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How to Start a Taxi Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on March 3, 2022

Investment range

$3,250 - $7,400

Revenue potential

$47,000 - $275,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$38,000 - $55,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Key considerations to keep in mind when starting your taxi business:

• Taxi operating license — Apply for a taxi operating license or permit from your local transportation authority. Requirements vary by location.
• Vehicle registration and inspection — Ensure all vehicles are properly registered and inspected and meet local safety standards.
• Choose your vehicles — Select reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles that are comfortable for passengers. Consider a mix of vehicle types to cater to different customer needs, such as sedans, minivans, and luxury cars.
• Vehicle maintenance — Implement a regular maintenance schedule to ensure all vehicles are in good working condition. This includes routine checks, servicing, and cleaning.
• Commercial auto insurance — Obtain commercial auto insurance to cover your vehicles and drivers. This should include liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Dispatch system — Implement a reliable dispatch system to manage bookings, track vehicles, and communicate with drivers. This could be a traditional dispatch center or an app-based system.
• GPS and navigation — Equip all vehicles with GPS systems to ensure efficient routing and real-time tracking.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your taxi business today!

You May Also Wonder:

Can a taxi business still be profitable?

Yes! Believe it or not, the taxi industry is still worth over $60 billion in spite of competition from ride-sharing apps. If you market yourself well and provide great customer service, you can definitely make money with a taxi business.

What types of vehicles can I use for my taxi business?

For a taxi business, you can use various types of vehicles depending on your target market and local regulations. Common options include sedans, minivans, SUVs, or even specialized vehicles for specific purposes like wheelchair-accessible taxis.

What makes a good taxi company?

First and foremost, reliability is crucial. Ensuring that taxis are available promptly and operate on time is essential. Excellent customer service, including courteous and knowledgeable drivers, clean and well-maintained vehicles, transparent and fair pricing, and easy booking and payment options, also play a significant role.

How can I ensure the safety and comfort of passengers in my taxis?

To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers in your taxis, prioritize regular maintenance and inspections of your vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Implement safety features such as functioning seatbelts, GPS tracking systems, and security cameras. Train your drivers in defensive driving techniques, customer service, and safety protocols. Keep the interior of the taxis clean and comfortable, with adequate legroom and temperature control options.

How do you attract taxi customers?

Utilize online platforms and mobile apps to make booking convenient and accessible for passengers. Offer competitive pricing, promotions, or loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business. Partner with local businesses, hotels, or airports to establish referral networks. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a taxi business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. 

• Low Startup Costs – One car and you’re off to the races
• Flexibility – Pick your own hours, run the business from home
• Large Market – Demand for taxis is still high, particularly in large cities
• Tough Market – Compete with apps like Uber and Lyft
• Long Hours – To make money, you need to be a workhorse

Taxi industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The US taxi and limousine market is worth $66.6 billion in 2022 and has grown nearly 3% annually for the last five years.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/taxi-limousine-services-united-states/ ))
• Growth forecast –  The global taxi industry is expected to grow an impressive 66% by 2026.(( https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/taxi-market ))
• Number of businesses – In 2022, 2,568,140 taxi and limousine businesses were operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/taxi-limousine-services-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – In 2022, the US taxi and limousine industry employed 2,379,410 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/taxi-limousine-services-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the taxi industry include:

• Customers are seeking apps to book taxis, so taxi services need to embrace this trend to be successful.
• Eco-friendly hybrid or all-electric taxis are also in demand. This presents a huge opportunity for an eco-friendly taxi business to differentiate itself.

Challenges in the taxi industry include:

• A continuous challenge in the taxi business is finding and keeping good drivers who provide excellent customer service.
• Rising fuel prices are cutting into the profit margins of taxi businesses.

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for taxi drivers are Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.(( https://www.zippia.com/cab-driver-jobs/best-states/#rhode-island ))
• Least popular states – The least popular states for taxi drivers are Colorado, Utah, and Montana.

What kind of people work in taxi businesses?

• Gender – 23.5% of taxi drivers are female, while 73.3% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/taxi-cab-driver-jobs/demographics/ ))
• Average level of education – The average taxi driver is high school educated.
• Average age – The average taxi driver in the US is 48 years old.

How much does it cost to start a taxi business?

Startup costs for a taxi business range from $3,200 to $7,400. Costs include a down payment on a vehicle and signage for the vehicle. You’ll also need to get a car for hire license from your city. In some cities, this can be a significant cost. For example, in New York City a taxi medallion costs about $80,000, while in Columbus, Ohio it only costs a few hundred dollars. 

How much can you earn from a taxi business?

Taxi fare rates vary by city but usually include a flat base charge, a charge per mile, and an hourly wait time rate. These calculations will assume that your average fare will be about $15. Your profit margin after fuel and insurance costs should be about 80%.

In your first year or two, you could work as a solopreneur and do 10 trips per day 6 days per week, bringing in $47,000 in annual revenue. This would mean nearly $38,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition, you could have five taxis and hire drivers, and sales could climb to 50 trips per day 7 days per week. At this stage, you’d rent a commercial space and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to 20%. With annual revenue of almost $275,000, you’d make a tidy profit of more than $55,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a taxi business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• A clean driving record is required, and you may have to pass an exam
• Competition from other taxis plus apps like Uber and Lyft

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How to Start a Profitable Rideshare Company

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a taxi business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research taxi businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a limousine taxi service, or an electric taxi service.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as bike taxis in urban areas.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your services

You’ll need to determine what kind of taxi service you want to have. You could have a limousine taxi service, a black car taxi, a minibus taxi service, an eco-friendly taxi cab, a bike taxi, or even a water taxi. You also need to decide if you want to have a taxi booking app.

Who? Identify your target market

When determining the target market for your taxi business, it’s important to recognize that your audience will vary depending on the type of services you offer. For instance, tourists needing transportation from airports or hotels represent a different segment compared to those requiring event transportation or specialized services like taxis for the disabled.

It’s advisable to have a broad target market to cater to a wide range of needs. This approach allows you to maximize your customer base and adapt to various demands in the transportation industry.

Acquire vehicles for your taxi business

Starting a taxi business requires a reliable and efficient fleet of vehicles. Here’s how to make the best choices for your fleet:

1. Assess Your Needs:

• Capacity: Determine the size of the vehicle needed based on the typical number of passengers. Consider sedans for up to 4 passengers or minivans for larger groups.
• Fuel Efficiency: Choose vehicles with good mileage to minimize fuel costs, an important factor in your business’s profitability.
• Comfort: Opt for models that offer a comfortable ride, as this can significantly impact customer satisfaction.

2. New vs. Used Vehicles:

• New Vehicles: Offer the latest features and are less likely to require repairs, but are more expensive.
• Used Vehicles: More cost-effective but may have higher maintenance costs. Opt for certified pre-owned cars for better reliability.

3. Leasing vs. Purchasing:

• Leasing: Provides the option to upgrade vehicles regularly and avoids the depreciation cost, but may come with mileage limitations.
• Purchasing: Results in owning the asset outright, offering more control but requires a larger upfront investment.

4. Maintenance Plans:

• Consider maintenance costs in your budget. Regular maintenance is crucial for safety and prolonging the life of your vehicles.
• Establish relationships with trusted mechanics or consider service contracts with dealerships.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that the vehicles meet all local regulatory requirements, such as emissions standards and safety features.

6. Technology Integration:

• Install necessary technology such as GPS systems, fare meters, and card payment terminals.

How much should you charge for taxi fares?

Your fare rates will be dictated by the rates in your city. When you’re working by yourself, your costs will be limited to fuel and insurance. You should aim for a profit margin of 80%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Where? Choose a location for your vehicles

Selecting the right locations for both storing your taxi fleet and identifying hot spots for operation is crucial for the efficiency and profitability of your taxi business. Here’s how to approach these two aspects:

1. Storing Vehicles When Not Active

Centralized Garage or Parking Facility:

• Proximity: Choose a location central to your service area to minimize the time and fuel costs for vehicles to reach their first customers.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Look for affordable parking options to keep overhead low.
• Security: Ensure the area is secure to prevent theft and vandalism.
• Accessibility: Easy access for drivers, especially during shift changes.
• Maintenance Facilities: Nearby maintenance services are beneficial for quick repairs.

2. Identifying Hot Spots for Active Service

High-Demand Areas:

• Airports and Train Stations: Constant flow of travelers needing transportation.
• Business Districts: High demand during rush hours for commuting professionals.
• Tourist Attractions: Tourists frequently require taxis to explore the city.
• Entertainment and Nightlife Areas: Demand peaks during evenings and weekends.
• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Regular need for transport by patients and visitors.
• Shopping Centers and Malls: Popular destinations, especially during weekends and holidays.
• Residential Areas: Targeting suburbs can capture daily commuters and those without personal vehicles.
• Event Venues: Concerts, sports events, and conventions draw large crowds needing transportation.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Taxi Company Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “taxi” or “taxi service”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “RapidRide Cabs” over “Airport Cabs”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Taxi Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Provide a brief overview of your taxi business, highlighting its focus on reliable and efficient transportation services within a specific geographic area.
• Business Overview: Describe your taxi service, including the provision of on-demand transportation for individuals and groups in urban and suburban areas.
• Product and Services: Detail the transportation services offered, such as standard taxi rides, airport transfers, and potentially app-based ride-hailing options.
• Market Analysis: Evaluate the demand for taxi services in your area, taking into account factors like population density, public transportation availability, and peak travel times.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your service to other local transportation options, focusing on your competitive advantages like quicker response times, customer service, or technological integration.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for attracting customers, such as through local advertising, partnerships with businesses, or online platforms.
• Management Team: Highlight the experience and skills of your management team, especially in areas like transportation, logistics, and customer service.
• Operations Plan: Describe the operational process of your taxi service, including vehicle management, driver scheduling, and ride dispatching.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of the financial aspects, including start-up costs, pricing strategy, and revenue projections.
• Appendix: Include additional documents like vehicle maintenance records, driver training manuals, or market research data that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to taxi businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your taxi business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a taxi business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Taxi Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a taxi business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You’ll need to get a car for hire license or taxi medallion from your city.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your taxi business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

 You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Cab Treasure , EverTransit , or TaxiMobility , to manage your bookings, dispatching, fares, and payments. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Developing a website and a mobile app is essential for a modern taxi business, serving as digital gateways for customers to access your services. A user-friendly website should provide clear information about your services, pricing, and contact details, along with an easy-to-use booking system. Complementing the website, a mobile app offers convenience for on-the-go customers, allowing them to book rides, track their taxi in real-time, and make secure payments. Both platforms should reflect your brand’s identity, be intuitive to navigate, and include features like fare calculators, customer reviews, and support options.

Launching a successful taxi business requires a robust marketing strategy that ensures visibility and customer engagement. Here are effective tactics to consider:

• Optimize for Local SEO: Ensure your website ranks high in local search results by incorporating relevant keywords, location-based content, and maintaining an up-to-date Google My Business profile.
• Get Listed in Local Directories: Register your business on local directories and review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages to increase your online presence and credibility.
• Leverage Social Media Marketing: Regularly post engaging content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your community and offer promotions.
• Engage in Community Events: Participate in local events and sponsor community activities to build brand awareness and goodwill.
• Develop Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, hotels, and event organizers for mutual referral programs.
• Offer Promotions and Loyalty Programs: Introduce discounts for first-time users and loyalty rewards for frequent customers to encourage repeat business.
• Utilize Email Marketing: Send out newsletters and promotional offers to keep your audience informed and engaged.
• Invest in Vehicle Branding: Wrap your taxis with your business logo and contact information to serve as mobile billboards.
• Encourage Customer Reviews: Prompt customers to leave reviews online to build trust and attract new clients.
• Advertise in Local Media: Use local newspapers, radio stations, and community bulletin boards for targeted advertising.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your taxi business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your taxi business could be: 

• Eco-friendly taxi service – all-electric cars
• Bike taxis so you can see the sights of the city
• 24-hour limousines to travel in style anytime

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a taxi business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in taxis for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in taxis. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a taxi business include:

• Taxi drivers – take fares, customer service
• Dispatcher – take bookings, dispatch drivers
• General Manager – staff management, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Taxi Business – Start Making Money!

A taxi business is probably one of the easiest kinds of businesses to start. You just need a vehicle, some signage, and a taxi license. You can make good money, even just working by yourself with one car, but you can also grow your company until you have a fleet of taxis. 

Taxis are an industry worth over $60 billion, so why not grab a share of that fare? You understand the business side of things now, so go ahead and get on the road to entrepreneurial success! 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Taxi Company Name
• Create a Taxi Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Taxi Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Taxi Business - Start Making Money!

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Taxi Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Transportation Industry » Taxi

Are you about starting a taxi business ? If YES, here is a complete sample taxi business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

As regard starting a business in the transportation sector especially a business like taxi Company could be fun, profitable and interesting for someone with business sense, perseverance and smartness. With comfortable taxis, the right location, top-notch service and good marketing, you can serve large customers who require the services of taxi Cab Company to be able to move from one location to another for an affordable price.

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It is important to note that starting a standard taxi cab business with over a handful of taxis and drivers also needs a significant investment capital, solid planning, and concentration to detail in order to keep your business profitable.

The truth is that, if you are serious about starting a standard taxi company in any part of the world, you are expected to have done your feasibility studies and market survey before committing your capital in the business. Above all you would need a detailed and workable business plan if indeed you want to build a successful and profitable taxi cab company from the scratch.

The taxi company business plan template below will guide towards drafting your business plan with little or no stress.

A Sample Taxi Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

A taxi cab cum limousine Services Company provides comfortable and private transportation via automobiles (usually sedans / cars) for passengers. Taxi services are not operated on regular schedules or routes like the usually buses or car that pick several passengers along the road. So also, limousine services are rented or hired with a driver.

The Taxi and Limousine Services industry has experienced remarkable growth over the years in the united states. The growth of the US economy has indeed directly benefited the industry as business expense accounts have grown and clients have been more willing to spend on small luxuries such as taxi and limousine rides.

In addition, increased demand from corporate travelers, tourists and private households is expected to result in steady growth for this industry.

The Taxi and Limousine Services industry is indeed a very thriving industry in most countries of the world. It is a major sector of the economy of the United States and it generates a whooping sum of well over $20 billion annually from more than 338,882 registered and licensed Taxi and Limousine services companies scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of well over 413,046 people (drivers and administrative staff members). Experts project the supermarket and grocery industry to grow at a 6.7 percent annual rate. There is no establishment in this industry that has a dominant market share in the United States.

A research conducted by IBISWORLD shows that the Taxi and Limousine Services industry is in the mature stage of its life cycle.

Industry value added (IVA), which measures the industry’s contribution to GDP, is also expected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.3 percent within the next 10 years. Within that same period, GDP is estimated to increase by 2.1 percent per year on average.

Basically, the industry demand is usually influenced by disposable income levels corporate profit and domestic trips by US residents. When it comes to advertising your taxi cab cum limousine services company, there shouldn’t be any limit to how far you can go.

You could start with handbills and distribute them in corporate organizations and public places. If you have cash you can place advert spots on Newspapers, TV and Radio, and if you don’t have enough cash you can start with the worldwide web. As a matter of fact the internet has become one of the cheapest and most potent advertising platforms.

Over and above, taxi cab cum limousine services businesses all over the world are still enjoying good patronage particularly if they have comfortable taxis, professional drivers and if they are well positioned and if they know how to reach out to their target market (corporate organizations, hotels, travels and tours companies, government and household et al).

2. Executive Summary

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is a standard, licensed and registered Taxi cab cum Limousine Services Company that will based in Miami Beach, Florida – United States of America and we will have active presence in other cities such as Green acres City, Miami, Jacksonville, Clearwater, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, West Palm Beach, Palm Harbor, Deltona, Orlando, Palm Bay and Panama City et al.

We chose to operate in these cities because we know that our services will be in high demand due to the demographic composition of Florida.

We are well trained and equipped with some of the finest taxi cab drivers and comfortable cars to service our clients irrespective of their social and financial status. Our services will involve taxi services, taxi leasing and other car services, luxury and corporate sedan services, stretch limousines and buses, SUVs and large vans rental services et al.

Although our intention of starting Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is to offer only the above stated services, but we will not close our doors to diversification (additional services) as long as it does not affect our core services.

At Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. we are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to start our own taxi cab and limousine service business; we are in the industry to make a positive mark.

We are quite optimistic that our values and quality of service offering will help us drive Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that will make the business highly profitable. We are a company that will be dedicated to establishing good business relationship with our clients giving them value for their money and reasons for them to hire our services over and over again.

We are quite aware that in order to become the number one choice in our city, we must continue to deliver quality and highly reliable services and that is exactly what we will do. We are open to the use of latest technology in the taxi cab cum limousine services line of business.

No doubt our excellent customer service and the quality of services we offer will position us to always welcome repeated customers and handle massive deals from both government agencies, and corporate organizations.

Our client’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is owned and managed by Kennedy Williams and his friend and business partner for many years Henry Sean.

They both graduated from University of California and they are well – equipped with the required qualifications and experience to grow Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. to favorable compete with leaders in the Taxi and Limousine Services industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

3. Our Products and Services

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is a standard and well – equipped taxi cab and limousine services company that is positioned to make profit and favorable compete with leaders in the industry and we are going to do all that is permitted by the law of the United States of America to achieve our business aims and ambition. Our services offering are listed below;

• Providing limousine services
• Providing luxury sedan services
• Providing chauffer and personal driver services
• Taxi services, taxi leasing and other car services
• Stretch limousines and buses
• SUVs and large vans
• Providing corporate sedan services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to become the number one taxi cab and limousine services company in the whole of Florida with active presence in key cities all around the State of Florida.
• Our mission as a standard taxi and limousine services company is to develop a highly successful, profitable business which provides quality automobile transportation services in our city and to become a standard for an ideal taxi and limousine services business not only in the State of Florida but also throughout the United States of America and Canada where we intend launching our business and selling our franchise.

Our Business Structure

We are quite aware that the success of any business lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, which is why we have decided to build our taxi cab cum limousine Services Company on the right business foundation.

As a matter of fact, we are set out to build a taxi and limousine Services Company that will be a standard for an ideal taxi and limousine services industry in the United States of America and Canada. We want to build a business of dedicated workforce who will go all the way to ensure that our customers are satisfied and they get value for their money.

In other to achieve this, we aware that it takes a business with the right employees and structure to achieve all what we have set to achieve, which is why we will be putting structures and processes in place that will help us deliver excellent services and run the business on autopilot.

The success of our taxi and limousine services company will be anchored on the team not on any individual – drivers and back office staff members inclusive. With the wide range of our service offerings, we are only expected to employ more than it is required to run a conventional taxi and limousine services business.

Definitely, we will have various employees (full – time and contract staff) to man the various services offering of Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. will employ professionals and highly skilled people to occupy the following position;

• Chief Executive Officer

IT Specialist

Admin and HR Manager

Marketing and Sales Executive

• Professional Drivers (Taxi and Limousine Drivers)
• Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for installation, repair and maintenance of GPS car tracking device for the organization
• Responsible for writing and presenting reports, proposals, applications and contracts
• In charge of choosing the GPC car tracker components and software to be used and specifying the requirements for the project
• Adapts plans according to circumstances and resolving any problems that may arise during GPS car tracker installation and monitoring
• Monitors all our taxi that are plying different routes
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of relevant projects.
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• creates reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
• Prepares the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Professional Drivers (Taxi Cab and Limousine Drivers)

• Serves as a professional driver for the organization by driving sedan and limousine et al as assigned by the management
• Maintains a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keeps a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the cab is equipped with safety equipment
• Inspects vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Complies with taxi driving rules and regulations as well as with company policies and procedures
• Reports defects, accidents or violations

Client Service Executive/Front Desk Officer

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Taxi cab cum limousine services business is one of the many businesses that can easily generate sales with little stress as long as they are well positioned and equipped to carry out their services.

We are building a standard taxi cab cum limousine services business with the plans to sell our franchise all across the United States of America and Canada which is why we have decided to subject our business idea (company) to SWOT Analysis.

Ordinarily we can successfully run a normal taxi and limousine services business without the stress of going through the required protocol of setting up a new business including writing a detailed business plan, but because of the fact that we intend becoming of the leaders in this line of business we want to establish, we don’t have any option other than to follow due process.

We hired the services of Mrs. Lillian Jacobs, an HR and Business consultant with bias in startups to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our company and she did a pretty job for us. Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.;

The strategic locations we intend covering, the Business model we will be operating on, ease of payment, wide range of highly reliable and comfortable cars, limousines and SUVs, highly trained and courteous drivers and of course our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.

So also we have a well – experienced and qualified team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that are trained and equipped to pay attention to details.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new taxi cum limousine services company and we don’t have the financial capacity for now to compete with multi – million dollars taxi and limousine services companies that are already influencing the direction of the industry.

• Opportunities:

The fact that we are launching out in the heart of Miami – Florida, provides us with unlimited opportunities to market our services to a large number of corporate organizations, travel and tours agencies, hotels, government organizations and households et al.

We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they patronize our services; we are well positioned to take on the opportunities that will come our way.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power especially for luxury services like taxi can and limousine services.

Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new taxi cab and limousine services company with same locations where we operate. Government policies can also pose a major threat to businesses such as ours.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The market for luxury services such as taxi and limousine services is driven by the growth in the economy and the increase in consumers’ spending – in essence, as the general economy of a country grows, more people will have enough financial resources to patronize luxury services such as making use of taxi can or hiring limousine as against making use of public buses, and trains et al.

Besides, revenue generated by taxi and limousine services company is driven by business and leisure travel. No doubt, the profitability of operators in this industry depends on good marketing and networking.

As a matter of fact, small taxi cab companies can effectively compete with large ones because there are few economies of scale in this line of business. Research shows that the taxi cab and limousine services industry in the US is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for less than 35 percent of the total revenue generated in the industry.

Lastly, technology has indeed played a major role in this industry; especially in cutting cost and enforcing safety and monitoring measure.

GPS car tracking device readily comes to mind. There is hardly any taxi cab and limousine services company that does not have GOS car tracker installed on all their cabs. It helps them in monitoring their fleets and also in planning and budgeting et al.

8. Our Target Market

Before choosing a location to launch our taxi cab and limousine services company, we conducted our feasibility studies and market survey and we were able to identify those who will benefit greatly from our service offerings.

Basically those who will benefit from our service offering are households, corporate organizations, travels and tours agencies, hotels and government agencies. Below is a list of the people and organizations that our taxi and limousine services are designed for;

• Celebrities and public figures
• Even planners (limousine rental services for wedding and social functions)
• Travels and Tours Agencies
• The public sector; government ministries, agencies and parastatals.
• Organized private sector
• Corporate Executives
• Business People

Our Competitive Advantage

Taxi cab and limousine services business is an easy to set up business especially if you have the finance to acquire comfortable cars and the ability to run and manage a business.

It means that the possibility of taxi cab and limousine services business springing up in the location where our company is located is high. We are aware of this that is why we decided to come up with a business concept that will position us to become the leader in Miami – Florida.

Our competitive edge is that we are a standard and well equipped taxi cab and limousine services company that is positioned to handle both corporate clients and individual clients.

We can confidently say that the strategic locations we intend covering, the Business model we will be operating on, ease of payment, wide range of highly reliable and comfortable cars, limousines and SUVs, highly trained and courteous drivers and of course our excellent customer service culture will definitely serve as competitive advantage for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.

For the time being, Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. has no real competitors that can match compete with the quality of services we offer and our business offerings et al. Our customer service will be customized to meet the needs of all our customers.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups taxi cab and limousine services businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the taxi cab and limousine rental services industry and we are going to go all the way out to ensure that we do all it takes to attract both individual clients and corporate clients on a regular basis.

We will ensure that we leverage on our strength and the opportunities available to us in the U.S. market to generate enough income that will help us drive the business to stability. We will go all the way to explore every available sources of income in the Taxi cab and Limousine rental services industry. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.;

• Stretch limousines and buses rental services
• SUVs and large vans rental services

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual clients who would need the services of taxi and limousine rental services companies.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Miami – Florida and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our taxi cab and limousine rental services business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the taxi cab and limousine rental services market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Miami – Florida.

Below are the sales projections for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of related services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $240,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $950,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the taxi cab and limousine rental services industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

The marketing strategy for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is going to be driven basically by excellent customer service, honesty and quality service delivery. We will ensure that we build a loyal customer base. We want to drive sales via the output of our jobs and via referral from our satisfied customers.

We are quite aware of how satisfied customers drive business growth especially businesses like taxi cab and limousine rental services.

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is a business that is strategically located and we are going to maximize the opportunities that is available which is why we spend more to locate the business in a location that will be visible and enable us to access our target market.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.

Our goal is to grow Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.  to become the leading taxi cab and limousine rental services company in Miami – Florida which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with in the Taxi cab and Limousine rental services industry. Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our taxi and limousine rental services business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, travels and tours agencies, hotels, event planners, households and key stake holders in all across Miami, Green acres City, Miami, Jacksonville, Clearwater, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, West Palm Beach, Palm Harbor, Deltona, Orlando, Palm Bay and Panama City et al
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, car parks, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our business
• Post information about our company and the services we offer on bulletin boards in places like car parks, schools, libraries, and local coffee shops et al
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our company and the services we offer
• Leverage on referral networks such as agencies that will attract clients who would need our customized services
• Advertise our taxi cab and limousine rental services company in relevant magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant automobile expos, seminars, and business fairs et al to market our services
• Engage in direct marketing approach
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industry to market our product and services.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is set to establish a standard for Taxi cab and Limousine rental services business in Miami – Florida and throughout the United States which is why we will go all the way to adopt and apply best practices to promote our business. Good enough there is no hard and fast rule on how to advertise or promote a taxi cab and limousine rental services business.

The challenge is that most small and startups taxi cab and limousine services companies do not have the required money to pump into publicity and advertising. The cash they have will be reserved to take care of overhead and operational cost .

We will ensure that we leverage on all conventional and non – conventional publicity and advertising technique to promote our taxi cab and limousine rental services business. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our business in relevant magazines, local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our business online via our official website
• List our business on local directories (yellow pages)
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations in and around Florida
• Direct coupon mailing approach
• Engage in road show from time to time in target communities in and around Florida
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Miami – Florida.
• Advertise our company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members and drivers wear our branded shirts and all our taxi are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the taxi cab and limousine rental services line of business, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than our competitors are offering in the United States of America.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they pay in advance for upward of 3 months. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the open market and it will be based on miles covered and time.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a taxi cab and limousine rental services business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to set up Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. in the United of America;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in the United States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,000.
• Insurance (general liability, car insurance, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• The cost of accounting software , CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• The cost for leasing standard office facility with enough parking- $100,000.
• The cost for facility remodeling – $10,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Amount needed for phone and utility deposits – $3,500
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory (fueling, car tracking devices and accessories) – $50,000
• The total cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Credit card machine, POS, tables and chairs et al): $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website: $600
• The total cost for financing the acquisition of the first set of cars and limousines – $500,000
• The cost for our grand opening party: $15,000
• Miscellaneous: $10,000

We would need an estimate of $750,000 to successfully launch our taxi cab and limousine rental services business in Miami – Florida.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc.

Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is a business that will be owned and managed by Kennedy Williams and his friend and business partner for many years Henry Sean. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $200,000 (Personal savings $150,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $550,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have and the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the open market.

We are well prepared to survive on a low level profits margin for a short period of time. Metro 24 – 7 Taxi®, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of.

Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility with enough parking lots and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Acquiring of cars and limousines: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed pressure washing machines and industrial cleaning equipment, electronic appliances, office appliances and bar accessories: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key stakeholders in the industry et al: In Progress

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