Expanding a wedding car fleet

Simultaneous demand, not annual totals

A fleet of two cars might complete many weddings a year and still not need a third, if the bookings are spread across different dates. The question is how often you are asked for more cars on a single date than you have. Keep a log of declined enquiries with dates and reasons, including requests for matching pairs you could not supply. That record is far stronger evidence than a general sense that the business is busy.

Backup vehicle or earning vehicle

Some operators buy a car mainly to protect bookings if another breaks down, especially with classics. Others buy to take more work. Both are reasonable, but they are justified differently.

Backup vehicle

Protects income and reputation. Its value shows in fewer missed weddings, not new revenue. It may also take overflow work.

Earning vehicle

Justified by additional bookings. Needs evidence of unmet demand and capacity to service it.

Drivers, operations and storage

Every extra car needs a smartly presented, reliable driver on the busiest days of the year, when experienced chauffeurs are in demand everywhere. It also needs secure, dry storage, time for valeting and ribbons, and someone coordinating timings across venues. Check your insurance covers additional drivers and the new car’s use.

• Driver availability on peak Saturdays
• Secure storage and preparation space
• Who coordinates multiple cars on the same day
• Insurance for extra drivers and vehicles

Staged purchasing

Buying one car, proving it over a season, then buying the next keeps commitments tied to evidence. A purchase made in autumn also gives time to prepare the car before the season, though it means paying through quiet months before it earns. Model both the extra monthly payment and the months before the car contributes.

If demand does not appear

Before buying, ask what you would do if the new car took far fewer bookings than expected in its first season. Could the existing fleet carry its payment through the following winter? Would selling it clear the finance, and how long might a sale take for that type of car? A short written answer to those questions is useful evidence and a sensible discipline for the owner.

Timing the purchase

A car bought just before the season starts may arrive with too little time to prepare, photograph and promote it. Allow for delivery, inspection, insurance and any licensing steps so it is ready for the dates you hope to sell.

Choosing the right addition

If couples often ask for matching cars for bridal party and guests, completing a pair may earn more than adding a different style. If enquiries are lost because you lack a particular look, the declined-enquiry log will show it. Let that evidence, rather than what is available at a tempting price, drive the choice.

What happens after you enquire

1. 1

   Enquiry

   You tell Sorbus about the business and the vehicles. It is not an application, and no lender sees it.

2. 2

   Discussion and evidence review

   A broker talks it through and reviews accounts, bookings, licences and vehicle details.

3. 3

   Lender proposal, only if appropriate

   If it looks suitable, and only with your agreement, we approach selected lenders from our panel (not the whole market). Any decision is the lender’s.