According to a AAA survey, “One-in-three U.S. drivers cannot pay for an unexpected car repair bill."
The survey also stated that “64 million American drivers would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt.”
Along those same lines, Cars.com reports “the average auto repair bill comes to between $500 and $600 — and 1 in 3 motorists can't pay it without incurring debt.”
Given that many drivers on the road are unprepared for the high cost of vehicle maintenance and repair — and don't have the cash or available funds on their credit or debit cards — it would be wise for shops to know what they can do to help customers pay for the cost of auto repairs.
Three Ways Auto Repair Shops Help Consumers Pay for Repairs
There are a handful of ways to help customers pay for the cost of auto repairs, but most are impractical because they depend on buyers having good credit and or applying for credit.
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Branded Credit Cards
Some franchised auto repair stores offer their own branded credit cards available for customers after a short application process. At a minimum, consumers will need to provide information such as legal name, date of birth, last four digits of their social security numbers, and net income. Many branded credit cards offer "deferred interest" where no interest is charged if the balance is paid by the end of the promotional period.
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Instant Lines of Credit
Instant lines of credit are similar to credit card applications in that they require personal information such as social security numbers, government issued IDs, net monthly income and more. Some instant financing programs conduct credit checks while others refrain from doing so. Instant lines of credit are given for the amount of a specific purchase, while instant credit cards provide a credit limit for the consumer to use at their discretion.
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Multiple Check
Multiple Check, otherwise known as "hold check," allows consumers to write 2 – 4 checks to be deposited within 30 days on dates of a consumer’s choosing. Each check is guaranteed by CrossCheck and gives consumers 30 extra days to replenish their checking accounts without the need for perfect credit or the hassle of intrusive credit checks.
The Pros and Cons of Each Payment Method for Auto Repair Shops
Each payment method comes with its own set of pros and cons affecting auto repair shops as well as consumers.
The Pros and Cons of Each Payment Method for Auto Repair Shops |
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Pros |
Cons |
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Branded Credit Cards (e.g. Big O Tires) |
• Familiar form of payment. • Allows consumers to make payments they otherwise wouldn't be able to. • Interest generates a profit stream for auto repair shops. |
• Consumers discouraged by credit checks. • Not all consumers will qualify. • Consumers discouraged by negative effect on credit. • High interest rates. |
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Instant Lines of Credit (e.g. CareCredit) |
• Allows consumers to make payments they otherwise wouldn't be able to. • Often no credit checks. |
• Not all consumers will qualify. • Lengthier sign-up process. • High interest rates. |
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Multiple Check |
• Checks are guaranteed whether or not checks clear.* • No credit checks. • No interest rates or financing fees. • Highest approval rate in the industry. • 2 - 4 checks can be spread out over 30 days. • Helps move inventory. |
• Shops only receive funding to their bank accounts after each check is deposited. |
People Also Ask
Those who search for “How to help customers pay for the cost of auto repairs” may appreciate these topics:
- Why is CrossCheck’s Multiple Check better than instant financing?
- What to look for in a new check guarantee service?
- Why are auto repair costs so high?
- Why do people stop payments on checks?
- What is the future of the local auto body shop?
How Can CrossCheck Help Customers Pay for the Cost of Auto Repairs?
Multiple Check is one of CrossCheck’s most popular guarantee services because merchants appreciate its versatility and ability to help consumers pay for items such as the cost of auto repairs.
CrossCheck’s Multiple Check mitigates the risk of accepting bad checks, saves time and money by eliminating trips to the bank to deposit checks manually, and increases sales by making auto repairs more affordable to a greater number of consumers. Check out CrossCheck’s free Multiple Check guide today to learn more.
* See the service agreement for complete terms and conditions.