How to Start a Limousine, Limo or Taxi Business 1-2-3

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Limousine Business Start-Up Plan

According to Limos.com, businesses spend upwards of $20 billion annually on limousine and towncar service for their employees. This is a huge market, and this doesn't even include customers who book limos for events, recreation travel and running errands.

With such a large customer base, the field is also very competitive. Entrepreneurs need to learn the tricks of the trade to stand a chance of being successful.

Starting a Limousine or Taxi Service Checklist:

1. Obtain the necessary business licenses. Check with your local government office to find out which licenses and permits you need for your limousine business and how to apply.

2. If you plan to operate your limo service out of your home, check with your local government office about zoning ordinances and possible land use restrictions

3. Set up a business bank account with your local bank. It is important to keep your limo or taxi business and personal finances separate, and often your banker can help with small business loans or financing.

4. Arrange a meeting with an accountant to discuss tax strategies and ways to maximize your business tax deductions. You can often get great referrals from other business owners you know.

Get the Limousine Business Plan

5. File your business name with the county clerk, or if you want to form a corporation, find out the advantages of incorporating your limousine business.

6. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss insurance you may need for your driving service business. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) is a good place to start. You can also get free quotes online for business insurance

7. Set up a phone system for your company. Whether you use a toll-free 800 phone number, a multi-line phone system, VoIP or simply add an additional phone number to your existing service, you'll want a designated line to establish a professional business image.

8. Order business cards. One of the cheapest ways I know of to advertise a business. See how you can design your own professional business cards online, plus simple tips for increasing your sales >> Free Business Cards (see also: design your own logo).

9. Get limousine software that lets you manage your business from anywhere, lets you accept customer payments in real time and then create invoices in a few simple clicks.

10. Get a website. Save money by creating your own website with simple online design programs, or outsource the job to an affordable website designer. Even if you just use a website to display information about your auto service company, it's important to take advantage of this low-cost marketing resource that can present an impressive image and help you get more customers.

Limousine Business Resources:

Sample Limousine Business Plan Register Your Business Name Business Accounting Software Easy Payroll Online

Limo Reservation Software Online Fax Accept Credit Cards Free Car Door Custom Magnet

Limousine Marketing: Finding Limo Clients

• Search Engine Local Listings
  Advertise locally and reach people on their smartphones, iPads and computers. Google, Yahoo and Bing. This gives you a listing on the map, and you can provide contact information and additional company details in the listing. See also: $50 Online Advertising Credit

• Webvisible
  Let Webvisible advertise your limousine service online. They take care of all internet marketing tasks and can target local customers for your business - so all you need to do is take incoming customer calls.
  
• MiNeeds.com
  Use this online ad network to post your limousine company for people who need limousine service. Set up a company profile for free, and MiNeeds notifies you when you have an interested customer. The website also lets customers post reviews, so you can build a "portfolio" of happy customer testimonials to help sell your limo service to others.
  
  
• Advertise on Facebook
  Facebook lets you advertise on their website. You can open an advertising account for free and pay only when a visitor clicks on your ad (on the Facebook website) and then visits your site. Facebook advertising enables you to focus your ads on people by specific location, age, gender, interests, etc. This can be a perfect ad space for a Limo or taxi company that wants customers from a specific geographic location.
  
  
• Design Your Own Promo Items
  Partner with local restaurants, clubs, bars and other event venues and leave free promo items for people (like keychains). Make sure your contact details are easily visible on the pieces. Design promotional items that spark intest and offer value. >> 50% OFF custom printed keychains!