Independent garages utilising BookMyGarage, the UK’s leading servicing and MOT booking website, undertook £22.26 million worth of additional work from retail customers in just three months.
From September until the end of November 2024, BookMyGarage generated a substantial increase in business for independent garages as confidence grows among consumers in managing their car maintenance online. Increasingly motorists are using digital tools to meet vehicle ownership requirements such as selecting and booking the local garage that best suits their essential requirements including repairs, servicing and MOTs.
The incremental business and demand from drivers for the independent sector translates to an increase of 10% year-on-year as motorists locate nearby businesses with available slots and identify garages with high levels of customer care ratings in increasing numbers.
BookMyGarage chief marketing officer Jessica Potts said: “At BookMyGarage, we are heavily invested in driving traffic to our website which in turn enables many in the independent sector to attract custom from car owners who are otherwise unlikely to have come across their business. Our partners tell us that our platform drives high quality customers who often remain loyal to their garage for their ongoing service requirements.”
The latest data from the platform has also reinforced the success of its new Accelerate package with almost half (48%) of bookings going to businesses signed up with the service.
Launched in February 2024, Accelerate was designed in response to consumers who are increasingly utilising online tools. Garages on the Accelerate programme which booked retail customers in the three-month period (September-November 2024) accounted for £10.7 million pounds worth of all work generated via the platform. During this time, on average, Accelerate clients made 866% ROI.
Accelerate garages benefit from increased bookings with social media advertising, highly targeted online marketing campaigns and online booking functionality, managed by BookMyGarage. More than a third (35%) of BookMyGarage customers book out of hours representing a significant proportion of business that could otherwise be missed.
Potts added: “Motorists expect an easily accessible and transparent booking process where a range of products and services are also provided. Many are looking for convenience and quick availability. However, all BookMyGarage customers want excellent customer service and transparent pricing.”
The Accelerate package incorporates fully funded Google ads, Bing ads and social media campaigns put together by BookMyGarage’s in-house expert team. The campaigns are uncapped and are restricted only by the garages’ availability.
As part of its drive for transparency, BookMyGarage encourages consumers to share their experiences on its platform. Independent garages receive an average of 91 reviews from customers which leaps to an average of 142 for businesses signed up to the Accelerate marketing package. On average, Accelerate members receive 56% more reviews and 45% more retail bookings.
Accelerate guarantees a minimum of 60 bookings per year although members are already enjoying an average 20 bookings a month whilst maintaining full control of pricing, offers and availability. Other benefits include the ability to provide last-minute cancellation slots for which some customers are prepared to pay a premium price.
