Regardless of what industry or service consumers need, they can look it up online and immediately find multiple options. Many of them are likely to offer similar services and probably at identical price ranges. What separates the winners from the losers? Trust.
Reliability fuels a great reputation through ratings, reviews, and word of mouth. If your business relies on vehicle inventory for regular operations, then you need those vehicles to be reliable so your professionals can physically show up and get things done for those who choose to do business with you.
This all starts with knowing how to find reliable business-vehicle inventory.
Finding Reliable Inventory For Your Business Vehicles
Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs are necessary for many American households, and they might crucial to your business, too. There are several steps you can take to find something you can count on.
- Know Your Needs: If you run any kind of contracting business, then passenger sedans aren’t a great fit. Ascertain the specific makes and models that will fit your operational requirements.
- Buy Something Certified or Under Warranty: A warranty or certified status gives you coverage and peace of mind in case anything goes wrong for a set period of time moving forward.
- Take a Test Drive: Opt for a test drive anytime you have the opportunity, preferably under the work conditions you need the vehicle to serve you under on a regular basis.
- Check the Records: The dealer or previous owner might have some records for used vehicles, but you can always look this up online.
- Have an Inspection Done: This might not be possible with all vehicle sales, but whenever you can do it, have an independent mechanic look over the vehicle bumper to bumper. If you can, do it before the sale. If need be, do it when you still have time to turn the car back in, which some companies let you do.
Let Technology Hunt For You
There are dozens of websites where cars and vehicles your business might use are listed for sale. You can check them all on a regular basis, or you could use an app like AutoTempest which checks over a dozen sites for you. Just input your search criteria, let the app go through existing and fresh listings on a regular basis, and inform you about the best leads. It saves a lot of time and trouble on your part so you can focus on more crucial aspects of your business.
Picking Used Vehicles
You can find great value in used vehicles, but you also have to be careful. How many miles is too much these days? You might have people tell you that it’s 100,000, but JD Power says that technological advancements can keep a car running for 200,000 miles without serious issues, provided the maintenance is done.
Assessing a used car is about more than just the odometer.
- Brakes: Pads need replacement from 30,000 up to 70,000 miles while discs might last 120,000 miles. These are relatively affordable replacements.
- Maintenance Cycles: Mileage doesn’t always degrade engine components, so have someone get under the hood and look before you commit to any ride.
- Timing Belt/Chain: This is a vital but often overlooked part of any engine. If an old one snaps, it can possibly destroy the whole engine.
- Transmission: With the right service, a transmission might last 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
It’s A Matter Of Money
Finding reliable business-vehicle inventory is always a matter of money. Yes, you’ll have to spend money to get your inventory, but that’s not the time to try and save money. Don’t get ripped off, but don’t cut corners either.
The real money savings come from having reliable vehicles that help you make money without eating too much of your overhead in terms of repairs and maintenance. Every vehicle will need that eventually, but going too cheap at the start can cost you more down the road. Try to avoid that when you can.