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What to Ask Before You BuyPosted 7/16/2001
Company history. A company's background is important. Ask how long they've been in business and how long they've offered products to the automotive industry. Is the product specific to automotive service shops? Is it easy to use? Before you purchase a software product you should test the functionality of the program. Ask for a demonstration model if available. If not, a live demonstration may suffice. Either way, make sure you test the product so that it will meet your needs. Support. Another key factor in your decision should be the availability of technical support. Ask if they have a toll-free number, what their service hours are, and is someone actually there to fix a problem when you call? Upgrades. Does this product have periodic upgrades? If upgrades are available, how often are they provided and how much will they cost? Printing. What printing capabilities does the program have? This component is crucial for invoicing and other accounting features. Networking. Can the program be networked between multiple computers? If it's not a current need, it could be down the road. Pricing. When asking about price, ask if all features are included in the price. Some companies will charge for additional features. Hardware requirements. Be sure that the software will properly run with your computer and memory capacity. Online availability. As the Internet's role progresses, more products and services are available online. Ask if online subscriptions or updates are available.
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Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
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While the software charts provide a general overview of features, each program is different, and it is important to talk to a representative from the company to ensure the program performs the tasks you need. Explain to each software manufacturer you contact what your specific needs are, and make sure they guarantee their product. Here are some suggested topics to discuss with the manufacturers.
