| Starting a towing company can be a challenging | | | | process. Get their name and make them your |
| process. As excited as you may be to get the | | | | friend. |
| wheels rolling and the cash coming in, there are a | | | | 3) Build a brand, not just a company. With an |
| few things you may want to consider before | | | | overabundance of towing companies to choose |
| opening your doors. | | | | from consumers often select companies at |
| 1) What kind of company are you looking to build? | | | | random to call for a quote. Make your business |
| Diversity in sources of business is important when | | | | stand out by having a good name and strong |
| running a towing company. The old adage "Don't | | | | marketing plan. Having these in place before you |
| keep all of your eggs in one basket" holds true | | | | start spending on advertising will make that |
| for the towing industry as well. Understanding the | | | | money work harder for you. And be careful when |
| potential sources of business and how profitable | | | | committing to long-term contracts like annual |
| they each are can be helpful in determining how | | | | yellow page business directories and online |
| successful you will be from the start. Police, | | | | advertising commitments. Ask what you can |
| motor club, auction, cash customers, account | | | | expect in return for your money and remember, |
| customers and private property accounts all have | | | | much of this can be done yourself for little or no |
| unique business demands and asset requirements. | | | | expense. |
| Be sure to consider just how each source will play | | | | 4) Start building your contacts now. Your |
| a part in your business both now and in the | | | | company doesn't have to be up and running to |
| future. | | | | print business cards and go around introducing |
| 2) Buying trucks and paying for rent, employees | | | | yourself to potential customers. Tell them you are |
| and liability insurance will consume the lion's share | | | | launching in 3 months but wanted to understand |
| of your revenues. And it sure is expensive to be | | | | what they look for in a good company. It will |
| paying for these items when few calls are coming | | | | show your dedication to providing a good product |
| in. One great keystone of any towing company is | | | | as well as provide you with some insight on how |
| providing service to the local police and fire | | | | to better compete with your future fellow |
| departments. Check with their contacts to see | | | | industry professionals. |
| how to get on the lists. If it isn't possible to get | | | | I ran a successful tow company for several years |
| onto the list for a few months it may make | | | | and know much of what you will need to do is |
| sense to wait. Municipal lists are a steady and | | | | not difficult work, its just hard work. Being |
| profitable customer but don't count on that | | | | committed to being the best and being |
| revenue until you know you can get on the | | | | professional will give you a huge boost over your |
| provider list. Every police department has a | | | | competition. |
| vehicle officer or contact in charge of the towing | | | | |