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Personal auto insurance usually has a livery exclusion, meaning your passengers and car will not be covered if you are using it for hire. Start searching for a business auto policy that covers livery service early, as it can take 4 to 6 weeks to get in place. Most clients find their limousines online, so a website is vital. Unless you are an experienced site designer, you will probably want to hire a professional to create a polished website. Web designers will build your site and take care of registering your domain name and selecting a webhost. The more you pay, the more input you will have in creating a unique site. The cost of web design varies depending on whether you use a solo developer in the US ($25-$100/hr), an offshore web company ($10-$40/hr), or an established US agency ($60-$200/hr). Offshore firms can design sites starting at around $500, while the cost of a US firm will usually range from $5,000-$10,000, with solo developers falling somewhere in-between. You will most frequently be charged by the minute for your toll-free numbers. Call around for the best rates. Once you have the number, you can print business cards with it and your website. These cards are a key way to grow your business. You will give them to customers and leave them at clubs and hotels. If you are establishing a virtual call center, you will need to negotiate contracts with existing limousine companies that specify the commission you will receive. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle. A black Town Car is a good starter for airport transfers and corporate customers. It is less expensive than a stretch limo. A stretch limo is necessary for most of the most lucrative services weddings, funerals, proms and graduations so you'll want to add one to your fleet as soon as possible. Start with a white limo, as these are most popular for weddings, proms, graduations, and other special events. If possible, purchase both a black sedan and a limousine so that you can provide the full range of services airport and corporate business during the week, and special events on the weekends. You can install a meter in your car, but limousine drivers are increasingly opting for online services that schedule appointments, notify drivers where to pick up customers, and handle payment. Even if you know your town like the back of your hand, there will be addresses that you've never heard of. A navigation system will not only ensure that you don't get lost, it can also help you avoid traffic, thereby greatly improving your clients' experience. Advertising is the key to succeeding in the limousine business. The more inquiries you receive, and the more of those inquiries you convert into sales, the more money you can make. A polished website and business cards are a key starting point. Also consider: Pay-per-click advertising Buying internet traffic is the quickest way to bring people to your website. However, make sure you are targeting the right audience. Clicks cost you money, and if tons of visitors leave without purchasing your services or product, you can lose money. The two major advertisers are GoogleAds and Facebook. Craigslist, the yellow pages, and radio spots Make sure you have a professional ad in both the yellow pages and craigslist, for those who search there. Radio spots can be effective, though they are more expensive than internet advertising. Hotels and night clubs Talk with the manager and drop off your card. Consider giving 5% commission to hotel doormen and club staff. If someone needs a limo, you want to be the person they recommend.
Get insurance. Create a website. Get a toll-free number and print business cards. Purchase your vehicle or arrange contracts with other companies. Choose a payment system. Purchase a navigation system. Advertise your service.