Lorry investment payback for Hitec
Since Directors Prospero Girardi and Andrew Selbie made the decision to purchase an extra lorry to transport forklifts for demos and casual hire, the new vehicle has been in constant use.
Prospero: “We had been experiencing a significant uplift in demand for both casual hire and demo models. Our existing articulated lorry was working flat out trying to fulfil these, but the nature of casual hire, which is often on a next day basis, means this often had to take priority over the demo requests. Using outside transport also wasn’t a good alternative because external providers often couldn’t meet customers’ 24-hour turnaround requirements.
“We had concerns about being able to meet all casual hire requests and about a potentially negative impact on new sales opportunities, should competitors be able to get their demo models out to customers quicker than us.
“Another potential issue was collections, as we could only do these once casual hire and demo requests had been met. A late collection is undesirable for any dealership because this can present insurance issues and having viable forklifts out of use, or being used out of contract.
“Although it was a big decision to purchase a new additional lorry, the investment has really paid off and made us wonder why we didn’t do it sooner. We thought the driver would only be on the road a few days a week, and depot based other days, but he has been driving every day of the week.
“The new HGV is more than playing its part in maximising sales opportunities, supporting our customers’ casual hire requirements and growing our business.”
