Why SMEs often fall short with leasing

A car with an all-inclusive subscription is an attractive alternative to leasing and purchasing – not just for individuals but increasingly for SMEs as well. Smaller companies searching for suitable and affordable vehicles benefit from this model. Firms with small fleets often feel poorly supported with leasing. The all-inclusive subscription offers a solution that reduces costs and effort, as Janine W., an employee of an SME specializing in mechanical engineering in Biel, explains.

Janine shares how her company transitioned from leasing to car subscriptions. She talks about her frustration with leasing and how she discovered Carvolution. Today, she is convinced that car subscriptions are the ideal choice for her Biel-based company with 120 employees.

Janine, how did you discover Carvolution’s car subscription for your company?

I have a friend who privately drives a Carvolution car. This made me curious to research whether such a subscription could also work for businesses. We were very dissatisfied with our leased vehicles and the service provided by the large dealership that managed them.

Why were you dissatisfied with leasing?

The dealership’s service was simply poor. We felt that our small fleet of only four cars was not as interesting to them as the larger fleets of other companies. There was essentially no customer service, and the communication was very frustrating. We wanted to change that.

Why did you choose Carvolution?

I was already familiar with the concept and had seen Carvolution on a testing platform where I participated as a tester. I immediately liked the subscription model – it’s simple and transparent. So, I advocated for it within my company.

What vehicles are you currently using through the subscription?

We have two Škoda Octavias for long distances and two Ford Focuses for shorter trips. It was especially important to us that they are station wagons so that our service technicians have enough space for their equipment. This combination has worked very well for us so far.

You were dissatisfied with leasing service. How is it with Carvolution?

Carvolution’s support is absolutely top-notch. Even when I look critically, I can’t find anything negative. Everything runs smoothly and quickly – even the tire change was hassle-free. We only had to make an appointment and show up. All the paperwork is handled directly between the garage and Carvolution. The same goes for maintenance.

How do you assess the subscription costs?

The prices are fair. Compared to leasing, they are even cheaper, and everything is included: insurance, registration, taxes, tire storage and changes, and more. With the Carvolution app, I can keep track of everything: I can easily check the kilometre readings and information for each of our four cars.

Have there been any damages to the vehicles?

Yes, we’ve had a few incidents, like a damaged bumper and a stone chip. The repairs were handled smoothly by one of Carvolution’s partner garages, which took care of everything – including a replacement car. Back when we leased, this process was very cumbersome.

Are your business cars branded?

Yes, and it was no problem at all. Carvolution allowed us to brand the cars, which is very important for our visibility on the road.

Would you consider a car subscription for personal use?

I already have two private cars with interchangeable plates, but if I had only one, I would definitely try it. It’s a great way to explore new cars with no hassle.

Who do you recommend the car subscription to?

I particularly recommend it to SMEs with small fleets. For us, with four cars, the subscription is the perfect solution. From vehicle selection to handover, to customer service and management, everything is just excellent.