I got to pick the right fleet card for my business, and it ain’t easy. You mess up here, and it costs you a lot of time. There’s heaps to think about, so let’s talk about the common mistakes folks make when they pick their fleet cards and what you should do instead.
1. Ignoring the Fine Print
Lots of times, we just ignore all the tiny words when we look at fleet card deals. It’s like, there’s secret stuff in there that can change how much you gotta pay. Companies just look at the big, shiny offers and discounts, but don’t think about all the extra fees and rules.
Make sure you look at what they charge for each thing, what you pay every month, and what happens if you’re late paying. It isn’t just about finding a card with a sweet deal; you gotta know how all these costs add up over time. It’s kinda like when you buy a car—you don’t just look at what it costs on the tag.
2. Forgetting to Check Where You Can Use It
Checking where the card works is super important. Some cards let you get gas at lots of places, but some don’t let you go just anywhere. If your drivers end up nowhere near a gas station they can use, that’s a real pain and wastes time.
Before you say yes to a card, think about where your trucks go. Are there enough gas places that take your card? Use maps or apps to check if those places are easy to get to. Picking a card that’s good in your area makes everything smoother.
3. Overlooking Tracking and Reporting Features
Monitoring the amount of fuel you purchase and the cost is essential. Some businesses forget to check if the card does a good job reporting all that stuff. You wanna know that you can see where your money’s going and keep an eye on everything.
Find a card that tells you lots about what you’re spending and how much fuel you’re using. It’s good if it also tells you when something weird is happening. This info helps you see where you can do better and cut down on wasting money. Remember, you need tools that help you make smart choices and work better.
4. Hurrying to Pick a Card
Sometimes, businesses feel like they gotta pick a card super fast, especially if the sales talk is really pushing them. But rushing can make you wish you hadn’t. Take your time to look around and compare what’s out there.
Do some digging on different cards, see what other folks say, and chat with other managers who got fleets. Think about where you want your fleet to be later, like in a few years. Pick a card that can grow with your business.
5. Forgetting About Customer Support
Good customer support when you run into trouble is a lifesaver. Some companies just look at what the card does but forget to check how reliable the support is if something goes wrong. What if you lose your card or your bill looks weird? You need to know someone’s there to help.
Look at how you can get in touch with customer service before you decide. Are they easy to call? Do they provide online tools to address typical problems? A card with strong customer support means you’re not alone if stuff goes sideways, letting you focus on your work instead.
To Wrap It Up
Picking a fleet card feels like a lot, but if you steer clear of these screw-ups, you set your business up nice. Take your time to really look into it, figure out what you need, and find a card that works for you. You don’t want to end up with a card that doesn’t meet your needs.
In the end, it’s about choosing smart. Dig into the details and pick your card with care. If you do it right, you’ll get a card that not only fits the budget but also makes your operations smooth and efficient. Go get that card!
