A simpler Garage Hive alternative
Garage Hive is a well-known UK garage management system, built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It's capable software - and for some garages, that capability comes with more setup and more complexity than they need.
Motion Bookings is the all-in-one alternative: the things a busy independent garage actually uses every day - online booking, deposits, MOT reminders, invoicing and a live workshop board - in one straightforward platform you can be running today.
Why garages look for an alternative
Every garage is different, but the reasons we hear most often come down to wanting something lighter and quicker to live with:
- A system you can set up yourself, without a lengthy onboarding
- Customer-facing online booking and deposits built in, not bolted on
- Pricing that is clear and per-garage, with no card needed to try it
- An interface your team picks up in an afternoon
What Motion Bookings does differently
Motion Bookings is built mobile-first for the people on the tools, not just the back office. The same system your customers use to book is the one your mechanics use on the workshop board and you use to invoice.
- Your own online booking page with optional Stripe deposits
- Automatic MOT reminders by SMS and email
- Invoicing with VAT, parts, labour and deposit deduction
- Live workshop board the whole team sees in real time
- 14-day free trial, no card required
Try it before you commit
You don't need a sales call or a migration project to see whether Motion Bookings fits. Start a free 14-day trial, add your services and vehicles, and put a few real bookings through it.
At a glance
| Feature | Motion Bookings | Typical legacy garage software |
|---|---|---|
| Customer-facing online booking | Varies / add-on | |
| Stripe deposits to cut no-shows | Varies | |
| Automatic MOT reminders (SMS & email) | Varies | |
| Live workshop board | Varies | |
| Invoicing with VAT | ||
| Set up yourself in a day | Often needs onboarding | |
| Runs on any phone, no install | Varies | |
| Free trial, no card required | Varies |
Comparison reflects what Motion Bookings includes as standard. Other systems vary - always check the provider's current plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Motion Bookings a like-for-like Garage Hive replacement?
It covers the day-to-day a busy independent garage relies on - bookings, MOT reminders, invoicing, the workshop board and customer records. Garage Hive's Business Central foundation offers deep accounting and stock features some larger operations need; Motion Bookings focuses on being fast, affordable and easy for independents. The free trial is the best way to judge fit.
Can I move my customers and vehicles across?
Yes - get in touch and we'll help you import your customer and vehicle list so you're not starting from scratch.
How much does Motion Bookings cost?
From £39/month per garage, with a 14-day free trial and no card required to start. Pricing is shown up front - no quote process.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Motion Bookings runs in the browser on any device - no installs, no server, no IT setup.
Keep reading
See how it compares for your garage
Start your 14-day free trial - no card required.
Start your 14-day free trial