Service Vans?

[ste6168]

Do service vans and the tools inside count here? I cleaned up my van a bit this afternoon, probably the cleanest it has been in a while, so took a few pics. I just added the blue harbor freight side chest, previously was a second refrigerant rack there and a packout drawer unit in front of it. This holds all my overflow/specialty tools, stuff thats not used everyday. The Vetos hold the daily hand tools (Tech XL is the FULL kit, Tech LC is basically the same but slightly less and also my partner/helpers tool set when needed, TP-LC is my estimate/quick job bag).

I know most folks on here are car guys with big tool boxes in a shop, but thats never been me. I have a full hobby woodshop at the house, this is what I have made my money out of the past year and a half or so.

All that said, I would like those half-size packouts to live on top of the HF cabinet, I think I have seen mounting plates or something? What can I use to ensure they are secured there?

 

[The Cobbler]

well stocked & nicely organized for sure !

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Nice setup. Good choice on blue lol. Blue is my favorite color and the color I wanted but they didn’t have it of course. Lol. I’ve also wanted my own service truck too but can’t afford one. What type of van do you have?

 

[Ton ton]

Yes, it counts. Thank you for sharing.

 

[sparky 1971]

That almost has me motivated to clean mine out. The kids baseball ️ will be finished after this weekend, then maybe I can find the time.

 

[Bert_]

That almost has me motivated to clean mine out. The kids baseball ️ will be finished after this weekend, then maybe I can find the time.

At least you posted some realistic pictures. Not right after it's been cleaned

 

[ste6168]

well stocked & nicely organized for sure !

Thanks! Nothing worse than knowing you have something and not being able to find it. I try VERY HARD to be fair to the customer about billing... If I spend time looking for a tool, or having to go back to the shop for something I forgot, thats on me... I try to know where everything is, and ensure everything has a home, so that I don't run into that issue and eat time. The crazy thing about boats is that literally nothing is the same, even two boats of the same model/manufacture will be different. Sometimes we get into issues that go way beyond what we expected, can't always account for that. Even still, I try to be fair to both myself and the customer.

Nice setup. Good choice on blue lol. Blue is my favorite color and the color I wanted but they didn’t have it of course. Lol. I’ve also wanted my own service truck too but can’t afford one. What type of van do you have?

I was between blue and black. Blue to match the shelf rails, black to match the divider. At first, they thought they only had red which was my last choice. At the end of the day, color doesnt really matter so I said lets get it. Guy came out and said he found a blue one in the back that was covered up, if I preferred that. I like it! My van is a 2013 E150. Hoping to build out a smaller (Ford Transit?) type van the beginning of next year and start a cleaning/detailing side of the business. The next service van will be something bigger.

 

[ste6168]

That almost has me motivated to clean mine out. The kids baseball ️ will be finished after this weekend, then maybe I can find the time.

I like that rear door tape/junk storage, going to have to incorporate that. Is that a commercially available rack or something you made?

 

[sparky 1971]

I like that rear door tape/junk storage, going to have to incorporate that. Is that a commercially available rack or something you made?

Everything in there came from American Van. It's not in the pictures, but the side doors have spray can holders.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Is it just me, or is anyone else having trouble loading pics of the outside of this big white toolbox ? I wanna see the whole thing.

 

[ste6168]

Is it just me, or is anyone else having trouble loading pics of the outside of this big white toolbox ? I wanna see the whole thing.

I didn’t post pics of the outside, but I can post one. Unfortunately she still has the old business name on the side, not the new wrap with my logo (name is basically the same and so is number) but logo is different. That’s to come, but gosh it’s $$$

 

[Old Man Roger]

I would recommend deleting the pic showing your # All it takes is 1 troll.

 

[foghorn1966]

Nice set-up! I ran a van for a number of years until switching to a slide in unit.

 

[metaldad]

fwiw................ my work buggy

 

[danski0224]

I didn’t post pics of the outside, but I can post one. Unfortunately she still has the old business name on the side, not the new wrap with my logo (name is basically the same and so is number) but logo is different. That’s to come, but gosh it’s $$$

A nice big logo on the van is just signage that says "tools inside".

 

[mike93lx]

A nice big logo on the van is just signage that says "tools inside".

It's also critical advertising for a business.


@ste6168 nice rig, although it does look a little unrealistically clean... how close to sparky's rig will it look like in a couple weeks?

 

[danski0224]

It's also critical advertising for a business.

Sure.

But are the tools inside of the van insured? Homeowner insurance won't cover tools used to generate income.

Who owns the tools inside of the van?

In my area, the flashy advertising wraps on the residential focused HVAC service companies likely do NOT provide many (any) of the tools inside and nor will they pay for them (employee owned tools) if stolen.

Is truck advertising really effective for the sole proprietor with one vehicle that is getting word of mouth referrals?

The OP probably has $20k worth of tools in that van (replacement cost) with a street value at the pawn shop of $72.95.

That's a really expensive advertising budget.

The multi million dollar companies can afford to self insure against loss (certainly compared to getting tool insurance coverage for all of the vehicles). I am aware of only one (locally) in my industry that will replace the inventoried tools on the van that are employee owned. In my direct experience, the employer will not even replace a tool that an employee brings to the job "to make it easier" if it gets broken. The same employer has no problems reaping the benefits of saved time, though.

 

[acer66]

Nice organized van OP, what kind of collapsable cart is that and what do you use it for?

 

[mike93lx]

Sure.

But are the tools inside of the van insured? Homeowner insurance won't cover tools used to generate income.

Who owns the tools inside of the van?

In my area, the flashy advertising wraps on the residential focused HVAC service companies likely do NOT provide many (any) of the tools inside and nor will they pay for them (employee owned tools) if stolen.

Is truck advertising really effective for the sole proprietor with one vehicle that is getting word of mouth referrals?

The OP probably has $20k worth of tools in that van (replacement cost) with a street value at the pawn shop of $72.95.

That's a really expensive advertising budget.

The multi million dollar companies can afford to self insure against loss (certainly compared to getting tool insurance coverage for all of the vehicles). I am aware of only one in my industry that will replace the inventoried tools on the van that are employee owned.

If you are operating a business relying on homeowners insurance, you are setting yourself up for failure

 

[danski0224]

I'm not, but I'd bet that there are plenty of "businesses" out there that are not fully on the up and up.

Whether it's having the homeowner pull the permit, relying on health insurance from the spouse while you have a cut rate handyman gig, having "1099 helpers" or 1,000 other things.

 

[Ton ton]

Sure.

But are the tools inside of the van insured? Homeowner insurance won't cover tools used to generate income.

Who owns the tools inside of the van?

In my area, the flashy advertising wraps on the residential focused HVAC service companies likely do NOT provide many (any) of the tools inside and nor will they pay for them (employee owned tools) if stolen.

Is truck advertising really effective for the sole proprietor with one vehicle that is getting word of mouth referrals?

The OP probably has $20k worth of tools in that van (replacement cost) with a street value at the pawn shop of $72.95.

That's a really expensive advertising budget.

The multi million dollar companies can afford to self insure against loss (certainly compared to getting tool insurance coverage for all of the vehicles). I am aware of only one in my industry that will replace the inventoried tools on the van that are employee owned.

Advertising is expensive.

 

[honcho]

To the OP, as others have already said, nice organized setup. I like your stated philosophy on trying to be fair to customers. I hope the customers are fair to you too.

As for advertising, it works and word of mouth only goes so far. I've written down (or taken pictures of) phone numbers on vans for companies advertising services I have interest in. I prefer small companies where you're not paying for huge advertising budgets and have a good chance of working with an owner.

Regarding theft, it's endemic and a problem for all businesses. However, some caution and insurance can mitigate the economic risk. Further, I'll argue that an unmarked van or truck with service boxes is just as likely a target as a wrapped or painted vehicle. It's not difficult to look at a vehicle and see it's being used for work.

 

[ste6168]

It's also critical advertising for a business.


@ste6168 nice rig, although it does look a little unrealistically clean... how close to sparky's rig will it look like in a couple weeks?

Honestly, I keep it pretty clean and organized. I like to know what I have and where its at. Time is money, and if I have to dig around looking for something for 30 min, then I am just losing money. That said, depending on the jobs, may have a lot of trash/new and old parts/boxes/hoses/etc that get added into the mix which makes it look much worse than it currently does. Installing a split unit AC in the next couple weeks, will certainly look terrible at the end of that day... Depending on the day, at the end stuff sort of just gets thrown in also, but I usually clean it up before heading out in the morning.

Sure.

But are the tools inside of the van insured? Homeowner insurance won't cover tools used to generate income.

Who owns the tools inside of the van?

In my area, the flashy advertising wraps on the residential focused HVAC service companies likely do NOT provide many (any) of the tools inside and nor will they pay for them (employee owned tools) if stolen.

Is truck advertising really effective for the sole proprietor with one vehicle that is getting word of mouth referrals?

The OP probably has $20k worth of tools in that van (replacement cost) with a street value at the pawn shop of $72.95.

That's a really expensive advertising budget.

The multi million dollar companies can afford to self insure against loss (certainly compared to getting tool insurance coverage for all of the vehicles). I am aware of only one in my industry that will replace the inventoried tools on the van that are employee owned.

Van and tools are both insured, but losing either would certainly be detrimental. I would hate to have to replace all this stuff, as its been gathered over time, the hit isn't quite as bad as it would be to get started again from scratch.

Nice organized van OP, what kind of collapsable cart is that and what do you use it for?

That is the Fold-it cart, mine came from West Marine. Really nice carts. Since we work on boats, many of them are on lifts or sitting in the water. Use the cart to carry tools/supplies/fan/extension cords/etc down the dock to the boat. Many marinas have carts available, but I try not to use theirs and take away from the boat owners using them.

 

[reader2580]

If you are operating a business relying on homeowners insurance, you are setting yourself up for failure

I think the issue is a business where the employees supply some or all of their own tools. The employee's homeowner's insurance may not cover the tools and the business might not cover them either.

 

[mike93lx]

I think the issue is a business where the employees supply some or all of their own tools. The employee's homeowner's insurance may not cover the tools and the business might not cover them either.

I think we could spend weeks laying out all the hypotheticals involved

 

[36truck]

I think you need some form of advertising on a work truck if you at all serious about your trade. You leave a lot of money on the table by not having advertising.
When I ha my excavating business the signage on the dump truck brought in lots of work. Some as simple as hauling a load of gravel to the neighbor. Those small jobs made me some good money.
I like your storage system nothing like having things where you can find them.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a 3/4 ton GMC Savana as my shop van. We don’t really keep any tools in it permanently, as sometimes we need it empty to transport powder coat or skids of parts. Right now it’s a giant mess, as we’re in the middle of about 3 jobs. Every month or two it gets a complete clean out and is totally empty save for some ratchet straps and maybe a packing blanket or two.

As far as advertising goes, any business I would get from van side advertising is probably business I don’t want. I rely primarily on word of mouth, and my customers are really high quality clients for the most part. I don’t have any lettering or advertising at all on my shop vehicles. I also don’t have a sign on my door or in the front of my shop. I HATE walk in work.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have absolutely no advertising on my van. That didn't stop some thief from using all of three minutes to break into it and grab $2500 worth of tools right inside the door. If he'd gone in the back door, it would be closer to $5000.00. Anyway, since my van isn't marked, nobody knows who I am and I want to keep it that way. If my truck is sitting in someone's driveway and an inspector drives past, he has no clue if it's me, a plumber, AC repairman, or even a painter. I'm good with that and word of mouth has been very good for me in the last 11 years I've been on my own.

 

[Feralghoul88]

Sure.

But are the tools inside of the van insured? Homeowner insurance won't cover tools used to generate income.

Who owns the tools inside of the van?

In my area, the flashy advertising wraps on the residential focused HVAC service companies likely do NOT provide many (any) of the tools inside and nor will they pay for them (employee owned tools) if stolen.

Is truck advertising really effective for the sole proprietor with one vehicle that is getting word of mouth referrals?

The OP probably has $20k worth of tools in that van (replacement cost) with a street value at the pawn shop of $72.95.

That's a really expensive advertising budget.

The multi million dollar companies can afford to self insure against loss (certainly compared to getting tool insurance coverage for all of the vehicles). I am aware of only one (locally) in my industry that will replace the inventoried tools on the van that are employee owned. In my direct experience, the employer will not even replace a tool that an employee brings to the job "to make it easier" if it gets broken. The same employer has no problems reaping the benefits of saved time, though.

Hey look everyone! Its that guy!.....who has no clue how the world actually works. Are you 80yrs old and clueless because the world left you behind or are you an IT guy or middle manager and clueless because you have never had a job where you do real work?

What would you suggest the guys who work for or own there own companies do? If I own the business I need the information on my truck, if I work for them than would you suggest I pull off the graphics on the company truck? If you own a business and your tools are not insured or your insurance doesnt cover potential loss of your employees tools in your van than you're not a very smart employer. If anyone works for a company that they dont know would replace their tools if they were stolen from the company vehicle than they are stupid. And if you wouldnt be willing to roll the die on "someone knowing i have a lot of tools worth money" in my <3 yr old take home truck when gas is >$5/Gal you are clueless.

 

[Feralghoul88]

I have absolutely no advertising on my van. That didn't stop some thief from using all of three minutes to break into it and grab $2500 worth of tools right inside the door. If he'd gone in the back door, it would be closer to $5000.00. Anyway, since my van isn't marked, nobody knows who I am and I want to keep it that way. If my truck is sitting in someone's driveway and an inspector drives past, he has no clue if it's me, a plumber, AC repairman, or even a painter. I'm good with that and word of mouth has been very good for me in the last 11 years I've been on my own.

So you dont have a business, you just work for yourself.

 

[mike93lx]

So you dont have a business, you just work for yourself.

I am really curious to be educated on your distinction there

 

[sparky 1971]

So you dont have a business, you just work for yourself.

I own a business, it's an official S corp and an LLC. I am the only employee, but it's still a business. There is a group of four of us that are in pretty much the same situation and we sub each other out when help is needed.

 

[Feralghoul88]

I am really curious to be educated on your distinction there

If you die and the business has no way to continue without you, than you work for yourself. If you at least plan on growing your business to eventually operate without you doing all of the actual labor than you run a business. If you consider flying by night and being less visible on a jobsite a good thing than I can assume that you dont intend to scale the business.

 

[mike93lx]

If you die and the business has no way to continue without you, than you work for yourself. If you at least plan on growing your business to eventually operate without you doing all of the actual labor than you run a business. If you consider flying by night and being less visible on a jobsite a good thing than I can assume that you dont intend to scale the business.

Well, I completely disagree with that definition. A business doesn't always want to grow or "scale" and survivorship is irrelevant, IMO

 

[sparky 1971]

If you die and the business has no way to continue without you, than you work for yourself. If you at least plan on growing your business to eventually operate without you doing all of the actual labor than you run a business. If you consider flying by night and being less visible on a jobsite a good thing than I can assume that you dont intend to scale the business.

If you want to call it fly by night, then be my guest. I have no need to make the business any larger. I do just fine financially and turn some work down. Why would I want the headache of employees, more **** with the IRS, unemployment insurance, work comp, etc? If I were to want to grow, I'd be stuck working even more. In 11 years, I've worked a total of three Saturdays, one Sunday, and after 6 p.m. less than ten times. I can get out of bed when I feel like it, and 99% of the time leave when I feel like it. I have a 12 year old and have never missed or been late to a single baseball or basket ball game. My wife did have to take him to a basketball practice once, but I was there to get him before it was over with. Throw in some employees and that's all going to change. I will be working with the tools less and dealing with the customers more. More time will be devoted to selling work and dealing with pissed off people and at this stage of my life, I'm not interested.

 

[sparky 1971]

If you die and the business has no way to continue without you, than you work for yourself. If you at least plan on growing your business to eventually operate without you doing all of the actual labor than you run a business. If you consider flying by night and being less visible on a jobsite a good thing than I can assume that you dont intend to scale the business.

That's a borderline stupid definition of owning a business. Using that, 75% of the businesses out there are people working for themselves. Not everything is Wells Fargo or Walmart. The last shop I worked for had the owner and five electricians. If the boss would have died, the doors would have closed. Had he been working for himself from 1985 until he retired and I bought the business from him in 2010 or had he owned a business, which, by the way, was started by his father in 1957?

Will you please do me a favor? Call up the IRS for me and tell them that I don't own a business. Since I work for myself, there's no reason for me to have to file two tax returns. Then I could stop them from taking money out of my bank account on the 15th of every month. For some reason, my "business" has to pay a monthly payroll tax for the employees.

 

[danski0224]

Hey look everyone! Its that guy!.....who has no clue how the world actually works. Are you 80yrs old and clueless because the world left you behind or are you an IT guy or middle manager and clueless because you have never had a job where you do real work?

What would you suggest the guys who work for or own there own companies do? If I own the business I need the information on my truck, if I work for them than would you suggest I pull off the graphics on the company truck? If you own a business and your tools are not insured or your insurance doesnt cover potential loss of your employees tools in your van than you're not a very smart employer. If anyone works for a company that they dont know would replace their tools if they were stolen from the company vehicle than they are stupid. And if you wouldnt be willing to roll the die on "someone knowing i have a lot of tools worth money" in my <3 yr old take home truck when gas is >$5/Gal you are clueless.

I've worked for several employers that have no signage on their trucks.

They did, and the trucks got broken into. Therefore, no more signage.

Numerous employers have stated that they won't replace personal tools. The worker has the option to work elsewhere, I suppose.

 

[Catfishdan]

I’m glad there’s a thread going on service vans. I’m super into mine. Always thinking of new ways to organize it. I’ll get some pictures tonight. Let’s see more vans and less arguing!

For what it’s worth, I work for myself, do not advertise, have no signs on my van, and trust to the kindness of strangers to keep all my tools safe. I do keep my van locked and out of sketchy areas if I can.

 

[fitter30]

In 40 years of running commercial and industrial hvac service work have been cleaned out 5 times. Everything with a handle is the first things taken. Two guys can clean a van out in 2 minutes. The ownly thing that slows them down about 15 years age had electric dead bolts installed on both side and back doors welded osha screen. Been hit in front of a hospital door where people come out to smoke, ran into a building during a thunder storm for 5 minutes, watched two guys break into it 14 stories up on a roof and at a bank parking lot. At least all tools were company owned and marked. Never got any back. Break ins in Saint Louis were so bad police would take info over the phone come out if it was armed robbery.

 

[Ton ton]

I’m glad there’s a thread going on service vans. I’m super into mine. Always thinking of new ways to organize it. I’ll get some pictures tonight. Let’s see more vans and less arguing!

For what it’s worth, I work for myself, do not advertise, have no signs on my van, and trust to the kindness of strangers to keep all my tools safe. I do keep my van locked and out of sketchy areas if I can.

I agree more vans, less arguing. It's obviously something close to everyone's heart- then the arguments break out. LOL.