How Mechanic Bids works

For vehicle owners

Posting a repair or tow request is free. You never pay Mechanic Bids to get bids or hire someone.

Getting a repair

1. Post your repair. Tell us what's wrong, which vehicle, where it is, and when you'd like bids by. You can also say whether you'll supply the parts or want the mechanic to.
2. Get bids from local mechanics. Each bid shows the price, estimated hours and any deposit they ask for. Check their profile, reviews and trust badges, and message them with questions.
3. Pick a mechanic. Accept the bid you like. The mechanic then confirms the job.
4. Get it fixed and pay the mechanic. You pay the mechanic directly for the repair, the way you normally would.

Getting a tow

1. Request a tow. Enter the pickup spot, where it's going and your vehicle.
2. Nearby tow drivers bid. Each bid shows the total price and how soon they can get there.
3. Accept a bid and pay by card. We place a hold on your card for the bid amount plus 20%, in case of extra miles. You're only charged the actual tow amount.
4. Your driver heads over. Once your payment is held, the driver gets your exact pickup address and phone number.
5. Give the driver your code. When they arrive, we'll show you a short code. Give it to the driver to confirm the pickup. That's when your card is charged.
6. Confirm delivery. When your vehicle is dropped off, confirm it, or tap Report a problem. If we don't hear from you within 24 hours, it's confirmed automatically.

For mechanics

Signing up and bidding are free. You only use credits when a customer picks you and you accept the job.

1. Create your profile. Add your services, skills, location and the languages you speak.
2. Find jobs near you. Browse repair jobs and get email alerts when new ones match your skills.
3. Send a bid. Set your price and estimated hours, and ask for a deposit (up to 30% of your bid) if you like. To ask for a deposit, first set up payouts under Payouts in your menu. You can bid once per job.
4. Accept the job with credits. If the customer picks your bid, you accept the job using credits: about 1 credit for every $20 of your bid. For example, a $120 job uses 6 credits. Single credits are $1.99, and packs bring the price down.
5. Do the job and get paid. The customer pays you directly for the repair. If you asked for a deposit, enter the customer's code when you arrive. We then send you the full deposit through Stripe, and it usually reaches your bank within 2 business days.

For tow drivers

Signing up and bidding are free. When a tow is done, you're paid the tow amount minus a 10% Mechanic Bids fee.

1. Set up your account. Add your truck, then set up payouts on Stripe's secure page (your bank account and ID). Payouts must be set up before you can bid.
2. Go available. Turn on Available for bidding. This shares your location so we can alert you to tow requests near you, by email or by text if you subscribe.
3. Bid. Enter your hook-up fee, per-mile rate, estimated miles, any extras and how soon you can get there. The customer sees your total.
4. Get the job. When a customer accepts and their payment is held, we let you know. You'll then see the exact pickup address and their phone number.
5. Pick up. When you arrive, tap I've arrived, then enter the code the customer gives you. That confirms the pickup.
6. Drop off and get paid. Tap Dropped off when the vehicle is delivered. Once the customer confirms (or after 24 hours), we send your payout: the tow amount minus our 10% fee. Stripe deposits it in your bank, usually within 2 business days.