Tips For Limousine Companies to Conserve Costs

It is obvious that many businesses out there are feeling the crunch of these economic times. We have all heard in the news about mass layoffs, foreclosures, and struggling families. The good news in all this, is that while some news may look grim, there is still plenty of money to be had with the right market and the right frame of mind. Limousine services have always been seen as an elegant luxury, but there are still numerous ways to adapt to the changes that are going on in the current economy and thrive as a business owner. For all the limousine operators and services out there, here are 5 tips to help you survive in today's market.

1. Join the NLA: The National Limousine Association is completely useful to limousine operators in preserving their business, as they will list you in their published annual Directory of Members, along with their websites. This will already be a prime referral source for you and can also do more by saving you money with a long list of discounts provided to you. Through the NLA, you can save on vehicle glass replacement, monthly Sprint telephone plans, fuel saving discounts, and the list goes on and on.

2. Get the Best Insurance at a Low Cost: This is a great area to save costs as a limousine operator and to benefit your company even more. Look for a reputable insurance company to work with you, and then focus on staying on top of your service's loss run results. The area where you will save the most money insurance-wise is to prove that your company can be trusted so that you can receive reliable and affordable coverage. A sure way to contribute to this is by knowing your chauffeurs and having an arduous hiring process so that there will be little margin for error within your employees who are driving your customers around in your limousines and shuttle buses.

3. Go Green: This will not only save you money economically, but it will also make your service appeal to all the green minded consumers out there that are on the rise. That said, begin marketing your business online, as it will save costs on paper materials, while also targeting the younger, green conscious crowd that does most of their business online. Most corporate companies that use limousine airport services as a luxury want to feel guilt-free in their travel and that they are doing their part for the environment.

4. Purchase Quality Vehicles: Sometimes saving money does take an initial investment, so try to stay away from too good to be true prices on vehicles that will end up costing you more in maintenance than a higher quality vehicle would. Make sure that the manufacturer that you do purchase from has a strong warranty- meaning that they stand behind their product. Also, thoroughly check that all welds have beading all the way around, as this is a simple test of value and integrity in the vehicle.

5. Save on Car Wash Costs: It may seem small, but every little bit helps. Make the plunge into saving on the many car wash costs for your limousines and shuttle buses by having the necessary tools on hand, so the car washing can be done within your own company. This is an easy way to cut back on something that is a complete necessity in having your luxury limousines seen as sparkling and shining for every client they serve.

Overall, the economy does not need to affect every business owner out there, as there will always be a market for what you are providing. Be creative, and look for ways to conserve your costs so that you too can rise above the economic downturn. As a limousine operator, there will still be many clients out there needing your quality and style to take them where they want to go!

Limousine Service 101 Starting a Limousine Company

During my years in the Limousine Transportation Business, I have ran across many people wanting to start their own Limousine Company. I thought I would dedicate my first blog entry to those wanting to start a limousine company. I wanted to touch on a few main points to get you up and running.

1. Limousine Company Rules

Get to know the law- many states require that new limousine companies prove that there is actually a need for additional limousine companies. Make sure you contact the organization which regulates limousine companies in your state. Make sure you get all of the requirements to start a limousine business, especially the insurance liability requirements.

2. Limousine Company Niche

Find your niche. Most all new limousine companies go into the business looking to capture overflow work from others they know in the limousine business already. This is fine at first, but what will be your niche in the long run? What types of clientele will you cater to, and what will make your limousine company stand out? Will it be corporate work, weddings, airports, weekend work, or something else? In whatever direction you choose to take your limousine company there are do's and dont's.

3.Limousine Company Service:

Answer your phone. I can not stress the importance of answering your phone, customers don't like leaving messages, they will simply hang up and call the next limousine company. If you cannot be available at most times, hire someone who can.


Vehicle. Your limousine needs to be in immaculate condition - top of the line. You are the new kid on the block, you need to be as competitive as possible.

Appearance is everything. If I wanted to be picked up by someone in jeans, I would have had my neighbor drive me. Always make sure your chauffer dresses the part. However, remember a tuxedo is not always the answer...

Timing-if you are not at least 15 minutes early to your pick up, then you are late. Don't have your customer waiting for you, you wait for your customer.

Following these steps while starting your limousine business, and building on them as you grow your business will quickly push you ahead of your competitor and increase your staying power.