Workshop Software is one of the more established global platforms available to NZ workshops. They've been operating for years, have customers in 12+ countries, and offer solid integrations. But is it the right choice for your shop?
We're Hoist - a NZ-built alternative - so yes, we have skin in the game. But we'll give you the facts so you can make the right decision for your business.
What We'll Cover
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Workshop Software | Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (NZD) | $113.60 + $20/user | $60 flat (early adopter) |
| Based In | Global (12+ countries) | New Zealand |
| Xero Integration | Yes - automatic sync | Yes - two-way sync |
| NZTA Integration | Yes | Yes - native |
| WoF Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Parts Supplier Integration | Multiple suppliers | Growing list |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes - 14 days |
About Workshop Software
Workshop Software is an online workshop management system that's been serving the automotive industry globally. They describe themselves as designed to "effortlessly manage automotive, marine, truck and other types of workshops" with full workflow management from online bookings to job and inventory management.
Key things to know about Workshop Software:
- Global platform: Available in 12+ countries including NZ, Australia, UK, and USA
- Xero integration: Automatic sync - "do an invoice in Workshop Software and it will instantly be in Xero"
- No lock-in contracts: Month-to-month billing
- Integrated payments: Available in AU, NZ, UK, and USA
Workshop Software has been around for years and their team claims over 30 years of experience in automotive software. They're a proven, stable platform.
Pricing Comparison
Monthly Cost (NZD)
Workshop Software
$113.60/month
+ $20/month per additional user
Hoist
$60/month
Flat fee, unlimited users (early adopter)
Workshop Software Pricing
Workshop Software is priced at $113.60/month NZD according to industry comparisons. Additional users cost $20 NZD each per month. They don't offer a free version but do provide a free trial.
Hoist Pricing
Hoist is $60/month NZD for early adopters (normally $99/month after April 2026 launch). This is a flat fee - no per-user charges, so your whole team is included.
For a 3-Person Workshop
- Workshop Software: $113.60 + $40 (2 extra users) = $153.60/month = $1,843/year
- Hoist: $60/month = $720/year
- Annual difference: $1,123
That's a meaningful difference if budget is tight. But price isn't everything - let's look at features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Workshop Software | Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Job Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customer Database | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vehicle History | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xero Integration | ✓ Auto-sync | ✓ Two-way |
| Online Bookings | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS/Email Reminders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inventory Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parts Supplier Links | ✓ Multiple | ✓ Growing |
| Integrated Payments | ✓ | ✓ |
Where Workshop Software Excels
- Established platform: Years of development means they've handled many edge cases and built out extensive features
- Parts supplier integrations: More years in market means more supplier connections
- Global support: 30+ years of automotive software experience
- Mobile app: Access your workshop data on the go
Where Hoist Excels
- NZ-built and focused: Designed specifically for how NZ workshops operate
- Simpler pricing: Flat fee, no per-user charges
- Native NZTA integration: Built-in from day one, not added later
- Modern interface: Built on current technology without legacy code
NZ-Specific Features
Both platforms support New Zealand requirements:
Workshop Software
- WoF due reminders (NZ-specific)
- Licence plate renewal reminders
- NZ vehicle lookup
- Hundreds of NZ clients
Some NZ users have noted they'd like more integrations for NZ-based parts suppliers like BNT and Partmaster.
Hoist
- Native NZTA integration for vehicle lookups
- WoF expiry tracking and reminders
- Registration status checks
- NZ-based support team
Our Verdict
Choose Workshop Software If...
- • You want an established, proven platform
- • You need specific parts supplier integrations they offer
- • You prefer a global company with long track record
- • Budget isn't your primary concern
Choose Hoist If...
- • You want a NZ-built platform with local support
- • Simpler, flat-fee pricing appeals to you
- • You prefer a modern, clean interface
- • You want native NZTA integration
Both are solid options. The best advice is to try both - they both offer free trials. Spend time actually using each one with your real workflow, and see which feels right.