2026-10-01 · 2 min read
Garage software for solo mechanics: what you actually need
Which features does an independent mechanic need in garage software, and which can wait? A checklist for solo and small shops, with pricing.
If you work alone or with one helper, you don't want a package built for a twenty-person shop. But a notebook or an Excel file stops working once customers expect a clean quote, status updates, and an invoice. Garage software for solo mechanics should start small and still cover the whole job.
What a solo garage really needs
- Licence plate lookup. Pulling vehicle details and APK date from RDW saves typing and mistakes.
- Inspection and quote. Findings become lines on a quote the customer can approve digitally, with signature and timestamp.
- Work order with hours. A timer or manual hours, plus parts and consumables, in one place.
- A proper VAT invoice. A PDF with Dutch VAT, plus credit notes when something needs correcting.
- One account for office and workshop. Switch between desk and shop floor without a second subscription.
- Accounting integration. Moneybird, Exact Online, e-Boekhouden, or an export as CSV or UBL.
What you don't need yet
Live shop planning for several technicians, detailed team reporting, and dozens of accounts. Those belong to a growing team and can be added later.
What does it cost?
Motivox's ZZP plan costs €35 per month excl. VAT and includes the owner plus one extra account. You try it for 30 days with everything in Garage, with no required demo call. When your team grows, upgrade to Garage (€80 per month excl. VAT, 3 back office and 5 technician accounts, live planning). See all pricing.
Rule of thumb
Pick software where you enter things once and find them again on the quote, work order, and invoice. Read more about solo garage software, browse the features, or start the trial.