need help running limo business???

[j niNO]

Hello im new to the site, I found a ton of useful info so thanks in advance.

What type of software should i use for reservations? What is the easiest method of collecting payments? How do i get a credit card machine? Is it a good idea to open a bank account just for the business? I have everything as far as ins. car, and licenses. Just need advice on how to run/manage the finances.

thank you

[CL1]

I got my credit card machine through my bank. I am sure they will set you up with a account just for it. Collect 50% when the reservation is made and the remaining 50% the week before the event. As you are a new start up I do not think software is the way to go. Do it by hand until you get up and going. Another way to go with soft ware is to use Microsoft Outlook.

[Salicete]

Originally posted by j niNO:
Hello im new to the site, I found a ton of useful info so thanks in advance.

What type of software should i use for reservations? What is the easiest method of collecting payments? How do i get a credit card machine? Is it a good idea to open a bank account just for the business? I have everything as far as ins. car, and licenses. Just need advice on how to run/manage the finances.

thank you

1. Try Limo Anywhere, Fastrack, or any of the large number of software applications available. Most offer demos at no charge.

2. Credit cards are the easiest way to collect money. Most people like the convenience and you will likely loose jobs if you can't take credit cards. Get that CC deposit, suffer fewer last minute back outs. I use Merchant Warehouse. No long term contract, cancel anytime. Reasonable fees and you can get a refurb CC machine like a Tranz-330 for about 50 bucks. Again, there are literally hundreds of providers; pick the one that best suits your needs.

3. You must have a bank account for many reasons; here are a few. The IRS, State Tax Collector, and the Unemployment Insurance office- you can pay them directly via an ACH transfer, the fact that you won't be able to get a merchant CC account without one, the fact that you should keep your business and personal finances as separated as possible, the fact that if you ever want business credit, you will need an established account to prove cash flow. Get a business bank account.

Oh ya, hire an accountant and have a good lawyer on tap.

[Limo Scene]

Get yourself to the limo show in Vegas on March 17 - 19. There you will find everything under one roof. One massive show floor of 160,000 square feet. More than double the size of any other limo show in the world. You will find Century Bank Services (CBS), a credit card processor who is devoted to the industry. Calvin and Olya from CBS work hand-in-hand with Eddie from FastTrak Software. Tele Trac will be there with GPS systems that work, you guessed it, hand-in-hand with FastTrak Software.

You will find hundreds of vehicles on display. You will find people that make specialized business cards for the limo indutry. You will find tons of insurance companies that specialize in the limo industry.

It is a limo company playground! Be there. The classes will provide you with a foundation to start with a bang. The keynote speakers will motivate you to get going.

The contacts you make with other limo operators will be invaluable. The timing is right. Visit LCTMag.com (http://LCTMag.com) for more info.

[wimpy01]

Attended the Nov Digest show and found a wealth of info in the seminars. I was extremely disappointed that there was not the opportunity I expected to meet and network with other operators.

I still don't understand the rationale for the Krystal nightclub event, I was under the impression that was to be a networking opportunity, when it turned out to be anything but.

[Garden Joe]

I'm Making plans for the las Vegas show myself. Planet Hollywood has a $99 room special. A recent visit found it the best and luck for me.

Garden Joe

[ccadmin]

Accepting Credit cards is a must for your business. Its also much better to have a separate business bank account for your business and have a separate business credit file as well

http://www.limobizguide.com

[j niNO]

thanks for all the great advice.

[Salicete]

Originally posted by wimpy01:
Attended the Nov Digest show and found a wealth of info in the seminars. I was extremely disappointed that there was not the opportunity I expected to meet and network with other operators.

I still don't understand the rationale for the Krystal nightclub event, I was under the impression that was to be a networking opportunity, when it turned out to be anything but.

Want to network?

If you have not already done so, join your local limousine association. Hands down the best way to start networking.