REPUTATION and other fleet managers’ opinions are becoming a more important factor when it comes to choosing a supplier.

New research shows that fleet professionals are placing more emphasis than ever on what they see and hear about potential service providers.

Current clients views of a supplier’s reputation was key for 81% of those questioned by GE Fleet Services, up from 45% a year ago.

Rich Green, managing director at GE Fleet Services, said: ‘While fundamental issues such as price and the provision of the best possible funding solution remain of key importance for fleet decision makers, there is growing evidence that reputation is becoming ever more important.

‘We believe it is because those making fleet decisions want to feel secure in the choices that they make and that the suppliers they select have a known reputation for delivering and raising service levels.

‘This also means that a supplier’s reputation should be managed proactively. ‘From our experience, companies that do this well clearly benefit in commercial terms.’