Customers hear your service writer’s update from Penny’s automotive answering service.

Google Calendar and Outlook hold configured intake appointments. Zapier or signed webhooks pass captured vehicle fields into your chosen workflow. Repair-status answers come from the customer-facing update you publish, not an assumed connection to every shop system.

Phone answering starts at $29/month billed annually. Pro adds the on-call schedule and text confirmations. Compare billing models in the answering service cost guide.

Yes, when your matched job record says it is ready. A part received, an inspection completed, or an estimate sent stays at that status. The writer controls the customer-facing update.

The appointment reserves the intake time you configured. Penny can record the customer’s desired pickup time, while the service writer controls estimates and completion commitments.

Your service writer follows your authorization process. Penny routes the customer’s estimate questions and records the repair-order reference; booking a visit or asking for a status does not approve extra work.

Set your tow-in receiving hours and contact policy. Penny captures the vehicle, tow-provider information the caller knows, and receiving request. Your advisor handles exceptions and any transport commitment.

Penny collects the provider or recall-notice details and routes them to your advisor. She uses your approved service scope and does not promise coverage or that your shop can perform a manufacturer’s recall repair.

Yes, in the inspection openings your shop provides. Penny collects the year, make, model, mileage, and whether the vehicle is at a dealer or with a private seller. She records when it can be brought in and the buyer’s callback number; your shop confirms any access or timing exception.

Penny records the concern and reaches your advisor to discuss transport. She does not declare grinding brakes or a steering problem safe to drive. Injury, fire, or immediate danger gets a 911 instruction before shop intake.