FEATURE 27
Transport , tools and equipment storage
By
Rory Macnamara
Running a successful business requires that one has control of all aspects . Failure to do this results in losing control of expenses and … boom ! Business closes .
We have published and will continue to publish several business articles around income and expenditure and the one that comes to mind , considering the nature of the work plumbers do , is transport . Next to skills this is a major expenditure item , and it must be considered carefully – it must be fit for purpose . As one grows the business so too will the fleet .
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No use buying a fancy brand and one charges R350 to clean drains on a Sunday ! The charge was , for real , the total charge levied to the customer ! But those charges will not afford a top brand vehicle , nor in fact the bottom of the range !
Choosing the right vehicle This article assumes the vehicle will be used solely for business and not a combo personal and business vehicle . Nothing wrong with the latter , but there are many other factors to consider which will suit your own personal needs .
Factors will be : ( a ) affordability as well as ( b ) allowing room for a bit of growth of the company until a point is reached when one needs another vehicle . Insurance for business is high and for good reason . It protects you as well as your staff should anyone be involved in an accident or if your vehicle is stolen .
Reliability is essential Your vehicle is your ‘ office ’ as well as ‘ storeroom ’ and should be suitably equipped as such . Bear in mind how much of the day you spend in the vehicle , so comfort is critical . The vehicle should be fitted with the necessary communication devices to ensure ease of communicating with customer and office , and above all be safe .
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Fuel efficiency is a serious consideration as the vehicle will be carrying more than the average weight if stocked correctly . This impacts on consumption , wear and tear and tyres . The vehicle should be easily manoeuvrable as you will often be moving in and out of busy areas .
For ease of access , you need to consider comfortable ‘ roof space ’ to move around in the back . Affordability may not allow for a high roof
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All photos : Terry Smith-Legacy Plumbing
1-3 : Big or small – a place for them all .
July 2021 Volume 27 I Number 5 www . plumbingafrica . co . za