[Rollo Tomassi]

Good luck, you'll need it. Earnings are not profit. How much an hour do you want to believe you'll make? You don't make any sense, I do hope you make cents though so you break even, but without sharing the details as several have on why its a bad idea, I highly doubt it.

OP says he can gross $2000/week. Assuming his expenses (most of which are tax-deductible) total around $700/week, that leaves him with a weekly profit of around $1300. I don't know what his circumstances are, but that should be enough to live on while he works on growing the business.

 

[Rollo Tomassi]

Dude, don't listen to the Uber lifers. You are on the right track. Get your SUV, start developing your private runs, develop some strong affiliate relationships who will send you good business and poach as many Uber customers from Uber as you can.

I started with one sedan 3 years ago. Now I have 4 vehicles going and adding a fifth this summer.

Believe me, you don't want to be stuck as a Uber driver for long.

Well said.

 

[5 Star Guy]

Sorry I'm talking about how to make money with your 20K, like starting a business. The limo business is if anything more competitive, stagnant and most likely shrinking. There is a limit as to your customers and your attitude shows on here. You should consider starting a business with a market that is growing, something you are passionate about can make your 20K back with less expenses than running your car into the ground. Rollo Tomassi I agree if it's accurate and sustainable, I highly doubt it as others on here. You're looking to start a business now that Travass has taken over your market and will be able to adjust much faster than you. Comparing existing companies is not the same as a new one.

 

[UberCemetery]

after you blow your 20k on some vehicle that depreciates rapidly, remember to save money because fuber will tell you that you have, to have a new car every 4 years to stay on the platform. This is a never ending cycle. Good luck on saving another 20k. Working 70-80 hours a week will burn you out, but hey whatever. Get ready to get up every morning at 4:00 am at the latest and stay out until 11:00pm - 12:00 am as during the day people do not move around as much. fuber does not even market the black platforms they are all about low-cost rides. In addition, after you drop some schmuck off at 12:30 am you now are in the total wrong direction that you have to go to get home.

 

[5 Star Guy]

UberCemetery apparently we don't get it, I'm just some poor driver, I don't know about you?

 

[Rollo Tomassi]

Sorry I'm talking about how to make money with your 20K, like starting a business. The limo business is if anything more competitive, stagnant and most likely shrinking. There is a limit as to your customers and your attitude shows on here. You should consider starting a business with a market that is growing, something you are passionate about can make your 20K back with less expenses than running your car into the ground. Rollo Tomassi I agree if it's accurate and sustainable, I highly doubt it as others on here. You're looking to start a business now that Travass has taken over your market and will be able to adjust much faster than you. Comparing existing companies is not the same as a new one.

What you don't seem to understand is that the high-end livery market is not the same as the taxi market. Most cab-takers just want to get where they're going as quickly and cheaply as possible, and they want to do it right now. Uber is punching the taxi industry in the nuts because they came up with a way to beat cabs at their own game. With the possible exception of more qualified drivers (in general), cabs have zero advantages over Uber. In most areas, UberX is faster, more convenient, more reliable and, most importantly, way cheaper than taking a taxi. Admittedly, a lot of this is due to the often unfair competitive advantages that Uber enjoys, but it is what it is.
The luxury car service/limo business is a totally different animal. My company offers consistently better, more flexible, and far more attentive service than UberBlack/SUV, and we do it at rates that are about 10% lower on average, even when tips are factored in. Our clients know us, love us, and trust us with themselves and their families. For example, transporting unaccompanied children has become a big part of our business, because nobody wants to put their kids in a car with some random stranger. Most families will request a particular driver for this type of thing, but even if that guy (or gal) is unavailable, our regular clients know most of the chauffeurs anyway, and they know we're accountable and reachable at all times. Our business continues to grow despite the presence of Uber, because, for this segment of the market, we can still do a lot of things better and cheaper than they can. Taxis....ummm...notsomuch.

 

[5 Star Guy]

What you don't seem to understand is that the high-end livery market is not the same as the taxi market. Most cab-takers just want to get where they're going as quickly and cheaply as possible, and they want to do it right now. Uber is punching the taxi industry in the nuts because they came up with a way to beat cabs at their own game. With the possible exception of more qualified drivers (in general), cabs have zero advantages over Uber. In most areas, UberX is faster, more convenient, more reliable and, most importantly, way cheaper than taking a taxi. Admittedly, a lot of this is due to the often unfair competitive advantages that Uber enjoys, but it is what it is.
The luxury car service/limo business is a totally different animal. My company offers consistently better, more flexible, and far more attentive service than UberBlack/SUV, and we do it at rates that are about 10% lower on average, even when tips are factored in. Our clients know us, love us, and trust us with themselves and their families. For example, transporting unaccompanied children has become a big part of our business, because nobody wants to put their kids in a car with some random stranger. Most families will request a particular driver for this type of thing, but even if that guy (or gal) is unavailable, our regular clients know most of the chauffeurs anyway, and they know we're accountable and reachable at all times. Our business continues to grow despite the presence of Uber, because, for this segment of the market, we can still do a lot of things better and cheaper than they can. Taxis....ummm...notsomuch.

I do understand, I just have a different view of what a growing market is and how much of the market is available for someone sinking 20k starting out, alone, with one car compared with another business idea. The limo market will follow taxis unless they change. The issue with the taxi industry is they didn't adapt to change.

 

[UberCemetery]

Been at this for years, like you. Funny part about it, is the small livery companies who might have a few cars most of them are junk now because they can not afford to replace them. One dude around the corner has two just sitting there for over a year with flat tires, cracked rear bumper cover, and rust stains its like a junk yard. I would guess they have blown engines or trans or something? It would be dumb fror him to even repair them.

 

[5 Star Guy]

Been at this for years, like you. Funny part about it, is the small livery companies who might have a few cars most of them are junk now because they can not afford to replace them. One dude around the corner has two just sitting there for over a year with flat tires, cracked rear bumper cover, and rust stains its like a junk yard. I would guess they have blown engines or trans or something? It would be dumb fror him to even repair them.

I agree, the limo companies I see are all old, sure you get the Escalade and Suburban around here but how many trips to the airport or something are you going to make? My point from the beginning of this thread is not having an understanding of expenses, which include cash flow put aside for a new vehicle, how about a second vehicle. Never mind the answering service taking the call and if you really want to run a Travass SUV then you are really missing the point.

 

[UberCemetery]

another dude has a 120" tiffany white stretch he bought new back in 2007. He ran it as a contractor with one of the larger brokers in the area for 5 years and then they dumped him because his car was to old. He said no way would he buy another. If he said no on a run they would treat him like shit for 3-4 days.

 

[5 Star Guy]

I think people on here for losing 20K are talking executive runs, not weddings and consumer trips. If it does add up in a business plan I'd be for it. I wouldn't like the schedule and being stuck in a car all day though. This definitely doesn't add up and I don't like any of the um, perks but I'm just a dum driver here.

 

[UberCemetery]

The guys with the newer cars are generally also new to the business, or desperate beacuse the broker told them they would cut them off if they did not get a new car. I do my own runs, with my own client base and keep all the money. If one of my buddies needs help ( farm out ) with a run I do it if I can, and keep all the money. The reason they ask if I can do it is because they trust me and know I wont screw it up. I will not card somebody elses client.

 

[Uberchampion]

Hmm. I'm reading the posts and it occurred to me that Uber isn't challenging the luxury market. They have black for the clients that are borderline rich one time users but I think the luxury livery market will be untouched.

Wal-Mart didn't put Tommy Hilfiger out of business...

I'm in no way knowledgeable about the market but I pick up very few executives in my uber x☺

 

[5 Star Guy]

Hmm. I'm reading the posts and it occurred to me that Uber isn't challenging the luxury market. They have black for the clients that are borderline rich one time users but I think the luxury livery market will be untouched.

Wal-Mart didn't put Tommy Hilfiger out of business...

I'm in no way knowledgeable about the market but I pick up very few executives in my uber x☺

Once they are legal in the airports these guys are going to have trouble. Travass will run the same incentives and discounts. Make money while you can, the point of the thread was for someone starting out, being a great idea.

 

[uber fooled]

What you don't seem to understand is that the high-end livery market is not the same as the taxi market. Most cab-takers just want to get where they're going as quickly and cheaply as possible, and they want to do it right now. Uber is punching the taxi industry in the nuts because they came up with a way to beat cabs at their own game. With the possible exception of more qualified drivers (in general), cabs have zero advantages over Uber. In most areas, UberX is faster, more convenient, more reliable and, most importantly, way cheaper than taking a taxi. Admittedly, a lot of this is due to the often unfair competitive advantages that Uber enjoys, but it is what it is.
The luxury car service/limo business is a totally different animal. My company offers consistently better, more flexible, and far more attentive service than UberBlack/SUV, and we do it at rates that are about 10% lower on average, even when tips are factored in. Our clients know us, love us, and trust us with themselves and their families. For example, transporting unaccompanied children has become a big part of our business, because nobody wants to put their kids in a car with some random stranger. Most families will request a particular driver for this type of thing, but even if that guy (or gal) is unavailable, our regular clients know most of the chauffeurs anyway, and they know we're accountable and reachable at all times. Our business continues to grow despite the presence of Uber, because, for this segment of the market, we can still do a lot of things better and cheaper than they can. Taxis....ummm...notsomuch.

The new model 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is good enough for the limo client,its got a new shape for 2015 would this work.

 

[Rollo Tomassi]

The new model 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is good enough for the limo client,its got a new shape for 2015 would this work.

Not a good idea. Third row seats aren't great, and there's not enough cargo space. If you have to get a Chevy, get a Suburban.

 

[uber fooled]

Not a good idea. Third row seats aren't great, and there's not enough cargo space. If you have to get a Chevy, get a Suburban.

Thanks Rollo