Final Thought: Full Time or Part Time?!

After reading all the messages in this forum, I am seeing different views on operating a new limo business part time vs full time. My question is, Is it possible to start a limo business part time and make it succeed?

YES. Despite what you might hear, it can be done. I've been running my limousine business as a part time venture since it's inception 6 years ago. That said.....you must be very organized, be able to prioritize, and don't take on more then you can handle. Decide on the scope of your business and stick to it. You must allow time for some personal enjoyment and relaxation. I can tell you from experience that if you leave your full time job and work most evenings and weekends you will drive yourself......CRAZY. Hire a couple of part time drivers and get some help to handle the phones while you are at your "regular" job. Just a few hints to get your started. Good Luck

Thanks for the advise. I know there have been several messages posted in this forum regarding surviving part time in the limo business but I the opinions go back and forth. I'm probably like most of the new people out there who are starting out. I don't plan on having a driver in the beginning. I thought I might get 3 or 4 reservations per week which I didn't see myself having a problem handling in the evenings and weekends. I didn't anticipate having a reservation every night? Is one reservation a night something that is realistic for a part time business...considering all the proper marketing is done? If so, I'll have to consider being out everynight myself and see if that's what I want to get myself into. Otherwise I think I might have to resort to a driver. I guess I if I don't, I probably wouldn't last long and end up getting sick of having to work and then at night having to drive and not being able to relax once in a while.

As for having someone answer the phone, I don't have anyone who can answer the phone during the day but I was advised and know someone who is actually successful using the method of paying monthly for an operator that answers the phone and takes all the orders. I know it's not as personable but it would be during the day only and I'll also provide a number where they can page me.

I don't think you can bank on the number of reservations you are expecting. You might get less, or you could get a lot more. You need to have an infrastructure in place to handle all scenerios. What is you get one customer that goes out several times a week? It happens all the time. If you are prepared to turn down work that you don't feel like doing it will impact your bottom line. Again, it goes to deciding on the scope of your business that you wish to have. You can get away with an answering machine or answering service. But be aware, that the vast majority of people want to talk to someone knowledgable and not an answering service. Also, don't count on many, if any, corporate accounts. Business people need to know that they can talk to their service when they have transporation needs. Good Luc

The only way I would turn down business is if I was already booked. I wouldn't turn it down for no reason. I would of course be limited to only one limousine. When I initially started thinking of going into the business, I never anticipated getting to much of the market in terms of corporate business. I also don't want the business to get too big.

Any other solutions to having someone answer the phone besides me? I can't justify paying someone all day to answer the phone for a small 1 limo company

The hiring another driver solution is much easier, than you would think. Around here, companies allow their drivers to work for others, so they can keep busy and continue earning enough to make it worthwhile. Check with some of your local companies and ask if they have a good experienced driver that needs to make more money. This will allow you some free nights.