Question 1

What is auto body shop management software?

Accepted Answer

Auto body shop management software helps workshops manage quotes, job cards, final costing, invoicing, and customer updates in one connected system.

Question 2

Who is PanelDesk built for?

Accepted Answer

PanelDesk is built for auto body shops, including independent and owner-managed workshops that need a modern workflow system.

Question 3

How quickly can a workshop get started?

Accepted Answer

Most workshops can get started the same day and begin creating quotes and job cards immediately.

Question 4

Do we need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

No. PanelDesk runs in your browser, so there is no software installation or server setup required.

Question 5

Can multiple staff work at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multiple users can work at the same time, and the current Core Plan includes three users.

Question 6

Does PanelDesk cover the full quote-to-invoice workflow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk is built to run quote to job card to final costing to invoice in one connected workflow.

Question 7

Can accepted quotes convert directly to job cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Accepted quotes can be converted into job cards without retyping, so teams start from approved scope.

Question 8

What job statuses can we track?

Accepted Answer

You can track statuses such as Open, In Progress, Paused, Completed, Invoiced, and Closed.

Question 9

Can we store documents and photos on each job?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Job cards include file and document storage so photos and related records stay linked to the job.

Question 10

Can we attach saved documents or photos when emailing quotes or invoices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When sending a quote or invoice from PanelDesk, staff can choose documents and photos that are already saved in the system and include them in the email.

Question 11

Can we generate work-in-progress documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk supports branded work-in-progress PDF generation from the job workflow.

Question 12

Can customers accept or decline quotes online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can accept or decline quotes online through secure public links.

Question 13

Can we track when a quote is viewed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk tracks quote open and view events so your team can follow up with better timing.

Question 14

Do customers need logins to view quotes?

Accepted Answer

No. Quote links are token-protected, so customers can view quotes securely without creating accounts.

Question 15

Can we add custom quote fields?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can add custom reference fields, including workshop-specific fields like purchase order numbers.

Question 16

Can we generate branded quote PDFs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk generates branded quote PDFs for customer, insurer, and internal documentation needs.

Question 17

Does PanelDesk support insurance splits and excess handling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Final costing supports insurer-versus-customer splits and excess handling so billing responsibility is clear.

Question 18

Can final costing require sign-off before invoicing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Final costing workflows support approval and sign-off states before moving forward with invoicing.

Question 19

Can invoices be created from job cards and as standalone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Invoices can be generated from job cards or created as standalone invoices when needed.

Question 20

Can we track invoice status and customer invoice views?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk provides invoice status tracking and customer view tracking on secure invoice links.

Question 21

Can we record payments and see paid versus outstanding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can record payments and maintain clear visibility into what is paid and what is still outstanding.

Question 22

Do customers need an account to use the portal?

Accepted Answer

No. Customers use secure token-validated links, so login accounts are not required for document access.

Question 23

Can customers view invoices online through secure links?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can open invoice links securely and view invoice details directly in the browser.

Question 24

Can customers download quote and invoice PDFs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can download branded quote and invoice PDFs, and other workflow documents where applicable.

Question 25

Can customers complete digital clearance signing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can complete clearance through digital signature or by uploading a signed PDF when required.

Question 26

Are approvals, signatures, and document views timestamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Document views and workflow actions such as approvals or clearance completion are recorded with timestamps.

Question 27

Is our data secure and backed up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk data is stored securely and backed up so workshop records remain protected.

Question 28

Does PanelDesk support role-based permissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk supports role-based access control with permission-gated actions and configurable team roles.

Question 29

What support can we expect after signup?

Accepted Answer

Support includes clear response handling with a 24-hour acknowledgement window Monday to Friday, along with onboarding guidance for teams getting started on PanelDesk.

Question 30

What is included in the current plan?

Accepted Answer

The current offering includes the full workflow features, customer portal, branded document outputs, and onboarding support, with the Core Plan currently including three users.

Question 31

Do we need a credit card to start the 30-day trial?

Accepted Answer

No. You can begin and use the 30-day PanelDesk trial without entering credit card details.

Question 32

Are there setup fees or hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

No. PanelDesk does not charge setup fees or hidden platform costs. Current public pricing is shown on the pricing page, with legally required VAT added only where applicable.

Question 33

Can we cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PanelDesk has no long-term lock-in, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Question 34

What happens if we add a payment method before the trial ends?

Accepted Answer

Adding a payment method during the trial is optional. If you choose to add one before the trial ends, our payment provider may process a once-off refundable verification charge. That charge is refunded and is not a trial fee.

PanelDesk FAQ

Getting Started

Workflow & Operations

Quotes & Approvals

Final Costing, Insurance & Invoicing

Customer Portal & Documents

Security, Support & Pricing

Still need clarity on your workflow?

PanelDesk FAQ

Getting Started

What is auto body shop management software?+

Who is PanelDesk built for?+

How quickly can a workshop get started?+

Do we need to install anything?+

Can multiple staff work at the same time?+

Workflow & Operations

Does PanelDesk cover the full quote-to-invoice workflow?+

Can accepted quotes convert directly to job cards?+

What job statuses can we track?+

Can we store documents and photos on each job?+

Can we attach saved documents or photos when emailing quotes or invoices?+

Can we generate work-in-progress documents?+

Quotes & Approvals

Can customers accept or decline quotes online?+

Can we track when a quote is viewed?+

Do customers need logins to view quotes?+

Can we add custom quote fields?+

Can we generate branded quote PDFs?+

Final Costing, Insurance & Invoicing

Does PanelDesk support insurance splits and excess handling?+

Can final costing require sign-off before invoicing?+

Can invoices be created from job cards and as standalone?+

Can we track invoice status and customer invoice views?+

Can we record payments and see paid versus outstanding?+

Customer Portal & Documents

Do customers need an account to use the portal?+

Can customers view invoices online through secure links?+

Can customers download quote and invoice PDFs?+

Can customers complete digital clearance signing?+

Are approvals, signatures, and document views timestamped?+

Security, Support & Pricing

Is our data secure and backed up?+

Does PanelDesk support role-based permissions?+

What support can we expect after signup?+

What is included in the current plan?+

Do we need a credit card to start the 30-day trial?+

Are there setup fees or hidden costs?+

Can we cancel anytime?+

What happens if we add a payment method before the trial ends?+

Still need clarity on your workflow?