Transport is something that just about everyone needs. And if you need to transport eight to twenty people from one place to another, it’s difficult to beat the classic minibus. Thus, if you’re looking to set up a business that’s going to be in more-or-less constant demand, hiring out a minibus might seem like a sensible way to go.
If you’re going to get the most from this enterprise, it’s worth thinking about the obstacles you’re going to face along the way, and how you might overcome them.
Get your plan together
Every successful business starts with a plan, and a minibus rental company is no exception. You’ll need to think about what niche you’ll be occupying. Will you be ferrying passengers to and from the airport? Will you be providing taxi service from one small town to the next? Will you have a running gig with the local school?
Your location may play a big role in determining the most profitable avenue for you. Do your research, identify where the demand is, and then invest accordingly.
Get the Right Minibus
It should go without saying that not all minibusses are created exactly alike. To stand the best chance of succeeding, you’ll need to balance running costs with reliability. You could look to the used market in search of bargains, or you could buy new from a trusted dealership. The former option might be most attractive when you’re first starting out.
Be sure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle, and have it serviced before you use it to transport customers. Look for obvious defects, including scuffs and crooked wheels. You’re not just looking at the exterior of the vehicle, but the interior, too – as any defects will reflect poorly on your business. If you’re buying new, then you’ll have additional recourse when it comes to faults (which will be less likely in the first place).
Think about Insurance
In the UK, insurance is a legal requirement before you head out onto the road. But not all varieties of insurance are created quite the same. You’ll need to find one that matches your precise circumstances, ideally from an insurer that specialises in covering minibuses. Get multiple quotes from multiple insurers, but don’t compare them on price alone.
Once you’ve gotten through these steps, you’ll have just about everything you need to operate a minibus company – now you just need to worry about getting the message out, and hiring some drivers!
