Company Trucks Get Attention

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

Over the past 4 years i have tried many forms of advertising including flyers, yellowpages, door to door, ect..... But this year i went an entirely difereant route. i got a brand new 3/4 ton dodge, lifted it and put huge mud tires on it and a lot of other styling goodies and dual exaust. Then i plastered my companys name all over my huge dodge. Now whereever i go people look at my truck and remember the companys name. Now 3 out of 4 times when i go to bid on a job the customer says "o yeah your the guy with the huge truck."

I Want to to get your views on this and see if anyone else uses this type of advertizing and how it had worked for them!!!

[Stinger]

It's a catch-22 situation. Some people will say you're driving a nice truck hmmmmm, you must be expensive. On the other hand some will view you as sucessful and call for a bid. Personally I use the company name and # on our trucks and trailers. This is a great way to advertise, consider yourself a rolling billboard! On the other hand our trucks are plain white stripped down models. I consider the truck as a tool and would not want to see your pretty new Dodge after some employee plays lets toss the tools in the bed from a less than accurate distance. If your using your new truck for a mobile office just to go give bids and etc then fine. But I'd keep a work truck for work and pretty truck for play.

[dhicks]

I think you are right on target with your new truck. Matter of fact, it would look real nice in my driveway :D. However, as Stinger said customers might equate a new decked out truck with expensive lawn care service.

As for me, I live in the Socialist Republic of Maryland, the tree huggers would question whether I need such a big truck for hauling lawn mowers and whether I have ANY compassion for the safety of my fellow commuters in their small rinky-dink cars. Then from the size of truck they would be able to tell that I’m rich and a conservative Republican who does not care for the environment.

Enjoy your new truck. You can’t make all the people happy all of the time.

[Bobby]

Hey dhicks, well said!

[Twotoros]

I would have to agree with dhicks . It would be too flashy for my (red)neck of the woods(desert). When I visited a potential job with my new toyota flatbed in 1986 to bid on a thatch job I was promptly told as I walked up the sidewalk
" If you can afford an outfit like that then I can't afford you". This is the mentality of my area. I still have my toyota but it is a good bid grabber as it is 15 years of age.
I would never consider going to a bid in my late model toyota landcruiser!!! Sad but true.

[paul]

Have the same problem here if I show up in my BMW they think I make too much money but show up in a puckup and they don't say anything like that, tell them it has 150K miles and they will give you the job:)

[rats5656]

I HAVE 2001 DODGE 2500 DIESEL WITH A EASY DUMP IN THE BACK IT IS BRAND NEW ONLY 7,000 MILES, IT'S MY WORK /TOY TRUCK IWANT TO GET AANOTHER TRUCK BECAUSE IT HAS A FEW SCRATHES AND THART SUCKS SO IT CAN BE MT TOY

[syzer]

Yeah, I think its awesome to have a nice big truck. I am currently in the market for a 2001 ford crew cab diesel. Put some nice meats on it slap some profesional stickers on and ready to go. Nothing like a bad ass truck with a nice trailer and equiptment. Anyone have pics of there setups?

[Lawnworks]

I love jacked up trucks. However they are not economical. More gas and it is hard to hook up to a trailer w/o your trailor being at a 45 degree angle. Hopefully my next truck will be a diesel. Gotta love the sound of them trucks.

Rick Wallace
LawnWorks

[Runner]

I simply like to say the phrase."We're not as expensive as we look." I'm not trying to brag, but I have a Chevy 1 ton dump with wood sides, painted a super shiny Forest Green, striped out with lots of chrome and chrome duallys to match. I'm often asked to put it in car shows, but humbly decline. It's a '77 in perfect condition (ground up restoration) and I have an 18' trailer to match-complete w/ chrome wagons and raised letter tires. I want desperately to learn how to put a picture of it on this site! I have a scanner, and can get it into my computer, but that's as far as I can get! Everyone always asks, including several other services, how I manage to keep it so clean all the time. That, quite frankly, is a MAJOR pain! But well worth it. People like to see something like that in front of their houses. Just a novelty item!

[accuratelawn]

Fivestar,
Is an attempt to justifing the purchase of a truck?

Do any of you guys really need the most powerful, big , chromed out truck to pull the trailer?
Some out there tell us that their route is all within 10 or so miles of the shop. Lets say 30 miles per day times 5 days per week times 35 weeks per year. That's less than 6,000 miles per year.
I know this is an oversimplification, but think about before you drop $30,000+ on a truck.
Don't get me wrong, I would love a 2000 F-250 extended cab 4x4. The numbers just don't work.
Yes an older vehicle might not be as realiable, but you could purchase two used trucks for less that a new one, and still have money left over.

[BUSHMASTER]

your truck is always the first impression that customers gets when they have yet to talk to you, you know going down the road. anyway the better the impression the higher paying accounts and jobs you have the chance to get.I think i would rather have folks think i was high dollar than the latter,Pride,Pride,Pridejust think you have the other side of being a "@@@@" good jobs see them pull up and think "hes going to do my yard?" Afetr all you think the folks in the
$500,000.plus homes want you in there neiborhood with a
Scrub mobile? just a thought.oh my tools often get srcatched
and i just keep painting them. no biggy.You might be a redneck if you can't afford a service based on what the service man drives ..i bet he does not get sears to work on his ac unit either LOL.

[Edited by BUSHMASTER on 09-13-2000 at 02:50 AM]

[EarthWorks]

The object is to keep clean well kept equipment wether it is new or used. I have a nice looking f-250 ex cab 4x4 with logo on side. I also have a not so nice looking 94 f250 with logo. I am in the market for a new one also. yes, new f250 ex cab 4x4 diesel. You would not believe how many people say "Man you guys must be really busy I see your trucks everywhere" I kinda laugh inside since I only have two trucks. My best advertising is when people see me working at the neighbors down the street. I could go on but don't want to be a bore

[Ocutter]

I love my GMC. Its a 6 cyl yet powerful. I keep it clean as well as all my equipment. People ask me what yr. it is and when I tell them its a 94 they seem very impressed followed by the question "new paint huh?" I prouly say NOPE Image is everything in my eyes. If I were looking for a co to do my lawn I would rather have one with nice clean efficient machines. Not a sanford and son truck with rope all over the place and rotting wood stakes holding back tons of grass. Even if the lawn looked perfect by the latter. Sad but true.

[Firebrand]

I got my work truck at a government auction. It's a 93 dodge 250. I used to have a 98 Dodge that I cried when I got a scratch on it. Now I don't worry. The great thing about government auctions is that the vehicles are usually pretty plain just rubber floors, vinyle(sp???) seats, no power anything, and strangely enough almost all have AC.
Usually you can bet they've had pretty good maintenance done on them and are in reasonable shape. I think this is a great way to go. Back when I had the new truck, a customer that owned a house and had me mowing the lawn for him actually asked if he could work for me because I seemed to be making so much money. LOL.

[eslawns]

Some people have actually said they won't use the guys with the big enclosed trailers and new F350's because they would be too expensive. I know two of these guys around here and am just as expensive as they are. SSHHH!

I think if you keep your equipment & truck clean and put on a number/name for the business, and do a good job, you'll get plenty of work. It works well enough that I took the magnets off the truck, because I can't keep up with the quotes.

Ocutter,

Ditto on the GMC. I used to be a Ford guy, but I love this truck! I'm looking at a new 2001 sport side, my 97 is almost paid for.

[KirbysLawn]

I have yet to have anyone say they did not choose me because of my truck or trailer. I have, however had customers say they did choose me because of my truck and trailer. :) One customer told my son last month the reason he picked me was the professional, clean look of my rig. He also said he figured if I had an outfit like that I must be doing something right.

There is nothing wrong with having older equipment or trucks, just keep it clean. Heck, my stuff is getting older every day, but I keep it clean. A good rule of thumb, if your rig cost more than the prospects house, it's time to move on.

Ray

[SMB]

We have a '87 Suburban that we use to tow our trailer with, it's only got a 350 though, not a 454. One thing I like about our Suburban is that it has a lot of chrome, which most new trucks-except for the 2000 Chevys (which look pretty good) don't have much chrome, just red on red or green on green or whatever. I think (just my thoughts, MY PREFERENCE) that they have made the new Fords look like cars. And if I want a truck I WANT A TRUCK!
Just my opinion, I'm not blaming Kirby for having a Ford-actually Kirby's looks pretty good.

[Edited by SMB on 09-13-2000 at 06:28 PM]

[KirbysLawn]

That there 7.3 liter diesel don't pull like no car!! :D

[Getmow]

The old saying "a little paint to make it what it aint" applies. The work horses in our "fleet" are in the 86-90 range. They all have fairly fresh paint and are kept clean. My "work" truck on the other hand is a 987 2500 diesel dodge extended cab 4x4. Perks of working all the time.

[Toroguy]

I think the new Fords are the nicest looking on the road.

Expensive rigs indicate professionalism, and success...so does a suit and tie. I agree with the rubber floor government vehicles, you can clean them with a leaf blower.

I like the look of the nice rigs, but am more impressed with my margins.

[landscaper3]

Its like a catch 22. Some people see nice truck & trailer boy he must be busy and good prices others say WOW nice truck he or she must be expensive!! My belife is have the nice stuff it will get more attention for you!!!

[SMB]

Toroguy and Kirby, remember it was just my opinion! :) There are people that like Chevys and people that like Fords, I just kinda like the looks of a Chevy. (Actually I'd really like a '69-'72 Chevy C10 Shortbed stepside. :cool: )

[steveair]

Hello,

I like the idea of trying to keep things simple myself. I believe just a plain old 2wd s10 with some nice company lettering is a good way to go for job estimates. It doesn't say "this guy is loaded" but it does give the impression that you are a 'blue collar' kind of guy just trying to make a honest living, and still adds that touch of professionalism.

If you want to have a nice truck, then AFTER the estimate, show up in all your big, fancy trucks and equip when you start the job. That's when the people really get impressed and want to suggest you to all their friends. My sub-contract has NICE stuff, brand new tandems/machines/etc. People always love to see stuff like that and it draws a lot of attention. Its not even mine, but it makes me look good. (I try to park my own 90 dodge dump with all the rust out of sight and behind the sub's shiny new tandem whenever at the job now)

steveair

[Edited by steveair on 09-14-2000 at 01:58 AM]

[slingshot]

Well the nice shiny new trucks are good and well,but to tell you the truth i run 8 fords from f 350 to f 750.yes its nice to keep em all shined up but after a couple of hours of (real) work with them they are dirty and dented and scratched and some realy do have a little serfice rust.I try to have my guys power wash them every week but to tell ya the truth getting the work done is more important to me and the costomer.do you think the costomer would like it if i told her we couldnt make it johny was armor alling the truck.my trucks are all maintained very wel maybee even too good so we dont have many breakdowns.so to tell you the truth im the guy with the truck loaded to the top with clippings with the pirce of stake body missing and the big dent in the door or even the faded paint buti never had anyone say they would not hire us because of it our work speaks for itself. there is a reason we stoped excepting work for this year in may and it is not because my trucks were all shined up and at the local car show when they saw them. also i just traded my 98 toyota 4 runner in for a brand new land cruiser i deive enough trucks all day and i sure dont want to drive one home at night

[jaclawn]

That the truck does not make you more money. Take two people with identical equipment, one in a $35K new truck, and the other in a $5K used truck. Who can cut more grass in a day? I would rather spend the money on more efficent equipment so that I can do more work eaiser.

[KirbysLawn]

I hope to only use my truck for one more year, I hope to convert my trailer into a "spraying rig" and am looking at the Bering Trucks. Very impressive, anyone heard anything about them? http://www.beringtruck.com

Ray

[southside]

Kirby, I looked at their site and they look familiar. The top of the range heavy duty tractor looks a lot like a
Renault.Made in France.Marketed here as Macks.
Medium duty looks like Mitsubishi. Try looking at Isuzu.
Good trucks.

Karl

[eslawns]

Sorry to get off the subject,

Kirby,

I think Bering trucks are made by Hyundai. UD is Nissan, and all the Chevy/GMS cabovers are Isuzu. All are very good trucks. I'd wait a bit to see how reliable the Berings will be.

jaclawn,

I totally disagree with the truck not making you money. I have a plain vanilla 97 GMC and got it new because I can't afford down time for repairs. If you think it doesn't make you money, try to get to the first lawn of the day without it. I think of it like the computer, just because it soean't cut grass, doesn't mean it doesn't help the bottom line. Just my opinion, and everyone knows what they're like. :)

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

The Reason I went with theis style of advertising is my service area is very high priced subdivisions in northville and novi, michigan and i service high profile comercial customers. A potential customer in my area look at my truck and trailer thinks "nice truck, nice trailer = great service", in the areas customers are willing to pay the extra cash to know that thry are getting one of the best companys in the neiborhood. And for all those scrubs out there my service area would not we a wise decision, people look at a beat up truck as a sign of poor quality work....in my service area maybe one out of every 10 companys have a truck that is older than a 95, the rest of them are brand new all letter, with nice equipment.

[AB Lawn Care]

Toroguy-You hit it on the head!Poeple dont care if you drive new trucks or not!The only time that people think you will be high priced is when you show up in a truck with all the bells and whistles.Oh ya I also agree with the rubber floors!I own an old 81 f-150 with those style floors.It is so much better than carpet!The same goes for the seats!In the winter they don't get soaked,and in the summer you sweat does not stick to them!I personally think the best impression comes from a new or old praticle and very well kept truck.No right no I don't have any:-)BUT!When the funds are avalible it will be the first thing to change!

[Getmow]

The only people who care if you drive new vehicles are the TAX MAN. The purchase or lease of the newer trucks that are driven by the owner are a write off. Sometimes it is better to give it to the manufacturer than the government.

BTW Kirby have you checked out the Super Lawn Truck?
http://www.superlawntruck.com
I don't know what happened to the site. But it is advertised in most of the publications(Pro, Turf etc.)

[Edited by Getmow on 09-14-2000 at 11:33 PM]

[jaclawn]

What I was getting at was that all things being equal, a new truck cannot allow you to cut more lawns in a day than an older one.

New trucks break too, and are often subject to recalls. A good older truck with a proper preventitive maintenance history will be just as reliable as a new truck. You may spend a little more on repairs, but certinly not as much as a new truck payment every month.

I have done the math, and after paying $400 per month for 60 months, you end up with a 5 year old truck that is worth maybe $13K. Now, on the other hand, you take that $400 each month and invest it conservitly averaging an 8% return, you end up with nearly $30K after those same 5 years.

That looks to me like you would be $17K ahead of the game. I'll settle for 1-2 days of downtime per year for that kind of return.

One thing with older trucks though, always have a back-up plan. You don't have to own a back up truck, but know a friend that has an extra, maybe your wife has an SUV that can pull your trailer for a day, have enough work in your neighborhood to keep you busy for a day.

[Twotoros]

Kirby , Ya I seen the Bering ads and am thinking that in a year or two of looking into getting one w/the 16" landscape bed.
Getmow - right on . I learned the hardway in year # 3. Man what a tax bill. After that I buy anything I can that is a write-off. Bought out some accounts and equiptment this season and ol' unc sam is out of luck again on my end .
A new truck probably will be next . Then time for more new mowers and then a 10gigahetz pentium 16 with 3000 megs of ram. taxman meet the toyman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stinger]

Just remember: The truck and trailer dosen't cut grass!

[Eric ELM]

Just remember, if the truck and trailer aren't in operating condition, you can't get the mowers to the job to cut grass. :) I've been in that bind too. :mad:

[BUSHMASTER]

Well hopefully depending how the winter works out my 67 c10
short step side will be back on the road ,i have owned this truck for 5 years now and have done a lot of things to it ..
all autometer gauges procomp/speedo/tach/oil/water/vac/transtemp/volt/fuel.
b/m auto mega shifter..4 flew rad/5 lug disc/pwrstrg,31-10.50 meats dual exh.interior uposty/350 4bl th350 trans,
i am down to the paint and rubber .i have put 3/4 ton springs all the way around to handel more load.no rust real clean .
i plan on making removeable pannels to drop in the stake holes in the bed and will have 3x8 advertisement signs on both sides.really looking forward to the day i can ride and
turn some heads i'll post some pitcures when it's done.

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

http://hometown.aol.com./fivestr18/
for anyone who responded to ths post heres a link to pics of my beast.

[kutnkru]

When we bid we wear clean clothes and pull up in front of the accounts in a 1979 toyota celica thats held together with bailing wire.

Then we plead for the work to feed our 8 starving children. They usually at least talk to us if they are going to say no.

Actually in our area the few guys with larger trucks only get a hard time from clearing low limbs while driving down the street.

LOL
Kris

[Greenkeepers]

We have 98 1500,99 2500 Dodges. Forest Green and getting lettered this year instead of Door magnets of past. As long as you promote yourself as being professional and have a "good" look then most places you'll be fine. Heck, there are people getting business out of their pinto's. :) Just depends on the customers that you're targeting

[PRECISION LC]

i think thats its a great idea, ive wanted to do it my self to my truck, but people remember most of the bad things that happen to them. what happens when you cut someone off, or speed past them, and they don't need to remember your tag number, you stick out and that alone might hurt you. i have a personalized license plate and i worry about that kinda stuff.
kyle:blob2:

[Albemarle Lawn]

I noticed the early Hummers through around '95 can now be had used with good miles for around $25K.

With a 6.5 GM Turbo Diesel, should be a solid rig.

How about towing with an older Hummer with a brand-new green grass paint job?

Ken

[Bill Davis]

I had a nice navy blue 4x4 ext. cab that was my first truck and my pride and joy until it got totalled friday night when i was crossing a two lane highway from the median to get to a gas station.(This was a legal turn) The guy that hit me supposedly had sped out of another exit from the gas station that is down the road aways and did not have his lights on. He was going about 45 mph when he hit me. His 82 2wd ford hit me in the from right tire and cracked my frame and screwed up my 4wd. My truck did a 180 and my back end hit his truck again. It was such a mess. Thank goodness that no one was seriously hurt. My freind that was with me had to go to the hospital for a concusion and the other guy didn't have his seatbelt on so he was pretty bruised up. He also had to get stitches in the lip and arm. I ended up getting a ticket for failure to yeild the right away, but none of the info. about him being reckless and not having his lights on came up at the accident scene because people were hurt and that was more important. I felt so guilty about him and my freind getting hurt more than anything else. I have three witness that saw him leave the gas station smoking his tires and not have his lights on all the way to when we hit. Can yall tell me if my ticket will get reversed and his insurance company will have to pay and not mine. My Dad already told me that if it turns out to be my fault i will lose my insurance. Sorry this was so long. Any help you can give me will be most appreciated. Thanks.

[Albemarle Lawn]

Bill,

The officer had to charge you based on the accident because he did not see it.

Drag those witnesses to court and it is very likey your ticket will be dismissed.

Then insurance companies will work out the money matter among themselves. Hopefully you had full coverage in the event you cannot collect from the other driver or his insurance.

You have the option to sue in civil court. If they do not pay promptly file civil action against the driver of the other vehicle. Since his insurance will have to pay any damages, it is likely that they will settle the case rather than fight it.

AND REMEMBER...
In the CRIMINAL court GUILT must be established beyond a REASONABLE DOUBT. Your witnesses will supply that reasonable doubt which will dismiss your ticket.

In the CIVIL court, LIABILITY need only be established by a PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE. You can still turn the tables and collect your damages. Be persistent.

Remember O.J. Simpson? Criminal: Not Guilty. Civil: Liable.

Ken

[Runner]

You need to let your insurance co. know RIGHT AWAY of this headlight situation. They will have an investigator track his truck. They can tell by examining it if the headlights were on at the time of impact or not. This is a CRUCIAL card in your hand! No matter HOW he took off out of the station down the road, that is irrelevant. It is if these lights were on or off that can make the difference. Was there a BAC test done on him? Driving with the lights off is a VERY common occurance and indicator of drunk driving.

[Bill Davis]

Thanks for all of the advice. There was no BAC test done on either of us so the drunk driving thing is rulled out. My insurance adjuster said that he had looked at his truck and his headlight switch was turned off so that is good for me. I guess this is just going to be a long drawn out process. Thanks again.

[Runner]

Yeah, if his headlight(s) were smashed, even without the switch thing, they can tell if they were on or not. The switch being turned off is NOT evidence that the lights were off. A good accident investigator can tell if they were burning at the time of impact or not.

[Jarred's Lawn Care]

hey sounds cool! but you got to keep it clean. When i drive around while working. I see countless numbers of trucks that are new and trashed. Scratches and dints are all to common. Heres what i suggest. Keep the truck constantly washed and polished. When you do this people will have the reaction that he takes care of that truck. You also half to remember to do the same with your equipment. When this is done peoples reaction will most likely, be like, hey he takes care of that truck and his equipment. I met he will take care of my lawn care needs as well. Sounds corny i know but it impresses me when I see this done.

[Shawn Burns]

I agree with those who have a clean look, not just truck,and equip., but clothes, hair,etc. I have a 2000 2500 chevy, white , stock everything! It, along with all my equip. gets washed every week(almost). I don't have signs or decals, my work is my advertising, and i stay as busy as i want to be! I wear T-shirts with company logo and when they get to looking bad they turn to grease rags. It's all about curb appeal to land accounts and performance to keep them !!!