A Berkshire garage has increased income by introducing an online booking system for its customers.

Halfway Garage in Thatcham allows customers and trade partners to book vehicles for servicing and MoT tests online in real time, which means that once a time slot has been reserved, it is impossible for another customer to reserve the
same space.

The company estimated it was losing business as people used its website, but often emailed out of business hours. These did not always turn into bookings.

Danny Reed, Halfway Garage manager, said the move had “substantially increased the conversion from website to bookings”.

“We were not around in the evening to answer calls, emails or have access to the business diary, but it was clear people wanted to book our services at that time.”

He added: “For the public, it is all about convenience. They want to be able to search and book our services at a time which is convenient to them, not to us.

“For our trade partners, it is about speed and peace of mind. They want to know that a time they have selected for an MoT is real and available and once booked is theirs.”

The system also sends the garage a reminder email when an MoT or service is due soon on a vehicle.