Car for Bidding

[appalachianarbo]

I was thinking about the bucket truck thread and looking professional, and thought I'd ask - Do any of you use a car to bid?

I've been using my personal car to bid lately if that's all I'm doing that day (If I'm bidding and working, I'll bring the truck). There's no lettering or signs or any indication that the car belongs to a tree service. Do you think that's unprofessional of me? I know Heartwood Tree of Charlotte has fleet of Toyota Prius's (Priusses?) that they bid with, all lettered up (and they call them ArborCars).

I get so much better mileage with my car, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me to use the truck for bidding. I've been working a few jobs (2 hour drives) lately where I put most of my equipment in the car and head off to the job. It's awesome. I can fit everything in there that I need (even for some big removals). Of course, there's no cleanup on these jobs.

I'm worried that pulling up in an unmarked car, or a car in general (as opposed to a truck) will give a bad impression. Does the public expect tradespeople to always use a truck? That being said, would lettering the car windows give off a better impression?

This also related to the thread about what to bring when you're bidding. With the truck, everything I need is there already. With the car, it will almost always require a second trip with the truck to do the job (but if I know I'm going on a hemlock woolly adelgid bid, for example, I bring my equipment in the car and knock it out right then if I get the bid - no return trip).

Whaddya think?

 

[custom8726]

For new customers I prefer to do estimates with my personal truck or one of the company trucks because I think first impression do at times make an impression that plays a factor in getting the job or not. For example going back to the bucket truck thread. When I am in the area I will often do an estimate or 2 in the bucket truck and people see a nice piece of equipment professionaly lettered and relize right off its not a fly by night company. Now for old clients or referals I would not worry so much about it. I will on occasion do estimates for referals on the harley even.

 

[Blakesmaster]

It's really all a matter of opinion but mine has always been a nice looking pickup with lettering ( brand new 4x4 3/4 ton preferably ) would be best as far as impressions are concerned. A truck that looks like it can work but is still nice is key. But there's a lot in between that and your wife's Camry. I like my little Ranger because it gets great gas mileage but is still a truck meaning I can toss gear and whatnot in the back. I think it says "this is not my only truck" to the customer. As far as bidding in a car it can be more economical ( but not much more than a small 2x4, 4 banger pickup ) but just looks, IMO, a bit less "workin' Joe" and a bit more "office boy". That's just my opinion but it could cause the HO to have a little less faith in your ability to do the job. I think rolling in the bucket, or dump, or other strictly work related vehicle is a little too pushy. The customer may think you want to work right then as opposed to simply giving an estimate. A motorcycle, I've been thinking is a good idea depending on the area you're bidding. Ritzy area, probably bad thought. Workin' class neighborhood, probably be a good conversation starter, plus the gas mileage benefit is fantastic! Plus, It would make bidding seem less of a chore to you...and I need an excuse for another bike.

 

[pdqdl]

I use my VW Jetta. It gets 42.5 mpg (diesel), and I can toss a huge amount of tree gear in it, if I want to.

Magnetic signs look just fine, IMO. In 26 years, I have never had a customer tell me that they chose a bid (me OR the other guys) based on the vehicle I was driving. It's probably happened, but I never heard about it.

I believe they won't notice your car, if you are wearing a clean uniform, and your proposal comes on a business form that clearly states what you will do and what it will cost them. The best way to get your vehicle noticed would be to show up in some derelict vehicle that smokes up the neighborhood.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

who needs another cage in life?

I do my quotes by motorcycle, an evil looking black honda fireblade. People often comment that they didnt expect an arborist to turn up on a bike and I just say that I quote in peak traffic times and the bike does 18kms per litre around town.
Its clean and quiet, and people appreciate that your being as efficent as possible to get the job done, and I often get complements from clients reflecting this. In fact I have had comments of other companies turning up in big 4wd's and how it must cost them alot to used them to do quotes.

Not only that but when I have quotes to do I can get up to 4 done a night and get home before my competition who my only get 2 done. (feels less like work when you doing it by bike to)

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I have a buddy who uses a Vespa (he shoots coyote for a hobby too) because of the fuel economy.

I like the small truck model, though I only fit in a full size, because it fits clientele expectations, has some cargo capacity ( a small job can be done right away with no added travel time). Many of my clients use the small truck to pull a stumper while running leads to add production to the trip.

I also know some owners who do bidding in a car in a polo and blazer, to emphasize knowledge.

The thing is to not confound the expectations of the potential client, show up in a hotrod or a Riviera droptop and they may think you are going to bilk them to fund your lifestyle.

 

[ASD]

I was using a F150 4x4 for door (16 mpg) and now with fuel prices i am using a ford escape hybrid (37 mpg) (spelling?) and have found that my sales / award rate is the same on commercial / ag. jobs and has gone up 10% with the home owners. They seem to like the GREEN thing.

 

[epicklein22]

Interesting thread here. My boss has a few vehicles he does bids in, a newer dodge dakota and a honda accord. He usually wears a polo with the company name and is clean shaved/hair. But he does where short or even sandels/slippers often.

When I worked at a campground, we had a few guys come in and give bids on some cherry trees and I quickly felt a little hesitant about a guy pulling up in an old lincoln and worn out clothes.

 

[Rftreeman]

I do my running in my Honda accord which has my company name on the back glass, I think people would appreciate a person more for them being conservative in their business by using vehicles that get good mileage, I know I would in this day and time. I think if people see you pull up in high dollar truck then they'll be thinking is it paid for or am I about to make a few payments on it. Everything I have is paid for, no payments at all.

I think personal appearance means a lot more than what truck or car or bike you drive.

 

[limbwalker54]

I rock my Honda Shadow on nice days and the Oldsmobile "bid mo bile" when its colder or rainy....

Gas mileage = savings

People actually have noticed and commented..."oh, you didn't bring a great big gas guzzler" or "Hey good way to save on gas". Then I talk to them about us running bio diesel in the chipper truck and it seems to improve their outlook on our company.

 

[Mikecutstrees]

I also use a small ford ranger for estimates. Seems to be a good mix of usefullness and fuel economy to me. I hand out my card and tell customers they can see all my equipment and get a better idea of what I do there. And I can haul gear or the SC252 with the ranger when needed so it is very versatile. I'm getting it lettered too soon..... Mike

 

[John464]

I provide a company car to each salesman. Nissan Altima's which get around 30mpg. We use to do estimates in 2500 V8 Silverado's which got about half the mpg. Still averaging $5,000 per month in fuel expense. I am considering getting hybrids or even those funny lil SMART cars to cut costs even further.

I dont think it matters if you show up in a truck or a car. Its your presentation when you step out of the vehicle that counts.

 

[appalachianarbo]

Its your presentation when you step out of the vehicle that counts.

That's what I was thinking. I might get some lettering put on the windows of the car.

Ideally, I'd like a small diesel hybrid pickup (Tacoma, etc.). Good mileage and can haul stuff, too. One day.....

 

[Bigus Termitius]

If it bugs a customer what one is driving for bidding (within reason) then are they a desirable customer?

I'd say not likely...

I've always envisioned a diesel Jetta for such trips myself.


...with a roof rack to carry polesaws, rakes, shovels, and an alpine magnum just in case. Plenty of room in the trunk for saws, climbing gear, and what not.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

If it bugs a customer what one is driving for bidding (within reason) then are they a desirable customer?

I'd say not likely...

I've always envisioned a diesel Jetta for such trips myself.


...with a roof rack to carry polesaws, rakes, shovels, and an alpine magnum just in case. Plenty of room in the trunk for saws, climbing gear, and what not.

yeah they can be well worth it when its quiet and they get you back a couple times a year. I dont think in general you can have to many clients, but you can have to few.
When you show up for a quote everything can be the difference between getting a job and missing out. Here are some reasons my clients have told me that my competition didnt get the job.
Visable tatoos, driving a gas guzzler, didnt seem to like trees, bad language, smoked, truck dropped oil on driveway, agreed to quickly at taking trees out, girly handshake, looked like a tramp, looked like a salesman, Looked down womans top the whole time, claimed to be local, sexist, offered to fix roof and do plastering at same time, to pushy, tried to create more work, to arogant, didnt have chipper, didnt look me in the eye, complained about access.

Weird reasons I have got jobs.
You were nice to my cat, you ride a bike, my kids liked you, my dog liked you best, you didnt flinch when you relised we were gay, your a farm kid, you have a good scottish name, you remind me of my son, you jogged up our stairs (they had over 60) while the other guy took a break.

funny how life works. I dont know why I havent been hired aside from the times I have told clients I wouldnt butcher or remove trees that didnt need it. If of these 32 reasons meant say a $500 job thats $16,000. (although some are double ups.)

 

[masterarbor]

Horseback for me, in case I have to pull a stump.

 

[Blakesmaster]

yeah they can be well worth it when its quiet and they get you back a couple times a year. I dont think in general you can have to many clients, but you can have to few.
When you show up for a quote everything can be the difference between getting a job and missing out. Here are some reasons my clients have told me that my competition didnt get the job.
Visable tatoos, driving a gas guzzler, didnt seem to like trees, bad language, smoked, truck dropped oil on driveway, agreed to quickly at taking trees out, girly handshake, looked like a tramp, looked like a salesman, Looked down womans top the whole time, claimed to be local, sexist, offered to fix roof and do plastering at same time, to pushy, tried to create more work, to arogant, didnt have chipper, didnt look me in the eye, complained about access.

Weird reasons I have got jobs.
You were nice to my cat, you ride a bike, my kids liked you, my dog liked you best, you didnt flinch when you relised we were gay, your a farm kid, you have a good scottish name, you remind me of my son, you jogged up our stairs (they had over 60) while the other guy took a break.

funny how life works. I dont know why I havent been hired aside from the times I have told clients I wouldnt butcher or remove trees that didnt need it. If of these 32 reasons meant say a $500 job thats $16,000. (although some are double ups.)

+1 Everything is taken into account. And you also have to think about the people you see on the road if your vehicle is lettered. If you own a small ( 1 crew ) business chances are your estimate vehicle will be seen driving about more than any other rig you own. You could have half a mil tied up in grapple trucks, buckets, chip trucks and the like but more people will see you in your estimate vehicle than all the others so make sure it's nice and clean and that it's a good representation of you and your business. I don't think polesaws, stump grinders, ladders and whatnot on top of a Jetta with it's azz sagging from all the weight of chainsaws in the back really screams "pro". But again, no offense, that's just my opinion.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

yeah they can be well worth it when its quiet and they get you back a couple times a year. I dont think in general you can have to many clients, but you can have to few.
When you show up for a quote everything can be the difference between getting a job and missing out. Here are some reasons my clients have told me that my competition didnt get the job.
Visable tatoos, driving a gas guzzler, didnt seem to like trees, bad language, smoked, truck dropped oil on driveway, agreed to quickly at taking trees out, girly handshake, looked like a tramp, looked like a salesman, Looked down womans top the whole time, claimed to be local, sexist, offered to fix roof and do plastering at same time, to pushy, tried to create more work, to arogant, didnt have chipper, didnt look me in the eye, complained about access.

Weird reasons I have got jobs.
You were nice to my cat, you ride a bike, my kids liked you, my dog liked you best, you didnt flinch when you relised we were gay, your a farm kid, you have a good scottish name, you remind me of my son, you jogged up our stairs (they had over 60) while the other guy took a break.

funny how life works. I dont know why I havent been hired aside from the times I have told clients I wouldnt butcher or remove trees that didnt need it. If of these 32 reasons meant say a $500 job thats $16,000. (although some are double ups.)

Well, I can understand what you are saying, in a way you've made my point for me though. Very few vehicle related reasons in relation to the many other more legitimate and reflective factors. I can afford to lose money to that small percentage that bases it on which type of vehicle. Especially some kook hoodwinked envirusmentalist that can't get around my lack of MPGs, don't want em, don't need em. Besides, the last thing I want to **** chat about while I'm trying to get work done is Carl Marx, Darwin, or some other abject loser of like ilk perpetuating some foolhardy kneejerk doctrine.

I agree anything and everything can make the difference, but the constant I see is that, in the long run, it pays to be yourself, real, and professional. I don't want to be anything else to get a gig, if for no other reason than I'd rather work for customers that I gel with naturally. There seems to be plenty of folks with enough money, commonsense, and rational to keep me booked.

You seem to be getting by very well just being you...bike and all.

Apart from leaving oil on the drive, what type of vehicle I pull up in shouldn't be decisive as long as it is decent and in order. I might be making the best of a rainy day in the car, or swinging by after a day on the job in any given truck. (Or if I was a rich arborist, I might be just getting some wind in my hair while undergoing two wheeled therapy. )

If it's based on that then they can be someone else's nightmare...or dream depending on any given disposition.

You are right, you can't have too many clients, but we all know you sure can have some of the wrong ones.

If my vehicle choice helps me weed them out, then it is so much more than a form of transportation.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

+1 Everything is taken into account. And you also have to think about the people you see on the road if your vehicle is lettered. If you own a small ( 1 crew ) business chances are your estimate vehicle will be seen driving about more than any other rig you own. You could have half a mil tied up in grapple trucks, buckets, chip trucks and the like but more people will see you in your estimate vehicle than all the others so make sure it's nice and clean and that it's a good representation of you and your business. I don't think polesaws, stump grinders, ladders and whatnot on top of a Jetta with it's azz sagging from all the weight of chainsaws in the back really screams "pro". But again, no offense, that's just my opinion.

Did I say ladders? I don't think I said ladders.

How could I take offense at your opinion anyway? I know what I have in a Jetta.

Diesel Jetta's are awesome, it's an icon machine, and if it's clean and in order, it certainly spells professional, and smart.

Now then, if that's all I got, then yeah, it says something like, "just getting started" or "college tree hoppers."

Mostly, I'd want the Jetta to be set up to be capable of carrying what I might need it to, but that doesn't mean I'd be loaded all the time. And I've had plenty of Jettas, you would have to do a great deal more than all that to get it saggin, unless it needed some dire repairs.

Such an economic addition would increase feasible estimate range and be able to support a minor job on the fly if needed on occasion, not to mention transfer men and equipment in a pinch. That’s smart.

pdqdl seems to do well with his, and I'm hardly surprised.

You make an excellent point about estimate vehicle exposer, in which case cars are no real match for trucks, suburbans, or vans in terms of banner space available and legible.

And without question a 4x4 diesel crew cab means business in every regard in industries such as these, but a nice little car like a Jetta can be an unsung hero.

 

[Blakesmaster]

Did I say ladders? I don't think I said ladders.

How could I take offense at your opinion anyway? I know what I have in a Jetta.

Diesel Jetta's are awesome, it's an icon machine, and if it's clean and in order, it certainly spells professional, and smart.

Now then, if that's all I got, then yeah, it says something like, "just getting started" or "college tree hoppers."

Mostly, I'd want the Jetta to be set up to be capable of carrying what I might need it to, but that doesn't mean I'd be loaded all the time. And I've had plenty of Jettas, you would have to do a great deal more than all that to get it saggin, unless it needed some dire repairs.

Such an economic addition would increase feasible estimate range and be able to support a minor job on the fly if needed on occasion, not to mention transfer men and equipment in a pinch. That’s smart.

pdqdl seems to do well with his, and I'm hardly surprised.

You make an excellent point about estimate vehicle exposer, in which case cars are no real match for trucks, suburbans, or vans in terms of banner space available and legible.

And without question a 4x4 diesel crew cab means business in every regard in industries such as these, but a nice little car like a Jetta can be an unsung hero.

I love the concept of VW's, especially the TDI's but they're so quirky I get skittish around them. My jetta was nothing but a money pit and my father's has turned out to be pretty much the same thing. My uncle loves his, as does one of my good friends, who also owns a microbus and vanagon, but they're both mechanics. I will admit, every VW I've piloted has brought a smile to my face and no one can disagree with how sharp they look. Anywho, I still think a load of saws and gear will make one squat pretty good and at 6 feet tall, the rear of a Jetta is far from a comfortable location for me.