From delivering products or services to customers to attending meetings and traveling for corporate events, some businesses require a reliable means of transportation to operate effectively. As such, selecting the right vehicle is more than just being able to get from point a to point b. You need a car that will reflect your brand and accommodate your professional needs. Below are some factors to keep in mind as you choose the right vehicle for your small business.
Cost of Owning a Car
Before you go off and purchase a vehicle for your small business, you need to determine the complete cost of ownership to determine what you can afford. When you buy a vehicle, the ticket price isn’t the only thing you have to factor in. You’ll also need to include sales tax, motor vehicle fees(initial and ongoing), interest rates (if you plan to finance), insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Review your company finances to see how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle. You can use resources like Co-Pilot car buying database to locate the best deals on vehicles you’re most interested in. See how much it’s going to cost you to buy the car and maintain it thereafter.
Vehicle Function
What is it you are interested in the vehicle for? Do you simply need a company car that can be used when traveling for meetings and corporate events? Does your entire operation require you and/or your staff to be mobile? Do you want a food truck? Do you offer household or corporate cleaning services? Do you run a furniture store and need a vehicle for delivering products? Maybe you’re interested in ridesharing or food delivery services and are looking for a car that you can put a lot of miles in. The car you select should encompass all the features and space required to do your job efficiently.
Tech Features
When it comes to streamlining processes there is no better solution than technology. In order to run your business efficiently, you want to look for a vehicle that has the tech (and or capabilities) to make your job easier. For instance, having Bluetooth capabilities would be ideal for safe, hands-free communication. Whether you’re talking to clients on your way to a meeting or you’re contacting the office to get updates while you’re on a business trip, having the means to do so without having to pull over and take a call is beneficial.
If you often utilize mobile devices like tablets, laptops, or smartphones, having a vehicle with the technological features to support your devices is worth it. This could mean having plenty of USB ports, or a large screen that allows you to easily access information from your mobile devices with buttons controlled by the steering wheel. Another feature you might be interested in are vehicles with wi-fi hotspot capabilities so you and/or your staff can stay connected no matter where you are.
Space and Comfort
As you look for the right car for your small business keep space and comfort in mind. You want a vehicle large enough for you and other passengers to ride in comfort. When speaking about comfort, go beyond plush seats and think about things like an efficient heating and cooling system, plenty of legroom, and easy to access and use controls, buttons, and pedals. If you need storage for products, supplies, or other materials, you’ll want to look into vehicles with plenty of trunk space.
Safety
The longer you’re on the road for business the higher the chances are of you getting seriously injured in an accident. Therefore, you want to do what you can to keep you and your staff safe behind the wheel. This means selecting vehicles that are enhanced with safety in mind. Not only should you check safety ratings, but you should look into safety features like reverse cameras, lane assistance, and parking assistance features to make being behind the wheel a lot easier.
Much like buying a personal car, when choosing a car for your small business it is imperative that you don’t select the first option available to you. Take serious thought to things like those discussed above to ensure that you’re making the best investment for your business. In doing so, you make an informed decision and select a company vehicle that will not only reflect your brand and serve its purpose, but streamline processes, improve productivity, and increase your chances to grow your business.
