Appropriate car for visiting customers
Discussion
I've recently bought a fabrication/ welding firm and will be visiting new customers. I want to make a good impression i.e. I run a company that is stable/ successful but equally I don't want customers feeling like I overcharge. I currently own a 435i coupe which I shall be selling to buy an EV to take advantage of LTD company tax incentives (and save on fuel costs!). I have a Tesla Model Y on order. Considering how little they depreciate and the autopilot being a welcome relief on my 3 hour round trip to my industrial unit this would make a great car. However... is this too flash for the owner of a small fabrication firm when approaching new clients? Customers include factory operations managers, property developers and I shall also be branching out to direct consumers for residential gates/ fencing. Alternative EV suggestions welcomed, dare I say MG ZS... Thanks
This is one question that I always consider as an accountant. I have a Model 3 and fits well with most of my clients in my view. My business partner doesn't care and thinks we should just do as we please. He currently has an eTron GT on order and I'm tempted by that or a RR Sport P440e.
Given my experience with businesses similar to yours, I think you'd be ok with a Model Y as many owners know the tax advantages of such cars. Any 'better' than that might cause you issues given some in your target market. I know the MG is a good car, but it wouldn't be what I'd choose to project that image. Sad but true for some. Plus if you are doing lots of longer journeys, the Tesla can make those trips much easier with the charging network.
Given my experience with businesses similar to yours, I think you'd be ok with a Model Y as many owners know the tax advantages of such cars. Any 'better' than that might cause you issues given some in your target market. I know the MG is a good car, but it wouldn't be what I'd choose to project that image. Sad but true for some. Plus if you are doing lots of longer journeys, the Tesla can make those trips much easier with the charging network.
Can't comment on the Business's thoughts but as a personal customer if you rocked up in a Tesla or a BMW 4 series I think my view of you running a business is probably fairly neutral. I've no idea of what that Tesla Y costs but as I'm not interested in EV's in the slightest I wouldn't want to discuss anything apart from the gates anyway ! Someone asked the question sometime time ago about turning up to an interview in a TVR so although different question begs the similar answer ie some are interested in cars ,some are not and therefore some won't have a clue about what you drive.
Good luck with the business though.
Good luck with the business though.
To me it does make a difference, but it depends on the industry and car. Some years back I turned up to a prospective public sector customer in a 911 Turbo (my bosses). I had to park outside and ask them if the car was ok where it was. The group of people I had come to demo the software to looked outside and the whole thing became quite frosty. Needless to say they didn't choose to become a customer.
I honestly don’t think it makes much difference unless you go to one extreme or the other .
I used to do insurance for motor traders / mechanic garages etc and rarely did they ever see what car I turned up in.
When the main pool cars were full there was a absolutely stinking old bag of crap civic as backup. I did ensure I parked round the corner in that one
I used to do insurance for motor traders / mechanic garages etc and rarely did they ever see what car I turned up in.
When the main pool cars were full there was a absolutely stinking old bag of crap civic as backup. I did ensure I parked round the corner in that one
Edited by joropug on Wednesday 15th June 13:04
Thanks for the responses and the kind wishes on the business.
To answer a few queries:
- Pick up was considered but offers no tax advantages plus fuelling will be expensive (private plate comment gave me a chuckle, knobbly tyres also required)
- Hyundai/ Kia, they are a consideration, just makes the commute trickier without autopilot and the range/ charging isn't as good
- EV van was considered but all have a poor range and lead times are horrendous
To answer a few queries:
- Pick up was considered but offers no tax advantages plus fuelling will be expensive (private plate comment gave me a chuckle, knobbly tyres also required)
- Hyundai/ Kia, they are a consideration, just makes the commute trickier without autopilot and the range/ charging isn't as good
- EV van was considered but all have a poor range and lead times are horrendous
TVR Tuscan.
Have a look at this thread - it’s essentially the same question about other peoples perceptions and judgements.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I’d say a Tesla is bang on message though.
Have a look at this thread - it’s essentially the same question about other peoples perceptions and judgements.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I’d say a Tesla is bang on message though.
BertBert said:
To me it does make a difference, but it depends on the industry and car. Some years back I turned up to a prospective public sector customer in a 911 Turbo (my bosses). I had to park outside and ask them if the car was ok where it was. The group of people I had come to demo the software to looked outside and the whole thing became quite frosty. Needless to say they didn't choose to become a customer.
To be fair, the frosty reaction could have been due to you asking if it was ok where it was. Which could either have been taken as an insult to the area, or seen as a thinly disguised "look at my car". Neither of which would be likely to go down well with public sector types.Some people might think the OP's question is a bit stupid and irrelevant, but its a sensible consideration when building a new business.
I have owned an Impreza WRX since new and at the time I purchased it, my job meant I visited various local businesses to support with recruitment and apprenticeships. I quickly found that some clients were quick to form a poor impression of me simply based on the car I turned up in.
I am a die hard rally fan so it was a dream car, but I was very aware that I would be labelled a "drug dealer" Boy racer" etc for owning it, but the opinions of others on my car choices means little to me. The funny thing is, I am simply a car geek and can often be seen getting overtaken by angry old ladies in Micras while I burble along listening to classic FM.
Where work is concerned though, it was a concern as I wanted to present the right image, so I took to using the Polo I owned when visiting new clients or parking out of the way when first meeting new clients.
I do recall a meeting with a new client and after 10mins of talking he asked, "Is that your Subaru outside?" It did make me think, "Here we go" but it turned out it sparked a big car nut conversation as he was the proud owner of a GTR.
I have owned an Impreza WRX since new and at the time I purchased it, my job meant I visited various local businesses to support with recruitment and apprenticeships. I quickly found that some clients were quick to form a poor impression of me simply based on the car I turned up in.
I am a die hard rally fan so it was a dream car, but I was very aware that I would be labelled a "drug dealer" Boy racer" etc for owning it, but the opinions of others on my car choices means little to me. The funny thing is, I am simply a car geek and can often be seen getting overtaken by angry old ladies in Micras while I burble along listening to classic FM.
Where work is concerned though, it was a concern as I wanted to present the right image, so I took to using the Polo I owned when visiting new clients or parking out of the way when first meeting new clients.
I do recall a meeting with a new client and after 10mins of talking he asked, "Is that your Subaru outside?" It did make me think, "Here we go" but it turned out it sparked a big car nut conversation as he was the proud owner of a GTR.
Many years ago, when I started a business, my business partner had a very rusty Austin Maxi. When he visited the London office of Olivetti Computers he was given one of the director's parking space at the rear of the building so that his car was not visible from the main entrance/reception area at the front. So some advantage of arriving in a cr*p car.
And yes, we were awarded the contract.
And yes, we were awarded the contract.
Was in plant repair, welding business,visiting new customers,seen me pick up business , literally when they had something in workshop,shaft or other parts needing repair,when I could say chuck it in motor n I'll get right on it,that was Passat estate, depends if your visiting sites,can be handy having 4x4,or if it's just engineering sites reckon estate be handy,used to need ppe,tools etc on occasion
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