FIXR on a mission to raise $200,000 to expand car services app

The makers behind car services app FIXR are on a mission to raise $200,000 in order to add advanced services such as online transactions and advertising.

Fixr is an app that connects car service shops to consumers. Consumers can seek quotes for services or repairs by simply logging a job. The service agents can then respond with their offers.

The app's creators, Stan Petrich and Anton Lensvelt, say the app has had a promising first few months since it launched in May 2018. They believe it shows there's a market for these types of apps.

There are around four million cars and 15,000 mechanics across New Zealand, and that number is growing every year.

"Now, people can do everything from their phones, including banking, work, data storage and monetary transactions. It made sense to simplify the car servicing/repairs process which is universally disliked for the time and effort it requires," comments Petrich.

But they want the app to do even more, such as advertising, negotiation with businesses, and online transactions that can incur fees.

"FIXR makes it fast and easy to get your car fixed or improved. It makes the service transparent for people and businesses. It reduces costs for vehicle owners that need work done and allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and profitability. It's win-win," Petrich commented in July.

The app development must stay local because it's location-based, so they can't rely on overseas developers who created the initial stage of the app.

"The short term plan is to expand our services nationwide and within two years expand to Australia, USA and the UK," says Petrich.

The app, which is currently available on Android, iOS, and web platforms, is free for users and businesses that have signed up to the service.

As of July 2018, 150 registered mechanics and repairers had signed up.

According to FIXR, it aims to be the Trade Me of all things car. Its target audience is all car owners, regardless of age, gender, extent of car knowledge, or enthusiasm.

"Irrespective of efforts to promote public transport, New Zealand remains far from a country with a prolific public transport network and billions of dollars of funding have been committed to better roading and infrastructure, reinforcing New Zealand's status as a driving nation. Kiwis love their cars," the company says.

Currently, automotive service providers are available in Auckland, but FIXR will continue to roll out services across the country.