WHEN you are setting up a new business, in whatever industry, there are so many considerations to make to give yourself the best chance of success. If you’ve gone out on your own as a plumber, you will certainly need a van and here are some top tips to help you buy the right one for your needs.
- Consider the size
When it comes to getting a van for your business, you need to first think about why you need the van. Storing your equipment and being able to transport it from job to job is imperative, so getting one the right size straight away will be of most use. For example, some plumbers also install boilers and if you are unable to fit one adequately into your van, it is not the right one for you.
Moreover, you may need to invest in a roof rack to carry copper piping, for example, so ensuring you have one long enough for them not to overhang would be important.
- Choose the right dealership
It is not unheard of for people to buy a vehicle and only weeks or days later discover it has serious problems. You should check the history of any car or van you are tempted to purchase in advance to avoid any serious pitfalls that could be avoided. Doing your research and going to a reputable dealership is an important step to take to help get your business off on the right foot.
- Check its security
Leaving plumbing tools unattended in the back of your van, either overnight (not recommended) or while you are in someone’s property or business carrying out some work, it is imperative that you consider their safety. Darkened windows are a must to ensure you screen things from prying eyes. Furthermore, a security alarm is essential.
Additionally, you may wish to invest in a strong box that would temporarily hold tools between jobs if you are going in and out of a building without being able to lock up properly.
- Ensure it has the right features
Getting a van that already has Bluetooth installed would be beneficial; it is a feature that could be helpful to anyone in business who needs to take phone calls while they are travelling. For those working in high traffic areas, like London, an inability to answer calls because you are driving (or stuck in a traffic jam!) can damage your business. Sat-Nav would be handy too, allowing you to easily type in someone’s postcode and get there without any stress.
Furthermore, it can help you to avoid roadworks or congested areas. In winter times or if you are going to do emergency callouts, you ought to consider if the van has sufficient lighting (or whether this could be installed). LED lighting at the back of the van to help you when you are working from there will be useful. No one can rely solely on the torch from their phone for this sort of work and not all properties will be adequately lit up.
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