Auto Shop Texting Software: Included vs Metered SMS (2026)

Customer texting is no longer a nice to have. Shops that text estimates get faster approvals, fewer voicemails, and fewer cars sitting on the lift waiting for a callback. So here is a good question to ask any vendor while you shop: is texting included, metered, or an add-on? Knowing that up front makes it easy to compare the real cost.

How shop software handles texting pricing

There are three common patterns, and they each behave differently as you get busier:

• Per message metering. You get a bundle of texts, then pay an overage rate for messages past it. Most vendors build on a carrier like Twilio, so a metered rate reflects that cost plus the service around it. Works well if your volume is steady.
• Texting as a paid add-on. The base plan covers the core software, and customer SMS is a separate line item. Easy to compare once you add it in.
• Texting included in the plan. A flat price covers a real monthly allowance of messages, with no per message line to track.

With the first two, your texting cost tracks how busy you are. With an included allowance, it is already covered. Neither is wrong, it just depends on how many texts your shop sends.

What GreaseGoose includes

GreaseGoose builds customer SMS into every plan, with a real monthly allowance:

Those messages cover the texts that actually move metal: estimate approvals, status updates, ready for pickup, and review requests. Email is included too. There is no per seat fee, so unlimited technicians never raise your bill.

How to do the math on your own shop

Take your monthly car count and multiply by the texts a typical repair generates. A normal job is roughly: estimate sent, approval reply, ready for pickup, and a review request. Call it four to six customer texts per car. A 200 car month is in the ballpark of 800 to 1,200 texts. On a metered plan, every text past your bundle is real money. On a flat plan with a generous allowance, it is already paid for.

Why this matters more than the sticker price

A low base plan that meters texting can end up costing more than a higher plan that includes it, once you are actually busy. When you compare options, look past the sticker price. The real number is sticker price plus texting plus payment processing plus any per seat fees. Add those together before you decide. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide on how shop management software pricing actually works.

FAQ

Does GreaseGoose charge per text message?

No. GreaseGoose includes a monthly SMS allowance in every plan: 500 texts on Solo, 1,500 on Shop, and 4,000 on Multi-Shop, plus email. You are not billed per message inside your allowance, and unlimited technicians never raise your bill.

Is texting included in most auto shop software?

It varies. Some platforms include a texting allowance, while others meter SMS per message or offer it as a paid add-on. With metered texting, built on a carrier like Twilio, your cost can climb as you get busier. Always confirm whether texting is included, metered, or extra before you sign up.

How many text messages does a busy shop send?

A typical repair generates roughly four to six customer texts: estimate, approval, ready for pickup, and a review request. A 200 car month often lands near 800 to 1,200 messages. Compare that to any plan's included allowance and overage rate to find your real cost.

What is the cheapest way to text customers from my shop?

A flat plan that includes a monthly SMS allowance is usually the most predictable. It avoids per message overages and add-on fees. GreaseGoose includes texting in every plan starting at $39.99/mo with no per seat charges.