BevD
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If you already have a good reputation, the van shouldn't matter. The image isn't about the van..it's about YOU. Do YOU project a professional image of yourself as well as your reputation? If no one's really complained about your van...then why bother? However..if it looks really run down and such..then perhaps a new van would be a good idea..but if it's well looked after and doesn't look beat up with paint chipping off...I wouldn't worry about it.
Good luck! |
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Simon
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Hi Simjam
Just a couple of words for you "First impressions Last" I work in management consultancy and Executive Search. Picture the scenario - I walk into a city based client wearing a matalan suit with dirty shoes.... I can assure you that I might have the best pitch in the world but body language and overall presentation count for 60% of peoples perceptions of you.
When I work with contractors and companies I look for a good strong proffesional presentation.
So..Whether you are recruiting exectutives or building extensions it makes no odds.......Image is everything and you will be judged accordingly.... A final thought.....How frustrating would it be to loose business to a competitor with bad service, a lack lustre reputation for the sake of his shiny new sign written van -
I am not saying for a moment that should you get a new Van you will see a massive improvement in business overnight but I can assure you that if you have the whole package right in term of your presentation and quotation skills to the customer you will win more than you loose.
Good luck matey I wish you well
Si |
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Sonny Walkman
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A balance of both but ultimately it is the quality of your work and not the age and condition of your van that will lead to repeat business. If things are going well invest in a newer van but nothing too flashy. |
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phooey
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agree with Heathen.
Reputation will guarantee more business but a newer van wouldn't hurt, assuming you can afford it. |
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bambam
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What about getting a private number plate, no-one would really know how old the van is? |
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Heathen
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Reputation is everything. Getting that right is the most critical. A van that looks shoddy may make people think your work is shoddy, but a brand bew van may make you look overpriced. How about getting something a 2-4 years old, which is a good compromise. |
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paul.hug@btinternet.com
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Image helps a lot with companies these days, buy upgrading your van to something newer then you will most likely benefit from word of mouth of your clients. |
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brainstorm
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If you have got a good reputation you can afford to buy a new van.
Consider it to be just another tool. You would only use the best tools you can afford wouldn't you., |
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notre1dame
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if i was calling a builder for my house, who had a good rep, but turned up in a pikey van, id would definately question them a bit!
in the end it comes down to image, rep & price |
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selina19762003
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i'm presuming that most of your work would come from referrals and in that case many of your clients would know the standard of work maintained by yourself. I don't personally think a snappy new van would make anyone think any better of your work.
At the end of the day its not your van they are after, its a good quality and reasonably priced job.
Thats only my opinion though, but i hoped it helped. |
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Crystal
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Reputation is most important. People are buying your service, not your image. If you do a bad job, they won't employ you because you have a nice motor.
Most people expect builders to turn up with a work-horse van. However, if you tend to go more upmarket then a good image (new van) will impress, however your work will keep returning customers. |
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trickyvici
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i think the issue is not that it wouldn't look good outside there homes but that the business isn't very successful so that is why you haven't updated your van, i don't think it is majorly important i think balancing cash and spending it on neccessity is more important. |
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cabjr1961
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What yoju need is a combination of image and recognition. Having an old van like that may give off the image that you are notsuccessful enough to purchase a new one. But what you should probably do is purchase a different one(maybe used) that is more up to date but doesnt intimidate your customers into thinking you have alot of money. But if your customers are aware of your reputation, they will not care what vehicle you show up in as long as your service is top notch. |
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SuzeY
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I think a good reputation certainly is better than a good image. However, if your van looks like it's 5 days away from the junk yard, it certainly doesn't present your business as being successful now does it? A successful business can afford to have good equipment. You don't have to buy a Mercedes van-just something that looks presentable and that should do the trick. |
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tiz
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I would say that reputation is probably more important. The job that you do must be done well and this in turn will give you more business as word gets around. You will then be able to afford a new van. |
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neil d
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hmmmmm you should get a newer model but not brand new, sounds like your getting your work through word of mouth which is fine but to get different customers you need to look profesional to. keep the older van for your employees because if you do get the extra work youll need a mate. good luck and above all dont rip off the elderly and enjoy the benefits of your labour. |
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banditblue1200
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Buy a new one and the customers will think you charge too much to be able to afford it. |
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Waino
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reputation is what you did yesterday, image is what you are capable of tomorrow. |
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