repost:could use a lil advice

[nyace]

Hey i am new to the board, im here trying to do a lil homewrok to get familer with the industry. Here is my situation any feedback given would be a great help.
I am located in nycand currently awaiting my tlc license. At this time i have plans of starting out driving for a black car company. Im planning to use my work car as my personal car for time being and was looking into getting a mercedes benz r350 as it would sastify both my work and personal needs. I have also been thinking of relocating to atlanta and dont wnat to try and start a buiness here to up and have to start over in a few years. With all this being said my questions i owuld like feedback on are

1)Alanta vs NYC any pros and cons u guys may have on either market?
2)The Mercedes Benz R350 you guys views on using this car for work as well as personal?
3)I am buying this a used 06 model and havin a bit of a hard time finding blk on blk what differnce if any does the interior make?
4)I plan on attending the online limo school as well as visit at limo show or 2,are there any books or other tools any of you would say is a must for a rookie to have or learn?

[KC]

"The Mercedes Benz R350 you guys views on using this car for work as well as personal?"

Is there a special reason you are looking at the Mercedes Benz R350. At first sight, I just thought it was just another station wagon, but of course with the Mercedes logo. If you are looking at a vehicle that is a little larger than your typical sedan, why not look at the Suburban. It will cost you less and it will roll 7 days a week. As I stated in my previous post to you – our company has a S550, and other than being the owner’s personal vehicle, your average retail customer will not find the need to spend the extra money for a typical ride to the airport. A quick question for you – are the Mercedes vehicles in demand in both NY and Atlanta that it would warrant a luxury vehicle at the price of the Mercedes?

"I am buying this a used 06 model and havin a bit of a hard time finding blk on blk what differnce if any does the interior make?"

Like I stated before, it’s a personal preference. The black interior is easier to keep clean.

"I plan on attending the online limo school as well as visit at limo show or 2,are there any books or other tools any of you would say is a must for a rookie to have or learn?"

Have you looked at Tom Mazza's series of guides? They can be useful and he does post on this forum.

[Matt Harrison]

Hi Ace and welcome to the Forum,

Without a doubt – the NYC market is better from a volume standpoint. Atlanta is strong too. I would say that if you are in NYC now, it would be better to start out where you are in your element.

Working for a black car service, if I were in your position, I would choose a black/black Lincoln town car.

If you must have a Benz, definitely stay in NY. There is a demand for them in that market; far less than a Town Car, but a demand none the less.

In the interior question, as KC mentioned, black is much easier on the eyes after a few hundred people cycle through the back seat. With a grey or tan interior after a while it will become almost impossible to get it clean. You can wind up cleaning the leather right off the seats trying to get them back to new looking. And a grey or tan carpet? Don't even get me started...

As far as Limo Education – the forum is a good place to start. It would also be good order a couple years of back issues from Limo Digest and LCT Magazine and read up. There is a book called “Wheels of Gold” on the market, you can find that on Amazon. Tom Mazza has a great “How to” DVD on the market available through MTG or from his website at www.tommazza.com (http://www.tommazza.com) . Trade shows are a must as well – don’t miss the educational seminars, they are of immense value to a new limousine businessperson.

A coach helps too – that’s what I do.

Good luck in your business and take care!

[nyace]

Must i have a benz? No. I do enjoy a luxury car as far as my personal prefence.I have consired a yukon or escalade so maybe i will look into those a bit more as maintince will be cheaper gas may be a lil more. Those are 8cylinders and heavier vechiles compared to the r350 which is a six.I also will be checking out those books thanx.

[nyace]

Originally posted by nyace:
Must i have a benz? No. I do enjoy a luxury car as far as my personal prefence.I have consired a yukon or escalade so maybe i will look into those a bit more as maintience will be cheaper gas may be a lil more. Those are 8cylinders and heavier vechiles compared to the r350 which is a six.I also will be checking out those books thanx.

Honestly the cost of the 06 benz is about the same as a 07 lincoln and yukon and cheaper then the escalade. Maintience is higher on the benz

I know nothing much at all far as demand in atl my reason for wanting to relocate is a much more comfortable lifestyle compared to cost of living in ny.

[Matt Harrison]

Originally posted by nyace:
Maintience is higher on the benz


BINGO on the Maintenance!

The Suburban or Denali or Town Car sells well in both places. Grandma always told me not to use the "C" word so I won't comment on that, except to note that maintenance is an issue there as well. If you are going SUV, the Suburban or Denali make the grade in either market.

[Cliff Robinson]

Hey Nyace

If you end up going to Atlanta I own a Condo off of Ralph Magill Blvd right in the heart of the City I am selling or will lease it as well.

I am in Portland and have considered moving into the Atlanta Market as well with a office there. Atlanta regulations are alot more open then NYC but there are hundreds of companies and as in NYC the competition is stiff. But as always a good company doing great work should have no problems.

In Portland I face all kinds of hurdles. The Airport and Local Authority has had a Moratorium on new business here for almost 4 years so I can not get an Airport Permit which would really boost my business I have to farm out all such requests but that can be good business to if done right.

Many Business customers are asking for SUV's now for Airport runs I get those calls all the time from out of state Operators booking for their clients. You have to know your market and do some research. Which would be most likely to be worked and average runs

Best wishs

[BirmLimo - Michael Birmingham]

I run 2 - 2007 Expedition EL's that are black on black and the demand is there. We has 8 reservations yesterday alone in these.

Forget the Escalade and Navigator - why pay $50,000 ? I ran Suburbans for years and will never again. The quality really has gone down hill. The wind noise alone drives you crazy. Our clients love the Expedition EL. It is very smooth , quiet and confident on the road. Plus , as a Ford Fleet customer , the price is very nice