I am looking at/driving around an older model, 6 passenger Towncar. It has what appears to be basic amenities such as a bar, color TV, VCR, CD/Stereo. I just like to drive. I've always imagined being a chauffeur. Before I purchase this car I would like to know something very simple. With all the limousine services available in the area, will I be able to schedule 3-4 appointments per month with relative ease or should I consider it difficult since I don't have a 1998 or newer car? I will really do any occasion, i.e. proms, weddings, parties, etc. I literally just want to do this part-time to supplement my income to help with my children's parochial education. I don't want to build a full-time business. Is this probable? Please advise. Thank you very much for your time!
jvp - guest
Suggest you check all the post, you will probably find the answer.
In a nutshell, it appears that you could better meet your objectives by working for a company part-time instead of starting out on your own. You indicate that you may be in an area where there are numerous other operators. Whatever you competition is running should help determine if there will be any pie for you. 1998 cars are at the point of being replaced in many areas, so the life and usability of your pre-1998 six-pack could actually be pretty short.
Karl Jones
Well, as a full time company, I know that part time doesn't really work in this business. What if there is an emergency, and the customer can't get you? What will be your reputation when you never answer the phone, you're not available when they need the job done, or can't do that run because you have to get some sleep for your regular job? Actually, you'll just infuriate the customer, and any other companies in the area when they hear about you. The customer is savy, they want the newest and the best cars. Your old car will get some business, but only the people shopping price, which will hardly be the type of clientele that will keep you going. Without full time operation and newer vehicles, with this economy, you won't last, sorry. Frankly, a lot of people see the big dollars that a limo job can generate, as in hundreds of dollars for a wedding of 3 hours, and think "gold mine". They can't be farther from the truth. This is hard work, high overhead, long hours, and very difficult. I personally, and no offense to you, am very anti part time limo companies. I have seen so many of them open, promise the customer all sorts of things they can't deliver, and leave the consumer with a bad taste towards the industry. Then they go bankrupt, and leave us to defend our industry. Anyone who is starting ANY type of business should start is seriously, or not at all. If you can't devote the money and time to make a full time, sucessful operation, than don't do it at all. Besides, if there are so many companies in your area, you probably won't get that much business without selling yourself cheap, and don't expect any other company to give you overflow. No one's going to help you out in a competitive market with a slowing economy. You'll find the competition very nasty, and, they can afford to be much more than you, as they have time, reputation and money behind them. As another said, work for someone as a driver.