FREEBIE-WEATHERED FRIENDS: In the age of Facebook friendships, it seems like everyone wants to get a good deal from friends who own businesses. How do you handle the constant requests for discounted rides and favors while still breaking more than even?
Read full story
The Unfriendly Skies of United Airlines recently made me realize that bad news can put employees in bad moods.
Read full story
JIM LUFF DRIVING GEM: You know you have seen it before where a group of cars are tailgating and one suddenly stops and the others all plow into each other. This is called the domino effect.
If you find yourself sandwiched in a group like this, CHANGE LANES or if you can't decrease the amount of space between yourself and the car in front of you to give yourself plenty of time to hit the brakes and warn the guy behind you that you are slowing. Allow everyone to have enough REACTION SPACE! -- Jim Luff, LCT contributing editor
FATALITY: The latest limo bus accident in the news doesn't appear to be the fault of the driver, but it once again underscores the importance of making sure chauffeurs and drivers are well trained and current with the latest mistakes that lead to accidents.
Read full story
STAYING SUITED FOR THE JOB: I had to handle an unexpected all-day chauffeured bus run to Los Angeles.
Read full story
TALE OF AN OLD LIMO: We maintain a privately owned limousine in our fleet that is a 1997 model. That limo is in mint condition with 250,000 miles on it and I’d take it across the Mojave Desert tomorrow feeling safe.
Read full story
AUDIT SAGA PART 3: "Shortly after 1 p.m. the, the examiner left for a few hours to participate in a teleconference. By 3 p.m., he was back. I had hoped the conference call would be intense and take the rest of the day. No such luck."
Read full story
AUDIT SAGA PART 2: "As 9 a.m. approached, I could almost feel beads of sweat upon my forehead. I felt like a kid in high school who was about to take my final examination. But this time the stakes were much higher."
Read full story
AUDIT SAGA: The Department of Transportation plops down in my business and gets into the nitty gritty of how we operate.
Read full story
JIM LUFF: Did bureaucratic underlings at LAX try to retaliate when I requested a decal and transponder?
Read full story
JIM LUFF: I just breathed a sigh of relief after finishing an insurance audit and was basking in the good results. Then came the letter notifying me of a pending audit from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Read full story
JIM LUFF: Why do government bureaucrats make things as difficult as possible?
Read full story
INSPECTOR IN THE HOUSE: Whew! No one likes and examination but everyone likes a pat on the back.
Read full story
Corporate clients have many rules but what can you do when you have a conflict?
Read full story
AUDIT! No business owner likes that word, but I'd rather get an insurance audit than one from the IRS. I'll share with you what I've learned from this experience.
Read full story
GREAT SHOW GONE IN A FLASH: But I sure have some good memories, from one of the best limo trade shows ever.
Read full story
I know that the limo industry is always down for a party. See you next week.
Read full story
COUNTING DOWN: In my annual ILCT Show preview column, I always like to underscore why you can't miss this mega-industry event.
Read full story
The state of California will stop at nothing to feed its fat, hungry, bloated, deficit-ridden government with taxes from small businesses.
Read full story
1983-2013: Look for an exciting issue of LCT Magazine in February.
Read full story
Should I be mad, sad or glad?
Read full story
What will Obamacare yield in added costs to businesses that may have to be passed on to consumers?
Read full story
Office harmony can be upset, like an fallen beehive. Restoring peace quickly is essential.
Read full story
HURRICANE SANDY: Operators must cope not only with a natural disaster but potential financial ones as well.
Read full story
WHAT'S THAT? Don't drop the ball on your valued customers by failing to properly communicate the service details.
Read full story
My mother was shocked at what happened at the Marriott, and so was I.
Read full story
Don't let your guests down. Here are some things to think about before the event starts.
Read full story
Bakersfield, Calif., has a booming economy, in spite of everything, according to a Sunday front page feature in the Los Angeles Times.
Read full story
I work an annual charity event offers networking and marketing opportunities and brings out the best in my community.
Read full story
WHO IS AT FAULT? Erratic passenger behavior, which a host aboard the bus tried to stop, nevertheless leaves a black mark on the industry.
Read full story
Don’t play the cutthroat game and let the loose players die of natural causes.
Read full story
It’s 4:30am and your chauffeur has a blown radiator hose.
Read full story
GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES: Most wineries open arms for limousine company clients, although a few still don’t get it.
Read full story
Tom Mazza was a mentor, a friend and an ardent advocate for the chauffeured transportation industry.
Read full story
When is it appropriate for office staff to text, web-surf and Facebook?
Read full story
A Saturday night bus drama costs me a lot but keeps my customers moving.
Read full story
How you handle an angry, fuming client determines future business.
Read full story
HIRING HELP: The more you ask, the better decision you can make on hiring an applicant. Here is a ready checklist of tried and true questions covering many bases in a job interview.
Read full story
MY READER SURVEY: I'd like to know what you want to read about in future columns.
Read full story
CLIENT SATISFACTION: If a repeat client prefers one chauffeur, do you allow only that chauffeur to drive for your client?
Read full story
I just learned a painful lesson about accepting a sizable request for medical transportation from an out-of-state company that promised payment but so far hasn't delivered. Their response to me: LOL!
Read full story
LEGAL CASE ALERT: I'm keeping tabs on an important case in Nevada that goes to the heart of what is INTER-state vs. INTRA-state transportation. The outcome could affect many of us.
Read full story
Hard Work, Long Hours and Good Customer Service provide the good life
Read full story
SAY WHAT? What happens when your main contact at a corporate account is suddenly gone and you can’t find out for sure why?
Read full story
Stagecoach 2012 Country Music Festival transportation was aced!
Read full story
Where’s the chauffeur? I wondered during my recent experience as rear seat client.
Read full story
I enjoyed a record-breaking day of revenue on Monday, reminding for a moment of what the good times were like way back in 2007.
Read full story
This is the first in an occasional series about a 21st Century social management style.
Read full story
I never got a chance to say goodbye.
Read full story
HIRING GOOD HELP, AGAIN: My longtime assistant returns to full-time duty.
Read full story
I take the wheel and lead respect in an emotional farewell to a 23-year-old Bakersfield, Calif. police officer.
Read full story
Here are some statements you can easily remember and repeat to bring out the best in you and everyone who works around you.
Read full story
This week I highlight an absurd example of over-regulation of limousine operators in Montreal. And don't think something like this couldn't happen here.
Read full story
Limos.com proves to be an asset when pursuing referrals and leads.
Read full story
ALL ABOUT SERVICE: I want to share a fine example of how a coachbuilder can exceed customer expectations.
Read full story
2012 INTERNATIONAL LCT SHOW: I was amazed at who I met, what I learned, and my big take-away money saving idea.
Read full story
The limousine is waiting. I'm bound for the 2012 International LCT Show.
Read full story
There are plenty of special days coming up that will make your clients want to ride in a limousine. Here's how to get them chauffeured.
Read full story
BILLING TEMPTATIONS: How to handle an overpayment or underpayment.
Read full story
Here is my answer to a frequently asked question.
Read full story
Recap of my most memorable events of 2011.
Read full story
TRUTH IN LABELING: Don’t advertise that you are if you are not really live all the time.
Read full story
Never attended? This message is for YOU!
Make arrangements, save your money, come learn with me.
The 2012 ILCT Show is Feb. 13-15, 2012 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Read full story
Taking stock of all that I have in my business and the people who make it possible.
Read full story
CAN'T AVOID IT: Whether legally required or not, the nagging costs are an investment in safety.
Read full story
It’s time for the official start of the holiday season.
Read full story
If you don’t want people to call you, don’t put your name in the book!
Read full story
A charity Halloween party consumes my life.
Read full story
Do you negotiate on farm-in and farm-out jobs?
Read full story
So many champagne flutes and rocks glasses mysteriously vaporize or splinter.
Read full story
A bad slice of limo life: September was a month of bashing and bruising.
Read full story
Accidents are a part of the business, but it is still a traumatic experience no matter when it happens.
Read full story
I never had a chance to say goodbye.
Read full story
First a financial boom and then a financial bust.
Read full story
A chauffeur bails out on job while waiting for airport arrival. It’s not about how you fall but how gracefully you get up.
Read full story
Nearly two years later, my January 2010 blog post is still a hot industry topic.
Read full story
The former president of the Limousine Association of Houston moves on to digital pastimes.
Read full story
How operators can market to the doorkeepers of the most popular destinations for retail clients.
Read full story
Join me, if you dare, for an exclusive inside look into my legendary central California limo bus wine tours.
Read full story
A forward female client makes me grapple with the definition of customer service.
Read full story
LCT is a business, too, and it always delivers results for operators and vendors. Industry promotions are a crucial part of business success.
Read full story
"LIMO, WADDYA WANT?" Late night personnel often are not known for giving good phone.
Read full story
Digital Drama: A birthday celebration is marred by a computer disaster.
Read full story
Child car seats can be a messy and aggravating nuisance to an operator, not to mention expensive. But this problem kind of solved itself.
Read full story
VACATION BREAKDOWN: When systems start collapsing at the office, it is time to get back early.
Read full story
Every vacation of mine is a trip through customer service. Here is the first of my reports on customer service through the eyes of an operator, good and bad. What can we all learn?
Read full story
LUFF OF LEISURE: My annual vacation begins Friday, and if you've read about my past excursions, you know how vital they are to me in running a good business.
Read full story
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Wineries are getting stricter and more formal with their limousine access policies. Chauffeurs now need to do some planning ahead.
Read full story
Do you really know how your chauffeurs behave? You can easily solve any mysteries.
Read full story
Thanks to technology, the "chauffeur bag" has gotten much smaller. Nothing reveals industry changes at the daily level more. . .
Read full story
BUSY LIVES: It's always easy to look at someone having a good time and assume. . . the BEST. But appearances can be deceiving. . .
Read full story
PLAYING IT SAFE: Operators should try this cost-effective marketing solution that provides great exposure but more importantly does good deeds.
Read full story
I learned a hard lesson about handling a blunder and how a government agency doesn't need to compensate for its mistakes as would a private business. . .
Read full story
Teen Dreams: Hoping to arrive at the prom in style but money is always the problem.
Read full story
A refresher on chauffeur challenges — my BIG adventure:
Read full story
In an industry that proclaims luxury and proper etiquette, manners seem to be missing.
Read full story
EMPTY SPACE: The legendary operator was missed by many at the 2011 International LCT Show —the first industry trade show since his death on Nov. 19, 2010.
Read full story
Last week I met new people, partied with industry friends, and learned many new things. It was worth the shortage of sleep.
Read full story
HOW DO YOU BUILD A BRAND? Network, Network, Network — and become a household name.
Read full story
Text messaging is killing drivers. What is your policy? Make the “Alex Brown Pledge” today.
Read full story
An operator must know how to be an improv artist. . .
Read full story
Relaying assignments to your chauffeurs is an important task that requires multiple forms of consistent internal communication.
Read full story
With just over a month left before the BIG SHOW, everyone is in planning mode. Meetings, meetings, meetings! The official ones and the secret ones are being planned.
Read full story
MOVING ON: Look for some better times ahead.
Read full story
GLAD TO JOIN THE CLUB: The always enjoyable Greater California Livery Association annual Christmas holiday event was well worth the two-hour drive each way.
Read full story
LIMOS AYC & ASAP: For the past six months I have noticed a new trend occurring within our company. I don’t know if it is happening everywhere, or if it is just happening to us.
Read full story
LCT posts memorial photos of veteran operator and industry mentor DEAN SCHULER, who died Nov. 19, 2010. A memorial event and party was held in New Orleans on Dec. 2.
Read full story
ASSESSING AFFILIATES: Nothing is more satisfying to an operator than to find out firsthand a selected affiliate delivers consistent, stellar service day-to-day and on the ground all around.
Read full story
The holidays bring icing on the business cake.
Read full story
The kind where everything goes wrong.
Read full story
SAFETY ALERT: A 17-year-old foreign student who rode a limo party bus ends up dead. The operator basically says: Not my fault.
Read full story
It seems like every week someone has to be off because of an issue involving one of their children. That is the risk we take when hiring people with children.
Read full story
Passage of Proposition 19 would mean that there is legal risk in firiing an employee who has a “medical card” for legal use of marijuana. What will be the fallout for drug-free workplaces?
Read full story
WELL, ALMOST PERFECT: Client service was delivered flawlessly. Behind the scenes issues were handled swiftly and the highlight of my day was meeting Goldie Hawn. See my photo gallery below. . .
Read full story
BIZ + BUSY = BIZZY. My hometown of Bakersfield, Calif. always keeps me on the run, this time with a world-class business conference.
Read full story
Government Bureaucracy: Making Change With No Regard
Trip permit fees at LAX increase Friday.
Read full story
SMART HR: Use the resources of your employees to save money and showcase their abilities.
Read full story
Just Let Me Drop Everything to Manage Your Problem!
Read full story
CRAZY CLIENTS: Pillows, jelly beans, tickets. . drugs and prostitutes?! How do you handle strange and/or illegal requests?
Read full story
CASINOS EMPTY, STORES EMPTY, SHOWS EMPTY: I just returned home from a one week stay in Lake Tahoe in California. If ever there was an indication of a bad economy, this city is it. There was not a single livery vehicle to be seen or had.
Read full story
DON’T MAKE YOURSELF LOOK BAD: I have always taken pride in the fact that I don’t trash talk my competition. To people on the receiving end of a rant about the competition, it can sound childish and immature. It certainly is unprofessional.
Read full story
GETTING THE RUN-AROUND: When you call a business to ask a question, you expect an answer to your question. From that answer, you can either conduct further business or decide the answer wasn’t what you expected. Either way, that first phone contact is the first impression of your business and no one likes getting the run around.
Read full story
SHHHHH, PRIVACY COUNTS: In the world of corporate transportation, celebrity passengers, and uber-rich clientele, confidential matters should remain just that.
Read full story
BAD MANNERS: How would you like it if you sat down at a restaurant, you and a companion ordered food, and then. . . you were told you must pay a 20% gratuity? Or if your boss told you that YOU MUST pay out of your own pocket for mandatory Christmas gifts to your fellow co-workers? Then why do some operators levy a "gift tax," err, gratuity on chauffeured clients?
Read full story
GOING PRACTICAL: Adding a Kia into a fleet of luxury vehicles has subjected me to countless comments and jokes from friends and colleagues but all I see is $$$$.
Read full story
As an operator, I can be critical and spot all chauffeured errors, but this company really needs to read LCT Magazine and get a clue.
Read full story
A TEAM TO REMEMBER: How do you orchestrate sumptuous service with style and smiles? I found out on vacation. . .
Read full story
SPECIAL SERIES: The Hyatt conjures up thoughts of luxury. Do they deliver? Four days gave me plenty to observe.
Read full story
NETWORKING FOR CUSTOMERS: Facebook industry “friends” share promotional ideas and socialize across the country.
Read full story
AS-DIRECTED: Scheduling a 24/7 operation poses personal challenges with the unpredictable birth of a grandchild. You need the flexibility of a chauffeur waiting for a late client.
Read full story
PREPARING FOR THE WORST: Limo crashes always seem to focus on the chauffeur. AND DON'T CALL HIM A LIMO DRIVER!
Read full story
The toughest part of running any business is the human factor, which means you will never please everyone.
Read full story
BREAK SOME EGGS: While everyone would like to get out the door by 5 p.m., I have never seen anyone drop dead from missing the door at 5 p.m. We must never forget our purpose is to serve. . .
Read full story
Do you have employees that have become stagnant? Sometimes you need to clean the house and that means showing people to the door.
Read full story
JIM LUFF: A customer’s definition of efficiency may vary from yours. When reservations need to be made, make sure you answer your phone live or risk losing valuable business.
Read full story
SILLY BUREAUCRACY: Operators contending with inconsistent and unreasonable regulations in Hillsborough County, Florida win a key victory.
As most of you know by now, I never let. . .
Read full story
NO MORE FEAR: In these difficult economic times, we must concentrate and avoid falling into depression and fear. Stay positive and make it a GREAT day.
Read full story
SURVIVAL STRATEGY: Sensitive pricing for today’s economy can make you flexible enough to get the sales volume you need.
Read full story
NO MORE NEW MOONS: This week, Jim Luff shares painful personal details on the effects of depression in his family.
Read full story
NEW OPPS: With the limo-bus charter business still sluggish, California operator Jim Luff sells a wine tour on Facebook.
Read full story
DONE DEALS? Price conscious shoppers using multiple online limo finder services can cost you big money to get the sale as you pay for the same lead to multiple brokers.
Read full story
CONFUSION: Time changes affect scheduling and raise questions: Do people understand it happens at 2 a.m., or do they really fall back at midnight?
Read full story
SLIPPERY FINGERS: The transportation business affords many opportunities for employee theft. From the theft of time through unauthorized use of vehicles to the theft of fuel, cash, beverages and other things, theft prevention is a constant battle.
Read full story
PAINFUL LESSON: Knee-jerk reactions can kill relationships. Make sure, whether professionally or personally, you always GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU FACE OFF with someone.
Read full story
BACK IT ALL UP: With so much at stake, redundant systems are a must.
Read full story
V-DAY OPPS: How did various operators do on Valentine's Day 2010?
Read full story
ALWAYS LOOKING AHEAD: Everyone wants to give excellent service, but what is it?
Read full story
ALL TALK AND ACTION: Putting money where my mouth is through financial rewards. . .
Read full story
WHAT A GREAT SHOW: I grow professionally every time I go, and meeting new people motivates me for the whole year. . .
Read full story
DRIVE AWAY CAM: Whether by design or via a business model that wasn’t very well thought out, DriveCam has made it clear they don’t want to do business with our industry.
Read full story
GETTING IT TOGETHER: By now, I have mastered the art of preparing for and getting the most out of the International LCT Show. How do you stack up?
Read full story
NOTHIN' BUT BETTER TIMES AHEAD: There is something about the New Year celebration that is almost like wiping a slate clean. . .
Read full story
CHAUFFEURED HORROR: A breakdown with a busload of passengers near Los Angeles brings me to the brink. . .
Read full story
BACK ON THE ROAD: I learned two important things this week while riding along as my son handled a limo run at LAX. . .
Read full story
Listening to employees and resolving conflicts are effective ways to avoid costly lawsuits. . .
Read full story
Wishing You And Yours A Happy Thanksgiving and taking stock of all I am thankful for. . .
Read full story
WORD GETS AROUND: First impressions are lasting and social media kills when it comes to bad customer service. . .
Read full story
CLIENT COURTSHIP: How do you pursue a potentially lucrative account as an outsider? When do you throw in the towel and move on?
Read full story
SHINING A LIGHT: When generous people need a hand themselves, will you be there to help them? A request for prayers and good wishes for Ken and Susie Martin of Stardust Cruises Limousine Service in Santa Maria, Calif. . .
Read full story
PERSEVERANCE: Be patient, be persistent, and stay positive. Focusing on those three Ps when trying to score a contract will keep you from the fourth P that can kill a deal: Taking things too personally.
Read full story
SOCIAL NETWORKING offers plenty of pros and cons for you and your employees. One thing is for sure: Don't venture into the online social scene without the social skills. . . .
Read full story
I learned a lot of things the easy way at LCT East. . . .
Read full story
FOLLOW UP: Those guys in suits in Oklahoma operating the limo party bus that can’t be called a party bus aren't what you would think.
Read full story
OPERATORS & REGULATORS: In one of the most helpful moves made by the NLA in recent history, NLA attorneys spell out everything you need to know about compliance with labor laws specific to the industry, including the hot topic of "employee vs. independent contractor.”
Read full story
OPERATORS & REGULATORS: TGIS Party Bus, an Oklahoma City based operator recently received a letter from an attorney for OKC Party Bus, also known as Ragin’ Transit Authority. The letter asked TGIS to cease and desist using the name “Party Bus” as apparently OKC Party Bus has a trademark on the name “Party Bus” — at least in Oklahoma.
Read full story
OPERATORS & REGULATORS: The Hillsborough County Public Transportation Committee is on my radar again as the Florida Legislature and Tampa citizens wrestle with overzealous acts, such as declaring that the Mercedes “S-Class” models are not luxury vehicles!
Read full story
No one ever seems to know how minor damage occurs. Some say the dent fairy did it. I think of fairies as good luck so I think dent fairies should fix dents at night while you sleep.
Read full story
SNEAK PEEKS: What would you do if your employee called one of your clients for a date?
Read full story
TELL ME MORE: From employee versus independent contractors, credit card fees, the price of fuel, or government control, I want to hear what’s happening in your world. Writing a blog each Wednesday is something I enjoy. But only when people read it. I want to hear about hot topics that we can discuss, debate, argue or just plain bash.
Read full story
SHUT UP N' JUST GIMME MY BRISKET: Employees represent your company. Do you know what they are saying?
Read full story
SETBACKS & COMEBACKS: Las Vegas chauffeurs continue to battle Bell Transportation in court over pay issues seeking court approval to send the case to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
Read full story
HANDLING FREEBIES: No matter how long you have been in the business, you have without a doubt had a family member or close friend ask you to provide them with a limousine.
Read full story
REGULATORY SOUP: Our business is governed by the PUC, CHP, LAX, Labor Board, IRS, a host of airports, and city and county government agencies. It seems as if you have to be a rocket scientist just to keep up compliance with every agency that rules us. I was reminded of this recently as I stopped to pump gas in my car.
Read full story
FOR LIMO CLIENTS, CREDIT IS BETTER THAN CASH: There are three types of clients: Corporate clients; well-to-do cards with Gold Amex cards; and cash customers.
Read full story
CHAUFFEURS AND DRIVERS ARE THE FACE OF YOUR COMPANY. One chauffeur can literally drive your client to leave your company and you may never know that you have lost the client as a result of actions by your employee.
Read full story
AS THE INDUSTRY WATCHES: The Bell Transportation wage saga might be an ideal time to examine your own pay methods before a judge decides what is right and wrong in payroll arrangements — as was the case recently with one of the largest limousine companies in the nation and its employee chauffeurs.
Read full story
GET CREATIVE TO STAY AFLOAT: Livery companies frequently are sideline operations of other businesses or part of a collection of small businesses held by a single owner. So more and more limousine companies are finding creative ways to keep money flowing in while staying true to the core values of being a limousine company. . .
Read full story
JIM LUFF: Not only are they not always right, many times they are so difficult to deal with that they should be directed to another livery service. . .
Read full story
LETTING GO: In November I took the plunge and hired a personal assistant to help me organize my life and take care of business. To some, it may seem like a frivolous expense. . .
Read full story
JIM LUFF REPORTS: Our last and final full day at the resort proved to be just what a vacation, luxury, and anniversary day should be. Perfection was achieved and the day was spent in the lap of luxury from the time we woke up until the time heads hit the pillows.
Read full story
A horrible let down –
Read full story
VACATION LESSONS: Never stop networking or getting noticed; and never stop noticing all the customer service around you, as Jim Luff demonstrates. . .
Read full story
LCT WRITER AND VETERAN OPERATOR Jim Luff has ended up at a rough resort of sorts. Yes, the view and climate are great, but everything else reminds him of the need for good customer service. . .
Read full story
RESORT TROUBLES BECOME TEACHABLE MOMENTS: Vacationing Jim Luff is taking lots of notes on bad customer service. Aside from wanting to make sure his resort never gets his repeat business, Jim sees a silver lining lesson in everything. . .
Read full story
WHEW. We're glad we finally heard from Jim Luff, who is frolicking in coastal California wine country. If you recall, before he left he had to deal with a tragic employee death and a major leak on his business property. After finally getting away, his laptop crashed, delaying vacation updates. But he's managing to turn his vacation into lessons on customer service that can apply to operators everywhere. . .
Read full story
KNOW YOUR PLACE: Which is, back at work. Who did Jim Luff think he is trying to relax at home for two days before heading to the California coast for an extended vacation? How dare he try to get away from a 24/7 chauffeured operation? As Jim reports in his latest vacation dispatch, if a major infrastructure problem and employee death are meant to occur, it will happen on your vacation. . .
Read full story
LESSONS FROM LEISURE: Even seemingly routine vacation activities offer operator Jim Luff the openings to network, market, and eyeball customer service. . .
Read full story
ONE TOUGH VACATION CUSTOMER: Don't think that just because Jim Luff is heading to the beach until June 8 he won't be working. Whether he bellies up to a bar, buys an ice cream cone, or sits down to a sumptuous dinner, he'll be sizing up the customer service and demanding the best -- just like he insists his company provides. Jim starts his first-ever series on vacationing as the owner of a 24/7 chauffeured operation. . .
Read full story
WARNING ABOUT WAGES: This week, operator and LCT scribe Jim Luff delves into the difficulties of defining wages and compensation for chauffeures and employees, and how one major chauffeured transportation company could be facing a rude reckoning.
Read full story
DEALING WITH DOOM N' GLOOM: LCT contributing editor Jim Luff has been noticing how many businesses are desperately cutting prices as consumers pull back on spending. What does that mean for your operations? How do you stay busy without giving away the store? You can tell Jim all about it below
Read full story
BUYER BEWARE: While the recession offers many opps to cut great deals on products and services, one area where operators can ensure maximum value is with a vehicle warranty. Make sure the coachbuilder promising the quality moon will be there for you if things go wrong. Now is a good time to extract extra safeguards and guarantees with a warranty. As Jim Luff has learned, don't assume a warranty will automatically work.
Read full story
NAME BLAME: LCT Magazine's veteran operator-writer, contributing editor, and online columnist Jim Luff tells a tale this week of an industry war and clever name-game in Denver.
Read full story
OPERATORS MUST UNITE: How much government can we take? We must band together as an industry and hold busy-bodies accountable.
Read full story
BARTERED RUNS: Are you trading to survive? Finding good values?
Read full story
OPERATORS ON THE SPOT: Client cancels at the last minute due to weather conditions. What do you do with their money?
Read full story
OFFENSIVE CLIENTS: At some point you must draw the line on obnoxious behavior, LCT contributing editor Jim Luff reported earlier this week. So what happened with the unruly customer on the limo roof?
Read full story
OFFENSIVE CLIENTS: At what point should the line be drawn on offensive passenger behavior while intoxicated?
Read full story
RECEIVABLES TRICKLE: While sales have remained steady, getting paid is another matter. LCT contributing editor Jim Luff, also owner of Limousine Scene in Bakersfield, Calif., shares the domino effect and asks. . .
Read full story
ETHICAL PRACTICES: At what point is a last minute cancellation from an affiliate billable? LCT contributing editor Jim Luff, also owner of Limousine Scene in Bakersfield, Calif., shares his cancellation policies….
Read full story
LCT CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JIM LUFF shares major changes in operations technology during his 19 years in the industry. What are your war stories?
Read full story
LCT CONTRIBUTING EDITOR and "fashionista" Jim Luff offers firsthand experience on what to wear, and what not, and why it means so much to your business image. . .
Read full story
SELECTING A CHARITY: Jim Luff discusses the benefits of charity work.
Read full story
GOOD USE OF TIME: Jim Luff discusses social networking and community involvement.
Read full story