MARKETING

Helping tradies securing their tools

by Chris O’Connell, Midland Insurance

For tradespeople, their tools are central to their viability as a service and their living. They don’t call them ‘tools of the trade’ for nothing. Unfortunately, incidents of tool theft occur everywhere and far too often. Having a secure storage area for tools is imperative, and that’s where self storage can help, as a storage unit provides the ideal solution to storing tools in a secure environment for safe-keeping and peace of mind.

Here are a few facts. Visit any job site and at least one tradie will have a story about a time they had their tools nicked from the back of their ute or van while parked on the street. At least six out of 10 tradies have experienced some form of tool theft during their career.

It’s a significant problem in Australia, with annual losses attributed to construction equipment theft estimated at around $650 million.

For tradies, having their tools pinched is a substantial financial blow – often costing thousands “Having a secure storage area for tools is imperative, and that’s where self storage can help, as a storage unit provides the ideal solution to storing tools in a secure environment for safe-keeping and peace of mind.

of dollars to replace – and makes getting on with the job near impossible. There’s also the time it takes to organise replacement tools and the delay in completing the client’s job.

Most tool thefts occur from vehicles parked outside a tradie’s home during the evening. Thieves are opportunistic, meaning they’ll drive around the streets looking for utes, vans, and trailers that appear to be easy targets. If a vehicle is sitting out there it will be a prime target. They may also do a little reconnaissance work and monitor daily routines to improve their chances, mainly if they believe there’s potential for a big haul. Keeping the tools that aren’t needed every day in storage is a clever business move to ensure equipment is safe from potential vtheft. Not only does it free up room in vehicles, but it makes for more space to work from and stock what is needed. It will also make tradies less anxious about leaving leave their vehicles unattended.

The most common ways thieves gain access to tradies’ tools:

l Toolbox padlocks cut l Toolbox lid forced open l Broken locks on garage door l Vehicle windows smashed l Trailer broken into with a grinder l Ute canopy smashed l Vehicle containing tools stolen l Trailer containing tools stolen l Vehicle keys stolen after breaking into the house l Trailer chain cut l Vehicle locks drilled out A big challenge for tradies is having enough space to store all their tools. With a storage unit, they can keep more equipment than they ever could need in their work van. They can store spare parts and materials and never worry about a delayed job because they are waiting on a part or running around trying to source something. So when you’re next thinking about growing your customer base, think of the trades. Reach out to your local business networks, chat to your favourite tradies and explain the benefits of self storage. l