How to Start a Limousine Company

The popularity of chauffeured driving vehicles is increasing daily. And limo operators are smiling all the way to the bank. Such services are needed at glamour events, weddings, engagements, night outs and Prom nights.  

Limousine service is easy to setup but requires moderate startup capital. The major inventory is the vehicle and an operational base. The business is highly lucrative and practicable as a home based business.

To run a limo company you need a dedicated office and telephone number. To attract patronage invest in an effective marketing strategy.

The job involves punctuality, varied working hours, patience and dedication. The vehicle must be in pristine shape to avoid breakdowns and disappointment.

Professionalism and safety of your passengers is paramount. Other requirements are commercial driving license and business license. Here are a few things you need to sat a limousine company.

How to Start a Limousine Company   

Lease or Purchase

You can’t start a limo service without a vehicle. There are three ways to acquire a vehicle. You could try hire-purchase, lease a vehicle or buy one.

If you choose to purchase a vehicle you could settle for a used vehicle or buy a new one. Your choice depends on the amount of startup capital you have.

If you choose to buy a used vehicle make sure the vehicle is at optimum performance and meets strict safety standards. The interior of the vehicle should be lush and elegant and fitted with quality upholstery Invest in high quality upholstery and other glam interior.

Leasing a vehicle is a much cheaper and faster way to get started. However you need some kind of contract and a trade up agreement.

Make sure you provide adequate parking space for your luxury vehicle. Fit the vehicle with security devices such as a car tracker and a global position device.

Permits and Licensing

Register the business as a sole proprietorship business or limited liability company. You need to take out liability insurance and have a tax identification number.

You need a business license and commercial driver’s license. There are strict ground transportation ordinance for chauffeured vehicles. Once you acquire the ground transportation operational permit you are good to go.

Hire Staff

You could drive the vehicle yourself and keep all the profit. If you want to hire a driver check if he has any criminal record or traffic violation. 

The driver should have good interpersonal skills, driving skill and commercial driving license. Monitor the driver’s progress through gps technology, millage log and daily performance.

Who are your Clients?

Limo operators service a wide range of clients. They drive customers to social events, glamour venues, clubbing, and night outs.

Other popular events that need limos are prom nights, weddings, engagements, birthdays and vow renewals. Other services provided by operators are to convey tourists and locals to different locations.

Limousine Services

• Local events
• To convey Tourists
• Engagement ceremonies
• Weddings
• Vow renewals
• Night clubbing
• Prom nights
• Social events
• Corporate events
• Birthdays
• Glamour nights

Advertise the Business

Limo services are highly competitive and saturated. So you need an effective marketing strategy to attract patronage.

Add your business to online directories and yellow pages. Use traditional advertisement methods such as print or newspaper adverts.

Build a targeted website and include operational area, address, telephone number, fax and email address. Add images of your vehicles interior and include service prices and hours of operation.

A good way to generate interest is through customer testimonials. Popular target areas for customers are wedding planners, society events  and hotels.
36 best automobile business ideas
How to Start a Trucking Business

How to Run a Motorcycle Store