Type Private Area served United States Website www.openbay.com Founded 2011 | Industry Internet
Automotive Key people Rob Infantino (CEO) Founder Rob Infantino | |
Headquarters Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States | ||
Autos 0 60 autos 0 60 openbayconnect with ceo rob infantino
Openbay is an online marketplace for auto repair. in the United States. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and it was founded by CEO, Rob Infantino, in 2012.
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Product
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. 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. 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.
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."
In April 2016, Openbay announced its Android app, which "allows customers to locate, schedule, and purchase auto repair services in their area." 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.
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. It also "lets mechanics and customers exchange photos and videos."
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. 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."
History
Openbay was founded by Rob Infantino. The company launched nationally on October 28, 2013, along with its iOS mobile app.
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. Openbay was noted as "a model to watch for better understanding of modern automotive customer service."
In August 2016, Streetwise Drivers Club, owned by Answer Financial Insurance, incorporated Openbay into its mobile app.
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.