Sunday, May 12, 2024

Hi Friend,

We've been getting some great questions on MDTVIP.com. In the event that you might have similar questions, I thought I would share some of these great questions with you.

Our Business Network and our Q&A's continue to grow. If you're ready to network and learn from other like-minded entrepreneurs then visit us now at www.mdtvip.com.

See you at the Top!
Joel E. Davis
(607) 797-1477

The State of Michigan requires "Livery" insurance and they consider ambulettes the same as limos. Can you recommend an insurance carrier that will cover our business? Who do you use?

Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide all say they do not carry this type of policy, especially not for a new company.

We have one broker quoting us $5200 per year for 1 van including 1) Liability, 2) Physical Damage, 3) $1,000,000 liability as required by the state, and 4) $250 deductible. And they want the $5200 up front. They say financing is available. Is this typical from what you have experienced?

I've found a used Ricon lift on Craigslist for under $250. My wife wants to know if they are pretty much universal in size. She is worried if I buy it won't fit the van we buy. This is an 800# rated lift. (these things are like $4800 new) Also...I'm finding vans from 1994-1999 with 85-145k miles for $1700-3900. Now these are vans without lifts, some are conversions, others are just straight vans. I guess my biggest concern is buying a van that is not going to be dependable, but if I go newer, like 2001-2003 the prices jump to $12000-$15000, and that is w/o a lift.

Am I being too concerned about age and miles?

I have a vendor I was referred to that does lettering. He is quoting me $800 to do all of the lettering for my van, a little more if he has to do my logo (which we have done).

He then told me my Maaco paint job would only last me 3-4 years before it would start to chip & flake. I think about $900 for the paint job...He suggested wrapping the vehicle. He says the wrap will outlast the vehicle and would not chip, fade, or rust. He says it's easier to get off than vinyl letters. The catch is the wrap would cost $3000-$3500 depending on how much artwork is included.

Is this wrapping thing just "money spent" that could be better spent elsewhere, saved, or could the extra "JAZZ" it gives to the look of the van payoff.

My question is regarding negotiating rates with a company that outsource their transportation needs for workers comp employees in need of transportation to and from medical appointments. I will be providing transportation in the Washington DC metro area (DC, Maryland and Virginia). I will be transporting clients in a non-emergent wheel-chair van. Can you suggest what I should charge for transportation round trip
visits inside of DC and then outside of the city limits. I'm sure that there are lots of intangibles but I would really appreciate any information that you could offer. This provider is allowing me to state my charge in the contract.

Do you have any draft or sample letter (one page) that I can use to introduce our services to hospitals, retirement communities, nursing homes etc, stating our intention to contract with them to become a preferred provider of their transportation needs.

What's up buddy? I attended your seminar back in Dec. '06. I've got a hospital that is excited about our service and wants to use us but they deal in contracts. They asked me to produce one and they would happily sign it. Problem is I don't have one. I need a template and I could create it myself on my computer. Nothing extravagant just something to get the ball rolling. This is a "not for profit" hospital and they require something in writing "to do" business. Help!!! They want it ASAP and I have been stalling. I would go to an attorney but I don't even know what should be in there.

Thanx man...this site is going to be very useful for a schmuck like me!!

We are going to be looking at computers. We plan to handle the business from 2 locations so one will act as a server for DME & other stuff like Quickbooks, etc.

As your business has grown, how many computers do you really need in your office for the operation?

Here is my thought process. I'll need 1 for my dispatcher/office manager who will take the majority of the phone calls and dispatch the runs to me. I'll need a second for my wife to do billing, payroll, etc. And since I'm going to be on the road most of the time at first, I will not need a dedicated computer at first.

As the business grows, I suspect I'll need to add another for dispatch/customer service.

Do you recommend cold calling on assisted living facilities, nursing homes. There are a lot of this type of facilities in our area - some with their own busses to take groups to the mall, and other outings.

We were at the Sept 06 seminar and we are about to buy our 1st van...getting ready to climb to the top!

Hi Joel,
1. What is your advice on internet marketing?
2. What account type do you recommend when signing up with Paypal. Bear in mind that we are just getting started, hence limited cash/start-up cost.