Just because you deal in the waste sector is no reason to have a truck that looks like the inside of a septic tank!
Your truck:
- Keep it clean. Wash it regularly to ensure the paint is shiny and keep the hoses and hose trays free of odours.
- If the paint is average, try to fix it up so it looks loved or have it repainted!
- Keep the truck in good operating order so that it works efficiently
- Regular maintenance will keep the truck operating at peak efficiency
- Part of the above will mean keeping your vacuum pump operating at peak efficiency, regular flushing for vane pumps will help keep them clean and quiet
- Make sure the cabin is also tidy and free of odours. This is either your operators or your workplace. Keeping it clean and free of odours helps to make it more pleasant. Ripped or torn upholstery? Fix it. Vac the floors once a week and use deodorisers such as little tree in the cab.
- Keep the windows and mirrors clean. I had heated mirrors on my last vacuum truck as here in Mansfield they froze overnight.
- Make sure your sign writing is legible with your contact details clearly readable from all sides of the truck. Humour never goes astray but try and keep it clean…
- If you turn up at your customers and the truck looks like an old piece of crap it devalues your offering to them. Meaning you cant possibly charge a reasonable price if you truck looks like its barely doing the job, if you get my gist…
- If your truck looks like a very expensive piece of kit you are able to justify charging real world prices
- Keeping your truck clean and tidy is just the start. Your customers will appreciate an efficient piece of equipment too! this means no leaks on their driveway or lawn or anywhere else for that matter.
Your operators:
Similar to your truck really…
- Ideally your people will present well and wear a clean well-fitting uniform with the guy’s name and your business name
- Did I mention a clean uniform?
- Carry a spare uniform should the inevitable splash occur
- Make sure all of your operators are adequately trained in the correct use of the vacuum truck
- Just as importantly make sure the operators are also well trained and are proficient in the job that has to be done so they can do it efficiently and without issues
- Have a consultant work with your business on delivering exceptional customer service with all of your staff who come in contact with your customers. This will pay huge dividends if your people get it…
- Ensure your staff are customer focused and have the right attitude. They are your contact point with your customers, after all they are selling your business at the coal face and can make or break the transaction
Making your business easy to deal with will help you stand apart from your opponents.
Happy pumping.
Article by Rod Glue
