how to choose the right specialty vehicle manufacturer
Specialty vehicles are used across an array of industries. With unique designs and layouts, these vehicles are built to meet the requirements of a variety of jobs, such as emergency response work, routine medical services, Food Services and other endeavors.
For those who manage specialty vehicle fleets, acquiring new and used specialty vehicles is integral to ensuring that team members have the right vehicles for the job at hand. When searching for specialty vehicles, it is critical to choose the right vehicle manufacturer.
Not all specialty vehicles are designed to meet the same quality standards, and the quality of the work will dictate a lot about the longevity of the vehicle and the practicality of the layout.
Use the following tips to help choose the right specialty vehicle manufacturer for your next vehicle purchase.
1. START WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU NEED
Many specialty vehicle manufacturers will focus their work on a specific type of vehicle. Additionally, they will often be connected to equipment manufacturers based on those specialties.
For this reason, before picking a team to work with, it is important to have a clear understanding of what you will need from the vehicle you purchase.
An excellent place to begin is by outlining the following details:
The purpose of the vehicle: Will this specialty vehicle be used to transport tools? Will it be a mobile medical clinic? Are you planning to serve food? Engage your target market in an experience? Starting with the basics will help ensure that you choose a manufacturer that builds the right specialty vehicles for your needs.
The equipment needed: From specialized communication equipment to double decker pizza ovens, specialty vehicles can be designed with almost any accessory needed. Create a detailed list of the on-board equipment your team will require. You can narrow the choices down to those that offer these equipment options during your search for the right manufacturer.
The type of vehicle preferred: Whether you only purchase vehicles built by Ford or you have vehicle size requirements, make sure to outline any details about the type of vehicle you wish to purchase. In some cases, a manufacturer may only upfit specific makes and models, which can help determine whether they will be a good fit for your needs. Luckily, Sapphire can build on basically any vehicle / platform.
2. LOOK FOR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Once you clearly understand what type of specialty vehicle you need and the add-ons required, look for manufacturers that have experience designing vehicles for your industry.
For example, if you are looking for a mobile food truck, you will want to choose a manufacturer that has designed numerous styles and layouts of food trucks. An experienced manufacturer is beneficial for a few reasons.
They will have perfected their vehicle layouts. For manufacturers that are experienced in designing a specific type of specialty vehicle, their experience will allow them to hone in on the most efficient and optimal layout for the industry.
They will have established partnerships. Most specialty vehicles come with an array of equipment options. Experienced manufacturers will be able to provide the highest quality equipment at the lowest cost due to long-term partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers.
They will have a wider variety of inventory options. When a manufacturer specializes in certain vehicle categories, they will often provide an array of layout and design choices. This can ensure that the specialty vehicle you purchase is perfect for your needs.
3. COMPARE INVENTORY
While numerous manufacturers offer the type of specialty vehicle you need, they might not all carry the same quality or variety of inventory.
As you narrow down your search, be sure to ask about inventory levels and compare the options a manufacturer is offering. You might find a quality manufacturer that checks most of your boxes, but if they have a limited inventory, it can make it difficult for you to find the right vehicle for your fleet.
At Sapphire, we have our own commercial truck dealership which allows us to secure any vehicle with ease, new or pre-owned, which is a huge advantage over other builders who might have limited options and price ranges.
4. ENSURE YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED
A strong indicator that a manufacturer is designing quality specialty vehicles is when they are willing to answer any question you might have about the build. From the first time you contact the company to the day you pick out the vehicle to purchase, make sure that the team you work with is willing to answer every question you have.
Asking questions upfront and getting straight answers can help ensure that you choose a vehicle that will continue to serve your needs for many years. Additionally, this is a great time for you to learn more about the vehicle’s future maintenance needs, which can help you with long-term fleet management.
5. DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN 100% SATISFACTION
At the end of the day, when you are choosing a specialty vehicle manufacturer, you should never settle for less than 100% satisfaction with the vehicle you purchase. Any purchase for your business is critical, but the vehicle you choose is one of the most important tools for your team.
From ensuring the safety of your employees to preventing untimely repair costs, picking a vehicle that meets all your requirements is a must. With Sapphire’s Custom Design Process, you can visualize what your vehicle will look like before it’s built and you can make edits to the design before we start production!
Additionally, to give you piece of mind after the the build is completed, all our builds come with an industry leading 5-year warranty!
Talk to Sapphire about a Specialty Vehicle Purchase!
If you are looking to purchase a specialty vehicle, talk to the team at Sapphire Specialty. We are proud to manufacture the highest-quality specialty vehicles for an array of industries. We specialize in the following specialty vehicle designs: