If you've noticed that more and more party-planners seem to be turning to professional event planning or catering companies to handle the arrangements for their big day, you're not alone. Party planning businesses have seen a rise in popularity as the U.S. has moved out of its most recent recession.
For those who enjoy helping others celebrate special occasions and often find themselves fulfilling this role for family and friends, starting a party planning business can be a no-brainer. However, in many cases, doing this job successfully on a larger scale can require an investment in a new or used vehicle.
Read on to learn more about some of the must-haves for a catering or event-planning vehicle, as well as the factors you'll want to consider when deciding which type of vehicle fits within your budget.
If you're planning to focus your event-planning skills on venues that already have much of the decor and setup equipment you need, like reception halls, hotels, and convention centers, then you might think you don't need anything other than a compact car. However, using a standard or compact car for your business is likely to leave you in trouble if you need to transport anything larger than folding chairs.
Instead, you'll want to focus on a truck that has the following elements:
Size and Cargo Space
Pay attention to the amount of usable space when you're shopping for a truck or SUV. Some vehicles may appear large, but make inefficient use of this space, leaving you little room for extras. Features like folding or removable back seats can be a great advantage, giving you the versatility to haul passengers or
boxes of decorations, depending on your needs at the moment.
An Eye-Catching Appearance
This doesn't necessarily mean you need the newest, shiniest truck on the lot, but marketability can be an important factor. You may opt to have a decal or logo with your business's name placed on the side or the back window of your vehicle. If so, you'll want to ensure you select a vehicle that's large enough to accommodate all the information you'd like to include, like a phone number or a website.
In addition, if you've already committed to a logo, you'll want to consider the potential for a color clash when browsing vehicles. Repainting a new vehicle or retooling your logo may be far more trouble than simply choosing a truck, van, or SUV that already matches well.
Custom Built-Ins
Many trucks and vans have the capacity for custom built-ins, like shelves, storage racks, or even a miniature fridge or freezer. Spend some time thinking about the many functions you'd like your vehicle to perform, then talk with the seller to see how possible these modifications may be on the vehicle or vehicles you're considering
The last thing you want is to saddle your fledgling catering or event planning business with excessive vehicle-related debt. However, there are a number of new and used trucks and SUVs that tend to hold their value well and provide their owners with years of repair-free performance.
Selecting one of a vehicle that will hold its value can ensure that, should you stop needing your vehicle for whatever reason, you'll be able to sell it without fear of owing more than it's worth.
By looking through listings to get an idea of the going price for the vehicles in which you're interested, as well as browsing reviews and performing an in-depth search for vehicle-related recalls, you’ll be able to rest assured that you’re making the best financial decision for your business.
