Question 1

Why should I partner with KitsanaHQ as an automotive service provider?

Accepted Answer

There are no startup or ongoing fees. The prices you set are what you get plus 100% of tips. No marketing fees — KitsanaHQ markets for you. All bookings are free to you. KitsanaHQ handles communications, scheduling, and billing so you can focus on delivering quality work. You remain 100% independent as a business owner contracting directly with customers.

Question 2

Will I make more money through KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Businesses typically spend 10-20% on marketing alone. Add booking, coordination, billing, and follow-up costs, and you keep much more of what you earn. KitsanaHQ also drives customers to you through a curated list of approved professionals — not 50 competing providers like Google Maps. This means higher booking conversion rates. Plus 100% of tips go directly to you.

Question 3

Does partnering with KitsanaHQ mean I work for them?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. All partners are independent business owners. You contract directly with every customer and are responsible for the services you perform. KitsanaHQ handles the technology, communications, and customer service on your behalf.

Question 4

What do I need to be approved as a KitsanaHQ provider?

Accepted Answer

KitsanaHQ requires valid licensing, verifiable years in business, relevant certifications, and appropriate insurance coverage for General Liability and Garage Keepers. To maintain active status, you must keep documents and insurance current, maintain Google reviews of 4.5+, and maintain a minimum KitsanaHQ Score based on booking response times, customer satisfaction, and reliability.

Question 5

What is the Enhanced Trust package?

Accepted Answer

The Enhanced Trust package provides additional identity verification and a thorough criminal background check. Providers with the Enhanced Trust badge stand out to customers who value extra verification, leading to higher booking rates for a very low cost.

Question 6

How does scheduling work on KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

Two ways: (1) You set your business hours and availability, and KitsanaHQ matches customers accordingly, with calendar integration support. (2) Multi-bay shops can receive bookings more broadly. All bookings require your acceptance within 3 business hours or the customer is matched with another provider.

Question 7

Can I refuse or cancel bookings on KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but regularly refusing requests or cancelling may affect your platform status. KitsanaHQ prioritizes quick responses, high acceptance rates, and minimal cancellations. Keep your calendar up to date to avoid receiving requests when you are busy.

Question 8

How do KitsanaHQ billing and payment transfers work?

Accepted Answer

During onboarding you create a Stripe Connect account (or link an existing one). All transactions are processed through Stripe with weekly deposits to your bank account automatically.

Question 9

How do taxes work for KitsanaHQ providers?

Accepted Answer

In the vast majority of circumstances, KitsanaHQ collects and remits all sales taxes paid by the customer. Some exceptions are automatically handled by Stripe. Providers should be aware of all taxes they are responsible to collect and remit, and consult their tax professional.

Question 10

What if a customer payment method declines after service?

Accepted Answer

This is essentially not possible. For flat rate bookings and accepted quotes, KitsanaHQ pre-authorizes the customer payment method in advance. The risk of non-payment or disputes is minimal — this is one of the key benefits of the platform.

Question 11

How do I communicate with customers on KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

KitsanaHQ has a built-in communication system inside all quotes and booking work orders, combined with SMS and email routing. Use the chat system as much as possible — even after phone calls or in-person discussions, follow up with a message so it ends up in the booking history as a record for dispute resolution.

Question 12

Can I upsell additional services through KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Update the quote or work order in your dashboard with additional services or pricing before performing any work. KitsanaHQ automatically contacts the customer, gets their approval, pre-authorizes the additional charges, and notifies you via SMS when approved.

Question 13

Do KitsanaHQ providers need to provide receipts or service records?

Accepted Answer

No paperwork required. When you mark services as complete and ensure accuracy of service descriptions, part numbers, and warranty details, this automatically becomes the customer vehicle service record that KitsanaHQ maintains.

Question 14

How does quoting and vehicle inspections work on KitsanaHQ?

Accepted Answer

KitsanaHQ has a robust quoting system and can book customers for inspections first. Most providers charge an inspection fee which is automatically deducted from the service quote if the service charges are at least 2x the inspection fee. This encourages customers to use your quote while ensuring you are not doing free labor.

Provider FAQ

Why KitsanaHQ

Getting Started & Your Account

Scheduling & Bookings

Payments & Taxes

Working with Customers

Quoting & Inspections

Still have questions?