The Limos.com Forum Has Moved!!!

Hello everyone I am in the process of starting my limo business , actually I am going to texas on monday to collect my first limo, a Dabryan Lincoln towncar 120 inch stretch. I am taking over a lease from a company going under. My specialty will be weddings since I already own a thriving wedding videography business. I look forward to sharing my experiences with this forum. By the way i paid 25,000 for the vehicle it has 87,000 miles.

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Take a look at the blog below.
Limo News

Visited the site and like most of what I saw. Nice Job!

Low, welcome, not sure if you had a question. The success of a limo company really depend's on geographic area/supply-demand. Yeah you can read all the book's/dvd's out there, have a roll's phantom stretch in your driveway, but if there's no demand for limo's in your area, the phone will not ring, the limo will sit and rot. It's sound's like you will have a good niche' though, perhap's offering a limo/video combo package. That way you will not have the headache's or maintence of offering other services (airport/charter,etc...). And one last important issue, just make sure your legal with insurance limit's in your state/area to transport say 7-10 people. Last thing you want is a lawsuit if an accident occured involving customer's with injuries.

There are a number of companies in this Market who attempt to pass off a 120" Inch stretch as a 10 passenger vehicle and it just does not work. You end up with unhappy clients and more trouble then it is worth.

I refuse to do it.Most in fact are only Rated for 7 in the back by the Manufacture label usually just inside the door frame on either side.

I always step them up to a larger vehicle when they have 8 or more just for comforts sake and they usually appreciate the nudge to a larger car when you sell the advantage of leg room and comfort. THINK ABOUT IT!

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Originally posted by Lowground:
Hello everyone I am in the process of starting my limo business , actually I am going to texas on monday to collect my first limo, a Dabryan Lincoln towncar 120 inch stretch. I am taking over a lease from a company going under. My specialty will be weddings since I already own a thriving wedding videography business. I look forward to sharing my experiences with this forum. By the way i paid 25,000 for the vehicle it has 87,000 miles.

First I'd like to pay attention on fact that the nature of the business is very competitive. There are many companies and vehicles in this market. These companies will do anything they can to steal your regular customers. You might want to consider working for a company before starting your own, get some experience and skills.
Also you should think about the following topics and even more in mentioned here http://www.booklimo.co.uk/, I will say just the main:
• Obtaining a Limousine Company Business License
• Shopping for your Limousine or Sedan
• Insurance - Don't be Fooled
• Internet Marketing - Reaching the World
• Exclusive Restaurants - Know Your Clients
• Exclusive Hotels - Marketing High End Clients
• Travels Agents - Tap into the Travel Industry Experts
• Taking the Call - Completing the Booking Process
• Contracting Out - Offer more Services
• Limo Business Software - Tracking, Billing
• Business Cards for Limousine Companies
• Images of Limousines
• Why Limo Companies Fail

Good luck

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Originally posted by cedarmill:

I would strongly suggest getting hold of a DOT consultant in Illinois. I did all the DOT paperwork myself, but I would get a consultant if I did it all over again. Just a lot of paperwork to keep track of, just my opinion.



Rich Rottier
cedarlimo@yahoo.com
(219) 730-3850

I second that. I went it on my own as well, and got through my audit fine, but it would have been much easier and stress free if I had a consultant showing me the way.

Add to that the fact that the rules change as often as the weather, (State and Federal, no matter where you operate) and an consultant is nearly a must unless you really know what you are doing.

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Originally posted by cedarmill:
I would strongly suggest getting hold of a DOT consultant in Illinois. I did all the DOT paperwork myself, but I would get a consultant if I did it all over again. Just a lot of paperwork to keep track of, just my opinion.

Here is the contact information for a DOT consultant that I work closely with. Super guy and is one of the better educated DOT consultants that I have met.

Jeff Schroeder
SCHROEDER ASSOCIATES, LLC
"Helping Clients Deliver" sm
(800) 253-5338 Ext 704 (Voice)
(800) 253-5338 (Regular Fax)
(866) 495-1465 (Secure Digital Fax)
Jeff@SchroederAssociates.Com

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Originally posted by Jim30:
(Sorry Steve, thats just how it is for the most part).

No problems Mi Amigo... just sharing my 2 pennies here and there... learning along the way...

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thank you so much
I want to know that how do limo companies get orders from other limo companies ??

Establish yourself in your local market and shake hands with local owners. Join your local association. Unless you are in a market that has no limo companies already servicing, you can forget about Boston Coach, ELS, Partners and all the big "national" companies. They are 99% sure already tied up by other companies and you will just be wasting your time (Sorry Steve, thats just how it is for the most part). Focus local and focus on your internet marketing. Use the wedding shows you already go to as a photographer and promote the hell out of packages that you can roll together with photos and limo. Focus more on your business and less about how to get work from the other guys and you will be successful.

Good luck!

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Originally posted by gigi:
I want to know that how do limo companies get orders from other limo companies ??

There appear to be a number of ways operators farm out business to local associates. Some require fees to setup and a fee / percentage on a referral or booked job.

First, there are several national referral networks you might particate in; FleetBOOK, BostonCoach and Partners are a few that come to mind.

Second, other local operators will book business that they cannot fill and work with other professionals in their market to make sure the consumer gets the service; these are built by meeting and gaining the trust of the other operators so that when the situation comes up, you wil be one of the firms they are willing to pass business to.

Lastly, there are organizations like Limos.com, who take leads they generate fro their website and sell them to operators. You can ask the guys here about the value of the Limos.com connection to their business.

As a newby, you may also want to connect with a limo business coach; the best one I know of is Matt Harrison of www.GoodWillGuy.com. Give hm a call - he will save / make you a lot more money that he'll ever cost you. He specializes in companies just starting and in their early growth stage.

What did I miss guys?

Please do not forget to tell us the year of the car you just bought. If you a looking for praise from experienced people on this fourm include all the details. If the car is a 2004-2007 you got a good deal, depending on condition. If its older than 2003 maybe you got a good deal. If its 2000 or older your a moron.

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Originally posted by Steve W.:
Welcome Lowground!

Now that you own your own limo you will get to experience one of the greatest hassles of this business:

The photographer taking to long with the pictures and making you late for your next pick up!! LOL

Good Luck! Glad to have ya!
Steve

Priceless!

Gigi,

I just started a limo business in NW Indiana. Insurance questions contact Phil T. Brun

502-569-2756 Direct
pbrun@kielyhines.com

I would strongly suggest getting hold of a DOT consultant in Illinois. I did all the DOT paperwork myself, but I would get a consultant if I did it all over again. Just a lot of paperwork to keep track of, just my opinion.

If I can help in any way feel free to contact me.

Rich Rottier
cedarlimo@yahoo.com
(219) 730-3850

does any body knows that what is the process of getting PT Plates in ILlinois? and how do we get insurance on limo ,insurance will be on owner's name or corporations name ??? please don't mind my stupid questions ,I am just a biggener!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally posted by InTheLeftLane:
Welcome Gigi & Lowground - lots going on around here and many compatriots also starting their business. Welcome!

thank you so much
I want to know that how do limo companies get orders from other limo companies ??

Welcome Gigi & Lowground - lots going on around here and many compatriots also starting their business. Welcome!

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Originally posted by gigi:
I am also a new chick on board , does any body knows that what do I need to get PT plates and startup new business in Illinois? I already have a corporation and I am buying a 10 pax ,120" liancoln with 87K miles,for 20K is it a good deal ,also need some help and guidence to startup a new business

You may or may not be aware that 99% of 10 Pax 120s will only accommodate 7 or 8 passengers in the back. The driver's area seating is included in the count.

If the seller says you can get 10 passengers in back, don’t believe it. It would be overloading which is unsafe and uncomfortable.

If you want to be able to cart 10+ passengers, consider a 140 or larger stretch.

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Originally posted by gigi:
I am also a new chick on board , does any body knows that what do I need to get PT plates and startup new business in Illinois? I already have a corporation and I am buying a 10 pax ,120" liancoln with 87K miles,for 20K is it a good deal ,also need some help and guidence to startup a new business

Get the book "Wheels of Gold", there is a lot of info for start-up companies.

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Originally posted by Steve W.:
Welcome Lowground!

Now that you own your own limo you will get to experience one of the greatest hassles of this business:

The photographer taking to long with the pictures and making you late for your next pick up!! LOL

Good Luck! Glad to have ya!
Steve

Oh how very true

I am also a new chick on board , does any body knows that what do I need to get PT plates and startup new business in Illinois? I already have a corporation and I am buying a 10 pax ,120" liancoln with 87K miles,for 20K is it a good deal ,also need some help and guidence to startup a new business