Openbay Launches First-of-Its-Kind Auto-Repair Marketplace on Android
Market-Leading Platform Helps Consumers Compare, Book & Pay for Automotive Services
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – April 12, 2016 – Openbay, the award-winning online marketplace for auto repair and maintenance services, released the first application of its kind on Android. Openbay offers consumers a simple, fast, and convenient way to compare services, book an appointment, and pay, once the service is complete. Openbay is available as a free download on Google Play.
“The launch of Openbay’s Android app will enable significantly more consumers to effortlessly find and transact with the best possible automotive service providers,” said Rich Miner, General Partner at GV. “There is tremendous untapped potential and lack of automation in automotive services. Openbay is delivering an innovative solution satisfying both consumers and service providers with its auto-repair marketplace.”
“Until now, there’s been no other native app for consumers to handle the end-to-end process of getting a vehicle serviced via Android,” said Rob Infantino, founder & CEO of Openbay. “More than 40% of Openbay consumers book auto repair services via their mobile devices, and we see the trend toward mobile continuing, and look forward to exposing the platform to an entirely new market wherever and whenever they need automotive service.”
Openbay empowers consumers in need of automotive service by giving them a quick and intuitive end-to-end mobile experience. Consumers choose a high-quality service center based on distance, ratings and reviews, warranty, and price, among other amenities, including WiFi or loaner car. Throughout the process, users may utilize the complimentary Openbay concierge service for additional support, and exchange messages with service providers to address issues or confirm when the vehicle is ready for pickup. Openbay tracks service history, and each completed transaction generates credit in Openbay Rewards, which may be used toward future automotive service.
According to studies conducted by Openbay, the top concern of consumers when getting their vehicles serviced is the fear of getting overcharged, which may have an impact on the overall industry. Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council noted, “An estimated $60 billion in vehicle parts, service and repair goes underperformed each year.” Openbay mitigates the fear with its online marketplace that can help the auto care industry tap into the aforementioned market.
Openbay’s nationwide network of approved service providers is composed of independent service centers, mobile mechanics that make house calls, national chains, and franchise dealership service departments. All Openbay service providers have been screened for certifications, reviews, warranty and insurance. Openbay users gain peace of mind thanks to the Openbay Guarantee, which protects each transaction completed on the platform.
About Openbay
Openbay is an online marketplace transforming the auto-repair experience for consumers, and the way that service providers acquire and service customers. In 2015, Openbay announced OpenbayConnect, allowing connected cars to communicate with Openbay for repair and maintenance service. Openbay is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is privately held, and its investors include GV (formerly Google Ventures), a16z seed, Boston Seed Capital, Stage 1 Ventures and several individual investors.