Openbay

Using the Openbay website or mobile app, vehicle owners enter their need for service or describe the repair or maintenance problem they're experiencing. Openbay reaches out to its network of service professionals to request binding service offers on the consumers' behalf. Vehicle owners then receive multiple service proposals that they may compare based on location, customer ratings and price.[3] Consumers book an appointment with the service provider that offers the best value and convenience, and then pay for everything through Openbay’s secure mobile app. 70% of Openbay users do not select the lowest-priced service provider.[4] The consumer's credit card is not charged until the service is complete.

Openbay costs nothing to the consumer or for repair shops to participate. Openbay’s pay-on-performance model ensures that only the shop that ‘wins’ the job pays a percentage of the repair cost to Openbay.[5]

April 2019, Openbay launches an AI powered Service Advisor for automotive service businesses. The product name is Openbay Otis. Otis is an automated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning application designed to serve as a powerful and knowledgeable virtual automotive service advisor.[6]

In June 2018, Openbay announced it is developing AI-enabled solutions designed for the Automotive aftermarket Industry and a Series A Financing. Shell Ventures LLC led the round with participation from existing investor Stage 1 Ventures and an undisclosed, non-institutional investor. Previous investors included Andreessen Horowitz and GV (formerly known as Google Ventures).[7]

In June 2016, Openbay announced nationwide availability of Roadside Assistance on its mobile platform. Yahoo! Finance referred to this as "a test of the competitive chops of AAA, which boasts 56 million members in North America but may strike some consumers as more of an analog brand than a digital one."[8]

In April 2016, Openbay announced its Android app, which "allows customers to locate, schedule, and purchase auto repair services in their area." [9] In August 2016, Openbay's Android mobile app enabled multi-media messages—so users could exchange text, photo and video with service providers—and Android Pay.[10]

In November 2015, Openbay announced OpenbayASP, an app for Automotive Service Providers. Shop owners and operators use OpenbayASP to review incoming service requests in real-time, respond immediately with quotes, communicate with consumers, schedule appointments and process payment.[11] It also "lets mechanics and customers exchange photos and videos." [12]

On March 31, 2015, Openbay launched OpenbayConnect, an extension of its platform. OpenbayConnect leverages connected car technology to remotely diagnose automotive vehicle problems and deliver competitive repair quotes to consumers from local mechanics.[13] Reporting on the OpenbayConnect announcement, Wall Street Journal reporter, Mike Ramsey, wrote, "This is just one demonstration of how in-car connectivity to the Internet could alter business models."[14]

November 2020, News: Wrench Mobile Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Service Joins the Openbay Marketplace to Meet Growing Demand for Convenient and Contactless Automotive Service. .[15]

October 2019, Lyft, Openbay announce partnership and rewards. Openbay and Lyft recently partnered to provide drivers with convenient access to reliable and cost efficient automotive service to keep maintenance and repair costs down. The program, featuring exclusive discounts, is now available to Lyft drivers in 14 markets across the U.S. and will continue to expand in the coming months.[16]

In December 2017, Openbay announced a partnership with ebay with the goal to provide auto repair shops with an easier way to find automotive car parts. A recent survey by Openbay found that roughly 50 percent of customers at 180 independent repair shops request service more than two days in advance allowing parts to be order ahead of a service thereby preventing any consumer wait times at a shop.[17]

Openbay was founded by Rob Infantino. The company launched nationally on October 28, 2013, along with its iOS mobile app.[18]

In May 2016, Allstate Insurance announced that it would offer auto repair and maintenance service via Openbay, in an effort to provide "greater convenience to customers." The service is available to Allstate users via Allstate.com, the Allstate mobile app's 'My Rides' section, and the Drivewise app.[19] Openbay was noted as "a model to watch for better understanding of modern automotive customer service." [20]

In August 2016, Streetwise Drivers Club, owned by Answer Financial Insurance, incorporated Openbay into its mobile app.[21]

Openbay is privately held. After having initially been self-funded, the company is now back by Google Ventures, A16z seed, Boston Seed Capital, Stage 1 Ventures and several individual investors.[22]

• Openbay was included among the Google Play store's featured apps in November 2016.[23]
• Lifehacker named Openbay among "This Week's Top Downloads" in September 2016.[24]
• Openbay Overdrive was named among "The 100 Best Car Blogs of 2016" by Washos.[25]
• Openbay Overdrive was named among "Top 100 Auto Blogs Every Car Enthusiast Must Read" by Feedspot.[26]
• Openbay holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.[27]
• Mashable named Openbay among its list of "5 awesome apps every driver should download" in April 2016.[28]
• Openbay was included in the BostInno list of "6 Boston Startups That Are Changing the Face of Transportation." [29]
• Openbay won Mass TLC's "Innovative Technology of the Year, Mobile App" award in 2014.[30]
• Openbay recognized as a "Cool Vendor in Automotive, 2014" by Gartner [31]