Question 1

How does Auto Shop Base compare to Mitchell 1?

Accepted Answer

Auto Shop Base is a modern, cloud-native alternative to Mitchell 1. While Mitchell has decades of industry data, its interface shows its age. Auto Shop Base offers a fresh, fast experience with features Mitchell doesn't have—like AI diagnostics, HR management, and free labor times through Open Labor Project.

Question 2

Does Auto Shop Base have labor times like Mitchell?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Auto Shop Base integrates with Open Labor Project, which provides free labor time lookup for thousands of repairs. Unlike Mitchell's paid subscription model, this is included with your Auto Shop Base account at no extra cost.

Question 3

What about Mitchell's repair information database?

Accepted Answer

Mitchell has extensive OEM repair procedures. While we're building out this capability, Auto Shop Base focuses on what matters most day-to-day: fast estimates, smooth invoicing, customer communication, and shop management. For complex OEM procedures, you can still reference other sources.

Question 4

Is Mitchell better for larger shops?

Accepted Answer

Mitchell works for large shops, but so does Auto Shop Base—often better. Our modern architecture means faster performance, easier training for new staff, and features like HR management that Mitchell simply doesn't offer. Plus, no annual contracts lock you in.

Question 5

Can I switch from Mitchell to Auto Shop Base easily?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many shops run both systems during transition. We can help import your customer and vehicle data. Most shops are fully transitioned within a week, and our support team is here to help every step of the way.

Question 6

Why leave Mitchell after all these years?

Accepted Answer

We hear this a lot. Mitchell works, but "works" isn't the same as "works well." Shops switching to Auto Shop Base report faster estimate creation, better customer communication, and team members who actually enjoy using the software. Sometimes change is worth it.

Feature	S Auto Shop Base	MI Mitchell 1
Starting Price	$100 /month	$250+ /month
Cloud-Based (No Install)	✓	Optional add-on
Modern Interface	✓	✗
Labor Time Lookup	Free (Open Labor)	Paid subscription
Digital Vehicle Inspections	✓	✓
Parts Integration	✓	✓
VIN Decoding	✓	✓
OEM Service Info	Coming Soon	✓
Estimating	✓	✓
Invoicing	✓	✓
Customer Communication	2-Way SMS	Basic
AI Diagnostics	✓	✗
HR & Employee Management	✓	✗
Mobile Friendly	✓	Limited
Annual Contracts Required	No	Yes

Still Using Mitchell?\nThere's a Better Way

Auto Shop Base vs Mitchell 1

Why Shops Are Leaving Mitchell

Slow, Outdated Interface

Expensive Add-Ons

Poor Mobile Experience

Annual Contracts

Free Labor Times with Open Labor Project

Frequently Asked Questions

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