Using A Motorcycle As An Estimate Vehicle

wolffhomerepair

I have seen a few threads that mentioned doing it. Has anyone that does use there bike seen any negatives from it? Such as negative image of being a biker, etc. I have been toying with doing it but don't want to take the chance of giving the wrong first impression.

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" Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time "

SelfContract

I don't need a bike, I just need a "moped" to get around the city blocks. All motorcycles need license, insurance, plates, registration, and ...expensive (Harley coud cost > 10K$). But any 150cc to 200cc engine size moped does not need license, insurance, plates except your helmet in most state. Most states do not require them because they are SLOW (around 15-25 miles per hour) and can not cause accident easily and can not driven on Freeway either, ...but it's okay to me as long as we always have slow traffic in the city blocks (~15-25 mi/hr) & no parking for cars on streets anyway.

For any moped, the gas tank only needs $5-10 bucks to fill its 1-2 gallon size & you can park anywhere like on sidewalk! Lock it, but the price is cheap (~1000 to 2000$) so theft is not an issue either! (Highly recommended, search eBay first)

Splinter

The OP is in NY, and here we're required to have registration and insurance for mopeds... Motorcycle license is not required however, just a regular drivers license. (and only a permit for the "A" class mopeds- aka the really slow ones)

I personally wouldnt take my bike on an estimate. I've used it on occasion in the middle of a job if it's a really nice day and I know I dont have to carry any supplies...

A lot of gated communities around here have large signs up banning motorcycles... They dont like the idea that loud pipes save lives!

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Long Island Remodeling Contractor

neolitic

I'd be more than happy if all my competition
showed up on bikes!
It might really help to make a good impression
in the mobile home estates.

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(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

mickeyco

You don't necessarily have to show up for estimates on a motorcycle to have a company paid for "estimating motorcycle".




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BACKWOODS

I use my Honda Spirit 1100 all the time. I ask the client if they mind if I ride my bike vs bringing the truck to perform the estimate. All you have to say is rising gas prices and everyone understands. Never lost a job yet to the motorcycle, I have sealed a few deals up as more clients ride and we talk about bikes, etc. Just be professional and dress for sucess, aka no t-shirts with "If you can read this the B*&^h fell off" That won't work

wolffhomerepair

I already have the company paid for motorcycle. I use it all the time for paperwork rides - trips to building depts, bank deposits etc.

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" Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time "

Mike Finley

What exactly do you mean by that?

Patrick

I dunno Id have a hard time fitting 6 sample windows, 10, siding sample books, sample corners and accessories, color chips, and my over sized work bag full of catalogs that i never use, yet i feel the need to carry them with me everywhere I go.

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

BriansZ

The sad thing is, a lot of contractors around here would show up like that to give an estimate.

mickeyco

I mean that the "estimating motorcycle" can be used for supply runs and such.



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mickeyco

Trailer:

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

KillerToiletSpider

In the summer my boss uses either his Motorcycle or his Corvette convertible.

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mdshunk

All I've got to say, from the perspective of a consumer, is that if I'm considering spending thousands of dollars on a home improvement, the salesman better show up with something other than a motorbike.

Stone Mountain

I used to have a 1998 Goldwing, that I purchased new. One season I took it to a number of estimates, and the feedback was all negative. I stopped.

Now I take my 2004 screaming yellow Cobra convertible, with LOUD pipes, and EVERYBODY loves it. I've even been asked (by the wife, yet) to "let 'er rip!" I didn't. I should have.

I had one sweet young thing last summer ask me: "If I give you the job, can I have a ride in the car?" I turned it around and asked, "If I give you a ride, can I have the job?"
I got the job!

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Mike Finley

Hi, we're here to do that free estimate for your roof.




Here is the concrete for the deck footings, I'll be right back with the Sono tubes.

genecarp

better off showing up in a red ferrari.

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katttfishh

My company logo is done as a 3 piece patch with rockers. I can say for sure that it gets second looks when I am riding my bike. Not sure if its a good or bad thing. I dont think the non riding public knows what it means unless I am riding. When I give a shirt to someone I explain that it would be best not to wear it in biker bar.

Chris G

I think that's the best advice if you want to ride your bike. Let them know beforehand. It shows respect and doesn't catch them by surprise. I think it could be a positive if you do it that way. It starts a good relationship and perhaps a discussion about other things that have nothing to do with the job at hand. That's always a good thing. People want to hire someone who they can have a dialogue with.

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ODDBALLS

I agree with backwoods. I 've had my bike for two years and have used a similar pitch. It is also true that it gives you something other than the job to talk about. I think people in gerneral like to be comfortable and be able to BS with one another. If you give them something to talk about with you they get that warm and fuzzy feeling.

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