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Published timed trial length
Only products with a current, clearly published number of trial days are included. A missing bar does not prove that a supplier will never offer test access.
Trial terms rechecked 18 August 2026
How the free trials and demos compare
A long trial is useful only when the buyer can test the real workflow. This page separates timed self-service trials from sales demonstrations and explains what the supplier says can be tested.
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How buyers first experience the systems
This groups the public first step shown by each supplier. “Demo” normally means a sales-led walkthrough rather than an account the buyer can use alone.
Exact trial comparison
Length, access and starting conditions
Public wording is not equally detailed, so unclear items are labelled rather than guessed.
| System | Length | How it starts | Access level | Payment card | What can be tested | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ValetFlow | 30 days | Self-service signup | The selected ValetFlow package limits and features are applied to the trial dealership. | No payment card in the signup form | Valeting, Workshop, staff, job, progress and dealership controls can be tested with a real trial account. | The product can also be discussed for self-hosting, API work or customer-specific changes. |
| Garage Hive | Not publicly stated | Free trial or guided demo | Garage Hive advertises a free trial, but the public pages reviewed do not state the length or exact trial feature limits. | Not publicly stated | Workshop, MOT history and related garage workflows are promoted alongside the trial invitation. | Ask sales to confirm duration, setup, included modules and whether data can be imported. |
| TechMan | No timed trial confirmed | No-obligation live guided demo | A TechMan specialist shows the system working in a real garage. | Not applicable to demo | The demo covers the working system and integrations such as parts suppliers, HaynesPro, Autodata and accounting software. | This is a guided buying step rather than a self-service account. |
| Workshop Software | 14 days | Self-service free trial | Full access to all features during the trial. | No card required | Bookings, jobs, ordering parts, reminders, invoicing, accounting links and the phone app are promoted for trial use. | Plan-specific paid limits and optional modules should still be checked before subscribing. |
| ServiceM8 | 14 days | Self-service free trial | Full access to all features during the trial. | No card required | Job cards, scheduling, quotes, invoices, communication, add-ons and the wider feature set can be explored. | After the trial, the chosen paid plan or free plan determines job limits and advanced features. |
| AutoLeap | No free trial | Personalised demo | AutoLeap says it custom-builds the setup with the shop information, so it does not provide a free product trial. | Not applicable to demo | The sales team demonstrates the repair-shop platform and recommended setup. | Setup fees and detailed requirements are discussed with sales. |
| Shopmonkey | No current timed trial confirmed | Request a demo | The current public website directs buyers to a product demo. | Not applicable to demo | The demo covers shop workflow, estimates, inspections, payments, messaging and related tools. | An older official article mentioned a 30-day trial, but current availability is not clearly advertised and should be confirmed. |
| Keyloop DMS | No public self-service trial confirmed | Contact sales and product demonstration | Access, modules, implementation and any formal testing period are agreed as part of an enterprise sale. | Not applicable | A dealer group can discuss the DMS, connected products, APIs and implementation needs. | This is a larger procurement and implementation process, not a quick online trial. |
ValetFlow: 30 days
The dealership can create its own account and use the selected package setup for twice as long as the two clearly published 14-day competitor trials.
Workshop Software and ServiceM8
Both suppliers explicitly say the 14-day trial gives full access to all features and does not require a payment card.
Sales-led demonstrations
TechMan, AutoLeap, Shopmonkey and Keyloop mainly guide buyers through a demonstration or sales process. This can provide expert help, but it is not the same as testing the system independently.