No, it’s not sexy, it’s not cool, and it’s definitely not the most popular item on your tool truck, but safety is probably one of the most important things you sell. Lets start with the most obvious: Masks and other personal protective equipment. If nothing else, COVID-19 made us realize the importance of staying safe in our personal lives and especially on the job for essential workers (including automotive technicians). Most of you had masks, gloves, and maybe other personal protective equipment (PPE) on your truck during the pandemic, and this might be a good opportunity to keep some of those items in stock.
It seems like every tradeshow I attend has more and more gloves and steel-toed boots on display. There’s also work gear that’s breathable, lightweight and great for hot summers. These are items your customers need ,and it would make sense to have a few on your truck. In this month’s cover story, it talks about some of the latest PPE that other mobile tool dealers have had success selling to their customers and offers some useful sales tips.
The article also talks about the importance of ensuring your personal safety on the job as well. This is something that absolutely cannot be overlooked. As I am sitting here writing this, melting in the hot summer heat, I can’t help but think about you all driving around from shop to shop in this weather. Make sure you stay well hydrated (with water, not energy drinks!) and work in rest stops to your day where you can take a break in a well-air conditioned space (which unfortunately, might not be your truck). Heat stress is a very real concern and can quickly lead to heat stroke if precautions are not taken.
In general, your safety on the road needs to be a top priority. You work alone, you drive all day, and you are often in remote locations. Someone should always know where you are, and where you are heading at all times. That way if you pass out at the wheel on the way to Miguel’s Garage, your customers will know something is up and will try to seek assistance. I recently chatted with a mobile tool dealer who told me his customers are always looking out for him. He shared the story of how not long ago he was pulled over in a store’s parking lot on the side of the road — not a usual stop — and more than one customer saw him and drove over to make sure he was ok.
Now those are the types of customers we all need.
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