No matter what size your business, you have overhead that hits your bottomline. We’ve put together some tips to help you better manage the three most common expenses.

Equipment

Invest in good quality equipment and take good care of your investment. Brand or mark your equipment to easily identify what is yours. Set up an inventory system to keep track of everything. Ensure your safety equipment dries completely to avoid mold and mildew. As the weather gets cooler, it’s also a good idea to drain your compressor air tanks each night so that they don’t freeze.

Regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the season will ensure a longer life. Gibson carries a full range of parts for your equipment, such as nail gun o-rings, springs, push levers and feeders. If we don’t have it in stock at your location, we can order it in for you. 

Vehicles

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A vehicle breakdown can seriously disrupt your mobile business operations. As one of your most important profit generators, regular maintenance of your vehicles can save you big headaches all year long. When your dump trailer is not in use, remove the battery and hook it up to a trickle charger, so it’s ready for the next job.

Consider leasing your company vehicle to take advantage of write-offs and the option to upgrade to a new vehicle at the end of your lease. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to use your vehicles to advertise your business. Magnetic decals are an easy way to quickly turn your truck and trailers into mobile ads.

Storage 

Big or small, storage can be a costly expense. Using space on your own property is the most cost effective option, as long as it’s clean and dry. Use secure shelving, hooks and waterproof, stackable bins to maximize the space. If you need to rent storage space, consider out-of-town options. They tend to be less expensive. 

Before storing your equipment at the end of the season, remove all debris and treat it following the manufacturer’s recommendations. For machinery like your nail gun compressor, give it a general tune-up, change the oil and use a fuel stabilizer. This will ensure your equipment functions well for years to come. Most importantly, always store flammable liquids safely.

Share your ideas for keeping your overhead under control in the comment below.