From inspection findings to an understandable estimate
A completed digital vehicle inspection is the beginning of the service-writing work, not the end. Findings need to be matched with the shop’s jobs, parts information, pricing rules, and the customer’s original concern. The customer then needs a clear explanation of the proposed work.
Dottie’s remote service-writing support is intended to help with that back-office process. The shop supplies the findings and approved business rules; the agreed remote team prepares and reviews the estimate before the customer-facing handoff.
What the workflow checks
- Customer concern first. Keep the reason for the visit visible instead of burying it beneath unrelated recommendations.
- Finding-by-finding coverage. Address inspection findings with a recommendation, a question, or an explanation—not a silent omission.
- Recent service. Review available history for work that may already have been completed. History quality depends on the records supplied.
- Shared labor. Check for overlap when related jobs are estimated together. The shop’s approved rules determine the numbers.
- Plain-English explanations. Explain what is proposed and why, without replacing a technician’s diagnosis.
Keep authority at the shop
Remote service writing is not remote vehicle inspection. Technicians remain responsible for their findings. The shop controls pricing rules, final approval authority, and permission for customer communications. No estimate should be treated as a guarantee of a repair outcome.
Agree on a realistic workload
Before onboarding, we need to understand repair-order volume, inspection quality, the management system in use, and the tasks you want to delegate. Response expectations and coverage are agreed rather than assumed. Support is shared-team service unless a dedicated arrangement is separately specified.
For third-party work, explore warranty administration or fleet approval coordination. The pricing page explains the proposed pilot fee and eligible-sales definition.