Quote requests with photos of the damage
The customer sends three or four photos from the roadside or from home, plus their car details. You can give a better first estimate and filter out enquiries you cannot help with.
panelbeaters
Websites and apps for panelbeaters and workshops
When a car has been in an accident, the owner is stressed, often on a phone and usually comparing a few panel beater workshops. The site that answers their questions quickly, and makes it easy to send photos of the damage, has a real advantage.
Spark Website Studio is a new studio, founded by me, Joshua Webb, and I work online only through WhatsApp and email. If you run a panelbeater or panel beater workshop anywhere in South Africa, I can build you a website that makes a good first impression, and an app that keeps jobs organised.
What your customers look for
Most people only shop for a panelbeater once in a while, so they search carefully and decide quickly. They are usually looking for reasons to trust you:
- Insurance approval. Can you work with their insurer, and what will they need to bring?
- Accreditations. Many customers look for proof of recognised standards, such as SAMBRA membership. If you hold an accreditation, your site should show it clearly, with its logo and what it means.
- Before-and-after photos. Nothing explains the quality of your work faster than a repaired panel next to the damaged one.
- Repair times. People want a realistic idea of how long they will be without their car.
- Towing. If you arrange towing, or can recommend someone, say so near the top.
- Location and hours. A map, directions and opening times that are correct and easy to tap.
Features that make the site work
A WhatsApp button on every screen
Many customers would rather message than phone, especially in the middle of a stressful day. One tap opens a chat with a ready-made message.
A gallery of your repairs
Before-and-after photos, grouped by type of repair, with short captions. Photos are compressed so the gallery still loads on mobile data.
Insurer and assessor information
A plain explanation of how claims work at your workshop, which insurers you deal with and the documents to bring.
Hours, directions and a map
Everything a customer needs to find you and arrive at the right time, with a tap-to-call number.
Job updates for customers
A customer can be told when the car is stripped, sprayed or ready for collection, without anyone having to phone around. This is where an app can help.
See a job-tracking app in action
Workbay is a demo job-tracking app for workshops. It follows a job through bays and stages, keeps photos with the job and sends WhatsApp updates. It is a demo for a made-up workshop, so you can explore it freely.
How it works
Tell me about your workshop
Send me your trading name, services, a few photos and the insurers you work with. WhatsApp or email is fine.
See a free preview
I build a preview of your website and send you a link. You look at it on your own phone and tell me what to change.
Get a written quote
If you want to go ahead, you receive a clear written quote, including any running costs such as your domain name. Nothing starts before you agree.
Launch and look after it
I connect your domain, launch the site and handle small changes afterwards, as set out in the quote.
If you want more detail on website projects in general, read about website design or the Android apps I build. To see what other businesses typically pay, read the cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can customers send photos of the damage through the site?
Yes. A quote form can let people attach photos of the damage from their phone, along with their car model and contact details. You get a proper starting point for an estimate, and the customer feels looked after from the first message.
Can the site show that we work with insurers?
It can. A clear section lists which insurers and assessors you deal with and what the customer needs to bring, so people do not have to phone to ask. I only show what you tell me is true.
Do I need the job-tracking app as well as a website?
No. Many workshops only need a website at first. A job-tracking app becomes worth considering when keeping customers updated takes a lot of your day, or when jobs get lost between the front office and the workshop floor.
Where can I see an example?
Open the Workbay demo on this page. It is a demo for a made-up workshop, not a client project, so you can tap through the screens and judge whether the idea suits you.
next step
Start with a free preview and a written quote
You see a free preview before you pay anything, and you get a clear written quote before any work starts. Tell me what you need and I will reply on WhatsApp or email.