Recent Article :
"Have you ever put in a reasonable quote for a job then wondered why you didn’t get it? It could be down to the condition of your van, according to van specialists Vanarama.
The company is warning tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians, joiners and painter-decorators, that the state of their work vehicle is likely to have a major influence on whether or not they get a job.
In a survey of 2000 people conducted by Vanarama more than half (51%) of respondents said that they would worry about how good a tradesman was if they were unable afford to drive a decent work vehicle.
The Vanarama research also underscored the importance of tradespeople being able to demonstrate evidence of certified technical skills.
Almost all (93%) of those questioned said this was important to inspire confidence in the work to be done. And 70% also said how tradespeople dressed when they called was important. The condition of a business vehicle was a major factor in providing confidence in their work according to 63% of respondents.
Regionally, Londoners appear to be the most concerned about the condition of a tradesperson’s van with 69% saying this was important. Customers in Scotland seem to be the least concerned at 58%.
And nearly half (49%) of those questioned said the age of a vehicle was also important, while almost two thirds (59%) said seeing a company logo on a vehicle gives confidence in the quality of work to be done, with 18-24 year olds most concerned about this at 74% compared with only 47% of those aged 65 and over.
Vanarama managing director Andy Alderson told Business Vans the condition of a company van for a tradesperson was vital to make a good first impression and instil confidence in customers.
He said: “With the economic outlook in the construction sector and related trades particularly good at the moment, it would be easy for tradespeople to think they don’t need to worry about the condition of the van they drive.
“But we believe our research highlights that to make the most of the current market opportunities, having the best tools for the job – including a smart and up to date van – will pay dividends.”
Do you agree ?
Does it also extend to landscaper gardeners ?
Call me what you will (Snob included), but I firmly believe your Van is an extension of your image and professionalism and does matter (sign written or not)
original article from Colin Dawson, Business Vans
Views: 102
Replies
Hmmm. As gardeners I would like to think people would expect us to look, well, like gardeners? Turning up in a brand new van with smart clothes would send the wrong impression as well, IMO. Was this survey conducted by someone who sells vans?
My van is a real workhorse. It's got plenty of battle scars, and is dirty again as fast as I clean it. It's never been a problem for me, although I think some basic signwriting at least is needed so people see you as a proper business, not just a bloke in a van who'll do anything for money.
Did it say 'brand new van ' ? I saw 'good condition', 'up to date', 'decent works van'......
Don't think anyone was suggesting you had to turn up in a new van with smart clothes, although we have 'smart' works gear, the condition (certainly by end of day) reflects the job we do.
Interesting people's take on an article :-)
I totally agree with the article Gary
I have had customers turn round and tell me they chose me to carry out the work on their property because my van was clean which meant to them I was clean and tidy with my work
If you cant look after your own kit, how in gods name are you going to look after the clients property??
I would agree 100% Garry. Image is a big selling point in my experience. If I called a tradesman to do work in my home and they turned up in a scrappy van and work wear they wouldnt get the job. It would instantly make me think "shabby tradesman". Just my personal thoughts. I issue work uniforms to my staff and if they turn up with it dirty from the day before's work on it they get sent home. First impressions do count, but so does continuing that through every day, obviously it helps that the work is impressive for the clients too. Granted not every body can afford a good condition van when first starting up (I myself ran scrappers for 2 years till I could afford something better) but I do think its what should be strived for by all serious small business owners
As I said, I believe business image is an extension of yourself and reflects a state of mind.
I think the first step is always keeping your current vehicle, tools and yourself in good, clean condition ( I don't necessarily mean spanking new).
Now, whether your finances or needs can extend to a 'new' van/tools etc very much down to the bottom line.
I've seen perfectly looking & acceptable old vans used by Trades, where care has been taken...
As a gardener all my work comes through recommendations so I don't think any of my customers first said to someone oh and he has a clean van..yes it's sign written and I do keep it cleanish but it's also 16 years old and almost 200K on the clocks ! It's not my main selling point for sure...my work and my equipment do that ;-)
I can understand that one off gardeners or folk supporting a larger business might need to go this route but it doesn't bother me...
Mark
neither my van or truck is new, but they are kept tidy and well maintained. Both are sign written with the company logos and other information and look clean tidy and professional. If you couldn't see the reg plate you'd struggle to guess what year they were. In this business as in any other its very much about first impressions when you are invited into peoples homes to try and earn their confidence to satisfy their decision to give you work. I always ensure im wearing a company shirt with the logo on when I turn up at peoples houses for quotes
That's why all my guys wear company uniform as well. We may well end up looking like a pile of muddy bedraggled fraggles by the end of a rainy day, but at least when we turn up we look like we mean business and I think that is what counts for lots of potential customers.
Very interesting 'survey' and no doubt with intent bearing in mind the commissioners, but nonetheless it has business merit for all of us.
A story: At the start of July an unobservant motorist chose to reverse side-on to my truck. I was stood still, waiting to turn, and she was ignoring all mirrors until she crumpled the passenger side, cosmetic only.
Each and every client commented to me in the following weeks about 'what had happened'. They saw a difference in the way my truck was on their property.
Naturally...LOL.....the unobservant motorist claimed I was at fault....and so the side door has remained unrepaired....so far.
That hasn't lost me any business in my mind, I can't genuinely tell, but I don't believe it has. That said, until this very silly mess is sorted out the door will remain dented.
Now to the crux of the story - an analogy. For the last 19 months I have been without four front (top) teeth. I don't believe it has lost me any substantial business because I look like I'm Dracula. Bottom line is it has no impact on who I am and what this business does - passion and deliverance.
Folk who can't see beyond that - or a dent in the truck side for that matter....aren't worth having as valued clients imo.
Cheers, Eugene
BTW Thermo....I just love the image of ''bedraggled fraggles'', know the feeling well at the end of 'one of those days'!
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next