Many people have trouble starting a transportation service in Seattle. Whether you’re having issues coming up with an outline for your business, starting it initially or what target audience to hit. This step-by-step guide will help you overcome your initial doubts and help guide you on how to grow and maintain a stable Limousine transportation service!
Perfect Guide For Starting A Transportation Services:
Starting a transportation business has some prerequisites. It isn’t like starting a regular business. You need initial funds to set up, start, and maintain your transportation business. Before even buying a new Limo you’ll have to submit specific paperwork and apply for licenses too. In this guide we’ll address all important components starting with legal paperwork:
Legal Paperwork
Before starting a Limousine Transportation service, it’s extremely important for you to complete all the necessary paperwork and get all the licenses and registration. Without completing the legal formalities you cannot operate or even start your business.
This majorly includes:
Apply for a Washington state business license
One of the most basic steps to starting your business is getting a license. |
Commercial Insurance
Commercial insurance is deemed necessary by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). |
Commercial Driver’s License
Required for all drivers working within your company. Your company drivers are unable to drive a Limo without one. |
Delivering On Your Promise
Deliver exactly what you promised to your customers. Failing to do so is like digging a grave for your own business. Your business is done and dusted.
Guess who’s never hiring them again and word of mouth travels fast. A snowball effect that starts small but gradually affects your business in the long run.
Deliver exactly as promised: Your customers might lose faith in your business if you fail.
Showcase your actual vehicles: Showcasing a different Limo on your website and sending another one is a breach of your customer’s trust like no other.
Get More Customers: If you solely focus on providing an enriching experience to your customers they’ll leave your competitors and join you instead
Setting a Marketing Budget
Setting aside a marketing budget for your business is of utmost importance. Initially, you’re relying on things like word of mouth, referrals and paid ad campaigns to cover your initial costs.
Let’s discuss them:
- A website for potential prospects. It helps your business stand out and provide basic business information easily.
- Excellent word of mouth from your initial customers goes a long way in attracting others. When they hear about your services from friends they are willing to pick you over your competition.
- Referrals can be organic or paid. Organic referrals are the best as your satisfied customer does the hard work on your behalf. Paid referrals can work if you pay a fee to an individual with a huge network for every customer they send your way.
Airport Limo Services
Thanks to social media people are spending like crazy on expensive stuff like rental Limos. It helps them stand apart from the crowd and highlights their social status too.
Here’s how you can run a successful business out of it:
- People want an enriching experience when being dropped off at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. They want to feel good about themselves whilst getting VIP treatment from the staff.
- It looks something pretty basic but it’s not and if you nail it. Your business will truly be profitable as you earn a buttload of profits along the way.
Prices & Setting Your Rates
Pre-determined prices are the way to go instead of just winging it. It creates distrust and your customers begin to doubt your capabilities.
Here’s a small guide for setting prices which can help you:
- Hourly rates: Best for corporate travel or during special events
- Flat rates: Ideal for airport transfers or whilst traveling to a specific destination
- Customized Packages: Works best for prom, luxury travel, or weddings
Managing & Expanding Your Business
The hardest part after establishing a business is to maintain and expand it constantly. It’s only possible if you know exactly what you’re doing and doing it better than your competitors. Managing a day-to-day business is hard work and requires your full attention, time, and determination.
Once you are actually earning a nice profit it’s time to expand your business. Here’s how you can do it for your Limo company.
- Hire more drivers: More drivers equal to more margins for profits
- Get more Limousines: So you can meet the market demand whilst turning over profit for yourself. A win-win!
- Delegate tasks: Hire someone to do stuff that takes your precious time so you can focus on earning maximum profits for your business.
Positioning your Brand
You should know exactly who your target audience is. The biggest mistake is starting a transportation service without knowing who to target. Resulting in overwhelm and the business ultimately collapses.
Pro tip:
Do not try to target everyone as it eventually results in no one hiring you. |
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, now is the right time to start a Limousine transportation company due to less competition. You can easily pinpoint a specific niche (e.g. Airport Limos) target a specific set of customers and strike when the iron is hot. This means less competition and room for you to grow exponentially!
FAQ’s
- How much does it cost to start a Limousine transport service in Seattle?
An initial investment of $50-150k is expected.
- How can I get customers for my Limo business?
Websites, referrals and word of mouth are your best bets to get initial customers for your business.
- Can you name a few profitable Limo services in Seattle?
Seattle airport transfers, Limo for prom, luxurious travel, or weddings.
- Can I start a Limo business with 1 vehicle?
Yes, you can start your business with a single Limo but make sure to offer the best services to expand and turn maximum profit.
- Can I run my Limo business remotely?
Yes, you can run your Limo business remotely but it’s best to have a physical office for your customers to inquire about your services 24/7.
- Can I run a Limo business part-time?
Considering the investment you should run your business full time but if you can find steady clients there is no harm in running it part time too.