DingIT Releases iPhone App for Body Shop Estimates - BodyShop Business

DingIT Releases iPhone App for Body Shop Estimates

DingIT.com, a website where consumers post photos and descriptions of their damaged cars so body shops can bid on the jobs, has unveiled a new iPhone application that the company says make its service more convenient.

DingIT.com, a website where consumers post photos and descriptions of their damaged cars so body shops can bid on the jobs, has unveiled a new iPhone application that DingIT says makes its service more convenient.

The new app allows the user to submit a request for estimates from nearby body shops by providing the car information and several photos of the damage.

“The DingIT iPhone app was designed to simplify the process of taking photos and submitting a request for estimates,” says Sagi Smolarski, co-founder and head of technology at DingIT.com. “It literally takes about 30 seconds to submit a case. The user doesn’t even have to specify the areas from which estimates are sought. The app uses the iPhone’s geo-location to know where you’re at and submit the request to body shops in your vicinity.”

Added Eyal Golan, co-founder and head of global marketing, “The benefits of getting estimates online include significant time saving, the cost of gas and the actual saving on the cost of the repair, which can reach hundreds of dollars. But there is no doubt that making this service available via smartphones is a major leap as it makes this service simpler, quicker and much easier to use.”

To ensure the quality of the body shops in the DingIT network, shops are first asked to submit a “request for application,” and only once the shop’s credentials are screened is the shop added to the network. Also, DingIT employs a rating system that’s based on users’ feedback, so when new users receive estimates, they can also see how the shop was rated by previous car owners.

This service is currently free of charge to both body shops and car owners.

DingIT started operating in 2003, initially in the Greater Los Angeles area and gradually in other major cities. 

Collision repairers have mixed feelings about sites like DingIT. Consumers look at the sites as a great convenience, but some repairers feel that body shops trying to become the lowest bidder and then having to pay a percentage of the estimate (which is the case with BodyShopBids.com) with profit margins as tight as they are today is bad business.

"We’re here to help [body shops] and work with them, but they also have to work
with us and adapt to a changing world and a changing consumer," said Brad Weisberg of BodyShopBids.com. "We’re helping the small mom-and-pop shops that can’t afford to do digital marketing, but have tremendous pride in their business and service."


More information:

DingIT.com

BodyShopBids.com

You May Also Like

CCC Report Analyzes Labor Pressures, Vehicle Complexity

Report shows advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times.

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) announced it has published its 2024 Crash Course Report, which indicates that increasing vehicle complexity, combined with rising labor costs and shortages, are placing persistent pressure on both insurers and repairers.

New findings show that while vehicles may be safer, more capable of avoiding crashes and more environmentally friendly, advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times. Additional factors, such as scheduling backlogs, have contributed to the 60% increase in the amount of time it takes for vehicles to enter repair shops after estimate completion, compared to pre-pandemic times.

Crash Champions Continues Steady Expansion Across Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, Idaho.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

Other Posts

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.