There are many providers of auto estimating software for the collision repair community. Those providers place OEM auto part prices on to computer-based platforms for the use of their customers. The data is uploaded onto computer software that auto body shops download to their personal computers, and then generate estimates from it for their own customers. The problem that shops run into, however, is the costs that come with using those programs. Most providers range from $150 per month to $300 per month. But the providers of online collision estimating software found a way to provide a low cost, logic based system that's easy to use for body shops.



One such provider is Web-Est, LLC, based out of Oldsmar, Florida. Web-Est provides collision estimating software that caters to the small and mid size auto collision repair market. Web-Est licenses Mitchell International's collision repair data and configures the data into their operating platform, thus making their program industry approved and accepted by all insurance companies. They provide a standard service and a premium service. Their standard service offers complete online collision repair estimating, providing shops access the vehicle they are working on through a graphic viewer, thus allowing them to point-and-click on all the OEM and Aftermarket parts they need. Upon clicking that part, the program calculates price and labor, and then compiles all the repairs done to that vehicle onto an estimate that is then presented to their customer. It saves the shop loads of time in searching for appropriate parts, and saves tons of money when compared to the other providers of body shop estimating software. The program also gives the estimator a chance to write the estimate from any location: the shop, the field, or at home. All that is needed is an internet connection, the password and you would be ready to go!

They also offer a premium service, which includes the collision estimating program in the standard service, but provides additional services in the field of online internet marketing and online advertising through Google AdWords. There has been a growth of technology in today's world. The internet has become man's best friend. So, when someone needs a product or a service, no one goes to the yellow pages. They go to their search engines for finding services they need. Utilizing the internet as a means of marketing allows shops to harness the power of the web and gain the collision repair shop more business, which can be particularly helpful in slow times such as these.

In addition to offering collision repair software, they also include membership to their Consumer Repair Network (CRN) in their premium service. Web-Est builds and hosts a website for the shop. They then manage the CRN website and work to make it appear on the top rankings of the major search engines on the internet. But if you sign up for the collision repair estimating system, and take the Consumer Friendly Pledge, you would become a member of the CRN. So, if a shop was a member of the CRN, when a consumer would enter a zip code which matches with your region, you would appear as local Consumer Friendly repair shop.

Web-Est, LLC is using cutting edge technology with their collision repair estimating program, allowing them to charge the low price of $99 per month, making their system the most affordable in the industry.