If the biggest of the world’s multi-nationals are feeling the effects of the pandemic, then what about SMEs? Interestingly enough this is when one of the advantages of being a smaller organisation comes to the fore, that being the inherent stealth contained in a small-to-medium enterprise. With all the stealth SMEs enjoy though, they cannot survive the fallout of the pandemic alone. They need co-players who are further up their supply-chain to come to the party and try and create a win-win environment for themselves and the SMEs.
Taking into account vehicle rental service providers as the subject of this particular case study, there are a few ways through which these fleet rental solutions providers can do their bit to create a much more conducive environment for themselves and the SMEs emerging to form a leading segment of their clientele.
Similarly, leasing solutions can also help directly address the challenges faced by SMEs during difficult times. These flexible and cost-effective solutions can provide businesses the necessary transportation facilities without the burden of high initial costs. Options such as a Crew Cab Lease can be useful for SMEs to manage their operational expenses more efficiently while making sure that they have the right vehicle for their needs. Moreover, leasing offers the flexibility to scale the transportation up or down depending on business requirements and changing demands.
Forming more official partnerships with complementary enterprises
It’s highly probable that fleet rental service providers have existing partnerships with both B2C and B2B enterprises. These partnerships demand efficient fleet management to ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction. This is where fleet optimization becomes a game-changing solution. Undoubtedly, this service can enable fleet rental businesses to collaborate with other companies successfully, boost business revenues, and sustain themselves during uncertain times like a pandemic. Keep in mind that collaboration is a must for fleet rental providers!
This can be better understood with the help of an illustration — leveraging the help of companies like Real Innovation Group that can provide job management software for tradesmen and other service providers could better help manage workflow and optimize processes for cost-reduction. But, now is probably the best time to do so, because of the greater pandemic-driven need. Discretion will naturally have to be exercised, but formalising partnerships with other enterprises can both indirectly and directly benefit SMEs as well, as this round-table type connecting-of-the-dots cuts out unnecessary costs and logistical red tape.
A straightforward example of this is how a rental service provider can work more closely with a magnetic-sticker branding service provider, allowing them to call in directly and confirm which kind of branding they’d allow a client to use on their rented fleet. This way everybody is up-to-speed with what is allowed and what isn’t and so the relationship is mutually beneficial for all parties involved – a win-win-win, if you like.
Safety and accidents
Fleet rental service providers often offer comprehensive safety programs, maintenance checks, and driver training, which are paramount in reducing the likelihood of accidents on the road. In the unfortunate event of a mishap, their prompt response teams and access to legal resources can be invaluable in ensuring that SMEs are protected and receive the necessary support. This includes liaising with experts such as a Michigan truck accident law firm and others when needed, ensuring that the SMEs have the legal counsel required to navigate complex situations and safeguard their interests. By efficiently handling insurance claims, repair processes, and legal proceedings, they alleviate the burden on SMEs and ensure that the affected parties receive the necessary support.
Joint marketing campaigns
Rental service providers can take things a step further and facilitate joint-marketing campaigns with the SMEs they’d be servicing and with other B2C players. For example, allowing a prospective client to include images of your fleet in their marketing material, prior to actually committing to rentals.
Being part of a positive message for environmental care
Rental service providers can take things even further by being part of environmental preservation movements like highlighting how their fleet can perhaps be used in cleaning operations. And also, something like how many vans it would take to transport the 28-Ben-Nevis’-sized mountains of mere cigarette butts. We can bring joint-marketing campaigns back into the mix here as well, because the vehicles provided as part of the clean-up operations provide a great opportunity for multiple brands to associate themselves with this positive message for environmental care.
Re-evaluating service qualifiers
Perhaps the best way through which fleet rental service providers can also help SMEs is by re-evaluating their qualification criteria and perhaps working on more of a case-by-case, discretionary basis. A specific SME which has landed a lucrative contract might not have the pre-existing financial records to prove their worthiness, for example, in which case the discretion of a forward-thinking rental service provider would do well to approve this client’s business, based on something like proof of the lucrative contract…
