business hours (8am-6pm MT, Monday-Friday)
  • Emergency Support: 24/7 access for critical issues
  • Training Resources: Video tutorials, documentation, and live training sessions
  • Partner Portal: Self-service tools for common updates and settings

For Your Customers:

  • In-App Help: Built-in tutorials and FAQ section
  • Support Chat: Direct messaging with your shop or our support team
  • Email Support: Dedicated support channel for technical issues
  • Phone Support: Available during business hours for urgent issues

All customer support is branded with your shop's name and logo. When appropriate, customer support issues are escalated to your team for service-related questions.

How do you ensure my app stays reliable and performant?

We maintain exceptional reliability and performance through comprehensive monitoring and maintenance:

Proactive Monitoring:

  • 24/7 System Monitoring: Automated alerts for any performance issues
  • Regular Performance Testing: Monthly performance audits
  • Crash Analytics: Real-time tracking of any app crashes or errors
  • Integration Health Checks: Daily verification of all system integrations

Maintenance Practices:

  • Scheduled Maintenance: Performed during off-peak hours with minimal disruption
  • Redundant Infrastructure: Multiple server regions for high availability
  • Data Backups: Daily backups with 30-day retention
  • Version Testing: All updates tested on multiple devices before release

Our current platform uptime exceeds 99.95%, and our apps typically achieve crash-free rates above 99.9%.

If a performance issue is detected, our team is automatically notified and begins resolution, often before you or your customers notice any impact.

How do I request new features or customizations?

We welcome feature requests and offer multiple ways to request customizations:

For Standard Feature Requests:

  1. Submit your request through the partner portal
  2. Contact your account manager directly
  3. Join our quarterly product roadmap webinars to provide input

We evaluate all feature requests based on:

  • Value to partners and their customers
  • Technical feasibility
  • Alignment with product roadmap
  • Number of similar requests from other partners

For Custom Development:

If you need a unique feature specific to your business:

  1. Submit a detailed request to your account manager
  2. Participate in a requirements discussion call
  3. Review and approve the development proposal and timeline
  4. Test and provide feedback during development

Custom development may involve additional costs depending on complexity. All partners receive consideration for new feature requests and we provide clear quotes for custom development work.

Still have questions?

Our team is ready to help you with any other questions about implementing your custom app.