For auto & repair shops
How auto and repair shops use Red Rock Trade
An auto or repair shop earns credits by booking service, repair and detailing work for other member businesses during slower bay hours, then spends them on shop needs like signage, marketing, supplies and accounting. One credit is $1 of purchasing power with members. Credits are spent only inside the network.
Why it works for auto shops
Empty bays and slow mid-week hours are labor you cannot get back. Filling them with member vehicles turns downtime into earned credits, while your cash stays free for parts inventory and rent.
Earn credits
The easiest credits come from bay hours you already have but are not filling. A few ways shops put that time to work:
- Slow-day oil changes, inspections and tire work.
- Detailing and reconditioning jobs.
- Fleet and vehicle upkeep for member businesses.
- Seasonal services like AC checks and winter prep.
Spend credits
Each credit is $1 of purchasing power with any member business, not just the one that bought from you. Where shops tend to spend them:
- Shop signage and an exterior refresh.
- Social media, photography and marketing.
- Printing and shop supplies.
- Bookkeeping and payroll help.
- Team catering and appreciation.
An example of how it adds up
Illustrative scenario, not a guarantee
Here is one way it could look. Filling a handful of otherwise empty bay hours each week could build a balance that covers new signage and a season of marketing over a few months. Unspent credits roll forward month to month. Real numbers will depend on your capacity and how active the network is.
Auto & repair FAQ
- How does an auto shop earn credits?
- An auto or repair shop earns credits by booking service, repair, detailing and tire work for other Red Rock Trade members during slower bay hours. Fleet upkeep for member businesses and seasonal services like AC checks and winter prep are common ways to fill mid-week downtime. Credits post when the member confirms, or on their own after 7 days.
- What can a repair shop spend credits on?
- Shops usually spend credits on signage and an exterior refresh, social media and photography, printing and shop supplies, bookkeeping and payroll help, and team catering. You can spend with any member business, not only the ones whose vehicles you serviced.
- Do I have to take trade in every bay?
- No. You choose which services take trade and when. Cash customers stay exactly as they are, and you can pause new trade customers anytime with one switch when the bays are full.
- Is trade income taxable for my shop?
- Yes. The IRS treats trade income like cash income in the year the trade happens. After year end, Red Rock Trade sends each business a Form 1099-B for its trade. Your normal tax obligations stay with you, so see IRS Topic No. 420 and confirm the details with your CPA.
New here? Read how Red Rock Trade works, how credits work and taxes on trade. Related industries: contractors and trades, home service businesses, marketing and print shops.
Ready to fill your slow bays?
One monthly price with no transaction fees. Plans start at $59 a month. Every new member starts with 100 welcome credits to spend with any member.