If you are looking to build your brand, you will need a fleet of company vehicles to make it happen. On the face of it, a few vehicles might not seem as if they will play a big part in your success. However, there is more to them than meets the eye. For example, they can advertise your brand just with a handful of marketing slogans. Or, they can enhance your revenue streams by delivering goods over the internet instead of in store. As you can see, they are an important part of any business. But, they are only important when they are the right choice. The wrong vehicle will just cost you a lot of energy and money, both of which you can’t afford to lose. With that in mind, here’s how you choose the perfect vehicle for your business.
Van Or A Car?
When you hear of a company vehicle, you will instantly think of a company car that chauffeurs important people to business meetings. Although a company vehicle can be a company car, it can also be a van. Vans are just as important to companies as cars, and now is the time to decide which one is the better option. A fleet of cars will help the company increase its image and reputation within the wider public and the industry. After all, it does look the part when an employee turns up to a meeting in a brand new Mercedes. But, a fleet of vans is better for sales and revenue. With a van, you can deliver from your site to the customer’s front door. Every business in 2016 needs to exploit online shopping, and delivery vans are the key.
Does It Suit Your Insurance Needs?
Certain cars will make your insurance premiums much more expensive. Or, they won’t count towards your policy whatsoever. The latter isn’t an option because you need motor trade insurance to use the vehicles in a business capacity. If you are unsure, head to and check it out for yourself. With that in mind, you need to pick a vehicle that doesn’t cost your money or your business. A Bugatti Veyron, for instance, is a little too powerful to masquerade as a company car. A Mercedes or BMW are better choices because they look the part. Of course, they also drive well and are easy to maintain. More importantly, however, they won’t affect your insurance policy.
Buy Or Lease?
The one thing that you will need to decide on quite quickly is whether you buy a car or lease one. The temptation is to buy it because buying is also a cheaper and more efficient option. However, the cost of a car means that you might not be able to buy one. In that case, a good lease is always available. Plus, a lease gives you a lot more flexibility. Should you find a better deal, you can get out of your agreement and swap models. Successful businesses always have money coming in, which means they can afford the monthly payments. Most don’t have the liquidity to buy a fleet of vehicles outright. The only thing you have to watch out for is the leasing company. If you cause any damage to the car, they will take you to the cleaners.
Will It Last?
Whether you buy or lease your vehicles, you need to make sure that they are maintainable. Vehicles are not cheap, and you can’t afford to keep splashing out for a new one every couple of months. You need to make the car last for a decent amount of time to get your money’s worth. And, to do that, you need to invest in a reliable model. It all comes down to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers only create cars that they know will sell because of their looks. Others tend to make cars that last the distance because they understand reliability. You want a mixture of the two, which is why a German car is a good choice. The two German giants have already gotten a mention, but an Audi is also a viable option. In fact, Volkswagen is also a decent option if you buy an elegant estate like the Passat.
Only Buy What You Can Afford
It sounds like an obvious statement, but it is something that businesses do on a regular basis. They do it because they think they can handle the repayments. In the end, the payments always catch up to you and put you in a terrible position. The trick is to factor in the interest rates when you sign the deal. The initial payment might be okay, but it can escalate when the interest rates bump up the price. To figure out what you can afford, take a look at http://www.bankrate.com. You might look good driving a Porsche, but it won’t last for long. What you need to decide is whether you want a nice car for a year or business for the rest of your life?
Comprehensive Vehicle Checks
Like any buyer, you need to make sure the vehicle checks out before you agree to the deal. Otherwise, the car will break down, and it will be a waste of money. A good place to start is the history report. The log should tell you every flaw the car has had in the past. When you look at the log, you can see a few warning signs from the beginning. For example, a new timing belt or an electronics failure isn’t a good sign. Although they have been fixed, they can easily fall apart again. Also, you want to take a look at the MOT certificate. The car might have an MOT, but you might not trust the garage. Finally, ask for a test drive. You are never sure about a care until you take it for a spin. When you are behind the wheel, you can feel and hear everything. You can’t do that by walking around the outside of the vehicle.
Now that you know what to look for, your business can reap the rewards.