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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
"Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
Participant Registered: November 01, 2005
Posts: 45
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Posted
Guess you don't happen to work anywhere in the Ft. Myers/Naples area then... They are regulating the hell out of carriers down there. Permit for the airport and one for each county; city of Ft. Myers even wants you to have physical office in their township before they will grant PUs in their city. Catching on in more and more areas as a way of generating revenue. The regulations are put in place because not every oporator is, (as you put it) a skillfull business person. There are a lot of people out ther touting themselves as legitimate companies but operating without proper or even decent insurance (meaning just the basic liability on car only). Guys who thought to themselves - hey I can do this, and having their buddy drive the car cause they popped a few too many beers at lunch, or showing up in jeans/shorts and t-shirt. Gives real professionals bad name/image. Problem is - every little municipality wants to set its own rules. And the state offices don't have the system/money in place to enforce laws already on books. |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
Have you ever read the state transportation laws? We are regulated by the state who has charged the DOT with setting standards pursuant to various CFR's & face upwards of a $5k fine for 1st offense & $25k for repeat violations. The State also regulates the minimum insurance you must carry. All the DOT has to do is push enforcement. Somehow the whole west coast of Florida with the exception of Hillsborough seems to get along fine without local regulators breathing down the necks of motor carriers. No headlines blaring about wrecks & dead passengers spewed across the roadways or rapes of passengers in the wee hours, nothing. One of the reasons it is so damn hard to get the attention of the politicos for a state permit system and do away with the multiples. I work strictly intrastate charters & you will have to specifically point out what post I made referring to anything else. Don't confuse my stances on intrusive & illegal local regulatory practices with what I actually do. Finally, what skillfull business person would need a regulatory agency to set minimum price structures? This in itself is a contradiction and by the way only in place to protect the cabbies. Now back on topic of the top concern of customers not business owners trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. "Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
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Participant Registered: November 01, 2005
Posts: 45
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Posted
Pardon me if I was mistaken...
But you stated farther down in this thread: I'm located in a very high populated retired communtiy. You CHOOSE to operate in THIS AREA... Being retired, these folks are bored. They will reserve transfers 30 to 90 days out. Then 2 days out, cancellations. These folks will not even hesitate or think twice about saying, "oh, my neighbor is driving me". Do you charge a cancellation fee? And as I have discovered as I befriend others or take farm ins, there is no loyalty. You can give unprecedented service & on the very next trip these folks are back skimming the yellow pages looking for the cheapest ride. I'm getting to the point where if a bigger job comes in, I will be doing the cancelling. So what - let them skim and skimp... Offer better product, better service, charge accordingly - the tire-kickers and lowballers EVENTUALLY go away. Point is you deal and dicker w/ them (as you have statedhere and in past that you are tired of doing so). We all have to deal with regulatory agencies (and it won't get any better), and I appreciate many of the points you make regarding them. But I have read posts where you want to have the right to offer split runs (or 2 point to points) for sporting events or concerts, etc. - rather than have to charge for a charter. I also read that you dislike having to charge minimums per job/hour - which I take to mean you wouldn't mind getting paid less for the service you provide. Again I say it's the way you position yourself... |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
I was going to let this go but will not. What are you talking about??? First of all you are based in a completely opposite demographic area then what is located some 60 miles to your north including having the luxury of tapping into a population of a mil v. 150k with 3 WALMART Super centers 15 min apart. What you offer is based on personal desire & the demands of the HCPTC whether you like it or not. You are located in a major business hub & tourism destination v. retirement communities. Your APs are a hop, skip and jump v. 60 - 90 miles hauls. In other words, you scanned this thread without absorbing the gist what was being posted & you assume to know my experience in this industry (nothing compared to yours) & you assume to have an understanding of the market I am selling a product to or even what product I am offering. I'm not berating you either, read, & understand the topic before responding though especially if you attach my name to it. Putting an upscale limousine service in a middle class retirement community makes as much sense as opening a Burberry Botique as part of a community redevelopment. Neither the cars nor clothes will move off the shelves. "People want economy & they'll pay almost any price to get it" L. Iacocca "Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
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Participant Registered: November 01, 2005
Posts: 45
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Posted
I hate to say this Gunny - but you, like so many operators out there (in cities everywhere) get clients wanting to shop on price alone because you guys 'position yourselves for just that'.
Stop competing with every other operator out there for the cheapie runs, update your fleet (if necessary), raise your prices and reach for an upperscale clientele. They ARE aound, looking for companies that provide better service and attention - AND they are willing to pay more for a little exclusivity. You might lose some (ok, A LOT) of those lowball clients - but you wind up with a better class of clientele who use limos on more regular basis (not just airports either). You've got all summer (our slow season) to do this, provided you want to. Otherwise just keep on with the status quo... I'm not berating you - but I do get somewhat tired of reading comlaints from individuals that CHOOSE to conduct their business so. |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
This is the exact reason why no local agency located in a jurisdiction holding regional transportation hubs should be dictating types of vehicles & service provisions to the intrastate carrier. The idiots in Tampa think my arrest was the catalyst for the civil action I've brought against them. There is not one mention of the arrest in my Motion for Summary Judgment. There is however reference to the Transportation Policy of the US Title 49 ss 13101 as well as ss 14501 ( a ) & ( c ). In particular with 13101 is, " meet the needs of passengers & consumers, allow a variety of quality and price options, allow the most productive use of equipment and energy resources". Bottom line with these agencies is, don't force me into a certain transportation category unless financial protection is in place. If I worked in a market that demands upscale luxury transportation & I can obtain the price that such service commands,I'd be doing it. "Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
Limo God Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Registered: July 10, 1999
Posts: 2830
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Posted
Gunny, i feel bad for you because your operating area is not normal. Retirees are on fixed-incomes and many have lived thru the great depression.
There is no educating these folks on price shopping; only best price best price best price .... I think they'd be happy going to the airport on a RICKSHAW if they saved $4. |
Limo God Location: Serving All Major Cities in Texas
Registered: September 03, 2002
Posts: 1690
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Posted
I will only fly SW airlines if there is nothing else available even if I have to pay a bit more. I hate feeling like cattle, not being able to preboard, not being able to upgrade etc...
They do have nice employees though. Tony Franzetti Marriton Limousine, Austin, TX   |
Participant Registered: May 30, 2006
Posts: 6
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Posted
One word shellshock victims
HCPTC RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
I'm located in a very high populated retired communtiy. Being retired, these folks are bored. They will reserve transfers 30 to 90 days out. In addition to the initial call I will receive a minimum of 3 calls confirming the reservation. Then 2 days out, cancellations. These folks will not even hesitate or think twice about saying, "oh, my neighbor is driving me". And as I have discovered as I befriend others or take farm ins, there is no loyalty. You can give unprecedented service & on the very next trip these folks are back skimming the yellow pages looking for the cheapest ride. I'm getting to the point where if a bigger job comes in, I will be doing the cancelling.
"Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
GRAND MASTER LUFF / Part Time Bartender Location: Bakersfield, CA 93307
Registered: April 28, 2001
Posts: 1576
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Posted
I am not sure why or where it was determined that Southwest was number one in anything. Continental is #1 financially. Consumer Affairs ranks Southwest as #3 in quality and in the star ranking system they are #5. (Google: Airline Rankings).
When I just need to get from Point A to Point B, Southwest Airlines is an option. I know I will only get peanuts and a cup of soda. I know it is budget, no frills, second class service. I know their is no such thing as First Class on Southwest. I run a luxury tranportation service like Gunny. I make a decision to use Southwest based on convenience. When we travel on vacation, I fly United, American or Continental and there simply is NO comparison to the no-frills Southwest Airlines. I believe people will pay more for better service. I know I certainly will. Hope you got a good night sleep Gunny and may the lady have missed her flight! |
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Newcomer Location: LOS ANGELES
Registered: May 11, 2006
Posts: 3
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Posted
I do between 50 to 70 runs everyday, if raising the rate $15 to $25 I would lose about half of those runs a day, I know most of the clients are about price and then they do expect 5 star service and I beleave you can still give the service they expect. |
"Provider of World Class Service and Luxury" Location: Portland, Oregon
Registered: May 05, 2006
Posts: 188
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Posted
Who says SouthWest is #1 YOU? LOL I am not so sure about their TOP Service either I have never been impresed with them and I fly alot. I switched from Southwest to UNited Mostly because I and my AMEX Card Love the MIles program and rewards program My wife loves it even better than I do>HA!
Yes it is true being cheap does not mean having to get bad service either bUT the simple truth is if you Give Great Service, Go the Entra mile, most customers are willing to pay more for the assurance of Service than a cheap ride. Yea we all try to get the best deals we can but they are not always what we actually pay for are they? I had a GUy try to get me to come down $75 dollars on a three hour wedding Gig Saturday evening and I simply told hIm sorry cant do it. He actually begged me to accept the offer. I asked him what he did for a Living. He said he was in the Temporary Employment Business as a Manager. I asked hIm if I could get three Employees for the Price of two for a couple of days work. He laughed at me and said of course not! I reminded him of our earlier conversation and tha fact that I was not a Used Car salesman, I was a Luxury Limousine Operator for hire and I did not give my work away either except to Charitable corporations which he was not one! I invited him to call around and get prices he said he already had and NO one would do it. I said I was sorry but I was not going to either. I suppose I could have been Kind and taken the Money and done the Job but the Money was not the point it was the way he came across to me. We are not Used car salesmen and women and those who think they are simply hurt our business as a whole! WE are preveyors of Luxury Transportation at least most of us are! When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a Manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice! |
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Newcomer Location: LOS ANGELES
Registered: May 11, 2006
Posts: 3
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Posted
Remenber southwest airlines is one of the cheapest airlines around but they are #1, just because you are the cheapest dont mean you cant give top service, because at the end of the day if you can book the run and still make a profit you win.
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Newcomer Location: LOS ANGELES
Registered: May 11, 2006
Posts: 3
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Posted
Remenber southwest airlines is one of the cheapest airlines around, and they are #1 so just because you are cheapest dont mean you cant give top service, so at the end of the day if you can book the run and make a profit you win.
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Limo Master Location: seattle, wa
Registered: January 03, 2006
Posts: 360
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Posted
Most of the time we get a job(reservation) because of the pricing and the way we answer the phone. I have gotten comments from so many people that we were polite and talking from a land line instedt of a cell phone and that the price seems fair.
Then the customers stay with us because of our quality of service. The last thing for them will be the year of the car. As long as you have a right vechicle for them they will be happy. If not the the process starts all over again. |
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Limo God Location: Spring Hill Florida
Registered: August 17, 2004
Posts: 2688
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Posted
From 1994 to now I've worked this business in 2 states (NY & Fl) & have found out that pricing is King. And I want to baseball bat every cut-throat artist there is for screwing up the works.
The only time quality of service seems to come up when the flight is 2 hours late and either the passengers get banged with a wait charge or no service is rendered if it interferes with another commitment. Or listening to folks complain about a shuttle leaving them stranded due to late flights. Errr excuse me, what in the hell did you think you paid for? I operate under licensure from the state as a seller of travel whereas I posted a $10k bond with the state so if I screw up & someone suffers financial injury all they have to do is file a claim with the state. Even with this backing idiots who have laid out thousands for a Alaska cruise or trip to China shop for the cheapest ride to the AP at 4am. My voice mail indicates my hours are 8 - 6. I answer the phone after 6 only if it is convenient to me. At 945 this evening a woman called asking about pricing for 6 to Orlando AP. I gave her the price and she hung up without a thank you or anything. 15 minutes later the phone rings again & I let it go. 5 minutes again it rings & a message is left. It is the same woman, seems as though the flight is tommorrow at 8am which equates to a 4-430 pick-up. Every 10 minutes now she is calling. She can walk to Orlando. I'm going to bed.... "Limo Bloodletting aka Raise Regulatory Operating Costs That Must Be Borne By The Consumer - The Limo Industry Leadership's Answer To Combating Gypsy's " Visit www.thefita.com For Updates On Florida Limousine Corruption |
Limo God Location: Lupton mich USA
Registered: May 30, 2002
Posts: 2220
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Posted
Being the highest price is not always a garentee that you are the best. I worked for a few high priced Guys in Detroit that were not any better and in some cases worse than the little one or two Car Guys with little overhead who was able to perform the same service for a lot less money. Just my humble opinion.
David E. Merrill |
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Limo God Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Registered: July 10, 1999
Posts: 2830
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Posted
Always price which is why is our job as operators to educate customers that seeking the "best price" can be a foolhardy priority especially if they value being ontime for their cruise or flight.
A great question to ask is always "Can I ask you something? How upset would you be if you missed your cruise?" This kind of question always gets them thinking that paying an extra $15 may be worth it. |
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