Starting a chauffeur business

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I would like to pick your brains if I may.

I'm looking to move back to the UK December/January after 8 years away, and have been looking at the prospect of starting my own chauffeur service using a Mercedes S class or BMW 7 series. I would mainly concentrate on airport runs that kind of thing. I've looked at a few companies offering this service and the prices charged, and I think I would be able to come in a bit lower whilst still giving a decent service.

Am I being totally insane thinking this could work?

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Simpo Two said:

It's always worth running the numbers and SWOT analysis. Then it's down to getting the work and making an acceptable profit.

So, say you have an S-Class Merc sitting outside and your chauffeur cap is on the peg. How are you going to (1) find a customer (2) get the booking over the rivals?

My aim is to have a decent social media presence, I will also approach local businesses in the area that have staff that travel. I'm also trying to establish my USP, I have a few ideas but requires other companies to be on board to do so.

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technodup said:

Airport runs is a glorified taxi is it not? I know a chauffeur who does a lot of tours for US/Japanese tourists, a week at a time. Decent money there, and good tips too.

Yes it is, no point sugar coating it. The US/Japanese tourists idea sounds interesting though...

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Thanks for all of the insightful comments. Having been away from blighty for such a long time, it's good to hear directly what the current situation is like.

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Some really useful information here, thanks a lot.

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Frimley111R said:

Little article on Chauffering in Autocar this week

I'll see if I can find it online as I can't buy it here in the Philippines, but thanks for the heads up.