So just go ahead and picture this: your business is finally picking up, and you’re becoming more tech-savvy. You have orders rolling in, clients are calling, and suddenly, your trusty car, the one you’ve been squeezing boxes and tools into, just isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe you’re tired of balancing equipment on your front seat or awkwardly explaining to clients why your trunk looks like a storage unit.
This is common in the early stages of a business. Plus, in a way, this can make you look bad, too (basically a marketing mistake). Okay, well, it’s official, you need a company vehicle! Actually, you’re going to need to if you actually want your whole business to compete.
But for starters, before you go ahead and try to sprint to the nearest dealership with dreams of shiny new wheels, slow down. No, really, you’ll need to! So, choosing the right vehicle isn’t just about what looks cool or what’s on sale. Okay, a lot of people will tell you that, but it’s not true!
Actually, it’s about finding the perfect ride to support your business without draining your budget or turning into a maintenance nightmare.
What’s the Game Plan for Your Vehicle?
You probably already know this, but not all vehicles are created equal, and your business needs are unique. So, are you delivering handmade goods to customers, hauling equipment to job sites, or rolling up to impress clients? Each of these calls for a very different kind of vehicle.
For instance, if you’re running deliveries or lugging around tools, something like a VW Caddy might be just the ticket since it’s pretty compact for roads (but roomy on the inside). This is just one example, but if you’re a luxury brand, well, instead, you’ll need a luxury car. Just get an idea of what you actually need and how you plan to use the car (and it needs to go beyond just driving).
What’s Your Budget?
Buying your first company vehicle can feel like a rite of passage, but it’s also a big expense. Well, any vehicle, for that matter, is going to be expensive. It’s not just about the sticker price—you’ve got to factor in insurance, fuel, maintenance, and all those awful fees dealerships like to tack on. People usually forget about that.
It’s Going to be a Rolling Billboard
Here’s something a lot of people overlook: your company vehicle isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s also free advertising, well, after you spring for the decals. But at the same time, be careful because if you get a driver angry, they could just Google your business name and leave a review (yes, it happens).
Fuel Costs and Repairs are the Long Game
It was mentioned earlier, but the costs don’t stop once you’ve driven off the lot. Fuel and maintenance can add up fast, especially if you’re putting serious miles on your vehicle. Ideally, try to avoid gas guzzlers.
Think About Tomorrow, Not Just Today
Sure, your business is small now, but things change. What happens when orders triple or you need to hire someone to handle deliveries? It’s worth thinking about how your vehicle will grow with your business. If you’re expecting big things in the near future, investing in something a little larger or more versatile now could save you the headache (and expense) of upgrading again later.