If a luxury private hire taxi was available, would people choose to use it even if it was slightly more expensive than a regular taxi? For airport transfers, birthdays etc? Opinions appreciated
Answers (11)
Mark A.
Senior Software Developer / IT Professional
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I'm not sure how that's different from a car service or limo service. Some people do choose that sort of service for the types of events you describe... but is that not what you're talking about?
Bill N.
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I can only speak for myself, and I would say 'no'. And why would a person need a taxi for a birthday?
Fred H.
Executive in Residence, Engineering School at California State University, Los Angeles
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They have these in NYC they are called town cars. They are slightly more expensive than taxis but far nicer looking like small limos. I use them all the time.
Yes. Some people will always go for the more expensive option. Obviously depends on the car.
Yes, as others have said this already exists in the town cars. However, I think a new market could exist in a "premium cab" branded to be more luxurious than its competition. When your standing on the street and you see it or when your calling for a cab anyway, it is the one you choose. I remember times as a single young woman in Chicago getting into a cab and wondering, "Is this creepy guy driving going to take to me to some back alley?" I definitely would have chosen a more luxurious cab that smells nice, feels nice, maybe has a few perks like water, mints, etc. And that has screened drivers that are professional and look clean-cut.
Links:
Cliff R.
Sales Manager at iVolve Industrial Technology - technology for mining and industry
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Having been let down by the two main taxi firms in Brisbane when I needed to get to the airport to go on vacation (twice), to a 21st birthday party, and to a wedding, my answer is categorically YES! Having said that, I now use a limo service and/or a town car service, neither of which have let me down yet...so it kind of sounds like you're looking to offer the same kind of service.
I suspect this will depend on your location.
Consider the disposable income levels of people in your specific geographic area.
Are there enough people in the area with spare cash?
How do you intend to promote the service? Do you anticipate spending on advertising or have you identified other low cost ways of promoting your business?
How much more expensive would a luxury taxi be than a regular taxi? You may find there is a price point at which people will not pay for luxury.
Do you think you would be able to charge "luxury rates" for the vehicle at all times of the day/night/week/year? (Or would people only be prepared to pay for the service at peak times?)
Bear in mind, that even if you believe that there are lots of potential customers, take into account the cost implications:
The cost for the driver will likely be the same for luxury versus regular.
Have you considered diferences in the costs of insurance for different vehichle types?
Would a luxury taxi be more or less fuel efficient than regular vehicle?
Have you established the costs involved in buying / leasing a luxury vehicle?
Luxury vehicles are normally more expensive to maintain than other cars, so even if you are a skilled mechanic, you need budget for the high cost of spare parts.
Also consider that depreciation rates of the different types of vehicles.
You need to look at the margins you can make from both the regular and luxury business models, based on costs and what you can regularly charge.
Yes for sure. Providing it can provide the same services like receipts, taking credit card payments, has insurance and the driver looks responsible and presentable.
Joy M.
pumps up profits fast
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I've known people who used a limo service to go to and from the airport. Others use public transportation or park their cars at the airport. If your price is somewhere in between that, it seems as if there is a market. You would have to take the time to figure out how you will reach the people who are willing to pay a little more and what they would be willing to pay a little more for. How would your luxury taxi differ from a limo service?
Anil Kumar G.
Testing & QA Pro | Author | Product Visualizer | Strategic Think Tank | Critique Reviewer | Startup Mentor | Innovator
Hi Nathan
Yes people can use it but your marketing strategy should include to target where people are not paying from their pockets. E.g. 5 Star hotels. The guests whose expenses are paid by company can be your targets. Besides that good sized companies can buy your services for their business guests; IT industry is one such industry where lots of clients travel on regular basis.
All the best
Cheers!!!
Anil Kumar Gupta
SQAGURU@GMAIL.COM
Testing & QA Pro | Author | Product Visualizer | Strategic Think Tank | Critique Reviewer | Startup Mentor | Innovator
Mihir N.
Owner of Mitaroy Suites Goa, a boutique Hotel for Couples! www.mitaroygoahotel.com
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Definitely, Nathan.
The practice of hiring a slightly more expensive private on call taxi is really popular in Indian cities, especially Bangalore where I come from.
In Europe, on call taxis are not that popular. Most people I know go to the nearest taxi stand...
Cheers
Mihir
