Digital screens for workshops: what to show in reception and waiting areas

At reception: welcome and explain what happens next

Reception is the first point of contact within the workshop. A digital screen can welcome the customer, show the centre's name and reinforce brand identity.

It is also useful to explain the initial steps: what documentation is needed, how the vehicle handover is done, or who to speak to. If the customer has to wait, the screen can indicate the location of the waiting area and the available services (coffee, Wi-Fi, etc.).

Avoid overloading with too much information. Prioritise short, clear messages that reduce customer uncertainty. A well-used reception screen helps the experience get off to a good start.

Explain the inspection or repair process

Many customers don't know exactly what an inspection or repair involves. Digital screens can be used to simply explain the most common procedures, such as an oil change, brake inspection or filter replacement.

You can show graphics or animations that illustrate each step, without needing complex technical data. For example, a visual sequence of how tyres are checked or how an electrical problem is diagnosed.

This educational content not only informs, but also helps the customer understand the value of the service and feel more confident. However, avoid promising real-time updates on the vehicle's status if you don't have that integration; focus on explaining the general process.

Communicate the wait clearly

Waiting is one of the most delicate moments of the visit. A customer who doesn't know how long they'll be waiting can feel frustrated. Screens can help manage expectations, but honestly.

Instead of showing an exact time that you may not be able to meet, use messages such as “We're working on your vehicle” or “Your adviser will let you know when it's ready”. If you have an estimate, communicate it approximately and update it when possible.

Also, use the screen to offer content that makes the wait more bearable: industry news, maintenance tips, or workshop promotions. The goal is for the customer to feel that their time is respected.

Present maintenance and additional services

During the visit, the customer is particularly receptive to information about their vehicle. It is the ideal time to present maintenance packages, service reminders or additional services that may interest them.

For example, you can show an annual maintenance plan with the services included, or highlight the convenience of having an alignment done along with a tyre change. Use attractive images and clear calls to action, such as “Ask your adviser”.

Avoid a purely commercial tone. Instead of just selling, explain the benefits in terms of safety, durability or long-term savings. This way the customer perceives the recommendation as professional advice, not a sales attempt.

Tyres and seasonal services

Seasonal services are a great opportunity for workshop screens. In autumn, you can promote the switch to winter tyres; in spring, an air conditioning check; in summer, preparation for long journeys.

The key is to schedule these messages in advance and adapt them to the local climate and needs. For example, if a heatwave is approaching, highlight the importance of checking the cooling system.

Seasonal content is not only useful for the customer, but also helps plan the workshop's workload. By communicating early, you can encourage bookings and avoid unmanaged demand peaks.

Accessories and complementary services

In addition to basic maintenance, a workshop can offer accessories and services that improve the customer experience. Digital screens are ideal to display them attractively.

Think of products such as floor mats, roof racks, snow chains, or even interior cleaning and detailing services. You can present these items with high-quality images and brief descriptions of their advantages.

As with maintenance, the focus should be on usefulness. For example, “Protect your boot with a rubber tray” or “Keep your car immaculate with our premium cleaning service”. Make it easy for the customer to ask or request more information.

Turn the wait into useful content about vehicle care

The waiting area is a perfect place to educate the customer about caring for their vehicle. Instead of just showing advertising, you can offer practical tips that the customer will appreciate.

For example, explain how to check tyre pressure, what the dashboard warning lights mean, or how often to change the oil. Use simple language and avoid jargon.

This type of content builds trust and positions the workshop as an ally, not just a service provider. It can also motivate the customer to perform more regular maintenance, which benefits both parties.

Use screens to reinforce transparency and trust

Transparency is fundamental in the repair sector. Digital screens can help build trust by showing clear and verifiable information.

For example, you can show a breakdown of the work carried out (without customer personal data), the workshop's certifications, or the brands of parts used. You can also include customer reviews (with their permission) or quality seals.

Remember that it's not about claiming “we are the best”, but demonstrating it with facts. Show your commitment to quality and let the customer draw their own conclusions.

Before collecting the vehicle: close the communication

Collection time is a golden opportunity to summarise the service, thank the customer for their trust and prepare the next visit.

The screen can show a farewell message, recall the work carried out (without excessive technical detail) and suggest the next maintenance based on mileage or time. You can also invite the customer to leave a review or join a loyalty programme.

Make sure the information is clear and accessible. If possible, coordinate the screen with the management system to show personalised data, but if not, a well-designed generic message also works.

What to show in reception, waiting area and collection

As a summary, here is a practical content map by location:

**Reception:** welcome, check-in steps, directions to the waiting area, highlighted promotions.

**Waiting area:** maintenance tips, additional services, industry news, light entertainment, updates on vehicle status (if available).

**Collection:** summary of work done, future recommendations, thanks, next steps (e.g. reminder of the next service).

Adapting content to each zone not only improves the customer experience, but also allows you to make the most of each screen.

Practical example: a service campaign across the customer journey

Imagine a preventive maintenance campaign. Instead of showing the same message on all screens, you can adapt it according to the zone.

At reception, the screen could present the campaign in general terms: “Full service + oil change”. In the waiting area, the benefits of each service are detailed. Before collection, the customer is reminded of the next recommended date for their vehicle.

This consistency reinforces the message and guides the customer throughout their visit. Although the specific creative content will depend on each workshop, the zone-adaptation structure is the key to effective communication.

Visual example of content for each zone