Hoist Team
Workshop Software Experts
The Hoist team combines decades of experience in automotive workshops and software development. We write practical guides to help New Zealand workshop owners run more profitable, efficient businesses.
Articles by Hoist Team(47 articles)
What is Workshop Software? The Complete Guide for Auto Shops in 2025
Everything you need to know about workshop management software - from digital job cards to automated invoicing. Discover how modern garage management systems are transforming automotive businesses across New Zealand.
15 January 2025
5 Ways Workshops Lose Money Without Realizing It
That sinking feeling when the bank balance does not match what you thought you earned? These five money leaks are bleeding workshops dry - and most owners have no idea they are happening.
27 December 2025
Get More Google Reviews for Your Workshop
Practical strategies to increase your Google reviews and build your workshop's online reputation. Learn when to ask, what to say, and how to handle negative reviews professionally.
27 December 2025
Auto Repair Shop Software: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing and implementing auto repair shop software. Compare features, understand pricing, and learn what actually matters for your workshop.
27 December 2025
Parts Markup Guide for NZ Workshops (2025)
How much should you mark up parts? Complete guide to parts pricing, markup percentages, and profit margins for New Zealand automotive workshops. Includes tiered matrix examples and calculator.
22 January 2025
Mechanic Wages NZ 2025: Salary Guide
How much to pay mechanics in New Zealand? Complete 2025 salary guide covering automotive technicians, apprentices, diesel mechanics, and master technicians. Includes regional rates and hiring tips.
22 January 2025
Best Workshop Software NZ 2025 Comparison
Compare the best workshop management software in New Zealand for 2025. Full pricing breakdown, features, Xero integration, and NZTA vehicle lookups. Find the right mechanic software for your automotive workshop.
15 January 2025
How to Choose Workshop Software NZ (2025)
The ultimate guide to choosing workshop management software in New Zealand. Compare features, Xero integration, NZTA lookups, pricing, and find the best mechanic software for your automotive business.
10 December 2024
10 Benefits of Digital Workshop Management
Discover how digitising your automotive workshop saves time, reduces errors, and boosts profits. Learn why NZ mechanics are switching from paper to workshop management software.
28 November 2024
Xero Integration for NZ Mechanics (2025)
Step-by-step guide to connecting your workshop management software with Xero. Learn how NZ mechanics automate invoicing, sync payments, and save hours on bookkeeping.
15 November 2024
Auto Parts Inventory Management for NZ Workshops
Learn how to manage parts inventory in your automotive workshop. Reduce stockouts, prevent theft, and improve profitability with these inventory management tips for NZ mechanics.
30 October 2024
Mechanic Labour Rates NZ: Pricing Guide (2025)
Complete guide to setting competitive labour rates for your NZ workshop. Includes regional benchmarks, pricing formulas, and tips to maximise profitability without losing customers.
20 January 2025
How to Start a Mechanic Business in NZ (2025)
Everything you need to know about starting an automotive workshop in NZ. Covers qualifications, business registration, GST, insurance, equipment, and costs. Step-by-step guide for aspiring workshop owners.
20 January 2025
How to Get WoF Certification in NZ (2025)
Step-by-step guide to becoming a WoF inspector in NZ. Covers NZTA requirements, qualifications, training courses, exam preparation, site requirements, and costs. Everything you need to know.
21 January 2025
Customer Retention for NZ Mechanics
Proven strategies to improve customer retention in your automotive workshop. Learn how NZ mechanics use service reminders, CRM software, and communication to build loyal customers.
15 October 2024
Workshop KPIs: 10 Metrics to Track (2026)
Running a workshop without tracking KPIs is like driving with your eyes closed. Learn the 10 essential metrics NZ workshop owners use to measure profitability, efficiency, and growth. Includes benchmarks and formulas.
25 December 2025
Car Service Cost in NZ: 2026 Pricing Guide
Complete breakdown of car service costs in New Zealand for 2026. Compare basic vs full service prices, regional variations, and what affects the cost. Includes pricing by vehicle type and service level.
1 January 2026
Consumer Guarantees Act for NZ Mechanics
Complete guide to the Consumer Guarantees Act for automotive workshops in New Zealand. Understand your legal obligations for repairs, warranties, and what happens when work doesn't meet the guarantee. Essential reading for every workshop owner.
12 January 2025
Google Reviews for NZ Workshops: Complete Guide
Proven strategies to get more Google reviews for your automotive workshop. Learn how to ask customers for reviews, respond to feedback, and use reviews to attract more customers. Includes templates and NZ-specific tips.
10 January 2025
Best Vehicle Hoists for NZ Workshops: 2026 Buyer's Guide
Complete guide to choosing vehicle hoists for your NZ workshop. Compare 2-post, 4-post, and scissor lifts with pricing, capacity, and safety requirements. Includes NZ supplier information and certification requirements.
8 January 2025
What Does a Full Car Service Include? (NZ Checklist)
Complete guide to what's included in a full car service in New Zealand. Use this checklist to understand exactly what your mechanic should be checking, replacing, and inspecting. Perfect for both car owners and workshop owners.
5 January 2025
EV Servicing for NZ Workshops: Should You Invest in 2026?
Complete guide to electric vehicle servicing for New Zealand workshop owners. Understand the EV market, training requirements, equipment costs, and whether investing in EV capabilities makes sense for your business in 2026.
2 January 2025
How to Choose Workshop Software: 10 Features Every Kiwi Mechanic Needs
Overwhelmed by workshop software options? This no-nonsense guide breaks down the 10 features that actually matter for New Zealand automotive businesses - from job management to Xero integration.
2 January 2025
Workshop Efficiency: 7 Proven Ways to Service More Vehicles Per Day
Struggling to increase throughput without burning out your team? These 7 strategies help NZ workshops service more cars, boost revenue, and still knock off at a reasonable hour.
2 January 2025
Digital Job Cards vs Paper: Why NZ Workshops Are Making the Switch
Still using paper job cards? Here's an honest comparison of paper versus digital systems, including the real costs, benefits, and what workshops actually experience when they make the switch.
2 January 2025
WOF Reminders That Actually Work: How to Boost Repeat Customers in Your NZ Workshop
Automated WOF reminders can bring thousands in extra revenue annually. Here's how to set them up effectively, what to say, and the timing that actually gets customers through your door.
2 January 2025
Xero Integration for NZ Mechanics: Stop Doing Double Data Entry
Entering invoices into both your workshop software AND Xero? Here's how proper integration works, what to look for, and how it can save you hours every week.
2 January 2025
Mobile Mechanic Software: Run Your Business From Your Phone
Managing a workshop from anywhere isn't a luxury anymore - it's expected. Here's how mobile workshop software works, what features matter most, and how Kiwi mechanics are using it.
2 January 2025
From Spreadsheets to Software: A Workshop Owner's Migration Guide
Running your workshop on Excel or Google Sheets? Here's how to make the move to proper workshop software without losing your data or your sanity.
2 January 2025
SMS vs Email for Workshop Reminders: Which Actually Works Better?
Should you send that service reminder via text or email? Here's the data on open rates, costs, and what actually drives bookings for NZ workshops.
2 January 2025
Handling No-Shows: A Workshop Owner's Guide to Booking Management
No-shows cost workshops thousands annually in lost revenue. Here's how to reduce them with smart booking management, confirmation systems, and policies that actually work.
2 January 2025
Workshop Job Pricing: How to Quote Jobs That Actually Make Money
Stop undercharging and leaving money on the table. Learn how to calculate true job costs, set profitable margins, and quote with confidence - complete with formulas and real examples.
2 January 2025
Parts Ordering Integration: Connect Your Workshop to NZ Parts Suppliers
Stop wasting time on phone calls and manual ordering. Learn how to integrate your workshop software with parts suppliers to streamline ordering, reduce errors, and speed up repairs.
2 January 2025
The True Cost of Outdated Workshop Software (Or No Software at All)
Think your old system is 'good enough'? The hidden costs of outdated workshop software might be eating your profits. Here's what staying stuck is really costing you.
2 January 2025
Workshop Safety & Compliance in NZ: What Every Mechanic Needs to Know
From Health & Safety at Work Act requirements to WOF inspection standards, here's your practical guide to staying compliant and keeping your workshop safe.
2 January 2025
Multi-Site Workshop Management: Running 2+ Locations Without Losing Your Mind
Expanded to multiple sites? Here's how to maintain quality, visibility, and sanity across all your workshop locations - from practical systems to software that actually helps.
2 January 2025
Free vs Paid Workshop Software: What's Actually Worth Your Money?
Looking for free workshop software? We break down what you can actually get for free, what costs money, and how to decide whether paid software is worth it for your workshop.
3 January 2025
Cloud vs Desktop Workshop Software: Which Should NZ Mechanics Choose?
A practical comparison of cloud-based and desktop workshop software for New Zealand mechanics. Understand the real differences in cost, reliability, and features before you commit.
16 January 2025
Mechanic Workshop Software: Australia vs New Zealand Options Compared
A practical comparison of workshop software options for mechanics in Australia and New Zealand. What works where, pricing differences, and which systems are actually built for our markets.
16 January 2025
Workshop Software Login Problems? Common Fixes That Actually Work
Can't log into your workshop software? This guide covers the most common login problems and how to fix them - from forgotten passwords to browser issues and account lockouts.
16 January 2025
MechanicDesk vs Hoist: An Honest Comparison for NZ Workshops
A genuine side-by-side comparison of MechanicDesk and Hoist workshop software. We built Hoist, so we're biased - but we'll tell you where MechanicDesk wins too.
24 January 2026
NZ Workshop Hourly Rates 2026: What Mechanics Are Actually Charging
Real data on what New Zealand workshops charge per hour in 2026, broken down by region, shop type, and specialisation. Plus how to calculate what you should be charging.
24 January 2026
The One-Person Workshop Survival Guide: Running Solo Without Burning Out
Practical advice for solo mechanics and shed operators on managing time, pricing your work, and building a sustainable one-person business without losing your mind.
24 January 2026
Workshop Software vs Hoist: Which Is Right for Your NZ Workshop?
A detailed comparison of Workshop Software and Hoist for New Zealand automotive businesses. Pricing, features, and which workshops each platform suits best.
24 January 2026
How to Choose Workshop Management Software: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know before choosing workshop software for your auto repair business. Features to look for, questions to ask, and common mistakes to avoid.
24 January 2026
Best Workshop Software with Xero Integration for NZ Businesses
A guide to workshop management software that integrates seamlessly with Xero. Compare options, understand integration features, and choose the right solution for your NZ workshop.
24 January 2026
SAM (Auxo) vs Hoist: NZ Workshop Software Compared
A detailed comparison between SAM by Auxo Software and Hoist for New Zealand workshops. Two Kiwi options with very different approaches.
24 January 2026
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