New end of life scheme for cars aimed at recycling old vehicles How to win business from sales quotations
A new compliance scheme (ELVES) has been launched, including a ‘drop off’ service to encourage and motivate the recycling of scrap vehicles.
Around 90,000 vehicles are scrapped annually in Ireland annually and each should have a Certificate of Destruction to end an individual’s responsibility for the car or van.
End of Life Vehicle Services (ELVES) aims to improve the reuse of parts and recycling of ELVs in order to help Ireland meet national targets.
ELVES aims to generate awareness of its national network of permitted scrapyards, officially known as Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs). These ATFs will provide a FREE drop off service to the public for scrap vehicles. Similar to recycling at a bring bank or civic amenity site, ATFs will enable people to easily hand over their vehicles for recycling and recovery.
The Elves Network monitor and record the reuse, recycling and recovery of ELVs.
When a consumer or a garage scraps a vehicle at an ATF, they should ask for a receipt of the transaction, called a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), from that facility to show that they have handed over their vehicle to be recycled and recovered. The CoD will confirm that the vehicle has been accepted as an ELV and this then ends the final owner’s responsibility for it. The ATF will look after the requirements of the process. This will include recycling of fuel and other fluids, dismantling and reuse of component parts, and the recycling of metal and materials.
Minister Denis Naughten who was on hand to launch the ELVES scheme, said:
‘Most people are conscious of their own environmental responsibilities and want to recycle and reuse as much as possible. Knowing which steps to take is key to that. The ELVES scheme will give people that information and make it much easier for them access the all-important details on how to dispose of their end of life vehicles quickly and easily. It is to be commended that the motor industry has come together with the ELVES scheme to address those issues. In County Wexford, there are three ‘permitted’ scrappers or ATFs - Molloy Metals, Tomgarrow, Ballycarney and Byrne Brothers Car Dismantlers, Tinnick Upper, Gorey, and Patrick Skelton, Boolynavourghran, St Mary’s, Bunclody. Visit www.elves.ie AS a business owner, I am sending out several quotations a week for Jobs, how can I turn more quotations into business?
WHEN a customer asks you for a quote, they’re giving you a golden opportunity. With the right response, you can close the deal quickly and win new business.
A quote is a formal document. It explains your pricing for a job or service, and gives your customer a clear cost and scope of the work to be done. When a customer asks you for a quote, it means they’re seriously considering doing business with you. But don’t celebrate just yet. The quotation process might seem like a formality, but it isn’t. New business is won or lost at this stage, so it’s important to get it right. QUOTATION PROCESS
Getting information before you quote weighs up your chances. Ask the right questions, how will they decide on who gets the business? Then test the potential client, when and how they make a decision. This will ascertain how much time you put into the quote.
Think carefully before pricing–Here are some points to consider when it comes to pricing a quotation:
· Make sure you know exactly what’s involved, otherwise you can’t price it properly
· Can you meet the deadlines?
· Do you have the resources?
· Are your prices up to date?
· Have you included a fair profit margin? What should the Quote Include?
· Brief accurate and comprehensive information · Your company details, client’s details, quote number. · Pricing and VAT if relevant
· Due dates & delivery time
· Payment terms
· Terms and conditions
· Section for signatures HOW TO WIN THE BUSINESS
A quote may be the first formal document a new customer receives from you. If you get it right, that first impression will count. Be professional, courteous, clear and helpful. Remember to talk to your customers all the time, before and after you quote. Keep them engaged and help your customer make a decision, without being pushy, give them all the information they need and try and add in some extra value to sway things your way! The best way to gain rapport is to have a face to face meeting and discussion. Use this to make a good impression, and always have a call to action, Summary–Tips on how to win business from quotations
- Talk to your customers all the time – before and after you quote - Keep them engaged and help them plan
- Seek a meeting to gain clarification – use this to build rapport - Keep your information clear, professional and comprehensive - Surprise your client by adding a bit more value than they expect - Have a call to action – follow up with a phone call to make sure they have received the quote
- Send your quote within 24 hours
- Follow up within 3 days (Don’t be too pushy, listen to the feedback) use the call to clear up any issues or queries on your quote Jim Doyle ACMA QFA is a partner in RDA Accountants, offering full accountancy, business advisory, tax advisory and financial services
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