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advice needed on starting up new minicab private hire firm
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Author:  Taxi1 12uk [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:41 am ]
Post subject:  advice needed on starting up new minicab private hire firm
Good day all

I want to set up a new private hire firm. Basically at the moment it is me and my friend who is also a private hire driver like myself that want to set up a new business in the area. Basically we are looking for the right equipment for running the minicab office. We have seen that everybody nowadays is using the computer systems to despatch jobs.

However as its only going to be me and him and probably 3 more drivers to start off with, computers will be too expensive as the overheads will be too high. We was thinking about using traditional radios but still even with them drivers nowadays dont like the noise so if we use them drivers may not come to work for us. I have contacted auriga, cordic, autocab and many others and the running costs for these are expensive. Especially the rentals of the pda's / xda's. Does anybody know of a very cheap computer software that is out there for despatch with minimum costs?

We are basically looking for software that is cheap but effective and will allow us to despatch jobs easily just like cordic or autocab. Any ideas?
Author:  Nigel [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: advice needed on starting up new minicab private hire fi
Taxi1 12uk wrote:
Good day all

I want to set up a new private hire firm. Basically at the moment it is me and my friend who is also a private hire driver like myself that want to set up a new business in the area. Basically we are looking for the right equipment for running the minicab office. We have seen that everybody nowadays is using the computer systems to despatch jobs.

However as its only going to be me and him and probably 3 more drivers to start off with, computers will be too expensive as the overheads will be too high. We was thinking about using traditional radios but still even with them drivers nowadays dont like the noise so if we use them drivers may not come to work for us. I have contacted auriga, cordic, autocab and many others and the running costs for these are expensive. Especially the rentals of the pda's / xda's. Does anybody know of a very cheap computer software that is out there for despatch with minimum costs?

We are basically looking for software that is cheap but effective and will allow us to despatch jobs easily just like cordic or autocab. Any ideas?


Build from the bottom mate, with you only having a few cars going down the computer route is an expensive option, just start with the basics then build from there. Little acorns grow into big trees.
Author:  grandad [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Pen and paper and a mobile phone with bluetooth should do the trick. You can get plenty of business phone packages that will give free calls between all the users.
Author:  Sussex [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: advice needed on starting up new minicab private hire fi
Taxi1 12uk wrote:
We are basically looking for software that is cheap but effective and will allow us to despatch jobs easily just like cordic or autocab. Any ideas?

If there are only two of you then a pencil and note book is the best way forward. IF however you want to increase the fleet then I would ask some of the data firms for a free sample dispatch disc. :wink:

I think Bill from Datamaster has given one to a Wrexham chap. In fact it might be worth you PM-ing Mr Wrexham to see how he is doing, and asking him the millions of questions that must be on your mind.

Maybe to start with a mobile phone PDA is the way to go. :wink:
Author:  bloodnock [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: advice needed on starting up new minicab private hire fi
Taxi1 12uk wrote:
Good day all

I want to set up a new private hire firm. Basically at the moment it is me and my friend who is also a private hire driver like myself that want to set up a new business in the area. Basically we are looking for the right equipment for running the minicab office. We have seen that everybody nowadays is using the computer systems to despatch jobs.

However as its only going to be me and him and probably 3 more drivers to start off with, computers will be too expensive as the overheads will be too high. We was thinking about using traditional radios but still even with them drivers nowadays dont like the noise so if we use them drivers may not come to work for us. I have contacted auriga, cordic, autocab and many others and the running costs for these are expensive. Especially the rentals of the pda's / xda's. Does anybody know of a very cheap computer software that is out there for despatch with minimum costs?

We are basically looking for software that is cheap but effective and will allow us to despatch jobs easily just like cordic or autocab. Any ideas?



Ph Hire Pie Recipe :

Take 5 People, 1 Designated office, 1 large Diary, 10 pencils with rubbers, 2 pencil sharpners, 1 Desktop calculator, 5 cheap Sat navs (optional), 5 cheap shared Contract mobile phones and 5 cheap bluetooth earpieces £600 tops....oh! and as many Licenced cars, Drivers and operators licences as you need...5 NVQ's if preferred... Season with customers (seasonal) sprinkle on a little adverting and Voila...a new PH business.

Overall costs £50,000 approx.....Serves 10 to 12 thousand.

Allow £25,000 running costs per car and driver per annum, and cook books once a year if you prefer a crusty top.
Author:  gusmac [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Like the others have said, do it the old fashioned way to start with.
If you have a base and your area isn't too large, use 2 way radios. The licence is cheap and radios are cheap and plentiful now since most larger companies have gone computer dispatch. Failing that, contract mobiles are not too expensive either.

You can go computer dispatch later, when the business is better established.

Oh and GET A GOOD PHONE NUMBER - One that's easy to remember and get it advertised all over your area.

Card every customer!
Author:  bill_datamaster [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Taxi1

What’s already been said here is good advice.

You need to get your business up and running and make best use of the money you have just now. Buying computers won’t make the phones ring so don’t try putting the cart before the horse, and concentrate on promoting your business.

And if any driver that tells you they won’t work for you unless you’re fully computerised then just don’t take them on. You need drivers that are prepared to work with you to get things up and running, not dictate terms.

Bill
Author:  MR T [ Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
make sure the company is yours, and not a partnership or co-operative. they never work
Author:  Taxi_boss_Uk [ Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:06 am ]
Post subject: 
All of the above is sound advise, my firm started out with good old fashioned pen and paper and 2 way radio's, you will manage just fine until you get up to 20-30 vehicles.
Author:  captain cab [ Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yep....one day you'll be able to charge lower fares that everyone else particularly at times of financial hardship.....without consulting the majority of people who pay for it all. :lol:

CC
Author:  Taxi_boss_Uk [ Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:53 am ]
Post subject: 
captain cab wrote:
Yep....one day you'll be able to charge lower fares that everyone else particularly at times of financial hardship.....without consulting the majority of people who pay for it all. :lol:

CC


Nice 1 :lol:
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