A clean van makes a good first impression

Leading van specialist, Vanarama, is warning tradesmen that the condition of their work vehicle is likely to have a dramatic impact on whether they get a job or not.

From electricians and plumbers to joiners and painters, Vanarama has warned that the condition of a company van is vital in making a good first impression, drawing parallels with turning up to a job interview wearing a smart shirt and tie.

• The biggest selling vans of 2013 

Vanarama claim that more than half of respondents of its survey said they would worry about how good a tradesman was if they couldn't afford to drive a decent work vehicle. Over a third said, on top of this, that they would also worry about their reliability.

Vanarama's Managing Director, Andy Alderson, said: "From both our own experience of using tradesmen, as well as hearing anecdotal feedback from our customers, we instinctively knew that a van in poor condition could create the wrong impression about a tradesman, potentially impacting the amount of work received, the price charged and ultimately their business reputation. Our recent research of consumer perceptions not only confirmed this but crystallised just how important a tradesman’s vehicle is in winning new customers."

Understandably, some businesses may be wary of replacing an old van due to concerns about future income. But all is not lost as Vanarama offer a range of great discounts.

• Choosing the right van

Alderson said: "At Vanarama, through the volume related discounts we can obtain, we make it very affordable for a tradesman to drive a new van. Leasing payments on a brand new van can very often be cheaper than buying an old van on hire purchase.

"Plus, the reduced running costs of a new van with a more economic engine and no previous wear and tear which means lower maintenance costs, means that it can make better financial sense than running a cheaper used van, particularly considering the impact an older van can have on future income, as highlighted by our research."

Alderson continues: "Our research reinforces what many of us already know - first impressions count."