This site is consistent in its presentation of fun and innovative graphics throughout. A driveability worksheet is provided, allowing technicians to provide an accurate diagnosis of problem vehicles. Customers receive a 5 percent discount for completing the worksheet prior to bringing their vehicles in for service. Customer testimonials provide credibility to the shop's workmanship. A thorough “Frequently Asked Questions” section is supplemented by the ability for visitors to submit questions online. Unique staff profiles and the ability to obtain an online quote complete the site.

Bob Anderson, owner: “Our Web site was specifically designed to allow our customers to interact with the process of obtaining their auto repair needs. We have found that on our Web site, we usually get more accurate and detailed information about the problems they are experiencing than we get at the front counter and it tends to speed up the intake process as well.”

This site is easy to navigate and has unique content throughout, including a thorough list of pre-owned Saabs for sale complete with mileage, model year, transmission type, price and color. Customers have the ability to schedule appointments online, set up their own personal car care Web page and read the shop's quarterly newsletter. Self-installers and professionals alike can order their own Saab parts online through the company's secure server. Quick load time and professional graphics make this site appealing.

Chuck Andrews, co-owner: “ We created the site to inform and educate Saab owners or potential owners about their chosen brand and how we can help them. We find that a high percentage of our customers use the site regularly. We have used a Web site for many years and continue to develop our format as we analyze results.”

This site is unique in its graphics and color scheme. It offers a simple, yet thorough, service menu. An online appointment scheduler and driveability diagnostics questionnaire make it easy and convenient for customers to bring their vehicle to the shop for repair. A notice board is also included, providing visitors with automotive tips, shop news and promotions. The site loads quickly and the overall scheme and navigation make it appealing and professional.

Brian England, owner: “We've only received positive feedback. We're trying to get people to make appointments online. The most common thing we use it for is to download our driveablity questionnaire. (A Web site) should be part of a whole marketing strategy. There might be other important things for a shop to do first. Your Web site shouldn't just stand alone, it should be part of a whole package.”

This site provides customers and potential customers with thorough and useful information. Automotive tips are dispersed throughout, including how to take care of your car, information on vehicle inspections and protecting your warranty. An online appointment scheduler and online discount coupons make this site especially appealing to the shop's customers. Customer testimonials are also provided using a unique design and appearance. Quick load time streams the information quickly to the visitor's computer.

Dave Newkirk, president: “ As a relatively cost-free way to market your business, every shop should have a site up and running. With a market increasing in tech-savvy customers, it only makes sense to provide an alternate 'channel' for your existing and potential customers to get to know or do business with you. We find our Customer Services, Hours, Coupons and Schedule an Appointment Online to be the most popular areas of the site.”

Along with easy navigation and quick load time, the professional and appealing graphics are the focal points of this site. An online appointment scheduler, complete service menu, map, current specials and coupons also make the site attractive to customers. For those looking for a job in the automotive repair industry, the Jerry's Auto Repair Web site offers an employment application that can be submitted online.

Jerry Griebling, owner: “We created our Web site, in part, to function as an 'electronic business card.' It used to be hard for you to be taken seriously in business unless you had a business card. It's the same way today with Web sites. We don't try to bowl our customers over with too much content. They want to get their car fixed and want to know if you're the shop that can handle it.”

The site's interactive content and contest make it fun to visit. Visitors are greeted with a unique “Splash” introduction as they enter the site. The framed navigation in subsequent sections makes it easy to navigate. An appointment scheduler is also provided for convenience. A community programs section, feedback form and customer testimonials add professionalism to the business. A complete service menu proves helpful as well.

Jack Martino, co-owner: “ We are very proud of our achievements, including our Web site. We believe that more of our marketing efforts will be spent on this style of presentation. We plan to add a crash of the month, some more of our current events, and update our contest prizes and winners.”

The simple, yet effective, design of this site offers an appealing home page, professional graphics and easy navigation. Potential customers can request an estimate online by filling out an easy-to-use form. Existing customers can check the progress of their repair by obtaining online vehicle status reports. The site also publishes Tech Tips, including how to get the most out of your repair shop, brakes and emissions Q&A, and all about tuneups.

Mickey Payne, owner: “ We created our Web site for the benefit of our customers and have found that they really enjoy being able to check the status of their vehicle online. The online capabilities also allow us to contact the customer without disturbing their busy day. The site also has benefited us with new customers who are looking for a shop to have their vehicles repaired. ”

Visitors are greeted with a simple Flash presentation upon entering the site. The question asks, “You've just been in a car accident ... What do you do now?” Subsequent pages illustrate the answer through a descriptive service page, online appointment scheduler and employee certifications. The business publishes its Customer Service Index (CSI) and provides customer testimonials, including .wav files that allow visitors to listen to testimonials. The navigation is easy to follow and the graphics add to the professionalism of the site.

Matt Herzing, owner: “ What we tell people is that if they come in for an estimate or repairs, if they have any other questions, go to our Web site. Everything's there - our technicians' qualifications, our equipment, organizations we belong to, the training we have. We tell them, 'If you've got five minutes sitting at your desk, hey, type us in and look around..”

This site's appealing graphics, navigation and overall design are key to the professionalism the site conveys. The shop's quarterly newsletter is published electronically as well, making it a key marketing proponent. For Internet visitors, the shop offers special discounts that can be printed and brought to the shop. Visitors are also allowed to e-mail appointment requests and employment resumes directly from the site. In addition, the company's business philosophy and services are prevalent and complete the site.

Jeff Berry, owner: “ The Internet is the fastest way to keep customers' information. The Web is one of the best ways to manage the needs of my customers. They don't have to call me during business hours to get an appointment, get pricing, or even talk to me about their concerns. They can simply e-mail me and get a reply within hours. It's the best way to advertise.”

Easy navigation and an appealing color scheme reinforce this site's message of quality and professionalism. Easy-to-use navigation and quick load time make content accessible to visitors. A complete warranty information page thoroughly outlines the shop's warranty plans. Automotive tips and discount coupons are also accessible through the site.

Harry Kirakosyan, owner: “ It's the image of our Web site that shows the quality of repair and customer service our shop provides. Our future plans include working with the insurance industry and offering familiarity about our shop to them.”