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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Davies adds that it's worth keeping in touch with drivers and reminding them that their contract is up for renewal well in advance, so they can see any damage charges coming and you can make the arrangements for defleeting early on.
"The first thing a fleet should do is make the driver aware that the vehicle is due for return and remind them that it will be professionally inspected and must be in a condition that conforms to the fair wear-and-tear guide.
"It is recommended that this contact should occur at least eight weeks before the contract end date. Drivers should be requested to notify any damage that, in their view, might fall outside the fair wear-and-tear guidelines.
"This will at least alert the fleet operator to a potential looming problem, and a decision on what to do can be taken in good time before the contract ends. It will also mean that when the vehicle is returned there should not be too many surprises highlighted. and the pre-sale refurbishment can be authorised if required.
"If practical, it may be possible to undertake minor refurbishment prior to the contract's end, to bring the vehicle up to fair wear-and-tear standards and avoid any unnecessary and expensive damage penalties. This would also mean that the vehicle would be able to go immediately to market and thus be sold quicker."
The residual value expert's view
Rupert 
Pontin, chief car editor at Glass's, claims auction houses won't necessarily look to sell the first time around, which is something fleets should be aware of, and is all the more reason for prepping vehicles well, and being on-hand during the auction to make decisions on bids below the reserve price.
"There can be a reluctance to sell first time. Rostrum jockeys are paid on percentage of a valuation guide, so if they keep them back for a while they achieve better targets [if the car later sells for a better price or the valuation falls]. But not selling first time means these cars are costing money - to keep, to transport, to look after etc."
He adds that it's worth having a word with your remarketing company to work out whether or not you should invest in vehicles prior to selling them on.
"Preparing a vehicle for sale means it will be in better condition and therefore command a better price. Fleet operators should consult the remarketing partner, who can demonstrate what the return on investment will be."
He continues: "One way to overcome the issue [of damage charges] and to prepare for sale is to have any repair work done in the final days or weeks before the car is de-fleeted, meaning it can go straight in to sale, is turned more quickly and is more cost-effective."
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