I just started a Limousine Service and would like any and all suggestions/opinions/experiences etc.... that you can share involving anything to do with Limousines, Hospitality, Travel, Business, etc.

Keep it simple if you can

My rates are $85/hr 2hr minimum.

I have a 10 passenger black/black hardtop/-dark gray/black interior

1999 Lincoln Towncar loaded to the max.

DVD/Radio - Intercom (single button page system - just pick it up press a button and let the driver answer - wireless), 3 self draining coolers, full bar, wood grain tissue boxes, three bench seats (one lay down ), playstation 3 (wireless controllers - tons of games) - Rear a/c control, moonroof, and some more

I wanna get one of these =0

 

The state has a list of regulations you must meet before they'll issue plates.
One of the biggest is insurance, and you must have a safety inspection.
In Chicago, the car can't be more than 4 years old.
Check the local laws for open booze in the car - they're all different, and make sure everyone's over 21.
I'd be going over a 13 yr. old stretch with a fine tooth comb, with lives at stake, especially frame, suspension, and brakes.
From experience, a 8 door stretched Pontiac wagon doesn't stop when full - don't cut corners!

 

Stick with shuttling people back and forth to the airport, or weddings. Stay away from Proms and school events so you don't have to mess with underage drinking.

I've heard a lot of bad things from the whole two limo drivers I knew. People do NOT treat your stuff with respect. Attitudes change in the ruse of a limo. People "get stupid" because they momentarily lose all responsibility once inside a limo.

 

thanks for the input guys. good to know about chicago not allowing service vehicles to be more than 4 years old.

 

I believe that's only Chicago licensed cars - not sure about suburban, though.
The difference can be pretty tricky, as if you get it wrong, they can impound the car!

 

Who told you that ??
http://www.absolutedreamlimos.com/showcase.htm

I think you're confusing it with Taxi's.

 

Other than my father having a part time gig working for a few limo companies back in the 80's which consequently made me rather smitten with 80's Ford Panther cars (& most later ones) as much as I'm smitten with Oldsmobile's ...

I can't really help you.

I would like to offer this simple advice tho :

Put the condom on before you have sex ...

As the time for seeking out birth control advice is not after the deed has already been completed.

 

Limo's are controlled by the same crap as Taxi's - I owned and operated for 12 years.
Yearly inspections, insurance regulations, Chauffers license for city drivers, ALL the BS associated with it!

 

I'm beginning to think I'll just sell this car (limo) and go buy a 442.....=D I'll be much happier spending my money on gas that way.

I doubt I'll lose any money selling it due to the fact I gave 2k for it. I'm sure it'll sell for at least 4k or more.

 

How many people are in the market for a run of the mill Lincoln Towncar stretch limousine? Are you sure you can get $4k? Why didn't the guy you bought it from get $4k? How long did he have it on the market for?

 

I grabbed it at a dealer auction......It needed a new battery, front bumper put back up into place and ball joints, and a gasket on an exhaust flange. I honestly don't think I will have a problem selling it for at least what I have into it.

In my signature the car in the background is a '98 mercedes e430 (275hp) loaded.

I have someone waiting for it be finished getting painted and they have offered me $5500 for it.
I only paid about $2300 for the car and it's immaculate except for needing to be painted.

I'm not the type of guy to do shoddy work like these fly by night places - just trying to earn a honest living doing what I love.

 

If you have a passion to own/operate a limo service then I suggest you pursue it. Don't let local laws get in your way. If Chicago doesn't allow older limos then register your business in a city that does. Perhaps one of the suburbs has more lenient laws.

 

It's Chicago...cant you just pay someone off.....or have a bunch of dead people vote to change the law?

 

I wish it were that easy.