Does the type of car you drive have any influence on your contract business success?

[Sysman]

Although most of the time the permies may not even see your car, I've had plenty of situations where I've given lifts to others, or driven somebody important (e.g. my client) over 100 miles in my car to attend 2 days of meetings. So in this case you will want a spacious and comfortable car that runs smooth and quietly on the motorways and generally makes people feel at home.

Yep. Courses and conferences are another example where this can happen. A 4 door is recommended so that clients don't have to struggle getting in and out of the thing.

Most importantly though, whatever you buy don't treat it like an ash tray or a bin on wheels full of old crisp packets. This will make your work buddies or boss think you're a feckless tramp.

Seconded. Keep it washed too.

[lukemg]

Earlier on in contracting career, hiring manager asked me what car I had. No wanting to appear flash in the first few days I said Volvo 340 (which I did have as a runaround). It was in a city centre so figured they would never find out. Month or so later, hiring chap comes in and says 'oi, contractor, I hear your 340 has turned into a 911 you flash git'. Busted but no-one cared, they just took the p1ss a bit.

[milanbenes]

well this is a good subject and a good question


in my younger days as a contractor I would have answered, that it's best to have a non-descript motor so as not to put anyone's nose out of joint

after ten years contracting I now think, feck 'em, all the cr#p I have had to put up with along the way, I can have whatever car I please and if they don't like it then they can kick me out and fix this sh!t themselves and I'll go somewhere else

not bitter, but you know after years of client's taking the p on rates, extensions, expectations, well these days I am like take it or leave it

Milan.

[DimPrawn]

well this is a good subject and a good question


in my younger days as a contractor I would have answered, that it's best to have a non-descript motor so as not to put anyone's nose out of joint

after ten years contracting I now think, feck 'em, all the cr#p I have had to put up with along the way, I can have whatever car I please and if they don't like it then they can kick me out and fix this sh!t themselves and I'll go somewhere else

not bitter, but you know after years of client's taking the p on rates, extensions, expectations, well these days I am like take it or leave it

Milan.

You tell 'em Beenz!

If you want that 12 year old grey Passat diesel, you damn well have it!

[Dearnla]

The answer is no. It will just enrage the permies and make them demand a pay rise.

Be a man and buy the car that your wife tells you to.

Reminds me of the sh*t my missus gave me 'cos I wanted to spend £25k on a Beemer. Had to fend her off for months before she'd talk to me again but I justified it to myself on the grounds that I'd had crap company cars foisted on me for years.
I wanted to buy what I fancied, not what someone else said I should have.

And so should you.

[milanbenes]

ha ha

the passat is doing well thanks

looking to upgrade the 16yr old golf gtd to a LR 90

Milan.

[milanbenes]

yep

good innit

Milan.

[lilelvis2000]

my Morris 1800 is always a talking point. However, I doubt anyone would choose to hire me because I drive a 40 y/o car. Maybe they'd have second thoughts if I took the bus.

[milanbenes]

my Morris 1800 is always a talking point. However, I doubt anyone would choose to hire me because I drive a 40 y/o car. Maybe they'd have second thoughts if I took the bus.

Elvis,

a land crab !

Why ?

Milan.

[MaryPoppins]

You tell 'em Beenz!

If you want that 12 year old grey Passat diesel, you damn well have it!