Most common questions and answers

Most frequently asked questions

1.       What is Cata Global I.O. Software?

2.       Where to start signing up?

3.    What is Cata Global Chauffeur and Passenger apps used for?

4.    What is required to join Cata Global I.O.?

5.       Why is it recommended to use 2 devices all the time?

6.       What if I want only to Farm Out Bookings(outsource)?

7.       What information do I need to provide?

8.       Why do I need to enter my credit card?

9.       What merchant are you using?

10.       How do we connect/create an account with Stripe?

11.       Why is subscription-based software?

12.       How to create a booking?

13.       How do I assign myself or my chauffeur(s) the booking?

14.      How to create Payrolls for Chauffeur?

15.      How do I create an invoice?

16       What is FARM IN and FARM OUT?

17.    How are rates calculated?

18.     What’s special about Cata Global I.O. software and booking system?

19.      Benefits. Pro/ Cons

1. What is Cata Global I.O. Software?

 Cata Global I.O. Network is a complete, modern and unique software designed specifically for licensed independent operators/ground transportation companies and others with the latest technologies implemented to help and ease managing your business, reduce time tremendously finding affiliates/ operators in local areas, faster way to network between companies and the most important, Farm In and Farm out throughout Market place implemented into software. There will be direct interaction without interference between bookers (affiliates, partners, any other entity who creates bookings) and Operators signed-up in our network.

Cata Global is designed also to create and speed up Networking between affiliates, exchanging jobs more efficiently.

2. Where to start signing up?

a.       Download Cata Global Chauffeur application and sign up as an independent operator/company. You will receive a welcome email with a link to your future mini dashboard (mini panel).

b.      Or access through online website www.cataglobalio.com the booking kiosk and sign up from left side panel as Independent Operator/ Company. VERY IMPORTANT! Once you sign up on that page you will receive an email with a link for your new dashboard and log in to continue with your business profile. You will not be able to sign in Chauffeur or Passenger apps before completing profile, connect with stripe and subscribe to the vehicle.

        3.What is Cata Global Chauffeur and Passenger apps used for?

             Very important: The main tool of the whole  Cata Global software is your Dashboard where bookings can be Farmout and Farm in and after that, sent to chauffeur application to be used and completed.(On Demand case is different)

    Cata Global Chauffeur apps have 2 major purposes, first, will be used by chauffeurs to receive bookings sent from company dashboard as an assignment and fulfill the booking by following the proper steps (On the way, On location, POB, Done) as most chauffeurs are familiar with the procedures. Secondly, to make an offer and receive ON DEMAND bookings only, directly from the app. OnDemand bookings will be detected only within 4 miles from the pickup location requested and can be seen only by chauffeurs in that range.

       Cata Global Passenger App- As an independent Operator you can create a booking and once submitted it goes directly into Marketplace Network where any Operators within a 50-mile range and proper vehicle requested can see the booking in the dashboard and make an offer. 

   4. What is required to join Cata Global I.O.?

First, must have proper type of vehicle(s) must be approved by your local authorities to operate as For Hire ground transportation services. Must have proper updated commercial insurance with limits set no less than 300k or according to your state/region/ country authorities allowing to operate as For Hire vehicles. All licenses, including medallions necessary to operate in your local area and beyond according to your business plans.

5. Why is recommended to use 2 devices all the time?

We recommend, but not necessarily, using 2 devices, a smart phone and a tablet if possible.

Every registered I.O. will have his own dashboard to manage its own business but also to farm in and out bookings, create bookings and send bid/offers for bookings under Farm In, when any are available. Monitoring these activities in a separate device will be more comfortable and efficient.

The chauffeur application can be used for bookings assigned and Pending bookings under ON DEMAND section, this way a chauffeur can also make offers for bookings on the go if is available and in the necessary range.

6. What if I want only to Farm out Bookings (outsource)?

Cata Global IO Network referred to as Passenger App for IOS and Android smartphones.

Web Kiosk referred as an online booking system can be downloaded and saved from www.cataglobalio.com

Farm-In. It is designed and accessible only by any subscribed and vetted operators in the Cata Global Network who can access the Marketplace.

Farm-Out. Anyone with a normal account (passenger account) via passenger apps or web kiosk. (NO SUBSCRIPTION)

Farm-In + Farm-Out. Requires full access to software and full registration as Operator.

If you’re a booker or just a company who wants to Farm Out jobs only, no need to register as an independent operator in the software, if you don’t need to use the software to a full extent, just create a normal account through web kiosk or phone apps Cata Global IO Network, like a passenger account. Once u create a booking, it will go directly into Marketplace where any affiliates in the area where service is required, with proper vehicles requested can bid on your job offer and you must select one offer/counteroffer for the booking to go through and be validated. Your credit /debit card is the only payment method you need it.

7. I am interested in full access to software. What information do I need to provide?

               After sign-up, start with adding company, vehicles and chauffeurs’ information.

c.       Enter all information required including proper information including pictures and documents necessary to identify as an owner of the business, enter your credit card and your actual residence address as will be identified as your working location area.

d.      Choose “Vehicles” from the menu to register any vehicle(s) from your fleet that qualifies as a For Hire vehicle with proper medallions (county or state permits), commercial insurance (you must call your insurer and ask to add Cata Black Car Corp as additional insurer before submitting the copy to us), in some cases we need proof of vehicle inspections, plus all other permits u might have that allow you to operate as a for hire ground transportation service.

e.      Choose chauffeur” from the menu to add your additional information as a chauffeur or add additional chauffeurs if you’re a multi vehicle operation.

We will verify all the information and documents provided and will activate your account based on eligibility.

8. Why do I need to enter my credit card?

Your card will be used for subscriptions and for Farm Out (outsourcing) bookings. All transactions will occur via credit/debit cards, NO CASH APPS or CASH.

9. What merchant are you using?

We are using Stripe as our card processor merchant, very sophisticated, powerful and reliable with very low card fees compared to many other merchants available. Check www.stripe.com

10. How do we connect/create an account with Stripe?

Our Software will guide you in how to connect with us, after registering at least one vehicle click on the links provided in your dashboard on the vehicles registered page. If you have already an account with stripe you will be asked to connect. If you don’t have an account yet, you will be asked to join. Follow the steps, easy and you will be approved in minutes.

To sumerize the next steps after your company profile has been approved:

1. Connect with us on Stripe- On vehicles page look for Connect with Stripe button, follow the steps and create your new merchant account.

2. Subscribe vehicle(s). On vehicle page next to vehicle picture, click button Subscribe, follow the steps.

After all steps completed, you get full access to your account including sign in applications.

11. Why is subscription-based software?

Next step: Subscription.

To use the software to its full extent you must subscribe monthly to whatever vehicle you want, and it is registered under your account. If you decide to do so, please click on “Subscribe” button only once. You can also unsubscribe at any time (DO NOT press subscribe and unsubscribe if you’re not sure or request more info about our software).

In the subscription plan it is included:

-Third party software Twilio delivers instant messages to all parties involved, in chauffeur apps the ability to send text messages to US and international phone numbers to number listed as passenger.

-Google Maps API to determine the locations on maps, chauffeur locations, etc.

Very Important: once you decide to subscribe to a vehicle on your account, your card will be charged monthly subscription fee and is non-refundable. Pressing, Unsubscribed” it won’t reverse the previous action. If you made a mistake and decided shortly that this is not for you or just want to wait longer before taking a decision to use the software, please call us.

Next step: Your account is fully operational and active.

           f. Create bookings for your own internal business through your      dashboard(only), assign and dispatch your chauffeur(s), create invoices,  payrolls and more.

12. How to create a booking?

 The software will guide you through all the steps to create a booking. For pickup and drop off locations choose one of the locations showing in drop down menu. Prices shown are affiliates prices and are just base rates negotiable when Farm Out (outsource) the booking. Base Rates are already preselected and cannot be changed. If the base rates in your city/state/area are too low, no worry, you should bid on the bookings with your own rate.

We still want to hear from you regarding this matter, please send an email and we will consider adjusting them. We want everyone to be engaged and to create a great network for everyone’s benefit.

Important!

If you’re creating a booking on your client’s behalf and you’re working on a commission basis we recommend using your company email address, do not enter the passenger email when creating the bookings as the email under passenger information in the booking gets automatically a copy of a reservation including the price. We recommend sending separate emails to your clients, seeing options in the software, and choosing to send email without charges.

13.   How do I assign myself or my chauffeur(s) the booking?

If you’re a single independent operator, the software recognise you as the chauffeur of your vehicle. Bookings will be automatically assigned to you, just look in Chauffeur Apps.

If you have multiple chauffeurs, choose any from your list into booking list.

 You can choose to assign your chauffeurs at the appropriate date and time using your dashboard, instantly clients receive a text message with Chauffeur information. Track your chauffeur when is On the Way to pick up client, monitor and check status of the booking including pickup time and drop off time. When booking is completed must press DONE as the booking will go under the Completed section and can be processed and added to chauffeur payrolls.

14.   How to create Payrolls for Chauffeur?

When bookings are completed (chauffeurs must press DONE on the App!) The bookings will go under the Completed section and can be processed and added to chauffeur payrolls. The payroll section is designed to create a chauffeur payroll based on multiple options.

15.   How do I create an invoice?

Invoices are receipts of bookings completed and refer to bookings accepted and completed through chauffeur apps only, bookings from the Farm In and Farm Out section only and can be created/charged only from your Dashboard, under Invoice section. The invoices will be sent automatically to the booker once the charge is completed.

It is very important to mention for In-House bookings no need to create invoices as those are your own bookings. Those must be just marked as paid so they will go to complete bookings and eventually you can create payrolls for in-house chauffeurs. U can create in-house bookings as many as you need, with no restrictions.

Step-by-step creating an invoice.

     g.      Complete each booking through chauffeur application. (must press DONE). Charges will be processed ONLY from your dashboard under invoice section.

        h.      All bookings have preauthorized payment, valid only up to 7days, we suggest a charge immediately after bookings are completed.

          I.      Go to Invoice in dashboard, select <Generate Invoice>, select <passenger> from dropdown menu, select the booking and click on Add to invoice> or<Create new Invoice>.

          j.        Next step, add extra charges if need it like parking, tolls, etc., and save.

          k.      Before charging any booking, verify once again if all added items are correct, payment can be taken only once.

16.   What is FARM IN and FARM OUT?

Farm In and Farm Out are powerful tools and refer to jobs/reservations.

a.      Farm Out.

Any In-House reservation created in your dashboard for Ride Later (within at least 90 min prior to pick up time up to 48 hours in advance) can be Farmed Out with a simple click of the button and those will show in Farm Out section available for anyone to bid on it. Every Independent operator/ Company registered can bid on any booking directly from their dashboard, only with subscribed vehicles, depending on the other factors as well like vehicle type and size, etc. All bookings are shown in the marketplace for everyone to see.

If you need to Farm-out On Demand (anytime within 60 minutes prior to pick-up time), you must log into Passenger application Cata Global, using the same credentials used to manage your account and create a normal booking for On Demand or even Ride Later.

On Demand is a great and powerful feature, Unique in many ways for the ground Transportation industry. Like Rideshare applications, you must use Passenger application to book ASAP rides and only can be seen and bid through Chauffeur application. It’s like Farm In but it can be seen and bid (make an offer) only through chauffeur application. Also, On Demand bookings will show on apps that are in a 4 miles radius from pickup location.

b.      Farm In.

Referring to any bookings coming into the Marketplace under the farm in section and considered Ride Later (more than 90min prior to pick up time) and can be accessed from dashboards only. Any independent operator/company can make a price offer through dashboards for a particular reservation if meets the requests for the type, etc. Once your offer is accepted, is mandatory that the same vehicle must be sent for client pickup, in case you have multiple vehicles or not. As in assigning a chauffeur for that booking, at any time you can change them according to your schedule and availability.

Can I Re Farm Out the booking I received?  NO.

If you made an offer and Booker/client accepted your offer, you must send the same vehicle to fulfill the job. In some cases, if something happens like special cases and you cannot perform the job with a strong reason, you must cancel the booking you received from your active bookings section in your dashboard and will go back  into Marketplace for someone else to grab it, also inform the booker.

17. How are rates calculated?

This topic is very sensitive and important. Cata Global software prices are established to start at a minimum or close to standard affiliate rates for each state/region/country and are constantly updated upon receiving updates from numerous local independent operators BUT these rates are NOT to be considered final. We introduced a Dynamic Price option, unique feature with a Bid/ Offer/ Counteroffer for each booking from both sides, passenger /booker and independent operators/ chauffeurs.  Sending instantly an offer to a booking with the same price or higher, bidding with your own rates as you should also consider, a great opportunity for extra gratuity and more. 

As an independent operator/ ground transportation company, whatever base rate is negotiated, will retain 100%, no Commission. 

18.   What’s special about Cata Global I.O. software and booking system?

The software program is a combination of multiple features with the scope of helping small to midsize ground transportation companies manage their own business, acquire work/jobs. And more.

Being part of this software network gives everyone the ability to be on both sides, as Client/Booker meaning that anyone can farm out a booking anywhere in USA (and globally soon) and as well as Operator/chauffeur/company who bids (farm in) and accepts bookings through system.

Respecting the rules indicated in articles posted on Dashboards, kiosks, apps, etc. are beneficial for everyone to keep it clean and by the rules of engagement.

19.    Benefits: Pro:

1.      Having own dashboard for your company, protected by password and 2 steps verifications method. All data entered safe and for your company to use only.

2.      Add vehicles, chauffeurs, create and dispatch your chauffeurs in-house.

3.      Receiving jobs(bookings) offers, outsourcing jobs directly from your dashboard instantly.

4.      Self-complete the charges on bookings coming from Farm In section.

5.      No need to charge for your in-house bookings (in your account), just mark them as paid.

6.      Secure payment methods. Extra measures are being implemented to avoid charge backs.

7.      Preauthorized payments for all bookings received. You must complete the charge no later than 72 hours after you complete the booking.

8.      Using the chauffeur apps to get bookings on the road through On Demand feature

9.   Paid instantly once an invoice was created from the dashboard. No commissions!

Cons:

1.      Not allowed Re Farm out.

2.      Not allowed to send different vehicles even are like the ones was placed the bid for a particular booking unless client informed and agreed.

3.      Do not bid/ make offers on bookings you cannot fulfill.

4.      Do not overcharge for a booking via additional charges, you must have receipts if asked and inform the booker/client if any special charges might arise, prior to completing the payments.

5.      Do not abuse the software by creating unnecessary bookings into your account.

6.      Once your offer has been accepted and you have received the booking, do not cancel unless you have a strong reason.

7.      DO NOT ENTER your client credit card in your own database account if you’re a Subscribed I.O., the software is designed for your use only with your own credit card on file and creates bookings on client behalf. How you charge your client is up to you, we recommend using your Stripe merchant account directly or choosing your own options.

MEMO

Because we want to build a network of independent operators and small to mid-size companies with high values and ready to operate and conduct clean, safe businesses, we are looking for reliable companies, trustworthy of competing fairly and honestly, keeping records clean and proactive. In one sentence, Cata Global software moto:

,,Lets know each other and Let’s help grow each other’s business together”.