After reading numerous threads where people ask for recommendations about van & man service, I want to set one up just for that market. The advice I am looking for is what would be the best form of advertising to get the message across. I don't particularly want to go into rubbish removal or house clearances, but more of assisting when someone has bought a bulky item like a bed or a fridge or maybe a wardrobe, and need to take it home with them. They should be able to phone up and get a van service as you would call a cab, are there any suggestions.
More a taxi-van than a removals van, is the distinction that I want to create, so would leaflets or star or maybe this forum be the most cost effective ways to advertise this new service, and do you think people would recognize the difference??

How about distributing your business cards to eg independent retailers that may be providing your potential customers with the potential loads?

And put your ad at the top of the 'furniture' section in the small ads?

Do you already have the van?

Would it be feasible to transport wheelchairs and their occupants?

Thank you Strix,
yes I have bought a van but its a luton box van with a tail lift, not realy for carrying fare paying passengers but more for carrying goods than people. One or two people could come along in the front but the contract would have to be for transporting the goods only and not as a passenger carrying taxi.

I was just about to point out the side of your van as the best advertising space, but realised it was you asking about that a couple of days ago :D

How did you get on at castle?

Castle doesn't start back after Easter break till Monday, and the receptionist was sure they don't do vehicle painting etc. anymore.
However I managed to contact sign and print, a shop on Infirmary Road, and I think might get a deal there over the weekend. All that is needed now is to work out the title and phrases to write on the van to distance it from home removals etc.

Originally posted by D_A_V
and the receptionist was sure they don't do vehicle painting etc. anymore.
:loopy: They don't paint them, they're transfers and I can assure you that there is a signwriting department in the new block F, under the supertram flyover, behind B&Q (construction college).

Grrr. How can you get things done when people (who supposedly know) insist on mis-informing you?


Edit: Proof (http://my.sheffcol.ac.uk/index.cfm?PID=3732A3CA-D3DA-4F34-B378-51818C41A6FF&cmd=Course&Course=CFUSM1A)

What about going to the Forum Entrepreneurs meet? Thread here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34062)

Finally got it done by Signs & Print on Infirmary Road, seems to be a reasonable enough job. I also attempted a web site, see what you think to this (http://www.dial-a-van.co.uk) as a very first attempt.

Clear and to the point. That's what we like to see.

Can I just mention a couple of things that come to mind:

It is not clear whether you are going to hump stuff in and out or if it is down to the customer to do the shifting.

I personally would be happier to be quoted an hourly rate as opposed to mileage plus waiting.

I think that comparing with taxi rates is unecessary.

(Oh, and there's a typo problem with the £ signs)

Hope this is of assistance and good luck.:)

Thank you cgksheff, I take your point and have ammended the info on
site (http://www.dial-a-van.co.uk) accordingly, however the typo error was something that just kept appearing as I uploaded. I just opted not to use the pound sign to get rid of that. This service, you appreciate would kill the driver if the poor lad had to hump stuff into and out of the van all day on his own. It realy is meant to avoid having to hire a van for the day when you only need it for half an hour. The feedback has been very positive so far, and of course helpful. thanks again.
;)

Used it once good job, thanks to Sheff forum for having info when needed.

After reading numerous threads where people ask for recommendations about van & man service, I want to set one up just for that market. The advice I am looking for is what would be the best form of advertising to get the message across. I don't particularly want to go into rubbish removal or house clearances, but more of assisting when someone has bought a bulky item like a bed or a fridge or maybe a wardrobe, and need to take it home with them. They should be able to phone up and get a van service as you would call a cab, are there any suggestions.
More a taxi-van than a removals van, is the distinction that I want to create, so would leaflets or star or maybe this forum be the most cost effective ways to advertise this new service, and do you think people would recognize the difference??

did the service take off mate? i may need your van in the very near future:thumbsup: