Otozip Launches at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2013

by Stewart Padveen
September 16, 2013

[ibimage==28164==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-center]

 

Otozip, a new company that makes it easy for consumers to find reliable, local automotive service centers and book service appointments instantly, launched at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2013.

Natalie Padveen, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Otozip, came up with the idea for Otozip following an unfavorable automotive service experience. After speaking with friends, she discovered that she was far from alone. “It’s a pain and frustration that we’ve all felt more than once,” says Natalie. “Many of my friends wanted an easy way to find nearby service centers they could trust. We’re all busy people and we want to be able to instantly book appointments online at a time that’s convenient for us, rather than having to call during their open hours and wait on hold. And because I’m a cost-conscious mom, I wanted to have instant access to coupons from the various service centers in one place. I was surprised to find that there was no easy way to do this, so I wanted to solve this problem.”

There are over 400,000 service centers in the United States alone, yet over 90% of them are still virtually invisible online. Independent service centers, franchises and dealers face increased competition from each other. Empty bays cost service centers a lot of money. While dealers often have greater financial resources than independent service centers, the internet is leveling the playing field. Until now, only expensive and complex CRM and marketing systems have been available for this industry, putting this out of reach of most of the market, especially smaller, independent service centers. Otozip provides a simple and completely integrated CRM and marketing solution for the entire industry, large or small.

Furthermore, over 1.2 billion automotive service appointments are booked every year, most of them still done by phone. This takes time away from the service center personnel and often leads to “booking frustration” among customers who have to wait on hold and negotiate convenient times to drop off their vehicles. Otozip makes it easy to find nearby service centers and instantly book appointments 24/7, based on times made available by the service center.

Otozip is a complete CRM and marketing platform that helps service centers grow their

business, keep their bays filled and improve customer retention. With Otozip, every service center can have a website with built-in appointment booking, targeted email marketing, coupons, reviews and scheduling - in about 60 seconds and with absolutely no technical knowledge required.

“Many automotive service centers are just discovering how to use the internet to reach new customers. They’re being bombarded on a regular basis by companies who offer different services and many do not know where to turn,” says Stewart Padveen, founder and CEO of Otozip. “Otozip provides them with everything they need to grow their service business, keep their bays filled and increase customer retention, all at an affordable price. Service centers need nothing more than a regular phone to use Otozip. There is virtually no technical knowledge required.”

Ara Kizirian, owner of a Union 76 in El Segundo, California says, “My family has been in the automotive services business for over 40 years. I truly believe that Otozip will revolutionize our industry, which has been largely ignored by technology companies. Even the smallest shops now have smartphones, tablets and laptops and are all online.”

Mike Sage, President of Sage Automotive Group says, “We’re always looking for ways to reach new customers online and increase customer retention. Otozip provides a unique solution for our industry.” Sage Automotive Group owns numerous dealerships, including Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Mercedes, among others.

“Otozip is a game changer,” says Randy Brenckman, who was the Director of Business Development and Dealer Academy Instructor at the NADA for 19 years. “I work closely with dealers, training them how to run, manage and improve their fixed operations. Service technicians sitting idle at certain times of the day is a major concern and costs dealers a lot of money. Otozip helps solve this problem. I believe every dealer and every service center however large or small, should be using Otozip.”

Otozip is free to consumers. Otozip is also free to select service centers for a limited time during this early stage launch period. Otozip will begin charging subscription fees to service centers in 2014. Otozip is launching in Los Angeles and numerous car dealers and independent service centers have already signed up.

Jobs at Otozip

Los Angeles startup guides

LOCAL GUIDE
Best Companies to Work for in Los Angeles
LOCAL GUIDE
Coolest Tech Offices in Los Angeles
LOCAL GUIDE
Best Perks at Los Angeles Tech Companies
LOCAL GUIDE
Women in Los Angeles Tech