On the road again
Published On: July 1, 2010Categories: Features
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Steve Griffith of Marine Tops Unlimited uses his Aeromate van for running around. It’s a mobile shop, complete with sewing machine. Griffith says, “It’s the best piece of advertising I’ve ever bought.”
Being on site in a marina with a van, truck or trailer emblazoned with your canvas business’ name on the side is one way to build business. It’s a valuable marketing tool, one that people can see with their own eyes.
- The primary reason many fabricators set up mobile shops is to avoid wasting time traveling back and forth between a boat and their canvas shop after discovering a problem during installation or a tool missing from the travel bag.
- Careful planning is essential to avoid wasting time on road trips: plot the route, decide which tools and materials to take and lay out the on-site task sequence.
- The van has to be loaded in a way to facilitate completing all the planned work within the designated time period.
- A clean and well-organized van assures prospective customers of quality work.
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- Griffith installed a computer and printer in the front of his van. He can respond on the spot to price quote requests while working on a job at a marina.
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- Griffiths Aeromate van is set up to stow all tools, equipment, fabrics and fasteners he may need at a remote job site. The Aeromate is similar to a mid-size UPS truck. Griffith also has a full-size GMC van and a 24-foot trailer, loaded with tubing, sewing machines and ladders, for multi-day trips.
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- Griffith uses extension cords to power his on-site sewing machines. His larger vans are outfitted with an electrical box. He also has generators to use in case electricity isn’t available on the job site.
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- Griffith’s sewing machine installation saves time and travel between the shop and on-site installations. All photos: Steve Griffith