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Hard sell, hard graft
Page 66
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've found the last two weeks of hard selling very difficult.
I've spent plenty of time sat in reception areas only to be told the person I have made an appointment to see is now unavailable. I have sent out a lot of rates and information to local companies, which have all been happy to talk to me, but they are all either using their own transport or are happy with the current company. But at least they now have my information and who knows what will happen in the future?
I've spoken with other small hauliers I know and they are all saying that it's quieter than usual for this time of year.
Return load websites
I've recently subscribed to a number of return load websites. Some of them are very good with plenty of toads posted. The best one seems to me to be loadup.co.uk.You pay a monthly £25 subscription and have access to all details of work posted on the site. Although the calls! have made so far have not resulted in work, you never know — and £25 isn't going to break the bank. Some of the other sites,especially the free ones, have very little work posted or very high subscription charges (I can't see it's worth paying if the demo search gives only two or three opportunities).
I've also just started to get my own website set up. LloydsTSB gave me the information in its starter pack. It's very straightforward to set up and for a monthly fee you just send it the info you want displayed and it does the rest — thankfully there's no need to be a computer expert. So shortly www.161Logistics.co.uk will go live. It's only going to be a small site giving basic information, but it can be developed later if required. It's perfect for someone just starting out, and after all it is worldwide advertising for £15 per month!
Both of my vehicles are currently unliveried, so with the imminent launch of the website I decided to get some stickers made up for the back of the trucks displaying the website address. While at the printers I struck up a conversation with the owner who is unhappy with his current transport provider (it keeps losi consignments at the hub), so I am now putting in a quote for his deliveries. It doesn't involve massive volumes but if! can tie in with other work it may boost the profits a bit.
I've just had my first visit fron the Vehicle Inspectorate.They visit all new operators and they assured me over the phone that it is nothing to worry about. "W just want to check your paperwork and make sure everything going OK." they said.
So it was a bit of a shock wher the guy stepped out of the car dressed in overalls and armed with a hammer! He had a good look round the vehicle but was very happy with what he saw. Then he checked through my records which, I'm glad to say, were also spot on. He gave me a clean bill of health and a bit of advice on defect procedures which is helpful.
Work worries
It's been a very difficult start to the year and, although I have made a profit each month and am now paying myself a weekly wage, it is still a worry each wee) making sure the trucks have at least four days' work. It's just a matter of persevering and hopefully in a few years' time I will be sitting by my pool at my villa in Spain.