How do I set up auto body repair software for my shop?

First, train your AI agent on the content it needs to answer customer questions accurately. Inside Chatref, upload PDFs of your service menus, repair FAQs, insurance claim procedures, pricing guides, and any other internal documentation. The knowledge-base feature grounds every response in this material, so customers get reliable answers about turnaround times, paint matching, or rental car coordination without guesswork.

After your agent is trained, drop the Chatref widget onto your auto body shop's website. You'll get a single snippet of code to paste into your site's header - no software installation or server setup needed. Once live, the widget appears as a chat bubble visitors can click to ask questions. The AI agent automatically answers from your shop's documented knowledge, reducing the number of repetitive calls your front desk handles.

Use custom-actions to turn chats into actionable leads. Set up flows where the agent collects a customer's name, vehicle make and model, and a description of the damage, then sends that information directly to your email or CRM. You can also build actions to book free estimate appointments or request a callback. This replaces paper forms and phone tag, giving your estimators more qualified information from the start.

User training focuses on the shared inbox where your staff can monitor ongoing conversations and step in when needed. Everyone sees the same chat threads and can take over from the AI agent with full context. Run a short session showing how to review unanswered questions, tag conversations (e.g., "estimate requested," "insurance claim"), and use insights to spot what customers ask about most. Because Chatref requires no technical upkeep, training is quick and centered on your shop's daily workflow.

What steps are involved in setting up repair software?

The core steps are: adding your shop's documents to the knowledge base, embedding the chat widget on your website, configuring custom actions to capture lead details or book appointments, and training your team on the shared inbox. Chatref handles the technical hosting and AI training, so you skip the typical software installation and server configuration.

How do I configure the software for my shop's needs?

Start by uploading your specific documents - shop rate sheets, service descriptions, insurance claim processes, and FAQs - so the AI agent gives accurate, shop-specific answers. Then customize the widget's colors and greeting to match your brand. Set up custom-actions that fit your workflows, such as capturing damage descriptions and contact info, or scheduling free estimates. Finally, adjust the inbox notification settings so your front-of-house staff gets alerts for new conversations.

What training is available for new users?

Chatref includes a built-in product tour that walks new users through creating their first agent and embedding the widget. For ongoing user training, you can watch short video walkthroughs in the help center covering topics like conversation tagging, reviewing insights, and human handoff. Most auto body shops find their team can use the inbox and widget dashboard after a single 30-minute walkthrough, with no advanced IT skills required.