How I Failed at the Taxi Business in Zambia, Ulendo/Yango Saga and How to Start your Taxi Business 

1. I think they tried to adapt and probably tried some methods to counteract but it failed. Imagine listening to so many opinions from people on what to do. You know, everyone is an expert at giving opinions. I would like to think that they tried their best. I hope so. 2. The thing of having just anyone register on Yango bothered me a lot. Ulendo was safe because of the vetting process. Any car could get on Yango even cars that were ready for the demolition yard. imagine competing for jobs with such people. 3. I agree. That was one of the problems we faced in our business. switching apps and abandoning Ulendo. Anyway, it is what it is. 4. This goes back to the thing of changing your model. If it were me changing the model would feel like playing into the enemy's hand. The competition would then dictate our every move because they would know we are just copying their tactics. The Yango market penetration strategy was capital intensive and successful. I must commend them. How do you compete against someone who looks like they have an unlimited budget? 5. I think it was because of the migration of drivers as you said. I also remember being frustrated with the delays as a customer. I experienced the said delays even with other apps that were trying to take Ulendo's spot before Yango.

Some people seem to want to get maximum benefit from others regardless of what happens to the other person.

Eh what did Ulendo do? Don't you think Yango will also do the same now that they have the market?

Hmm that's so sad to hear glad he managed to escape. I'm curious to know how it happened. Drivers are really getting targeted nowadays by criminals. I hope the police can find a way to help increase safety for drivers. As an owner, installing a gps can help with tracking but safety not so much. Maybe also installing a dash camera could help improve driver safety because criminals would know that they are being recorded on camera. If you feel losing the keys was out of negligence of the driver you should charge him but if it's reasonable how he lost it, just fix it. The longer your vehicle stays off the road the less money you make. Mu Zambia, as an employer do you ever consider the psychological trauma that he has gone through after being attacked? Maybe allow your driver even a day off just to rest and appreciate life.

Negligence was there how do you go to chibolya around 20hrs. The car was actually moving but he didn't lock doors so someone opened the door and started grabing whatever was in front while the other one was fighting with him.

ehh i see what you mean, Chibolya of all places to go at night. He should have known better. He has probably learned his lesson. Ine every time I get in any car, I lock the doors because I've been robbed before in the same fashion around downtown mall in slow moving traffic. Locking doors should be a standard rule for anyone who gets into a car not just drivers. Maybe I should create a hazard map showing the dangerous areas of Lusaka city to help people plan. I would like to hear your opinion on how you manage your driver is it commission basis or a salary?

Every month he needs to cash in 3 weeks and the forth one it's his

that is an interesting method. so if he gets sick during his week nizake izo? who gets the pay day week?

This is something you have to calculate based on your expenses, income and target. Don't just follow trends out what others are paying because everyone's case is unique and everyone has their own preference. If you're planning on going into taxi business I encourage you to download the taxi business starter kit which gives answers to a lot of questions. Follow this link to download it: tinyurl.com/taxistarter

@@BornTheBuilder I have a Mercedes C200 I want to business with but I feel I need more guidance

@@lovellifeandlaughter are you in Zambia? You cannot use a Mercedes Benz as a regular taxi in Zambia. You might be better off listing it under a car hire business model for things like weddings, conferences and the like. What do you think?

@@BornTheBuilder how do I list it under car hire business, do we have companies offering such services in Zambia and how much would I get from it per week

@@lovellifeandlaughter there are companies offering such but it's easier if it's a friend/acquaintance running such a business and looking to increase their fleet. How much you would get paid depends on your own negotiations and agreement. Generally, I would encourage you to run the business yourself so that you are in control instead of letting someone else use your vehicle. Just try it out. The only passive income you can get is from income streams like interest from lending out money. For things like this you have to put in effort and attention to make money.

I agree, I was too accomodating as a driver. I have since learned my lessons from this experience. We live and we learn right.

@@BornTheBuilder Absolutely well said. You are a Guru now