Finding a suitable van for your business can be tricky. There is a lot to choose from, so some time must be spent researching the various options available. First of all try and decide on your budget before you start looking so as to avoid spending more than you can afford.

Leasing A Van Or Purchasing One:

After deciding on your budget, you must choose between leasing a van and purchasing one outright. This decision has to be made carefully as both options have their pro’s and con’s. Your current financial position will be a key factor in choosing.

For example, if you are on a tight budget then leasing might be the best option as it does not require a large payment upfront in comparison to buying a van. You can spread the costs over a fixed term contract by making monthly payments. Also, as you are renting the van, you won’t have to pay for maintaining the vehicle. On the downside, leasing often includes mileage restrictions and the overall payment at the end of the contract might end up being more than the cost of buying upfront.

If however you can afford the upfront costs then buying a van might be the way to go, either a brand new one or a second hand one. It is important to remember that as the van is yours, you are responsible for the cost of maintaining the van together with all the vehicle taxes/licenses and insurances that you require. However you can claim capital allowances for the cost of your van and in so doing reduce your income tax bill.

Picking the Right Van For Your Business:

The next thing is to decide what you will need the van for, so as to ensure you pick the right van for your business. Think about how much you will use it and how you will use it, so as to make sure it is the right size and type for your business needs.

Various Sizes Of Vans:

There are various sizes of vans, the smallest are the car sized vans, which are best for small loads. Then comes the micro vans which can carry a bit more equipment. Next is the light vans such as transit vans that can carry a large amount of equipment. Finally you have the panel vans which can carry the most amount of equipment.

Choosing The Van:

When it comes time to choose the van, make sure you take someone with you who is knowledgable about vans. They will help guide you as to what to look for and what to avoid. Also you must make sure you carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle you intend to buy as well as a test drive, in order to make sure everything is in good working order.

Getting Your Van Ready:

Once you find the perfect van for your business, it is then time to get your van ready. This usually involves customising the interior to suit your needs, as well as branding the exterior to market your services. Getting your branding right is important, you are on the road most of the time and so potential customers will see your van, it can be one of the cheapest forms of advertising. The most common way is to use removable vinyl signs. Choosing the right colours, fonts and logos will help you stand out from the crowd.

In summary, finding the right van for your business is a task that requires some careful thinking. There are lots of vans to out there to choose from, but finding the right one means having a plan of action that considers all the variables. By spending some time asking yourself some key questions before you start, you can avoid buying a van that does not match your needs.