Few things are more stressful than having to deal with a vehicle repair.
Dealerships and auto repair shops can be costly, and drivers often rely on internet searches and word-of-mouth to find a mechanic who will hopefully do the job without breaking the bank. That's where Ratchit comes in.
Founded last year by Jeff Newcomb, Ratchit is a Cary-based virtual platform that offers live video-chat capabilities to connect drivers and certified mechanics. The platform's video-chat function allows drivers to connect in real time with mechanics whose shops are partnered with the startup.
"A customer can go on our website, find a mechanic near them through our search engine and live video chat with the shop owner or shop manager," he said. "They can explain what they think the problem is with the car; the mechanic can give the driver some advice or their opinion about the problem and maybe lead them down the path to fix it themselves or bring it into their shop to fix it at a discounted price."
Newcomb said he developed the concept for Ratchit after experiencing is own frustrations with pricey repair shops. He first turned to online resources to learn how to make some repairs himself but realized it wasn't enough.
"I would use message boards, Google searches, YouTube videos – DIY kind of stuff – and a lot of that information is really good, but many don't give you all the information and leave you shorthanded," he said. "The business was basically born out of my personal frustrations."
Newcomb said he isn't alone. According to the American Auto Association, 83% of drivers "dread taking their car in for repairs, and one of the main factors in that is finding a trustworthy service center," he said.
Ratchit launched its website in late summer and has close to 100 certified mechanics available through the platform. Newcomb said he's planning to expand services to Charlotte, as well as Greensboro, Fayetteville and Wilmington, before the end of the year.
"Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina," he said. "It’s a very dynamic city with a lot of people and a lot of drivers. With more than 800 (repair) shops in the area, it’s a rich market, and a lot of people would be able to use our service."
