Alain Guillot

Life, Leadership, and Money Matters

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Commercial Vehicle

If you’re in need of a commercial vehicle for your business whether it be a delivery truck or a hotdog van you want to convert, there are a few ways you can cut costs. For all businesses, buying a vehicle is a big investment, so it’s important to prioritize. Make sure you find the car, van, or truck you that meets all your business requirements. It can be a bit of a challenge to find the perfect commercial vehicle for your organization. Here are five tips to save money on your commercial vehicle.  

Prioritize the features you need

Before you invest in a business van, it’s important to make a list of the features you need. What is the purpose of the vehicle? Will you use your van for delivery, to advertise your branding or will you repurpose it completely? Your new vehicle will have a key role in the success of your small business.

Consider how much space you’ll need, the type of fuel to run it on, and all other basic functions. Make a plan and a budget and prioritize the most important features for your business.

For some businesses, the environment impact of a vehicle is a major consideration. Personal and commercial vehicles are a major cause of global warming. Collectively, cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all US emissions. One way to mitigate the damage caused by vehicles to the environment is to prioritize ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV). The term ultra low emissions vehicle—or ULEV—is a designation given to any road vehicle that emits less than 75g of CO2 per kilometer. 

Maintenance and insurance costs

It’s important to take into account maintenance and insurance costs. Make sure you factor in regular maintenance for your commercial vehicle as part of your budget. What will do if your vehicle needs repairing? Come up with a contingency plan if you can’t use your vehicle temporarily.

You’ll need to ensure your staff is protected when driving your commercial vehicle. Insurance for a business vehicle can have different policies than regular auto insurance. If you do have any accidents while driving your commercial vehicle, it’s advisable to contact personal injury lawyer Javier Villarreal, as it could be a complex case.

Shop around

Even if you’ve worked with a commercial vehicle dealer before, it’s still a good idea to shop around. You might still find a better offer. Take your time and look at some price comparison sites online. Do your research especially if you want to convert the van or decorate it with your branding. These could have different costs depending on the model.

Consider leasing

One cost-effective solution is to consider leasing a commercial vehicle rather than buying. You can use it for as long as you need to for then return it. It depends on how long you need it for and what you will be using it for. This could bring other complications but is a viable option.

Ex-demo vans

Another way to save money is by checking out ex-demo vans. These are good as new as they’ll have only been used as test vehicles in showrooms. Here is a guide on what to look for when buying an ex-demo. You can find cars, vans, trucks you name it. They’re all premium quality but for a much lower price. 

The only downside when buying used or ex-demo is that you’ll have less choice. Prioritize your needs and find the best solution for your business.