Does the type of car you drive have any influence on your contract business success?

[KentPhilip]

Well I need a new car, and am trying to make up my mind as to what to buy.
Personally I would be happy with an el-cheapo Astra or Golf, but friends have suggested that it is worth getting something a little classy as it would convey the image to clients (and prospective clients at interview) that I am a man of substance who can afford a decent car, and must therefore be worth giving or continuing to give business to.

I don't think this is very likely to be the case - in my experience clients are only interested in how well you do the job, not on any fluff like this. But I thought I'd throw the question open to you guys and girls who might have any opinion or observations on the matter.

i.e. is there a "business case" for getting a smarter car. What type, and what are the numbers?

Ta very much.

BTW I need a new car cos I wrapped the last one around a tree. But that's another story.

[Old Greg]

Well I need a new car, and am trying to make up my mind as to what to buy.
Personally I would be happy with an el-cheapo Astra or Golf, but friends have suggested that it is worth getting something a little classy as it would convey the image to the client that I am a man of substance who can afford a decent car, and must therefore be worth giving or continuing to give business to.
I don't think this is very likely to be the case - clients are only interested in how well you do the job, not on any fluff like this. But I thought I'd throw the question open to you guys and girls who might have any opinion or observations on the matter. i.e. is there a "business case" for getting a smarter car. What type, and what are the numbers?

Ta very much.

I don't think a client has ever know what car I drive.

[Jog On]

I don't think a client has ever know what car I drive.

I am hoping the answer is yes as I am looking for an excuse or should I say 'business justification' to buy something nice

[Clippy]

How will the client know what car you drive?

Do you list it on your CV?

[Old Greg]

I am hoping the answer is yes as I am looking for an excuse or should I say 'business justification' to buy something nice

The answer is no. It will just enrage the permies and make them demand a pay rise.

Be a man and buy the car that your wife tells you to.

[DimPrawn]

How will the client know what car you drive?

Do you list it on your CV?

Yes, under the heading Achievements.

HTH

[thunderlizard]

I doubt you're seeing the number of prospects that would make it worthwhile. It might make 10% of the difference 10% of the time. Most office layouts are such that the person you meet inside the building wouldn't get to see your car anyway.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Yes, under the heading Achievements.

HTH

But I thought you drove a BMW?

[AtW]

Get Passat...

[HairyArsedBloke]

Never drive a better car than the guy who's engaging you.

i.e. don't park the 996 next to the M.D.'s astramax van.

Many years ago one of the young contractors at a gig bought himself a second hand Lotus Elite or Elan (the sloppy one). Shinny red one that nobody could miss. The stupid idiot kept trying to park close to the office, but he was always been told to move it by permies complaining about contractor parking in 'their' spaces. i.e. not in the bit of the car park where the local chavs used to vandalise the cars or break into them.

Oddly enough, when the cul of contractors came - he was the first person that was told he was going.