Amphicar for rent

[AmazingOne]

Hello fellow Amphibians!

Sorry I won't get to see you at Celina!

I am starting a new service - Amphicars for rent - and I would like to invite you to participate!

I (probably like you) have given literally thousands of rides and have never charged a dime. But, it has always seemed unfair to me when a promoter lines his pockets with gate reciepts and Amphi owners do the work and draw the crowds! Shouldn't there be a program to help you with parts & maintainance costs?

Please see my program at www.amazingone.com

If you would like to get on the approved list to join in events in your area, please email me at paul@amazingone.com

Paul Lalewicz - (517) 546-2022 ENJOY CELINA!!!!!

 

[mike_israel]

Interesting concept but seems like it could be fraught with some serious legal risks.

It is one thing to have a donations jar on the dash, quite another to provide a commercial service. You could be in a serious world of hurt unless you are are licensed as a Captain by U.S. Coast Guard and (in many states) are also a certified chauffeur with passenger endorsements for land travel. If something went wrong you could lose everything. And as more than one Duck Boat incident has shown, things can go tragically wrong.

At the very least, read your insurance policy REALLY carefully to see if you are covered if offering services such as this.

 

[AmazingOne]

I am glad that you find it a interesting concept!

Yes, you are correct, proper insurance coverages by all parties are a must, including the event organizer and any involved Amphicar owners. I have been in touch with an underwriter concerning the necessary additional coverages for multiple owners participating and hence the post for interested parties and comments.

 

[DrNoose]

Hmmm...I was always under the impression that free rides for people was part of the Amphicar Code of Honor (unwritten of course). Seems like once you start charging, then you lose part of the "Hey this cool guy at the lake gave me a ride in a car boat" to just being a miniature Duck tour guide. Also, usually no complaints when it is free!

My $.02 worth, and darn well worth it!

Dan
1964 "Das Boot"

 

[chasgould]

I could not agree more! I really feel that something huge is lost when
you start charging for these rides.
We used to host the swim-in meets here in Boston several years ago,
and at one of the last meets that we hosted, we were all giving rides
to hordes of happy and thrilled spectators. After a while, I was
surprised to see a large group of our spectators all walking away from
our group in a pack.
I approached them to ask why they were leaving, and after some
reluctance, they explained to me that two of the people in our group
had lured several them into the Amphicars for rides, and once they
were out on the lake, they were "advised" that it was customary to tip
the drivers and owners of the cars. When asked what would be
appropriate, they were told that $20.00 per person, per ride, was a
proper amount for the tip. These families who had so appreciated being
offered rides in the Amphicars, now felt that they were being held
hostage for a $60.00 to $80.00 shakedown, and they were all leaving in
a hurry.
Not only did it really piss me off that these people were charging my
guests for rides at our event, and did it sour me on hosting the
Amphicar event, but these people exposed me to liability by charging
for rides at an event where I had signed forms swearing that no fees
were being charged for rides in the cars.
Curiously, these same two parties were the only guests who complained
about our registration fee. One of these people later boasted that he
had made enough money charging for rides, to cover his travel expenses
to attend the event. I was not happy about this experience.
Chas

On Jul 26, 2010, at 9:47 PM, DrNoose wrote:

> Hmmm...I was always under the impression that free rides for people
> was part of the Amphicar Code of Honor (unwritten of course). Seems
> like once you start charging, then you lose part of the "Hey this
> cool guy at the lake gave me a ride in a car boat" to just being a
> miniature Duck tour guide. Also, usually no complaints when it is
> free!
>
> My $.02 worth, and darn well worth it!
>
> Dan
> 1964 "Das Boot"
>
>

 

[azpaul50]

I really can't see where giving Amphicar rides would be a going business after paying for commercial expenses including insurance. Wouldn't you also have to possess a "commercial, for hire" registration? I believe there's one guy who offers his car for movies (I saw on the net somewhere?). Somehow a vision of poor paint ponies giving pay rides for kids comes to mind.... around and around in an endless circle. When we got our first Amphi (Blub) we investigated giving rides at our city's main river park for charitable events held there. Our intent was to simply add to the "draw" for whatever... Humane Society, Food Bank, Mission... that type of stuff. Meanwhile, we have contact with local media through our economic reporting business and mentioned that we'd be out there "testing" the waters on a particular Friday. If we could do it, we'd allow an article to be shot the next day (Saturday) promoting our offer for charitable use. As it turned out, the media turned out on Friday much to our surprise. To make a long story short, we ended up getting stuck on a sand bar that day, all to be seen on Yuma's Friday night 6PM local news! LOLOL... The sandy bottom, shallow water, and current was just too much to give pleasant rides at that location. Also because of our ties to local tourism we became aware of additional liabilities that would deter even those charities for using our services gratis. Being an old guy, I'd usually scoff at such nonsense but also know that society has changed to one of endless litigation. So here we are today, content to give my grand daughter her rides along with her friends. I'm sure my fellow club members are like me... unwilling to risk anyone but still be the "fun" guy in the family.... or like Dan says, the car guy who gave someone a free and unique experience. - azpaul50



To: azpaul50@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20836] Re: Amphicar for rent
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:47:13 -0400
From:




Hmmm...I was always under the impression that free rides for people was part of the Amphicar Code of Honor (unwritten of course). Seems like once you start charging, then you lose part of the "Hey this cool guy at the lake gave me a ride in a car boat" to just being a miniature Duck tour guide. Also, usually no complaints when it is free!

My $.02 worth, and darn well worth it!

Dan
1964 "Das Boot"



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[chasgould]

I just want to clarify my own previous post.
Although I feel strongly about what I wrote, I want to distinguish the
scenario which I described, from the business proposal that Paul
posted. Paul is proposing a creative, well thought out business plan
which may or may not work depending on a number of factors including
liability exposure, insurance costs, organization details, and
cooperation of other Amphicar owners, as well as supply and market
demand.
Although I have my concerns with the feasibility and whether it could
be profitable, I have no gripe with his proposal, because it is above
board with full disclosure, and he undertakes to address all of the
aspects and costs of his business proposal himself.
I also agree that the Amphicar has tremendous marketing value, and
that it creates incredible interest, and draw from the general public,
and as such, would be an asset to any company that desires to increase
its visibility or income by capitalizing on this popularity and on the
novelty of the Amphicar.
I think that Paul's idea is quite brilliant, although I do have
concerns with the practicality of carrying it out.
My gripe is with people who scheme to make a profit without full
disclosure to the people who are hosting the event, and to the victims
who climbed into the car thinking that they were being offered a free
ride, and then surprising them with a fee charged, or guilting them
into making a "contribution" especially after they are helplessly
stranded at sea in the owner's Amphicar.
I also resent that the organizers, whether it be me, or another
private host, or even the club, have absorbed all of the expense and
aggravation of organizing the event, and providing the venue and the
spectators, and then the Amphi entrepreneur solicits or scams the
hosts guests for a fee to profit or reduce their own costs to attend
the event. The matter is even worse when those same individuals balk
at the registration fee for the event that provided this captive
audience of spectators that they are charging for rides.
If a participant wants to charge for Amphi rides, and asks the host of
the venue for permission to do so, and then posts a clearly visible
sign with posted prices and details of the rides for fees, I would
have no problem (even though I would not likely give that permission
at my own event, as I prefer to have the spectators ride for free). My
gripe is only with the deceptive and concealed nature of the charged
services.
Just my 2 cents worth, and my desire to clarify my objection, not to
the concept of charging for rides (although I would never choose to do
it), but rather my objection to deceiving people into paying for rides
without disclosing that to them before they climbed on board.
Chas

On Jul 26, 2010, at 10:28 PM, chasgould wrote:

> I could not agree more! I really feel that something huge is lost when
> you start charging for these rides.
> We used to host the swim-in meets here in Boston several years ago,
> and at one of the last meets that we hosted, we were all giving rides
> to hordes of happy and thrilled spectators. After a while, I was
> surprised to see a large group of our spectators all walking away from
> our group in a pack.
> I approached them to ask why they were leaving, and after some
> reluctance, they explained to me that two of the people in our group
> had lured several them into the Amphicars for rides, and once they
> were out on the lake, they were "advised" that it was customary to tip
> the drivers and owners of the cars. When asked what would be
> appropriate, they were told that $20.00 per person, per ride, was a
> proper amount for the tip. These families who had so appreciated being
> offered rides in the Amphicars, now felt that they were being held
> hostage for a $60.00 to $80.00 shakedown, and they were all leaving in
> a hurry.
> Not only did it really piss me off that these people were charging my
> guests for rides at our event, and did it sour me on hosting the
> Amphicar event, but these people exposed me to liability by charging
> for rides at an event where I had signed forms swearing that no fees
> were being charged for rides in the cars.
> Curiously, these same two parties were the only guests who complained
> about our registration fee. One of these people later boasted that he
> had made enough money charging for rides, to cover his travel expenses
> to attend the event. I was not happy about this experience.
> Chas
>
> On Jul 26, 2010, at 9:47 PM, DrNoose wrote:
>
>
> Quote:
> > Hmmm...I was always under the impression that free rides for people
> > was part of the Amphicar Code of Honor (unwritten of course). Seems
> > like once you start charging, then you lose part of the "Hey this
> > cool guy at the lake gave me a ride in a car boat" to just being a
> > miniature Duck tour guide. Also, usually no complaints when it is
> > free!
> >
> > My $.02 worth, and darn well worth it!
> >
> > Dan
> > 1964 "Das Boot"
> >
> >
>
>

 

[AmazingOne]

I feel a good forum is one where users can present different viewpoints and I am glad my post "Amphicars for rent" has had replies with different view points!
First, I would like to say that I will continue to give free rides whenever it is appropriate for me to do so. Owning a Amphicar gives the owner the right to "make someone's day" whenever they want. Also, I think swim-ins are of trememdous value and have created much good will towards our "boat cars".
The program that I am developing and have offered to share with other owners will hopefully also provide good will and exposure for our amazing vehicles.
Presently, if you want a ride in a Amphicar, you have to search out a rare owner or event and hope for a free ride. I want to change that, in a positive fashion.
The problem is even if you give free rides or have a "donations jar" on your dash, you are not free of liability in this litigious world if something goes wrong. I have some very brilliant professionals working on the correct solution to this problem. It is compounded by laws, permits, and licenses which vary state to state.
I will always respect your right to disagree with my ideas, If this is not for you, that is perfectly fine with me. I also wish to thank those of you who have contacted me concerning joining this new program.

Paul Lalewicz

 

[Ed Price]

The International Amphicar Owners Club has an opinion about charging for
rides. Although we certainly will not try to tell you what you can do with
your Amphi in a private venture, all IAOC members are bound by the pledge on
our Membership Application form.

http://www.amphicar.com/2009_IAOC_Membership_Ap.pdf
<blocked::http://www.amphicar.com/2009_IAOC_Membership_Ap.pdf>

At the bottom of the form, Section (5) states:

I AGREE THAT I WILL NOT CHARGE FOR RIDES WHILST AT IAOC ORGANIZED EVENTS.

Again, what you do privately is your own business, but, at IAOC events,
there should be no ride charges, solicitations or inducements for tips or
donations.


Ed Price
IAOC Membership Registrar
El Cajon, CA USA
WB6WSN
1961 Amphicar 770
1987 MB 420SEL





_____

From: chasgould [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:57 PM
To: edprice@cox.net
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20836] Amphicar for rent


I just want to clarify my own previous post.
Although I feel strongly about what I wrote, I want to distinguish the
scenario which I described, from the business proposal that Paul
posted. Paul is proposing a creative, well thought out business plan
which may or may not work depending on a number of factors including
liability exposure, insurance costs, organization details, and
cooperation of other Amphicar owners, as well as supply and market
demand.
Although I have my concerns with the feasibility and whether it could
be profitable, I have no gripe with his proposal, because it is above
board with full disclosure, and he undertakes to address all of the
aspects and costs of his business proposal himself.
I also agree that the Amphicar has tremendous marketing value, and
that it creates incredible interest, and draw from the general public,
and as such, would be an asset to any company that desires to increase
its visibility or income by capitalizing on this popularity and on the
novelty of the Amphicar.
I think that Paul's idea is quite brilliant, although I do have
concerns with the practicality of carrying it out.
My gripe is with people who scheme to make a profit without full
disclosure to the people who are hosting the event, and to the victims
who climbed into the car thinking that they were being offered a free
ride, and then surprising them with a fee charged, or guilting them
into making a "contribution" especially after they are helplessly
stranded at sea in the owner's Amphicar.
I also resent that the organizers, whether it be me, or another
private host, or even the club, have absorbed all of the expense and
aggravation of organizing the event, and providing the venue and the
spectators, and then the Amphi entrepreneur solicits or scams the
hosts guests for a fee to profit or reduce their own costs to attend
the event. The matter is even worse when those same individuals balk
at the registration fee for the event that provided this captive
audience of spectators that they are charging for rides.
If a participant wants to charge for Amphi rides, and asks the host of
the venue for permission to do so, and then posts a clearly visible
sign with posted prices and details of the rides for fees, I would
have no problem (even though I would not likely give that permission
at my own event, as I prefer to have the spectators ride for free). My
gripe is only with the deceptive and concealed nature of the charged
services.
Just my 2 cents worth, and my desire to clarify my objection, not to
the concept of charging for rides (although I would never choose to do
it), but rather my objection to deceiving people into paying for rides
without disclosing that to them before they climbed on board.
Chas

On Jul 26, 2010, at 10:28 PM, chasgould wrote:



Quote:

> I could not agree more! I really feel that something huge is lost when
> you start charging for these rides.
> We used to host the swim-in meets here in Boston several years ago,
> and at one of the last meets that we hosted, we were all giving rides
> to hordes of happy and thrilled spectators. After a while, I was
> surprised to see a large group of our spectators all walking away from
> our group in a pack.
> I approached them to ask why they were leaving, and after some
> reluctance, they explained to me that two of the people in our group
> had lured several them into the Amphicars for rides, and once they
> were out on the lake, they were "advised" that it was customary to tip
> the drivers and owners of the cars. When asked what would be
> appropriate, they were told that $20.00 per person, per ride, was a
> proper amount for the tip. These families who had so appreciated being
> offered rides in the Amphicars, now felt that they were being held
> hostage for a $60.00 to $80.00 shakedown, and they were all leaving in
> a hurry.
> Not only did it really piss me off that these people were charging my
> guests for rides at our event, and did it sour me on hosting the
> Amphicar event, but these people exposed me to liability by charging
> for rides at an event where I had signed forms swearing that no fees
> were being charged for rides in the cars.
> Curiously, these same two parties were the only guests who complained
> about our registration fee. One of these people later boasted that he
> had made enough money charging for rides, to cover his travel expenses
> to attend the event. I was not happy about this experience.
> Chas
>
> On Jul 26, 2010, at 9:47 PM, DrNoose wrote:
>
>
> Quote:
> > Hmmm...I was always under the impression that free rides for people
> > was part of the Amphicar Code of Honor (unwritten of course). Seems
> > like once you start charging, then you lose part of the "Hey this
> > cool guy at the lake gave me a ride in a car boat" to just being a
> > miniature Duck tour guide. Also, usually no complaints when it is
> > free!
> >
> > My $.02 worth, and darn well worth it!
> >
> > Dan
> > 1964 "Das Boot"
> >
> >
>
>