
EZ Shuttle of the High Country
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many cars and employees do you have?
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Two cars, one driver. Choose your comfort and space requirements.
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Acura MDX, which is very comfortable, all wheel drive, fits 4 adults comfortably, and a third row seat for smaller statured types. More luggage space and can add a cargo carrier in the hitch.
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Toyota Camry Hybrid. Similar interior space for four passengers. Limited luggage space. Lower fee due to better miles per gallon.
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How long have you been in the shuttle business?
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I started at the end of 2023. It occurred to me there might be a need so I floated the idea on Facebook to friends and they said go for it. I created a simple web page, ordered business cards, and posted on Facebook that my services were available.
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How do you market your business?
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Mostly Facebook. Try it. Visit your favorite group on Facebook as ask for suggestions for shuttle companies in the area. Hopefully, I will show up in there. I do have a web page which many people find comforting and communicates this is a serious business; not a fly by night organization. Word of mouth in this town helps a lot.
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How do you determine your fees for rides?​
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Generally, the Camry requires $50/hour. The Acura, closer to $55/hour.
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For each ride I estimate the amount of time and expenses associated with maintaining the business .
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I also look at what similar shuttle services are charging. I try to keep it below everyone else for those that are price shopping.
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I compare prices offered by Uber even though it is unlikely anyone can get a long distance ride from them originating in Boone.
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What expenses are there to running this business?
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Obviously the car, car maintenance, car cleaning, and commercial insurance (about 3x regular insurance)
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Marketing materials: business cards, web page fees.
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Office administration: this is time devoted to keeping things organized, communication, spreadsheets, invoices, receipts, calendar updates, etc. There’s more behind the scenes you don’t see.
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What type of rides do you usually offer?
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Mostly down the mountain, e.g., to and from airports. Most will make reservations for multiple rides at the same time.
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Non-emergency medical appointment. Clients appreciate my ability to wait for them , and then bring them back.
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Holiday visits. Shuttling folks to family gatherings and then returning days later for the return trip.
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Local rides. For example, shuttling someone from their home to another destination.
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“Designated driver” for up to six passengers to a winery, restaurant or other event.
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Is this a “full time job?” or How many hours do you work a week?
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Part time though some weeks in the summer keep me hopping. I rarely drive more than 4-5 hours a day, but have done eight hour days of driving with a few hours of waiting in between making for 10-12 hour days.
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Some weeks, I may drive every day, but others, I might only have one or two rides. It varies.
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I really don’t want to work full time. It’s not healthy sitting that much at my age.
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Have you ever had a bad ride?
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Rarely. I’m learning to say “no” if my intuition smells trouble, drugs, or alcohol.
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What did you do before you started this business?
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I moved to Boone in '84 to get my masters degree in teaching. Professionally, I was a “shop” teacher, mostly in middle school, in four different counties, in 12 different schools. I spent 20 years teaching in Watauga County, in 8 out of their 9 schools.
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Are you a good driver? Yes. I limit my time behind the wheel to stay sharp. Bus driver training taught me some safe driving skills too. ​
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How do you accept payment?
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Cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App and credit card (on Square or National Bankcard: swipe or manual input)
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Can I get a receipt?
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Yes, many clients are taking business trips, and I will email a receipt if desired. I can also do a simple handwritten one but the official one I email looks more authentic.
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How do I reserve a ride?
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Call 828-414-4969 first, or text to make sure I'm available on the date you need a ride. I'll give you an estimate of the fee. Once confirmed, then go HERE.
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What do I do if you are not available?
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I can’t fulfill all requests, either due to previous reservations. I try to refer people to other shuttle services that can fulfill their need and pocketbook. There are lots of options to get where you want to go.
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What can I expect the ride to be like?
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You, the rider, set the tone. Some like chill, peace and quiet. Others are chatty. I like both and everything in between.
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I am a careful driver, and strive for the most comfortable ride as possible for the client.
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