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Dave,
Do they make hybrid vans that accomodate our business needs? Don’t know of any off the top of my head, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist other than maybe an E85 version if you consider that hybrid (but with the floods in Iowa/midwest, I don’t expect anything based on corn to be cheap anytime soon).Dave,
I know, that for us, we have a very good idea of what we need on any particular job we go on, and we do not need all that much space to contain the materials needed. Nice to have extra..but not really needed.
Within the next year or so, I am willing to bet that some hybrids with more of a wagon capacity or style will be coming onto the market. They will most likey look like an Escape or smaller and can carry a number of pads, a buffer, vacuum 2ea, sprayer and a few miscellaneous spot cleaning bottles with proper arrangement.
Maybe just use logo on doors, with phone….but at $4+++ /gallon, cannot push it in the future. With a little better planning, scheduling and mental adjustments, the change must happen if we are to survive.
Even diesel Sprinters must be taking a heck of a hit now. I am thankful that our vans are still in very nice shape and are all but paid off…
One thing to consider is, what kind of an impression will it make on customers when they see you driving around in a little wagon with a magnetic logo on the door? The franchise requires panel vans for a reason. Our image is one of professionalism.
The gas prices are a benefit to us in my opinion. One, we use the customers electricity to run our equipment. And second the truck mounts in my area are raising their prices or charging a fuel sur-charge. Companies that are dropping prices to try and stay alive are playing with fire and most likely won’t survive in the long term.
One thing that is suprising to me is even with this “wait and see” economy and the artificially inflated gas prices I have seen an increase in my profit margins so far this year as opposed to last. I believe the increase is partially because my prices haven’t changed. My minimum is $79 and I too try and give the customer the full value of that minimum. I also schedule my appointments so they are routed as efficient and economical as possible. You can’t cut back and forth across town anymore.
Ammon
Also keep those needless trips to the post office down as that is simply wasted time and lost revenueOur first quarter was higher than last year as well and as of last week we were ahead….
BTW…never said anything about magnetic signs on doors…many ways to look professional.
Don’t worry D.B. your bills is in the mail. Correction and my apology on the magnetic signs comment. I agree there are many ways to look professional as well, personally though, I want to look the part too. Let’s hope one of the auto makers steps up and builds a hybrid full size van or at least more fuel efficient motors.
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