Since most of your work as a plumber will be done away from the office and out on a jobsite, you need the best transportation. A commercial truck does more than just get you where you need to go. It brings along the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. It’s important to think about which model and style is the right truck for a plumber.
One of your first considerations is how much storage space you need. The right truck will be able to carry all your tools and equipment and many of the parts necessary to finish the job in one trip. You don’t want to waste a lot of time going back to a supply house or store to get the parts. This is time that could be spent moving to the next job.
How much storage you need will depend on the type of work you do. If your primary customer is someone who needs a repair on their plumbing, you may prefer the convenience of a cargo van. Cargo vans can be upfitted to hold storage bins for hundreds of small parts, like washers, pipe fittings, and joints. On the other hand, you may need a pickup truck that tow a trailer if your main customers are developers or others who are looking for new items like water heaters, toilets or showers.
Another consideration is how to be organized in your truck or van. Don’t waste time looking for a part or going back to the supply house to get it when you can stock it on your truck and know right where it’s at. For instance, you could keep a generous supply of kitchen and bathroom faucets on your truck to upsell to customers instead of just repairing the old one.
Another way your truck can help you stay organized is through modern technology. Because you can pair your smartphone with the vehicle through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on most vehicles, you can easily access your customer list. Call your next customer and tell them you’re on your way or let them know you’re running late. Since many vehicles are also Wi-Fi hotspots, you can place an online order for a part or item while you’re still on the jobsite. That way, you won’t forget or have to do it when you get back to the office.
Many customers are happy to receive their invoice through email or text message, which means you can create the invoice while you’re still at the job as you finish up. This not only saves you time, but it increases the likelihood of getting paid quickly rather than having to send out a reminder in the future.
With many cargo vans offering both rear-opening doors and a side door, you have more options for access to supplies and equipment. This can be beneficial if you store large items at the back and access smaller parts from the side door.
If you know you need a new truck for your plumbing business but aren’t sure which model is right, visit the sales team at Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Buena Park. Let the sales team show you the available options and how to customize them for your business. Give the team a call or just stop by today to find your new partner!
