Making sure that all of your employees are offered a company car is a cause of concern for any owner of a SMB. Don’t worry if you don’t have the financial muscle to go shopping on the showroom floor, though, as the used market provides a healthy alternative. While the term “used,” may have negative connotations, when done right you can be sure that your staff have the same benefits as any other company.
Here’s what you need to know.
Do: Buy from Established Dealerships
While opening yourself up to the private market might seem like the best way to get a good deal, you should instead focus on buying from professional sellers only.
Established dealerships like Ridgeway approve every vehicle before putting it up for sale so you know quality is assured. While you still need to check things out before finalising the deal, you can have the peace of mind, knowing that most of the legwork has been done by your dealer.
Private sellers, meanwhile, have a tendency to miss calls, reschedule meetings, and cause other delays that could create issues for your business. Not only that, you need to have some experience in checking the condition of the vehicle: Scratch and bruises can be fixed (and hidden) but engine and electronic flaws can only be detected if you understand cars – which, to be honest, many of you don’t.
Don’t: Overlook Aesthetics
First impressions matter and pulling up to the job in a poorly maintained vehicle can have just as negative impression as arriving at the office inappropriately dressed. Company cars often represent the image of your business so it’s wise to keep aesthetics uniform and professional.
Similarly, stay away from the so-called “love it or hate it” kind of vehicles, no matter how much you personally love the look of them. Again, the priority is your company’s image – not yours.
Do: Invest in Warranties
Make sure that you invest in warranties so that your employees are compensated with breakdown cover as well as maintenance and repair insurance. This means that they’ll benefit from the same safety and security features that someone driving a new company car would, all while making you some significant savings in the process.
Making this a required standard can go a long way in improving staff morale, making sure that your staffs know that they are well-covered (and well-taken-care-of.)
Don’t: Show Favoritism
The best course of action is to decide on a set vehicle type and stick to it. Try not to let staff dictate specifications regarding features or colors, as not only will this delay the process but you also risk the possibility of appearing to show favoritism. Shopping in the used market already means your choices are limited so don’t give yourself further restrictions by attempting to meet everyone’s personal preferences.
Takeaway
The key to choosing the right company cars is striking the balance between affordability, reliability, and style. While it can be difficult to appease everyone, follow these tips on you’ll be on the right track.