I've found through the years that many types of
individuals purchase my business guides. Some
are just trying to get an idea of what is really entailed
in running a small service business and after reading my
step-by-step guide realize running their own small business
isn't for them. That's fine and actually my guide has
served it's purpose in assisting them to make a decision based
upon facts concerning competing in the real world.
I've found the majority of readers do take
positive action to one degree or another. Many actually
go all the way and start their own businesses following my
guides. Still others already have their own business and
use a few of my suggestions to "fine tune" one area of their
business or another.
Many times though, after starting new or
implementing new ideas, they come up with new problems or
questions that may not have been addressed by my guides.
Many online marketers develop a mailing list so
they can constantly target their customers for more
products. Before long, if you are like me, you delete
their email or simply ignore it, which means you might lose out
on updates relating to your business.
Consequently, I've set up a special part of my
site to address these points.
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NEW: Home Business Blog - Use
this to present us with questions or topics you would
like discussed.
Many questions can be answered right on the blog.
But we'll also post research, updates or additional
resources on this web for your convenience. Be sure
to book mark this section.
Vehicle Questions: One of the most
often asked questions are associated with the type of
vehicle is best for your business. There really
is no one single answer. I always suggest
'thinking ahead' to what services you might be offering
in the future.
Just to provide an example, This was my
business vehicle and trailer with which I offered all
my home services for several years. I personally
used a van or pickup truck for decades in my
business.
A quality fiberglass cap adds
versatility plus contributes to your business
image.
A Strong Roof Rack is a necessity if doing
painting or gutter work.
I've purchased these
racks Here
They have Van Racks and Contractor Racks
for Pickups with and without caps.
I suggest using a small utility trailer for
ANY business you start.
A full size Pickup works perfectly for any
business UNLESS you will ONLY do Floor
care*
If you will only do
cleaning and carpet cleaning, a VAN would
be the best choice
I’ve used pickup trucks and
vans through my years of service. Try to decide
what services you will provide before purchasing
a truck. If you will do just carpet cleaning and
commercial cleaning or general cleaning, a van would be
your best choice. A full size van will also allow
for commercial ladder racks if you do outside work in
the future. Considering all things, a Full Size
Van might be your best value.
Then again, if you have a pickup
truck with a cap, you will do fine with painting and
power washing but it will difficult loading and
unloading carpet machines. (this is why I
encourage purchasing a small utility/cargo
trailer)
When just starting out, you might
want to get a vehicle that will double as a second
family vehicle as well as your business vehicle.
Personally speaking, I’ve always purchased used window
vans for this purpose.
You might find that as time goes
by your needs will change. For example in recent
years I do more gutter work and house painting then
carpet cleaning. Consequently, I use a Silverado
pickup with a cap and ladder rack. The only
downside is loading and unloading floor
machines. But I use a small enclosed
utility trailer for those jobs which is a minor part of
my business.
Don’t be
afraid to be different. I know a successful floor
man who uses a Honda Element. The best idea is to
try to plan ahead and not spend any more money up front
then is necessary. You want something that will
contribute to your professional image but you don't
want to break your budget on purchasing 'too much'
truck.
You get the idea, try and think
ahead.
One additional
note: Today you can really get depressed when
considering the cost of fuel. Remember your
vehicle is another part of your business presentation
and is a necessity if you want to look like a
pro. My pickup has a 327 V8 which gets better gas
mileage then my previously owned Chevy window van with
a V-6. I own a 4 x 4 due to the mountainous
region in which I live and work. The secret today
is that many are trading in their full size trucks
because they don't need them for business and are
switching to smaller vehicles. This enables
business buyers like us to get some very good deals on
used trucks. If you read my business guides
you'll see how to pass along your fuel costs to your
customers. It's just another cost of being in
business and just has to be managed
correctly.
