# RO Writer Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is RO Writer the right Auto Repair solution for you? Explore 93 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/173266/R-O-Writer/reviews --- RO Writer 3.9 (93) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/173266/R-O-Writer/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated May 6th, 2026 # Reviews of RO Writer Ease of use 4.0 Customer Service 3.8 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews BC Brenda C Billing ClerkAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It allowed our small repair shop to really optimize every repair and catch all of the revenue (some that we were missing out on with several orders). “ March 28, 2025 JC John C OwnerAutomotive, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Each day if the system is closed, the system takes a lot of time to open, which is frustrating.“ June 16, 2025 ER Edgar R COOAutomotive, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It's helped me with retail and fleet management, multiple locations, smaller and bigger operations. “ June 17, 2025 AG Ari G Owner Automotive, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “After you finish writing a description of repair it takes you to the bottom of the page causing you to lose you place on the page Causing you to lose your thought process and you are constantly going to the bottom of the page and back to your original place on the page.“ November 18, 2022 BC Brenda C Billing ClerkAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It really helps get the most out of every Repair in the Shop and then follow it through from customer communication to invoicing.“ March 28, 2025 MM Mike M OwnerAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Lack of customer support, lack of billing support, and basically over priced for what it is“ March 13, 2023 DA Dana A PresidentAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “the software is adaptable to most conditions to get the information you need to grow your business.“ June 17, 2025 LC Lloyd C OwnerAutomotive, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Latest version 3.0.3 is overall very clunky, slow, and missing some features“ March 29, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 93 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use VR Verified Reviewer Owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great program to organize repair orders for Auto Business" June 6, 2018 4.0 Helpful in organizing all aspects of automotive database. Pros Easy to input information into the system. Keeps customer database and inventory organized. Easy to check customer's history on vehicles Cons RO Writer is not always easy to navigate. It took some time to learn. Sometimes has glitches, however Customer Service is available to assist. Review Source BC Brenda C. Billing Clerk Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Catch all Your Revenue & Communicate Easily with Customers" March 28, 2025 5.0 It allowed our small repair shop to really optimize every repair and catch all of the revenue (some that we were missing out on with several orders). Communicating effectively with the customers is always a struggle and RO Writer really helped us make this better. Pros It really helps get the most out of every Repair in the Shop and then follow it through from customer communication to invoicing. Cons It wasn't the easiest thing to get all of the Service Techs trained to use. Switched from [Google Calendar](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/) We needed a better way to keep track of the Orders and through to Invoicing. Review Source RD Robbie D. Office Manager Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "It was great back in the 90's when it was designed - now it's like driving an antique car" March 17, 2021 1.0 RO Writer was a solid option for a shop management system about 10 years ago. The software is very comprehensive and highly customizable. That said, we have suffered from constant technical problems over the last several years. RO Writer tech support has required us to spend a small fortune updating and replacing network hardware(including our server) to fix the technical problems, but the problems were never fixed. After spending a ton on upgrades to our network, we finally gave up and replaced RO Writer with another software. I've been trying to contact their billing department for months in order to be released from our service agreement due to the constant technical problems, but I can't even get them to return my calls or e-mails. RO Writer was originally designed around a Microsoft Access database, which is ancient technology in 2021. The "new" version(which they will charge you another $10K for and make you sign a 3 year agreement) is based on SQL, but it's half-baked and doesn't function properly. This software should have been scrapped and totally redesigned a decade ago, but the company keeps dragging along their antiquated system and selling it like it's a modern shop management system. Let me finish with this: If RO Writer's website was based on the same technology that their software is, NOBODY would even consider buying it because you would load the website and realize it was designed with twenty year old technology. Pros Good parts ordering options and great product documentation Cons Constant crashes, extremely slow response from software. I spent half of my day staring at my screen waiting for RO writer to catch up with me. Alternatives considered [NAPA TRACS](https://www.capterra.com/p/61551/NAPA-TRACS/)[Protractor](https://www.capterra.com/p/18043/Protractor-NET/)[Shop Boss](https://www.capterra.com/p/121909/Shop-Boss-Pro/) Reason for choosing RO Writer At the time, it was the most comprehensive software we can find. There's a button and an option for everything you could imagine. If only it worked properly... Review Source EG Edward G. manager Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "sence 2008" June 15, 2023 4.0 ease of use on a daily basis going paperless increase aro Pros it is easy to use quick to build a work order with smart oil and smart jobs Cons the marketing and follow up mod. is hard to nav. would like to see it updated Alternatives considered [Mitchell RepairCenter](https://www.capterra.com/p/83653/Mitchell-RepairCenter/)[TRAX](https://www.capterra.com/p/180973/TRAX/) Reason for choosing RO Writer its better with more tools to do a faster job Review Source DA Dana A. President Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Daily use perspective" June 17, 2025 5.0 If the software wasn't that good I would have left a long time ago. I have been using rowriter for 25 years! cost effective, support is excellent, and they continue to make improvements. Pros the software is adaptable to most conditions to get the information you need to grow your business. continuously making changes to keep up with technology. Cons as with any canned software package you can't always change what you want to in the software. (customization) You will get all the answers you want, just in a different format. Review Source MM Mike M. Owner Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Owner" March 13, 2023 1.0 When the company was knew they did good work however, since they’ve been bought by someone else, their quality in customer service has gone to zero Pros When it first came out, it was too pricey, and it did a lot but now other automotive software is out there for a fraction of the price and does the same Cons Lack of customer support, lack of billing support, and basically over priced for what it is Switched from [NAPA TRACS](https://www.capterra.com/p/61551/NAPA-TRACS/) At the time Napa tracks did not support other vendors. But now it does and I’m switching back to Napa tracks for $71 a month. Review Source DS Dean S. All Positions at all times Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Was decent, then bad, then abysmal" July 26, 2019 3.0 9 years of honeymoon promises, updates, new sales reps, always promises and no delivery. For the last 5 years I averaged over 20 hours per both on tech support calls. That should say enough right there. Pros Details. You want reports, you got ‘em. Cons Almost everything else. Just gets worse with each iteration. Switched from [AutoShop](https://www.capterra.com/p/35810/AutoShop/) More functionality and recommended by my then ATI coach. Huge mistake. Review Source DW DON W. President Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "RO Writer Review" June 16, 2025 5.0 Overall, we have been pleased - especially now that they are updating the program often. Tech support has been good. Pros I like the Smart E-Cat feature. Parts from most all my vendors live on the screen at one time. Also matrixed so my Advisors can quote and order quicky. The regular training sessions are good too. Cons I would like a techncian only view - that way the techs only see their jobs that need to be done. However, with the DVI Suite that's kind of taken care of. Alternatives considered [Manager SE](https://www.capterra.com/p/145351/Manager-SE/) Reason for choosing RO Writer Recommendation from a fellow shop owner. Review Source NB Nick B. president Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "RO Writer is all in one system" June 16, 2025 5.0 been using them for over 10 years an they are usually quick to call and fix issues. Server base has given us custom options. Pros tons of options start to finish to run a tire and repair shop. We use them for POS, DVI and a ton of accounting Cons intermittent issue can slow things down but they are usually pretty fast to respond and fix any issues Review Source JE Jeff E. Service advisor Automotive Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy for writing up estimates mostly " March 8, 2025 4.0 Pros Ease of writing estimates was pleasant nt Cons I think it’s difficult to identify which parts are for what Review Source JB James B. General Manager Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "General Manager" December 9, 2022 5.0 Really great with the ease of use and the support features have been really nice. AC has been amazing with helping implement new systems.!!! Pros easy to use and very intouch with todays needs. AC very knowledable and helpful. Cons n/a just the learning of new system issues but RO writer team was very supportive. Review Source JW Jo W. manager/owner Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RO Writer Review" February 2, 2023 5.0 Being new to the industry, I have found the program to be user-friendly and easy to navigate through. Pros User-friendly, great customer service. The hard drive crashed, and customer service was extremely helpful. \[sensitive content hidden\] got the shop and running after a couple days of frustration. Cons Not experienced enough to give an honest opinion. Reason for choosing RO Writer My father had this program in place before his passing. Review Source LC Lloyd C. Owner Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Bellaire Auto Center's review of RO Writer, 32 years!" March 29, 2023 4.0 We wouldn't be here without it! Pros RO writing, Epicor, service history, inventory management Cons Latest version 3.0.3 is overall very clunky, slow, and missing some features Reason for choosing RO Writer Local sales and support staff were excellent! Review Source RH Robert H. Owner Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Stick with old software" August 8, 2019 1.0 None, been causing more problems than it cured Pros Can't give no pros. Been having problems ever since updated to new software. Cons Keeps messing up. Have to call in all the time because something not working. After 24 years using R O Writer I have to say this new software is crap. More money and a lot of wasted time getting it to work correctly. Which they seem can't fix! Never had problems with older version. This new update version has problems all the time and have to wait on hold for 30 minutes for support . I DO NOT RECOMMEND this new version of R O writer!!! Reason for choosing RO Writer It was a good product until this new "better" version.... what a joke Review Source AC Aaron C. President Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long Time RO Writer User" March 5, 2019 5.0 The seem to have much better Regional, Field and Phone Support. That is a huge help. ---Thank you Pros It is user friendly. and has great support. Our Regional and Field Manager has taken the time to make sure that we are aware of all the new features that RO Writer has to offer. We have stayed with RO Writer through thick and thin and very happy that we did. They are adding some really neat features that are taking our shops to new levels. Cons No cons at this time, they seem to be handling any issues that I have had in years past. Review Source PM Peter M. Business managerr Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Ro writer review" December 10, 2023 5.0 Pros Ro write has good customization and is easy to use Cons Prompts can get annoying when set incorrectly. There is a lot of clicking for one action Review Source LC Larry C. President Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RO Writer seen its beter days" August 8, 2018 4.0 It brought me to a new level of business understanding, I have simply out grown this program Pros It worked great for years, definately contributed to the growth of my biusiness. Once you use it it has some good logic and flow. It was a definate improvement over what i came from. Cons SUIPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT, to much down time waiting on support. when there is a windows update it kills your license, not everytime and not on every computer. Database corruption wore us out. Spent thousands of dollars in hardware improvement only to find out it was a software issue. Review Source JE Jarrod E. owner Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Legacy Automotive" June 2, 2020 5.0 A C has been fantastic. He made the switch over process seamless. Software is doing exactly what we want and look forward to future updates. Pros Simple to use. If you can read it's self explanatory. Cons Almost too basic in some areas. Example: maybe a more modern look instead of blocky 2000s era software. Reason for choosing RO Writer Familiar with it. Been using it for years. Review Source SF Shawn F. Owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ro writer covers all your needs" August 30, 2018 5.0 I have used it for 5 years in both of my shops. As an owner I have the data I need even if I'm not at the shop. It has streamlined our flow 10 fold. Love it. Highly recommend it. Pros Reports are plentiful, repair orders are easy to read, ease of use, and has more than you will use for a shop. Easy to open and process repair orders. Ro touch is the bomb. Awesome product Cons Theres a lot of stuff to use. But sometimes it just takes time to decide wHt u need to use cor your situation to run your shop profitable and productive Review Source AH Al H. owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "its been the best software we have used" December 5, 2018 4.0 i think its getting better every day. I think its still the best point of sale software out there. I dont think there is the perfect system. Pros easy estimating at All three of our locations. I really like the new updates with the new version. Another thing i like is the the new smart status on ro touch. Cons it locks up at times, and i"m sure its probably something we did wrong along the way. The system gets better every day. I think this system is going to be awesome, once all the bugs are worked out. Review Source JT Jo T. Vice President Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Efficient & effective automotive repair software" September 27, 2018 4.0 Pros I like the speed with which I am able to determine availability for products and create repair order estimates. Find quite accurate. Cons At times will ask questions like 4wd vs 2wd, automatic vs standard shift but then will display both options on parts screen even after I have narrowed down the search. I dislike that you have to get out of an estimate for any other work in rowriter- example I am estimating brakes on customers vehicle when receive call from another customer for an appointment- have to exit estimate in order to set appointment in scheduler- I am constantly having to go back into or restart estimates. Also would like to be able to look at part pictures from the ro once on a ticket- with current system have to go back into smart jobs if I would like to reference picture again. Review Source DK Dot K. Sec. Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very helpful" December 11, 2018 5.0 Very easy system to use. When you call rep she take care of you and gives you to the right people to call. Pros I really like using RO writer. It is very user friendly. I would recommend this system to customers and family and friends. Cons The only thing I have a con is with inventory. The reports for inventory does not work since the RO has been updated. It dup. parts number on reports. Review Source TH Tylor H. Parts Manager Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A good system for the automotive world" February 19, 2021 4.0 Overall a good and logically laid out program for automotive repair facilities. Pros The ease of creating repair orders and how the flow of the program operated, it is focused for the automotive repair world. Cons At times getting access to it while out on a road call, customers location, or in a poor internet service area. Review Source AP Amy P. Office Manager Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very helpful customer service" September 13, 2018 5.0 Customer support were very quick to respond to our issue which is very much appreciated! Pros Easy to Use- even for first time users Customer Service is very Helpful Quick Response Time Cons Unable to think of a con at this time! Review Source DG David G. Owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The most powerful tool for your shop. " November 7, 2018 5.0 Pros The overall usability and control the software gives you is unmatched. You can really customize things to suit your needs. Cons Wish it had more mobile features such as ability to view schedule remotely from a mobile device. As well as operated on Mac! Cmon guys! Review Source Similar Products Featured