The Limos.com Forum Has Moved!!!

Hello All,

I am in the process of starting a Limo Service in the northernmost part of Los Angeles - The Santa Clarita Valley. I assume Los Angeles is one of the biggest Limo markets in the world. I am planning on buying a White Krystal 120" and focusing on Weddings, Proms and Special Occasions. I am excellent at marketing online - using limos.com, building a website, getting into the google searches, etc. I have 10 years experience driving on the East Coast. BUT - my question is: Do you guys/girls think it is too hard to break into this market? How hard will it be to get my car booked 2 times per week? Any advice for getting started in LA? Any LA companies want to give me thier info should I get a "2 car" booking?

Thanks!

MJ Wolfe

BTW Wolfe here is a basic order to do things in if you have not seen this. Seems like you are well on your way!

Start up In CA

This is a great area to start a retail limo business. The Santa Clarita valley has many natural advantages in relation to other parts of LA. It's growing rapidly, it's' predominately upper middle class, and it's geographically isolated from the urban core.

One the problems marketing a retail limousine service in LA is the fact that it's so diverse. It's difficult and expensive to build a brand in such a large area. A few companies such as Norman Lewis and Jackson have succeeded, but they've directed their marketing at the African-American community. An alternative approach is to target specific regions of the city. Companies such as Palos Verdes Limousine and Hilltop have successfully executed this methodology. By focusing on a specific area, it's cheaper and easier to build brand recognition.

The Santa Clarita Valley is perfect for this type of marketing. The residents view themselves as distinct from LA. As a result, they purchase goods and services from local businesses. This includes caterers, venues, decorators, dj's, jewelers, photographers, and wedding planners. If you build relationships with these vendors and network with community organizations, you should do fine.

If you plan to do farm-in work, you should contact The Limousine Connection. This company specifically caters to the Santa Clarita Valley. Another service to consider is Desert Star Limousines. This company services the High Desert and Santa Clarita. Farm-in work can be a mixed bag, but should keep you afloat while you build your business.

Gook Luck

Dave

Hey Wolfe welcome to the forum!

Santa Clarity valley is a booming area and while many LA companies serve the area most of them charge a travel time fee to come up from the Los Angeles basin so you may already have a cost advantage for customers. If you can get up and runing in the next month or so you will start catching some of the wedding business.

Starting up you may want to do some networking with other limo companies to get some referral business. Look into joining, or just coming to some of the events of the Greater California Livery Association these are some of the top companies in the area and are always looking for quality affiliates that will represent them well. Just looked we have the Expo coming up on the 15th of this month. Will post info below.

When you said 10 years experience is that driving a limo? or just driving in general?

Good Luck!


'GCLA California Expo'
Please contact Program Committee Chair Mark Stewart for more information regarding the California Expo, this will include Vendor Displays, and the Coachbuilder / Dealer Car Show. 866-392-4252 or email at strcoach@pacbell.net

Hi MJ,

No, I think you will do fine in Los Angles. LA has many people and your focus is quite different than other operators. If you need help with getting the State License and or company marketing, I help new operators do this. You can reach me at dhartson@aol.com. If you are set, yes you will do well.

Dave