How Informal Auto Works

A transparent, payment-protected marketplace connecting car owners with skilled mechanics & dealers — certified or experienced, at every price point.

Payment Protected
Verified Mechanics & Dealers
Free to Sign Up
Real Reviews

For Customers

Find, book, and pay for auto services with complete protection. You never pay until the work is done and you're satisfied.

1

Browse or Post a Job

Search our marketplace for mechanics & dealers in your area, or post a job request describing what your car needs and let them come to you with bids.

2

Review Profiles & Bids

Compare mechanic/dealer profiles, certifications, ratings, and reviews. If you posted a job, review the bids you receive and pick the best offer.

3

Pay Securely

When you book, Stripe holds your payment. The mechanic/dealer doesn't receive a cent until the job is complete and you confirm it. Informal Auto never touches your funds.

4

Confirm & Release

Once the job is done and you're satisfied, confirm completion. Stripe releases the funds to the mechanic/dealer. If there's a disagreement, use the platform's communication tools to resolve it directly.

Your Money Is Protected — Always

When you pay for a job, Stripe holds your funds securely. Informal Auto LLC never receives or touches your money. The mechanic only gets paid after you confirm the work is complete. No more paying upfront and hoping for the best.

  • Stripe holds your payment until you confirm the job is complete
  • Informal Auto LLC never holds or controls your funds
  • Communication tools available if a disagreement arises
  • Before & after photos logged for every job
  • Payment disputes handled through Stripe's own process
Customer pays Stripe holds your funds immediately
Job in progress Mechanic works — funds remain held
Customer confirms complete You approve — funds release to mechanic
Issue? Open a dispute We hold funds and mediate within 24 hrs

For Mechanics & Dealers

Grow your customer base with no upfront cost. You only pay when you earn — a simple 3% commission on completed repairs. Vehicle sales have no platform commission.

1

Sign Up Free

Create your mechanic profile in minutes. No monthly fee, no setup cost. We only make money when you make money.

2

List Your Services

Post your services with your pricing, availability, service area, and photos of past work. Verified mechanics get priority placement.

3

Browse & Bid on Jobs

See open job requests from customers in your area and submit competitive bids. You control your price and availability.

4

Get Paid Securely

Complete the job, get confirmed, and receive payment directly to your bank. We handle all the payment processing — no chasing invoices.

Mechanic Verification Tiers

We welcome mechanics at every level. Verification builds trust and puts your listing higher in search results.

Certified

Fully Verified

  • Government ID verified
  • ASE certification confirmed
  • State license on file
  • Priority placement in search
  • Certified badge on all listings
Experienced

Track Record Verified

  • Government ID verified
  • 5+ completed jobs on platform
  • 4.5+ star average rating
  • Elevated search placement
  • Experience badge on listings
New Mechanic

Getting Started

  • Profile set up
  • Visible to all customers
  • Can bid on job requests
  • Earns Experienced badge after 5 jobs
  • No certs required to start

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you get started.

Is it free to sign up as a customer?
Yes, completely. Customers pay only the mechanic's listed price — no platform fee, no surcharge. The platform is funded by a small 3% commission paid by service providers on completed repair jobs. Vehicle sales have no platform commission and are handled entirely in person between buyer and seller.
How does payment protection work?
When you pay for a job, your money is held by Stripe, Inc. — a third-party payment processor — and never transferred to the mechanic until you confirm the work is complete. Informal Auto LLC never holds or controls your funds. If there's a problem, use the platform's dispute communication tools to work it out with the mechanic directly. Payment disputes are handled through Stripe's own process.
Do mechanics have to be certified?
No. We welcome mechanics at all levels — from ASE-certified professionals to skilled independent mechanics without formal credentials. All mechanics are clearly labeled by tier so customers know exactly who they're hiring. Non-certified mechanics often offer more competitive pricing.
What is the mechanic commission?
Mechanics and dealers pay a 3% platform commission on each completed repair job. Vehicle sales have no platform commission and are completed in person — no online payments are processed for vehicle sales. There is no monthly fee, no listing fee, and no charge if a job isn't completed. You only pay when you earn.
What happens if there's a dispute?
If you have a concern, use the platform's Dispute Communication Center to message the other party and share evidence such as photos and job notes. Informal Auto does not adjudicate disputes, determine fault, or decide payment outcomes. Funds remain held by Stripe while you communicate. If you cannot reach an agreement, payment disputes must be resolved through Stripe's own process or legal channels.
How do I post a job request?
Create a free customer account, go to Job Requests, and describe your car issue, vehicle info, location, and your budget range. Mechanics in your area will submit bids and you choose who to hire.
How quickly will I get bids on my job?
Most job requests in active areas receive their first bid within a few hours. You'll get a notification by email when a mechanic bids on your job.

Ready to Get Started?

Join car owners and mechanics already on the platform. Free to sign up — no subscription required.

Create a Free Account Join as a Mechanic