Buy a used truck now or wait until we can afford a new one?
We are a small Junk Removal company operating with a single truck. Our current dilemma is whether we should purchase a used truck now and put the extra money into repairs, or to wait a bit longer until we can afford a new truck that won't need repairs right off the lot. There's pros and cons to both options and we just can't decide.Do you utilize battery-powered tools?
Handheld battery-powered tools have come a long way from their first iterations, especially over the past few years. I've started making the switch away from gas-powered equipment throughout the last few seasons for my business and have found the switch to be positive for my workflow and bottom line. This is a trend I believe will continue as batteries become more powerful and long-lasting. Are you utilizing any battery-powered equipment and, if so, do you have any favorites you'd like to share??Milwaukee vs DeWalt Tools, which one?
We’re Lock Nerds Locksmith, a Buffalo, NY-based company that’s always relied on Milwaukee tools. But we’re curious—what tools do other pros trust? We're looking for honest pros and cons between Milwaukee and DeWalt to see if it's time for us to reconsider our setup.New, Used, or Lease? And WHEN?
As a small business owner it has been nothing short of challenging to build a business from nothing. I came from nothing and have built this thing from the ground up. I didn't have a lot of money. When I first started I couldn't afford company vehicles. I eventually bought used vehicles in the $20K-$30K range and financed them and that was fine until I unexpectedly slowed down and had to sell off my trucks just to survive. Once I rebuilt from the slow down I decided to buy used vans around $9K to $10K cash. Right now I have 6 vehicles. One of those vehicles needs major work done. And the others are all 100K miles or more and I feel like they are just ticking time bombs. I want the reliability of newer, or leased vehicles but the risk intimidates me after my struggles in 2022. Is there a formula for when you should go from paying cash for used, to financing newer/new, and to finally leasing? Is there a revenue metric, a number of vehicles in your fleet, or some other sign that going one route over the other is more advantageous or less risky? Thanks for taking the time to read this and share feedback!What tools do service professionals carry every day beyond their main equipment?
I’m not just referring to the basic tools of the trade. Every Day Carries (EDC) are those essential items you simply can’t do without. I always ensure I have my wallet filled with business cards, my cellphone, sunglasses, Felco pruners, a Leatherman multitool, a reliable folding knife, a working pen, a notepad, a small flashlight, and an irrigation adjustment tool. There have been so many moments while I’m out providing quotes where my EDC items truly help seal the deal. For instance, if I’m walking a property for a landscape maintenance job and I spot a broken branch on a Linden, I can quickly pull out my pruners to snip it off. Or if I see that a corner of a lawn is looking a bit dry, I can take just a couple of minutes to adjust an irrigation head. Potential customers really appreciate noticing your attention to detail and your proactive approach to caring for their property, even before you finalize a contract! What do you carry on your person every time you leave the house/business?You Quit Your Job to Start a Business — So Why Gamble on a Used Truck?
Everybody says the same thing: “Just buy a used truck, it’s cheaper.” Yet, That same truck breaks down 3–6 months later. Now your jobs are delayed. You’re borrowing vehicles from your spouse or rental. You’re stressed out and behind on bills. And suddenly the “cheaper option” is costing you way more. Here's my personal take: You quit your job ... You are betting 100% on yourself, to care for your livelihood. If you’re betting your whole future on this business — why risk it with a vehicle that might leave you stranded? I hate blaming others, or the lack of accountability. So if I can control one variable — like my ability to show up to the job, that will pay me for my services... I’m going to do it. But that's just my opinion. My hot take, What do you all think? I created this visual for myself to follow and share whenever anyone is deciding to get a vehicle.
