How do I figure out what to charge?

[daffodil]

I was thinking of trying to start a business driving pets to the vet. Got the idea since I couldn't find anyone to drive me when the car was broke down. Also my sister had me traveling to get her dog a couple years back because she couldn't get there during the hours they wanted due to her work schedule. I also know of some seniors who need help getting there or having their pets transported for surgery, etc. How would I figure out what to charge? Should I do like a flat rate to start and then like a 1/2 hour or hourly rate, say like $10 initial charge and $5 per 1/2 hour? Or should I do it differently? Just a flat rate, like $20? Any ideas would help. And any ideas on how to advertise too. Does it sound like it might work? I could transport just the pet or take the owner and pet. How much do you think people would be willing to pay?

[backlash]

If you carry people you may have to be licensed, inspected and insured as a taxi.
If you could even get a license I think it would cost a bunch.
Maybe stick to pets.
Ask your local Vet what they think of the idea. Maybe work with them to get customers.
Interesting idea but you do need to do your homework first so you stay legal.
Good luck

backlash

[Mom5farmboys]

The cost to you is going to vary depending on how far you are driving.

I would decide on a basic flat fee just for your services, then I would add mileage onto it. Decide what you want to charge per mile based on the price of gas and the gas mileage your car gets.

I would also add an hourly fee based on how long you have to wait, for instance anything over 1 hour of your time sitting at the vets office should be compensated for.

[tufhelp]

Sounds like a great idea, but the devil is in the details!

Getting all of you projected expenses listed before doing anything - don't forget liability insurance above and beyond what you are required to provide for your private vehicle. God forbid you should harm or loose "Baby" on the way to the vet...

Your vehicle may be subject to commercial license plates and tariffs, even with only transporting the pets. Outfitting your vehicle with "crates" to segregate the pets if you're going to be hauling multiple pets. Ramps for the older pets, or injured pets, leashes, muzzles, cleaning supplies for the inevitable messes, air fresheners, disinfectants, etc. Cleanliness will be paramount for the client's masters peace of mind.

State law, perhaps local ordinance may require restraints for pets being transported, additionally, there may be a whole litany of regulations for the care of pets in your community/state - Here in Albuquerque, they are unbelievably detailed and complicated: leash length, size of water bowls, shade, on and on it goes. What are your libailities for the actions of the pets while in your care: biting, savage attacks, inadvertent distruction of private property, pets hurting eachother when hauling more than one client, etc. If you can envision it you can get sued for it...

So a knowledgeable commercial insurance agent is key to getting a handle on expenses. You could use current government reimbursement figures for mileage as your expense for vehicle operation, ware & tare, insurance, fuel etc.

Communication fees: phone, mobile phone, internet hosting for your site, yellow pages advertising, printing, stationary, invoices. Perhaps some type of log system for mileage for establishing fees - there are computer devices that can automatically log trips and even print a cash register like slip. Business licensing that may be required with your state, county, city just to be in business. Bookkeeping, tax preparation software. Possibly workman's comp payments...

Make lists of every possible expense you can conceive, research them and then make your wet finger in the wind total for your "nut". Then you can asses if the population in your area could even cover the nut, much less covering a profit for you to keep.

Research should include any other pet taxi services in your area and what they charge. If you have a reasonably good library, they will have phone books from other cities that you can scan for similar services, and don't forget the internet: Google the heck out of all the angles. State, county, local governments usually all have sites that are comprehensive for their respective departments and a great source for who to talk to about your requirements.

It will be an adventure making your business plan and checking all the angles. Have fun and good luck!

[Anon001]

Daff,

I think they are correct. There is a lot more involved than just telling some older lady you will take her beloved pet to the vet for her. Another thing not mentioned is that the person who owns the pet has to pay for the visit. Do they have a charge account with the vet, or ...?

You might be better off if you were to start a small business of personal services. I know a lady that was raised near where I now live. She is in northern New Mexico. She has built up a small business with several employees and it is nothing more than a personal services business. She will do their grocery shopping, wash a car, mow the yard, paint, clean, shop for personal items/gifts, ...basically any service someone may need, she or one of her employees do it. She has a couple men working for her that do the "work" type stuff like car washing, mowing etc. while she and a couple ladies concentrate on the more personal aspects such as the shopping and such.

She has built up a nice business over the last 20 years. You might be better off doing something like that. You wouldn't be as limited as you would with a pet taxi service. And if you're going to be in business, you may as well do as much as possible to stay as busy as possible. Any small business takes a lot of hours and a lot of work to get going.

Ads? You can try you "thrifty nickel" type papers, Craig's List, several other free ad services online. Build a website, advertise with Google, Yahoo, etc.

Something else you can do since you have time on your hands.... start going to sales (auctions). Buy boxes of 'stuff' cheap to sell on eBay. I often see boxes of junk at farm auctions that I can get for $1.00 or $2.00. There may be nothing of real value in it, but if you have 10 items that sell for $0.99 each, you've made a profit. Just a thought.

I wouldn't limit my ideas to just a pet taxi. I also know that some vet clinics in the cities will come pick up the pet for the owner if they are older and can't or don't want to drive. So, you may already have competition. If I was going to pay someone to transfer my pet, I would pick the vet clinic over an individual that I've never met. More peace of mind.

Good luck.

[Mom5farmboys]

Daff,

Something Paul said in his post got me thinking, about vet's offices already offering this service. Maybe you could contact some vets around you, and offer your services through them? Just a thought.

[daffodil]

Here we go again! I'm thinking simple, just put out word if you need a ride and give me a call, hand me a $20 and we're on our way. Kinda like the firewood idea, put it by the road and collect the cash. Nothin' simple anymore! Government YIKES! They sure do make living tough!