Brand New

[dreaminbig]

Hi everyone....wow i am overwellmed by the info i am getting from this great site.

I am Brand New to the limo service idea. I live in Baton Rouge where there is plent of potential market for limos. I have only scratched the surface of research for my business. I am asking to all out there for any advice on my very first step..and i mean literaly my first step to get started. I would really love feedback on maybe some of you guys that have successful services on what your very first step was and what you did next. Thanks

[randycl]

I found out the hard way. The advertising is the whole factor of this business. Getting listed on a top 10 rank of a major search engines is very expensive. Getting your car or limo and insurance,permits is very important. But after that is all done you need to advertise and thats where the money starts to be spent.

www.onesixtymiletransportation.org (http://www.onesixtymiletransportation.org)

[Wade Randolph]

Originally posted by dreaminbig:
Hi everyone....wow i am overwellmed by the info i am getting from this great site.

I am Brand New to the limo service idea. I live in Baton Rouge where there is plent of potential market for limos. I have only scratched the surface of research for my business. I am asking to all out there for any advice on my very first step..and i mean literaly my first step to get started. I would really love feedback on maybe some of you guys that have successful services on what your very first step was and what you did next. Thanks

Ill give you one good statistic about the business here. Over 70 companies have come and gone in the last 10 years.

[dreaminbig]

great so your in the limo service in Baton Rouge...thats great to know...like i said i am only researching so far. Well what makes your business not one of those 70 that failed in 10 years...you must be doing it right



Originally posted by Wade Randolph:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dreaminbig:
Hi everyone....wow i am overwellmed by the info i am getting from this great site.

I am Brand New to the limo service idea. I live in Baton Rouge where there is plent of potential market for limos. I have only scratched the surface of research for my business. I am asking to all out there for any advice on my very first step..and i mean literaly my first step to get started. I would really love feedback on maybe some of you guys that have successful services on what your very first step was and what you did next. Thanks

Ill give you one good statistic about the business here. Over 70 companies have come and gone in the last 10 years. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Greenpala]

Remember one thing: Dont sell yourself cheap - Value your business. Sometimes you have to bend the prices but you have to provide top service.
Remember higher prices keep better clientale. Less chargebacks, less headache, better tips, etc.
You have to have skills to run your business. A lot of people think that they can jump into the business just because they have money to invest. You just have to be smart - not loaded.

[Blue Diamond]

I don't remember my first big step. I remember all the headaches and all the red tape very well. I just jumped in with both feet and told the wife, I'll either work hard and succeed or fail giving it my best shot. 9 years and i'm still around. Many others have come and gone.

My biggest advise: Treat you vehicle well!!! Don't skimp on maitenance, repairs, replacement of items, ect. This is what is going to keep you in business! People who race horses don't niglect them if they want winners!!

When you have all your insurance, permits, inspections, state licenses, city permits in order... start advertising. Offer farm outs to other companies. Get out as much as possible. Carry business cards with you everywhere. I've hit many bulletin boards with them!

Advertise in the phone books, news paper annd start a website. (Can you see all the money going out right now?)

When you do take money in, don't blow it on wine and women! Put it right back into your company. You'll be building on your company from the office to the garage for the next 5 years. You can't afford to get broke now!!

After that, it comes down to a friendly face, good personality and treating clients better than you would your Grandmother. Word of mouth will start spreading. Try to find your own niche in the area, something to be known for and remembered by. Free advertising!

Good luck in what you decide. Welcome to the forum!

[Steve Harrod]

There is some great advice to be had on this site. One thing I did not see was gaining experience as a chauffeur. To learn the right way to conduct yourself, what is expected by the client and how to provide it. Also learn the business end of this endeavor. Keep your eye on the ball and soak up as much knowledge as you can. My first move as an operator was trying not to go to crazy over my first vehicle, that all important first car, reliable but don't break the bank, and will it sell! Good Luck and Karma to you.