I agree with the group here. I'm not in construction, landscaping, etc. But I've hired quite a few for small to large projects at home and work. I agree, my first impression when someone pulls up in a old, beat up truck is that they are either just starting up or are for one reason or another, not doing well in their line of business. I can appreciate your concerns but again, it's that first impression. For all of the jobs I've hired for, I've received several bids (like anyone would). I don't select the cheapest bid but I want them to be somewhat comparable. I will pay more for top quality work and to me, pulling up in a nice new Superduty would immediately tell me that you must be doing something right and that gives you a leg up on the competition before the bids are even submitted.

 

Lexus, I agree with the flavor of the replies to your question. Without making the thread too personal I spend a lot of time in refineries and chemical plants. When I take a customer to lunch or just from an administration building to a control room I want to transport them in a nice truck. I often get compliments on the truck and "this must be expensive".

The way that I look at it - is that the customers are purchasing my services and would purchase them from someone else if they though that they could get the same service for less money. Regardless of what I am driving. IMO having a nice home and vehicle projects success and demonstrates the ability to manage your resources.

As Epic said, you seem like a humble person but I suspect that your customers are not giving you the contracts based on that alone. I also suspect that the contracts have something to do with your price, performance, ethics, personality, etc.

If you're still not sure, I say pick a nice conservative color and go for it.

 

thanks for all the great posts. And sorry for the off topic post, but this has been very helpful. I thought about the 350, but max towing weight of the 250 will suit me fine. If it gets any heavier, I'll just send out a tandem Kenworth. I think some of the stuff I've talked about is part of the problem with America, nobody wants to see something do good. Why can't you be happy for the man with the new truck? Anyways, I guess we can only do the best we can and hope that others do the same.