Possible career change - a bit of market research..

starbar

starbar

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So, after years of being a corporate slave and more recently working in one of the doomed Quangos, I am finding myself facing redundancy in the new year. However, this does not faze me too much as I think I have had enought of the hamster wheel and want to branch out into doing something I want to do and hopefully be my own boss.! :cool:
I've had a lifetime of horses, currently with 2 of my own, and also spent many hours driving around the country for work. With my redundancy pay I should be able to afford a small 2 horse box so was thinking of setting up a horse taxi/transport business.
What I was hoping you lovely folks could help me with is letting me know what you would want from such a service. Obviously all the basics would be covered...fully insured, disinfected after each horse, water on board, safe sound lorry, but what could I do that would make you want to use such a service? :o:D
Lots of thanks for getting this far, a nice big ice cream for anyone who replies :D
 
I would use a service like that for longer journeys to shows/clinics etc that would mean motorway journeys rather then local stuff - that isn't to say that people won't use it for local stuff especially if they have no transport - it could be a yard outing etc. :)

I would put together a brochure of all sorts of events, maybe trips to the beach etc you would be prepared to do. I would also make your costs absolutely clear - nothing more irritating than thinking you know how much something costs to then find there is another 20 quid for this, 30 quid for that etc etc. I would also consider if you are prepared to do overnights - again if I was using it it would be for a longer journey so would expect there to be at least one nights stay.:)

If you are aiming at a very local market rather then longer distances (you wil all of course limit your market by doing this) list all the local shows, x country courses, hunting etc you can take people to.:)

hope that is of some help.:)
 
Thanks slinkyunicorn, the brochure of events is a great idea. Definately thinking longer journeys too, also know what you mean about costings :)
 
I would want to know that you are a nice smooth driver! I would also like to be able to get a good idea of cost from your website as otherwise I would assume that the service would be too expensive for me to afford.
As an add on service, perhaps you could add a groom option for those who use you to take them to shows?
 
What size box are you thinking of? Bearing in mind most of the 3.5t don't have a high enough payload to carry more than one horse, & don't really comfortably fit much bigger than 15.2hh (in my experience).

Also, the cost (to me) of hiring box + driver for one horse, for one show/beach ride etc, might be too high, one you actually take your costs & profit into account?

Could you afford a bigger box? Maybe a four-horse box? I'd look at this I think, slightly different market I guess, but maybe bigger and less limiting?

You could then do transport 4 horses to a show, hunt, local gallops, fun rides, X-country, clinics, beach etc, even if you stop to do collections from different yards. The cost can then be divided by 4 owners rather than 1 or 2, making it cheaper (and therefore more realistic for people like me!).

If you'd be prepared to drive, you could also offer a service transporting purchases home from auctions/sales?

Good luck with it, if you do go for it! Whereabouts in the country are you? :)
 
Sounds like a good idea.

Before I got my own trailer, I struggled to find transport people who would take me to an event and bring me back again the same day.
Perhaps there is a bit of a gap in the market there? You'd obviously have to charge for either hanging around, or if it was local your petrol there and back again.

Agree prices (or approximate prices) on the website are always good. I too always assume if there's no price advertised it will be too expensive for me!

Also, be prepeared that not all of your equine customers will be quiet and well behaved!
 
Before you get too excited with 'customer service' you need to look properly into the legal requirements for running such a business.

A legal lorry will cost you a fortune each month purely to keep the required paperwork and permissions up to date so unless you are going to be doing this full time I honestly dont think I would sink your money into it.
 
starbar said:
So, after years of being a corporate slave and more recently working in one of the doomed Quangos, I am finding myself facing redundancy in the new year. However, this does not faze me too much as I think I have had enought of the hamster wheel and want to branch out into doing something I want to do and hopefully be my own boss.! :cool:
I've had a lifetime of horses, currently with 2 of my own, and also spent many hours driving around the country for work. With my redundancy pay I should be able to afford a small 2 horse box so was thinking of setting up a horse taxi/transport business.
What I was hoping you lovely folks could help me with is letting me know what you would want from such a service. Obviously all the basics would be covered...fully insured, disinfected after each horse, water on board, safe sound lorry, but what could I do that would make you want to use such a service? :o:D
Lots of thanks for getting this far, a nice big ice cream for anyone who replies :D
Click to expand...



I think there is a market in transport to and from vet by its nature it is stressful having a caring / experienced driver would make all the difference especially if horse owner is having to work. The one we have used in the past also has video fitted so that the driver can see whether there are any problems travelling. Given the short notice I think you could charge slightly more. Plus if you got in with the local vets they are happy with you they will recommend your service
 
Thanks everyone, some really good ideas there. I was also thinking the 24 hour emergency call out service as well as an additional option. Also the service at sales and auctions. :)
Am currently located in the Midlands (I know someone asked this!) Not quite ready to go yet! :p
Spaniel- this would be a full time career change, I have a background in sales and marketing management as well as start up business advice so have got the legal/business side covered. Also about 4 months to get a solid business plan together. Time to start practicing what I preach! :D
Great stuff folks, I knew I would get some sound ideas here, keep em coming! :D
 
You will need a O.P, a C.P.C, W.I.T cert and a DEFRA licence.

your vehicle will be subject to an 8 week check by the Ministry, you will need Public Liability INS, Business INS, and INS to cover the animals you transport.

Horses transport for hire or reward must adhere to these rules and regs...and you'll need to have a read of this too...

http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/welfare/transport/documents/transport_horses.pdf


best of all, you need DEEP pockets!!

Best of luck
 
nativeponies said:
You will need a O.P, a C.P.C, W.I.T cert and a DEFRA licence.

your vehicle will be subject to an 8 week check by the Ministry, you will need Public Liability INS, Business INS, and INS to cover the animals you transport.

Horses transport for hire or reward must adhere to these rules and regs...and you'll need to have a read of this too...

http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/welfare/transport/documents/transport_horses.pdf


best of all, you need DEEP pockets!!

Best of luck
Click to expand...

Thanks, really useful :)
 
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