[ryo23]

Hi, I just wanted to know if potential customers actually care what you are driving (your company vehicle)?

[StaticFX]

Well, I would say it depends on the business. What kind of business?

[ryo23]

Like landscaping, painting, plumbing... service companies. We are a body shop and my boss wants me to contact these companies but I think it's a waste of time.

[smearcase]

I think customers absolutely care what kind of company vehicle service providers are driving. Some people are upset by seeing a foreign vehicle and others would object to a sloppy, beat up company vehicle Some would say this fuy is going to do quality work in my house and that's how he treats his own stuff?
Most service vehcles I see appear to be well kept, and I very wisely so.
I'm not sure if that is what you mean but I would even go to the trouble of driving by a contractor's yard before I even called for an estimate.

[ryo23]

smearcase, do you think these co are going to be willing to spend money for the repairs on their vehicles?
I have to mail out letters to all businesses surrounding us. Does anyone know how to incorporate in the letter emphasizing how important it is to keep vehicles well kept. Thanks

[StaticFX]

Ahh, I see. You are a body shop and you want to try to get other companies to fix up their company vehicles. Makes sense. I think it might be a good idea.

Small companies may be more of a waste of time. But, larger companies... definitely, if your boss will offer special deals/discounts then you may be able to pick up some business repairing, re-painting... detailing.. etc.

[smearcase]

That's an excellent question. You would certainly have to approach them very carefully!
NOT--We noticed your fleet looks like crap, come see us soon NOT
Maybe--"Here's what some customers have said about the vehicles parked in their driveways while a craftsman worked in or on their homes"
"I hope they fix my house better than they did their truck"
"If I had seen how messy they were before I hired them I wouldnt have hired them"
Throw in a special for 3 or more vehicles. They may be willing to spend the money. Some trades are very busy and many people are fixing up their existing house because of the housing market.
Don't forget government vehicles. "If your company vehicles are showing the stress of hard work, we can get you back to a professional looking truck, van or whatever in short order". I have no expertise in this field whatsoever. I should have bowed out long ago.