A few thoughts ... if your business is new and cash flow uncertain, I’d be wary of investing in a vehicle solely for that business. Especially with the cost of maintenance, insurance, etc. If you only need it once/week or so, you’re probably better off renting. Carshare may also be a possibility. I see Zipcar is in Richmond, and there’s a location close to you. Places like Home Depot also rent trucks. Rental/sharing is a good way to assess how much you need and how frequently, before leaping into purchasing.
I have previously dealt with both painters and landscapers who do almost everything by bike and trailer. But that relies on having a customer base concentrated in a relatively compact area.
Have you thought about a cargo van? They have lower load heights so you don’t have to lift up and over the tailgate and add a level of protection from wind/etc for the plants during transport.
In situations like this, I often think of Bill McKibben’s advice, which goes something like: ‘hypocrisy is the price of admission to this fight.’ The point being it is all but impossible to advocate effectively against a carbon-fueled (and car-dominated, in this case) society without ever using that society’s tools. It’s the way the whole system has been set up.
I just looked it up and it looks like he uses it often, and I think I actually encountered it when someone quoted him in All We Can Save, which is phenomenal if you haven’t read it. Here’s a longer version of what he says: “environmentalists also live in the world we’re trying to change: We take airplanes and rent buses for rallies; we make a living, shop for groceries. None of this should demand an apology. Changing the system, not perfecting our own lives, is the point. “Hypocrisy” is the price of admission in this battle.” That’s from this piece: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/opinion/sunday/embarrassing-photos-of-me-thanks-to-my-right-wing-stalkers.html. Search that phrase and you’ll find other great articles, speeches.
Less car-dependent doesn’t have to mean car-free. A versatile vehicle that with some modification could double as both a car and a delivery van seems sensible and responsible, especially if your delivery times and personal use times don’t overlap.
Agree with cargo van idea. Likely more useful and you could have more vertical storage and less wind affects. Is there a cargo van share you could consider for your scheduled purchase times? May be much more economical during the startup and infrequent use phase.
Hadn’t thought about a share! This would lower upfront costs and keep me from having to find long term parking solutions. I’ll see what we have here in Richmond! Thanks for the suggestion Joe!
Ok, so definitely gas-guzzling, but WAY lighter and thus more fuel efficient and better for safety, roads, infrastructure. Just be sure to look into VA law (here in NC, you can go on any road that has a max speed of 55 mph): https://mayberryminitrucks.com/
Awesome! This could definitely help with local delivery, I do wonder a bit about traveling more than an hour or so away. I’ll look into our laws though cuz I love the price!
How far away are your growers? If they're local to Richmond a cargo bike might yet work. For farther away, I'd be considering renting a van or a minivan - historically, on the occasions I've needed them it's cost me about $100 a day for a minivan, or $200 a day for a 15-passenger style van.
A few thoughts ... if your business is new and cash flow uncertain, I’d be wary of investing in a vehicle solely for that business. Especially with the cost of maintenance, insurance, etc. If you only need it once/week or so, you’re probably better off renting. Carshare may also be a possibility. I see Zipcar is in Richmond, and there’s a location close to you. Places like Home Depot also rent trucks. Rental/sharing is a good way to assess how much you need and how frequently, before leaping into purchasing.
I have previously dealt with both painters and landscapers who do almost everything by bike and trailer. But that relies on having a customer base concentrated in a relatively compact area.
I know it's probably impractical, but I WISH there was a way something from these guys could fulfill your needs.
https://www.instagram.com/carlacargoengineering/
Have you thought about a cargo van? They have lower load heights so you don’t have to lift up and over the tailgate and add a level of protection from wind/etc for the plants during transport.
Great points made! I’ve transported in a van before and it was great. Any model in particular you can suggest?
In situations like this, I often think of Bill McKibben’s advice, which goes something like: ‘hypocrisy is the price of admission to this fight.’ The point being it is all but impossible to advocate effectively against a carbon-fueled (and car-dominated, in this case) society without ever using that society’s tools. It’s the way the whole system has been set up.
This is awesome advice. Did it appear in a essay or lecture? Would love to read into it more!
I just looked it up and it looks like he uses it often, and I think I actually encountered it when someone quoted him in All We Can Save, which is phenomenal if you haven’t read it. Here’s a longer version of what he says: “environmentalists also live in the world we’re trying to change: We take airplanes and rent buses for rallies; we make a living, shop for groceries. None of this should demand an apology. Changing the system, not perfecting our own lives, is the point. “Hypocrisy” is the price of admission in this battle.” That’s from this piece: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/07/opinion/sunday/embarrassing-photos-of-me-thanks-to-my-right-wing-stalkers.html. Search that phrase and you’ll find other great articles, speeches.
Less car-dependent doesn’t have to mean car-free. A versatile vehicle that with some modification could double as both a car and a delivery van seems sensible and responsible, especially if your delivery times and personal use times don’t overlap.
Agree with cargo van idea. Likely more useful and you could have more vertical storage and less wind affects. Is there a cargo van share you could consider for your scheduled purchase times? May be much more economical during the startup and infrequent use phase.
Hadn’t thought about a share! This would lower upfront costs and keep me from having to find long term parking solutions. I’ll see what we have here in Richmond! Thanks for the suggestion Joe!
Ok, so definitely gas-guzzling, but WAY lighter and thus more fuel efficient and better for safety, roads, infrastructure. Just be sure to look into VA law (here in NC, you can go on any road that has a max speed of 55 mph): https://mayberryminitrucks.com/
Oh, I love those mini trucks. A few businesses in my downturn neighborhood have them. Easy to park, and good carrying capacity.
Awesome! This could definitely help with local delivery, I do wonder a bit about traveling more than an hour or so away. I’ll look into our laws though cuz I love the price!
How far away are your growers? If they're local to Richmond a cargo bike might yet work. For farther away, I'd be considering renting a van or a minivan - historically, on the occasions I've needed them it's cost me about $100 a day for a minivan, or $200 a day for a 15-passenger style van.