What’s the point of going through a bus dealership? Buying a bus is a significant investment, and with that kind of decision comes a substantial amount of stress. Choosing a partner of choice that you can rely on helps you reduce that pressure. Here are a couple of things to consider when looking for bus sales in Canada.
Access to a variety of options.
The immediate benefit of buying from a bus dealership is the options you can get. Pre-owned or new bus? Passenger van or shuttle bus? Low-floor or wheelchair lift? Electric or gas? Besides the brand, from accessibility options to seat colour, you have infinite possibilities! It can make your head spin! But don’t worry, you can expect guidance from your bus sales experts.
Now, if you look for a used bus, the dealer’s immediate advantage is reconditioning. The pre-owned vehicles are usually inspected and repaired before being put back on the marketplace. You may also have access to the records of the previous owners. If you want to trade in your old bus to buy a new one, this is also an option you can expect when choosing to go through a bus dealer.
Select a partner, not a seller.
When looking for a bus dealership, make sure they genuinely consider your needs before they try to sell anything to you. Unfortunately, the entire dealership industry suffers from a poor reputation because of some wild players in the field. Still, you should find good support from bus consultants most of the time.
First is the need assessment phase. The bus sales expert will ask you questions about your business to better understand how to help you. Then you will review options and design together a bus matching your needs. The best advice would be to avoid dealers having an immediate answer for you. Even if sales reps are gifted, their instant solution fits 100% of your needs is no chance. Selling buses takes time!
Assess the level of after-sale service.
A bus lifespan varies between 5 to 7 years, depending on the use and the model. Therefore, your bus dealer shouldn’t disappear in this time frame. On the contrary, you should rely on your bus dealership to support your bus concerns from the delivery to the last kilometre. Especially if you have no in-house technicians able to run the maintenance of your bus, consider a couple of key indicators such as location, expertise and reliability.
First of all, check if your dealership can provide service in your area. The dealer network is essential to supply bus parts, provide troubleshooting assistance, or offer on-site service. Also, make sure you can get support when something goes wrong. For example, is there 24/7 assistance in case of a major breakdown? What about support for warranty claims? Can you count on your bus dealer for support at your location? Is there a mobile technician driving around in your province, ready to service your bus in case you need help? Check how to make a service inquiry on their website to learn more.
And last but not least, make sure your bus dealership has a skilled crew and enough resources to support your bus.
Consider the footprint of the company.
Most of the time, bus purchasing is not instant. Like every investment, it takes both time and money. Especially if you order a new bus, you will have to plan with your bus sales consultant, order and wait for your bus to be built. So, when you sign your purchase order, you engage your funding with the dealership for a considerable lead time. It is crucial to consider the company’s financial health you are dealing with before committing. This factor is especially relevant with this post-pandemic conjuncture, where bus dealerships have to absorb the chassis scarcity. To do so, visit their website or check online to find information about the company, its network, reputation, and relationship with industry leaders.
At Crestline, our approach is not transactional. We define our customers as partners who make us grow every day. We are proud to help you provide mobility to thousands of people across the country. Our mission is to make life better, one relationship and one vehicle at a time.
