CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate is a specialized scheduling software built for collision repair centers and auto body shops. It automates the estimate appointment process, offering scheduling flexibility for customers while improving calendar coordination for estimators and front-office teams. Designed for independent shops and multi-location repair networks alike, this tool addresses scheduling inefficiencies and boosts operational clarity. Key benefits include improved customer satisfaction, better staff workload balance, and reduced scheduling-related stress in the repair center environment.

What are the key features of CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate?

Online and multi-channel appointment booking

CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate allows customers to book appointments through several touchpoints:

• Directly from the body shop’s website

• Via phone calls or walk-ins

• Through integrated social media channels

The system presents customers with real-time availability of estimators, minimizing double-bookings and manual coordination. This ensures that more appointments are captured without increasing front-office workload.

Automated confirmations and reminders

The software streamlines communications through:

• Automated email confirmations, including rescheduling links and calendar invites

• Text message reminders and confirmations (available in Pro and Max plans)

• Real-time updates to customers about their appointments

These features reduce no-shows and give customers the flexibility to manage their own bookings.

Centralized calendar and estimator coordination

CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate creates a unified view of estimator availability, allowing:

• All team members to access a shared appointment dashboard

• Estimators to be filtered by payment source (e.g., insurance companies in Pro/Max tiers)

• Integration with external calendars (Google, Outlook – Pro/Max only)

This enables front office staff to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure even distribution of estimate workload across team members.

Two-way communication with customers

In Pro and Max tiers, shops can maintain a two-way message history via both email and SMS. This allows staff to:

• Answer customer inquiries

• Send documents or updates

• Keep a running log of communication in one place

This ongoing interaction increases transparency and responsiveness without switching platforms.

Customizable data collection and forms

For shops using Pro and Max versions, CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate provides:

• Custom pre-visit forms to collect vehicle and insurance info

• The ability to upload photos or documents to the estimate profile

• Customizable email templates (Max only) for branded communication

These options reduce manual intake and help shops prepare in advance for each appointment.

Integration with other CR systems

The Max package integrates with:

• CR Auto Scheduler® – Production

• Visual Production Manager™

This allows a seamless handoff from estimate to repair scheduling, improving operational continuity across departments.

To summarize

CR Auto Scheduler® – Estimate offers several distinct benefits for auto body shops aiming to streamline their estimate process:

• Faster customer scheduling via website, phone, or social media channels

• Improved estimator calendar visibility and team coordination

• Automated appointment reminders that reduce missed bookings

• Two-way communication to simplify customer interactions

• Better workload balance for estimators and front office staff

• Scalable integration with production scheduling tools for end-to-end workflow optimization

Its combination of automation, multi-device access, and integration flexibility positions it as a practical scheduling solution tailored to the needs of busy collision repair centers.