Van hire for startups and side hustles: how we help you grow

Startups and side hustles have one thing in common: they present as many challenges as opportunities.

Opportunities, because any start-upper or side-hustler is thinking big and sticking their neck out. Challenges, because, well, there's just so much to think about.

And it's not like you have all the time in the world to think about them. Decisions need to be made, plans actioned and goals unlocked. And like it or not, every decision you make takes up a chunk of your budget, no matter how big or small.

Branding. Product development. Transport. Paperwork. Social media. All these things need attention – but it can sometimes feel like none of them are getting the attention they require.

Transport is a classic example of this. Many startups and side hustles need to get around. And many can do so with just a personal vehicle. There often comes a day, however, when you start to think about investing in a company car or van.

The trouble is that buying a van outright is expensive. And if you've got a dozen plates to juggle, you don't want to pay full whack for every plate.

This is where van hire can make all the difference. It gives you many of the benefits of owning a van without tying you to a high initial outlay.

When is it time to hire a van?

There are many reasons why hiring a van can help your startup or side hustle. Before we zero in on them, however, we'd like to draw attention to one key principle. You could call it the "Principle of Van Hire".

The Principle of Van Hire states that you should hire a van when the costs and risks of van ownership outweigh the benefits.

It stands to reason, right? If you have the dough to buy a van, go for it. But if you don't, van hire helps your budget stretch and your business grow.

With van hire, you get flexibility and predictability. It lets you get around in a vehicle you might not otherwise be able to afford and can open up business opportunities.

On top of that, you can hire a van whether for day-to-day use or a one-off event. All this helps you budget effectively and get your services to the right people.

Five scenarios where van hire might help

When pondering whether to hire a van, you should keep the Principle of Van Hire at the front of your mind. But there are specific situations, too, when van hire can help your startup or side hustle grow.

1. You've won a new contract

New contract in the offing that requires more transport capacity? Van hire lets you scale up temporarily. When the job's done, you simply return the vehicle to the rental company.

This means you can say yes more often. And for startups and side hustles, saying yes can be something of a superpower.

2. Your business has seasonal peaks

Does your business have busy periods and quiet periods? You may not want to invest in a van that will be sitting idle for most of the year.

Instead, you can hire a van as and when you need it. This is a far more cost-effective way of going about things. It also means you'll always be able to get the job done on time and within budget.

3. Your business is relocating

Every startup wants to grow – and when you reach a certain point, you'll probably need to relocate.

When this day comes, you may find that your personal vehicle doesn't quite cut it. Van hire can be the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy ride.

4. You need to transport goods or services to a one-off event

Let's say you need to get your goods or services to a market, conference or other one-off event. Your personal vehicle isn't big enough, but your budget won't stretch to buying a company van.

In this situation, van hire is indispensable. It lets you seize an opportunity to strut your stuff without blowing a hole in your business account. Win-win!

5. You want to try out a new service or vehicle

Perhaps you want to trial a new service. Or maybe you want to see whether a particular make, model or style of van will suit your business.

In this scenario, van hire is a great way to find out without committing to a big one-off purchase.

When is hiring a van better than buying one?

When running a startup or side hustle, it's important not to put all your eggs in one basket. In the case of transport, this means hiring a van to use when needed rather than blowing your budget on a van that sits idle.

There are other advantages, though. Rental agreements typically include maintenance charges, service charges and breakdown cover. This helps keep unpredictable expenses to a minimum.

Finally, hiring a van can help give your business a professional look. You get a brand new set of wheels rather than a company van that's visibly seen the rigours of the road. This professional exterior can be invaluable in the early days of a startup or when running a side hustle. 

Five side hustles that could benefit from van hire

1. Removal services
2. Transport for events
3. Antique dealers and vintage resellers
4. Mobile services, such as pet grooming or professional photography
5. Mobile retail, such as food trucks or pop-up clothes stores
   
   

Running a startup in the North East and need flexible commercial van leasing? Don't hesitate to contact MVH Rental to discuss your needs and get a quick, competitive quote. We'll get you behind the wheel and help your business grow in no time.