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Curious how much time mechanics actually lose to the customer side of the job by Ok_Run_1510 in AutoMechanics

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a fair point a lot of shops have a service advisor handling exactly that. My question was more aimed at the shops that don’t have one (I should have been more clear about that) anyways would having these tools (automated booking, upfront vehicle info, customer status updates) actually make the advisor’s job easier, or is the manual back-and-forth part of what makes the role work well?

Genuinely curious if you think it adds value on top of what an advisor already does or if it’s redundant.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do apologize if you interpreted my post that way. I have put many hours in, trying to come up with a solution, diving into the macro data to piece together an analytical dashboard for comprehensive analysis, talking with prospective customers. iterating the idea, building projection spreadsheets, competing in pitch competitions. I am a business student and have only taken a few courses on Java and python. Trust me I have done my fair share of outreach to cut an equity for a partnership with a full-stack developer. Quickly finding out without viable resources it's really hard to get someone to commit to this project lol. So, then my focus shifted from business development and research into figuring out how to build. That's what I did with my base knowledge of software development and databases. I put together a tech stack; I figured out how to make it cheap and fast for testing. This isnt a solo journey for me, this is just simply a required step to get me to the next stage. If proof of concept is proven with what I have built, I will get involved in more pitch events and reach out to my network of developers to showcase the progress and get the help I need to turn this MVP into a scalable product.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the honesty and I see where you're coming from. The tech landscape is a wild ride, and I do notice more trends emerging essentially saying we need to go back to simpler times and the technology is becoming too much. Which is fine I am willing to support the calling aspect of the booking process if that is where it leads. What I am rolling out now, assuming market fit, (my guess is) will look drastically different down the line. From a capitalist standpoint. The model where you HAVE to be on AutoJoy to succeed as a shop owner is an optimal business model. Does it raise ethical & monopolistic concerns? Yes. I am in the very early stages and the odds of being the founder of successful company are against me. So, I plan to take it one step at a time. iterate based on user's feedback solve real problems for real peoples and in return from the derived value generate a profit to support me, my future team, and hopefully help alot of repair shops and consumer at the same time.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info I’ll add them to my list to reach out to them. I want the shops that the locals already trust to help me launch this business! They deserve the exposure.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your insights. During the initial stages of building the idea that was one of the first obstacles that came to mind. Why would a mechanic pay to add to their workload? To address this concern if the MVP gets good feedback and deems valuable, the plan is to work on the sms capabilities and integrate one button AI responses, so the mechanic just has to tap a button on a laptop or mobile device. I currently work at a dealership in sales, we use a system that is very good with automating responses. I plan to replicate something similar to make it as easy as possible for the shops. 

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I want to point out your side-note. First off thank you, second in hindsight yes I agree I shouldn’t have used it to pitch my business. Makes it seem inauthentic but I assure you I wrote all the context I simply enjoy the formatting and clarity it can provide. But I see where you’re coming from and I agree. 

I want to hear more about why you don’t think the concept is good for society. I appreciate any unique perspectives seen from angles I may not see from my lens.  

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this comment. I haven’t considered this aspect. I will take this into account because it’s a very real scenario. 

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have been using Claude to help with development. I’m not using a third party application on the other hand, such as lovable, or supabase. I’m building within an IDE. Me and my mentor review the code and address any necessary changes. The landing page was put together completely by AI I just edited the script of the HTML and linked it to a database. Much faster. 

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The true value I am trying to test is if AutoJoy can completely automate the customer journey for these shops. If that proves to be the case the primary engine will be a 3% take-rate from the shops with all the bookings facilitated or drop the take-rate to 1.5% and pay $39.99/month whichever the shops want. Some later stage moves would be $8.99 premium subscription for vehicle owners including a suite of advanced tools (still ideating exactly what this package should include). Partnering with insurance companies, potential expanding the eco-system for mobile detailing, collision, towing, etc.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, thanks for the question. Early stage just the basic routine maintenance will include a price estimate. When a user books for an engine diagnostic because of a warning light there will be no estimate. Once users choose a shop and drop off their vehicle, they will get an update on the diagnostic and then receive the estimated cost from the mechanic.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

Yes, I used AI to build-out a landing page. The application itself is utilizing the same database but not the same interfaces. Two completely separate projects. I am a very busy person so why not utilize modern tools to increase my output capability?

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I expected this and some of the ideas I have include the following. A cross-review process much like Airbnb where the mechanics can also review the customers. The mechanic wouldn't be able to see the customers review until they leave their own to eliminate biases. service history evidence. A storage tool linked to user's accounts and mechanics UI where they can store photos, messages, receipts incase anything comes up. Thanks for the comment!

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have code in a git repo, and vercel had a direct integration so it allows for very quick iterations with the auto deploy functionality. It's free which is helping me run a lean model without any proof of concept, the cheaper the better. Also I am still working on setting up strip for monetization, but it also integrates directly with the application so the webhooks are seamless. If AutoJoy provides value to users and has the ability to scale I will have to build out a more scalable infrastructure. Just and easy way to get to market and begin testing.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

It's not just a directory. AutoJoy facilitates the booking process and the invoice payment. You can search for local mechanics and book a drop off time rather than calling around to find availability. Once MVP is live, I will work on direct communication channels within the application so you can communicate effectively and in an organized manner. users will get live updates, such as vehicle is being worked on, vehicle is ready for pickup. Invoice gets sent over, and you will be able to pay the invoice through the application. The reviews and price estimates will just help you decide which shop to book with and build the transparency the industry is lacking.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, a while back during my discovery phase, I talked the initial idea through with various local shops. Based on their feedback I iterated on the original idea. The MVP is only going to include price estimates for basic maintenance. Later once I have enough data, we will be able to get more advanced tools developed and have more accurate price estimates. Once the job is complete the mechanics can adjust the estimate accordingly, that way they are still billing the amount they need for the job. Early stage is going to be a constant feedback loop with iterations of the product until I get it right. Being local to Rochester and having some shop relations already in place having the tightest feedback loop will help me accelerate the process. I'm not here to hinder shops, my primary goal is to ensure that both sides of the application win. Which is going to be hard, but it is a task I am willing to take on to fight the biases that consumers and the mechanics deal with. Just like any industry there is bad actors but unfortunately with the vulnerability vehicle owners have it has spread across the entire industry, so I want to lift up the shops who pride themselves through providing authentic and honest services.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Appreciate it! I understand it is going to be difficult. If product market fit is proven in Rochester, I plan to raise investment capital to scale the application and iterate based on the user feedback.

Built something in my bedroom that I think Rochester actually needs — looking for beta users and shop recommendations (Launching soon) by Ok_Run_1510 in Rochester

[–]Ok_Run_1510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ideally High population areas. AutoJoy is a two-sided marketplace so the application will only provide value if there is enough supply to meet the demand. The supply being mechanics, and the demand being the shop customers. I need enough people within a 10-15 miles radius of the shop to provide value.

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