Limousine Business

The Internet and wireless technology has brought about many new changes to the Limousine Industry including new ways in which business is conducted; particularly the fact that clients can now book on-line reservations for your limousine services.  Limousines are a well-known form of transport for Presidents and Celebrities.  However, there is a lot more to it than that and Limousines now provide a multitude of transport services.

Limousine vehicles come in many formats including the popular stretch limo, which is basically a standard vehicle that has been professionally lengthened and fitted out with a range of luxury appointments.  Fit out inside a stretch possibly will include leather and wood grain trim, bar, ice chest or fridge, LCD screens with DVD, Audio systems, play station and even some with karaoke. 
Seating capacity in a stretch depends on the vehicle and can range from six seats to seventeen seats, even more for the super stretch or limousine bus style vehicle.

Sedan limousines, often referred to as a Corporate Car, Hire Car, or Town Car, are a luxury vehicle with a seating capacity of five people including the chauffeur.  Sedan limousines are popular for airport transfers, corporate work and general transfers.  Many people use sedan limousines for their dependability (being picked up on time) and quality of vehicle and in a lot of cases the cost is very comparable to other modes of transport.

Limousine and Chauffeur Driven service companies sometimes specialise in one form of vehicle whether it be stretch or sedan and provide services especially for that market, whereas some companies will provide a range of vehicle options, which may include stretch, sedan, people movers – like a Tarago or Voyager, mini buses and coaches.  Most limousine companies now offer a diverse and flexible range of services and some with a multitude of vehicle options added with high service levels, quality of vehicles and competitive rates.

Limousines are popular, especially stretch limousines, for that wow factor needed to surprise and impress a loved one or for special occasions where chauffeurs will provide that extra level of service to make it really something.  Limousines are also a competitive and dependable form of transport for airport to hotel transfers, unique occasions or trips to special events like the football...

In Australia’s capital cities, there is still an opportunity for an individual to make good money single handedly operating a Limousine Business.  In fact it is one of the few businesses that needs very little start up capital; you can lease a vehicle, lease the Limousine Service Licence and provided you obtain the appropriate driving and operating licences you simply start working. 

Before thinking about entering the Limousine Industry however, you should consider the following:

• You will need to work well on a flexible schedule, one day you may work 14 hours straight.  The next day you may only have one trip at 4.00am.  If you are a 9 to 5 type of person, you will not last in this business.
  
  
• You must be willing to adjust your personal schedule when an important call comes in.  Remember this is a 24/7 venture …………….. that’s 24 hours 7 days a week that you can be making money.
  
  
• Can you put yourself in a service industry roll?  Clients are paying to have the door opened for them and have their luggage carried and they will expect a clean-shaven, well dressed chauffeur………… are you prepared to ‘measure up’?
  
  
• You will need to have a cheerful “No Problem” attitude, whether you are taking a reservation on the phone or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
  
  
• You need to change with the times.  This industry – like everything else in the world is ever changing.  You must update your vehicles on a regular basis and invest in new technology as it becomes available.
  
  
• You should also be a good driver – and just because you’ve never had an accident, does not mean you are a good driver.  Over the years I have met plenty of people who think they are good drivers because they’ve never had an accident……………. truth is they have caused hundreds.  Driving too cautiously can sometimes be just as dangerous as driving recklessly and keep in mind that when you are being paid for driving you have become a Professional Driver.
  
• Finally, you’ll need to make a commitment to this lifestyle; a price has to be paid for success.  Almost invariably those who have reached levels of success in this business have worked harder and longer, practiced more self-denial and overcome more difficulties than those of us who have never risen so far.

Services provided and rates differ between operators and companies.  Generally, services will include weddings, funerals, formals, corporate transfers, tours, airport transfers, plus general transfers.  Some operators offer pre set itineraries for tours, whether it be for winery tours, sight seeing tours, nightclub tours etc. or a vehicle can be booked ‘as directed’.  Rates are generally charged by either the hour or a set rate for the journey that the client is traveling.  Some operators, in fact most, charge waiting time so if the client leaves the limousine waiting it's much like a taxi, in that the meter is still running so to speak. 
 
The secret to success is to manage your time and not allow yourself to get burnt out.  You cannot be productive if you drive all night and answer the phones all day.  You must have time off and ask for help with the phones.  It’s true that no one will run your business better than you will, but you need your health and time to rest to be at your best.