When you book a service or repair with a shop that uses Workshop by Bikebook, you get a personal tracking link that follows your job from booking to collection. You can book online, check progress at any time and message the shop directly, all without phoning or calling in.
This article applies to bikes, mobility scooters and any other item a shop services. Three things to remember:
Book online through the shop's website or on Bikebook.
Keep your tracking link. It shows the status of your job, your invoice and your job report.
Watch for messages. The shop may contact you through the chat on your tracking page.
How to book
You can book in one of two places: the online booking widget on the shop's own website (if the shop has set one up), or the shop's listing on Bikebook, our mechanic directory. Both follow the same steps, and you can see the shop's real availability as you go.
Choose a date. Pick from the dates the shop has open. Depending on how the shop works, this will be a drop-off date, a collection date, or an on-site service date if the shop is a mobile mechanic who comes to you.
Add your product details. Tell the shop about your bike, mobility scooter or whatever needs servicing, so they know what to expect.
Upload photos or videos (optional). Images and videos help the shop see the problem before it arrives.
Pick your service. Choose the service or repair you need from the shop's list.
Leave your contact details. The shop uses these to reach you about your job.
Submit your booking. You will receive a confirmation straight away (see below).
Booked by the shop instead? You don't always have to book online. A shop can also book you in from their side. If they do, you will receive a "booking submitted" email with your booking details and your tracking link, and you can use the link exactly as described below.
After you book
Once you submit, you will get a confirmation email saying your booking has been submitted. It includes your tracking link, a unique web address for your job.
The link opens in any web browser, so there is nothing to download or install. You will also be sent the link by SMS, email or both, depending on which notifications the shop has switched on.
Keep this email or text. The link stays the same for the whole job, so it is the easiest way to get back to your booking.
Using your tracking page
Open your tracking link at any point during the job to see where things stand. The page gives you four things:
Job status: see how far along your job is, from booking through to completion.
Chat: open the chat tab to message the shop. Ask for an update, answer a question or share extra details about your bike.
Job report: a checklist of the items the shop is servicing or working on, so you can see exactly what is being done.
Invoice: view your invoice on the same page.
Messages from the shop
The shop may message you through the chat tab on your tracking page, for example to confirm details, ask a question or let you know about your job. When you have an unread message, you will get an SMS or email notification, depending on which the shop has enabled.
When you get one of these notifications, open your tracking link and check the chat. If the shop is waiting on an answer, replying promptly helps keep your job moving.
Quick tips
Save your tracking link. Bookmark it or keep the confirmation email or text handy.
Check it any time. Use the link whenever you want a status update, instead of waiting to hear from the shop.
Look out for notifications. SMS and email alerts tell you when there is a new message.
Use the chat. It is the quickest way to ask the shop a question about your job.
Not getting SMS or emails? Shops choose which notifications to send, so check your inbox and spam folder, or contact the shop to ask.