Business Van - New or old?

[HouseOfAtlas]

When starting a business, is it necessary to get a newer, cleaner, looking van? I bet it looks better when one pulls up to a customer's house, but do you guys think it really makes a difference?

When I say old, I'm talking 1997 or so and older. Plus, the van looks a bit beat up, or the van looks more like a "family van" instead of a work van.

As some of you know, I'd be doing only drain cleaning, so I wouldn't have as many materials as a regular plumber would.

I'm just curious because I am looking at vans and I do like the newer cargo vans because I think it looks more professional, but they cost more than an older "family van" that I can get for cheap.

Thoughts/opinions welcomed

[BAPlumber]

I started my company about 2 years ago and had a 94 Ford Box van. the exterior looked clean and the interior was ok. I still have the truck.

I think the main things are to keep your truck washed and, more importantly, take care of your customer. Making them happy is the most important thing. But,

If your truck won't get you to the job you'll have problems.

[drtyhands]

In general I would tend to believe that in the higher end communities the people can be fickle about a less than impressional vehicle parked in front of their home.But in the average house where real people live I feel BAPlumber's advice applies.

[westcoastplumber]

I Agree, I Refused To Take On Another Payment When I Started My Company, So I Bought As Much As I Could Afford, Dosen't Doa Customer Any Good If That Nice New Van Isn't On The Road Because It Got Rep'oed. As Long As The Van Is Nice, I Keep Mine Washed, No Big Dents Or Anything, Just Clean And Nice Looking. My Dream Van Is The 2003 F350 Diesel Cutaway:d Gotta Wait A Year Or So To Do That. Just Remember, Keep It Washed And The Windows Clean. Make Sure It Runs Great, Another Thing That Is Important. I Got Mine 2002, Private Seller, She Used It To Paint Pictures On Walls And Stuff, Older Lady, Took Good Care Of It. Also, If Your A New Company, A Big New Van Looks Expensive, Might Turn Customers Off Before They Get To Know You, I Found This Out Because I Was Told This By One Of My Now Customers Before I Started Out. Good Luck

[HouseOfAtlas]

Good call on the "high end" communities. Right now, I work in some "high end" communities and, even though they are really nice and seem down-to-earth, I think they'd be a bit fickled with a subpar vehicle in front of their house. Not all of them, but some.

But, like BA said, as long as the customers are happy and one can get to the job and do good work, that's what matters

[HouseOfAtlas]

Robert - The van I was looking at is 2002 white Express Van. That would be "newer" to me. I wouldn't buy a year or two old van because the payments would be too much.

I was just curious if I was able to get a good deal on an older Conversion van (soccer mom van) if that looks "unprofessional" or not.

[westcoastplumber]

Yeah, The Windows May Be Too Much, Not Only That, It Isn't Safe To Have All The Windows, Easier To Steal Your Stuff. Atleast Get A Cargo Van, You Will Be Happy, Anything Smaller Then A E150 Won't Handle The Weight.:d

[PLUMBER RICK]

i've had vans, 1 ton 3500's. but since 2000 i've used the tilt cab gmc 4500 with 12' combination box/ contractors side bins.

now the licensing has changed on trucks above 10,0003 and i'm thinking about the 1 ton vans again.

keep it clean and good running. a truck in the shop makes money for the mechanic, not the plumber.

rick.

[HouseOfAtlas]

Thanks guys!! I appreciate the responses

A clean cargo van that runs well and washed on a weekly basis. Got it!

[oldslowchevy]

i feel it is best to either stay in the current model line up. i knew a guy that had a 1988 chevy pick up and in 1997(9 years old) it still looked very good and it was still in that current body style so no one every questioned it but now since the body style has been differnt for a few years it would look quite dated as would that 1997 model. i hope you understand what i mean.