Stocking the van for residential service

[Nium]

I have just started with a, primarily, residential service company and have been asked to stock the van with the various supplies that may be needed for service calls. So far I've come up with couple of lists that'd fill a warehouse. Since it's not practical to drive a semi-truck as a service vehicle I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions as to what minimum van stock should be enough for most typical service work calls or any recommendations on reading material to help me narrow down all the stuff I fell necessary to cram on the van would great.

Thanks

 

[Buck Parrish]

I will start with
1) reducing washers

 

[480sparky]

Boxes (plastic & metal, new and old construction), devices, covers, wire nuts, NM, breakers.

Staples, screws, nails, toggle bolts, concrete anchors.

Meter, megger, tone set.

Only time will tell what you really need to stock and what you can forgo. If there are no Wadworth panels in your area, don't stock them.

 

[Volta]

I will start with
1) reducing washers

I'll see your reducing washers and raise you box/device extenders (like Arlington BE-1), and throw in some KO plugs.

 

[Steve Beranek]

I'll keep it simple, list the top 30 things that you use in one day. Those are must haves. The next 30 things are fairly important.

Wire nuts, boxes, screws, washers, plates (variety), anchors, receptacles/GFCI etc, misc breakers what is the most common panel installed in your area? HOM ? Of course you'll need wire, so what are the main 4 variety of wire you use. I would also keep a couple pieces of conduit on board.

But overall its hard to give a list since everyones job is usually different. But think of the things you use nearly everyday. Make a list, and post it. It may be good for someone else who is looking to load their truck up.

 

[PetrosA]

My 2 cents:

If you're really expecting to do mostly service calls, I would go for as much variety as possible, but in small quantities - IOW, instead of 100 each of various sized romex connectors, keep 6 of each. Boxes, a few each of a large variety. Same for breakers, fuses, pushbuttons, bulbs, sockets, cord ends, devices, plates, hardware, etc. It will be helpful to keep a list or map of any supply houses, HDs, Lowes, hardware stores etc. in the area you'll be servicing for emergencies. Oddball things will come in handy too like variety packs of shrink tubing, crimps, high temp wire, glass tape, odd sized screws (never throw out good screws ), two-part epoxy, glue gun and all kinds of "repair" tools.

I think the secret to service work is to get as much information as possible over the phone before you get into the truck. It takes a while to get good at helping a 75 year old woman to identify what make her panel is, but it's worth it

 

[westelectric]

Plenty of switches, recepts, and dimmers in wh, al, iv, and br., fl. ballasts, combo switches, gfcis, smokes, smoke/cos, hid lamps and ballasts, porcelains, pull chain switches, timers, timeclocks, photocells, undercabinet ballasts......the list goes on and on

 

[jjhoward]

doorbell kits.
GFIs
dryer receptacles
dryer whips
1900 box mud rings for GFIs, switches
Fish sticks, jack chain, hooks and/or magnets
Helper
drop cloths
carpet runner
small shop vac
Service stuff such as:
4/0 butt splices
service hooks
pre-forms
wedgees

 

[Nium]

I will start with
1) reducing washers

Good call, that's a must have that'd slipped my mind.

 

[jes25]

And reducing washers cousin the KO seal............I say cousin because they both come in handy when you knocked something out wrong.

 

[rodneee]

gas in the tank

 

[masterinbama]

Receipt book and a money bag.

 

[electricmanscott]

Let's not forget all the lead safe stuff. :roll:

 

[sameguy]

Ductseal, good map of area, clean pair of shoes, lunch

 

[GUNNING]

The customer is always right.

The customer is always right.

NOTHING ALMOND.

GFCI receptacles.


Model what you will need with the first 50 to 100 service calls. Every area is different. You will need different things different times of year. Plan on getting as much information from the customer when you first interview them.
Wall construction,
Age of building,
Attic or cellar space
What they think is the problem
What they were doing before the problem manifested itself

Then go shopping.
Go to the service call
Then go shopping again.

You can stock the truck with $50K worth of material and still forget the right size reducing washer or 1 1/4 inch metal old work box or metal handy box plate blank etc. Information will save you some time.

Biggest thing on the van is a vacuum and some drywall joint compound. Home owners don't like to repair and paint walls. Your only as good as your last sale. If they bitch to 1 Friend its like they published it on the INTERNET with porn.
Make sure you stock a clean shirt or uniform and some cologne. A real preprinted invoice pad and train the help to up sell, not swear, and use the words sir, mam,please, and thank you. It's not what is in the van it is how it is presented.
Speaking of on the van, Make sure the van is clean & organized with a sign.

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Ceiling fan boxes/mounts.
Emergency switch plates for gas/oil

 

[readydave8]

For many years I have kept a notebook where I write down what I use off the truck so I can restock when I get back to the shop. It's expensive to have to leave a job to get a part. If I need something that I don't stock I often write it down anyway, next time I'll have it.

 

[Nium]

GUNNING, slight aversion to Almond?


readydave8, I'll definitely be keeping a couple of notebooks to keep notes on parts needs and job details (probably should have started them yesterday too). Good suggestion.

I'm thinkin a selection of long flexi drill bits is going on.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Keep 'em coming definitely helping to adjust the list. The one that maybe a little while off is the addition of a helper but hopefully that won't be for too long they're so helpful for so many things, sometimes.:grin:

Some sort of drawer system or small parts bins will be needed too.

 

[220/221]

It took me decades to come up with a list. All I can say is that, you need to carry a lot of items to be efficient. You don't need a large quantity of the individual items but you will save a lot of travel time and be able to do a better job if you have everything you need.

 

[Ohmy]

Does the company not have a list? They should have a stocking list. There is good advice in the articles below. The key is to re-stock consistantly and know whats on your truck.

http://www.pmmag.com/Articles/Blog_Al/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000587947

http://www.pmmag.com/Articles/Blog_Al/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000609271