|
|
- Inquire about the number of years the limousine company has been in business. Experience is a key factor. Companies that have been in business for a number of years will most likely be more reliable and provide better service than those with little or no experience.
- Inquire about the limousine company’s license and operating authority. Limousine and transportation companies are required to have Federal authority to operate their vehicles from the Department of Transportation as well as local State operating authority. The limousine must be licensed by the Department Of Motor Vehicles as a for hire limousine-livery. Limousine companies with such licenses are regulated and thus more likely to provide the consumer with good service.
- Inquire about the limousine service’s insurance. There are unfortunately numerous companies around that do not carry the proper commercial insurance coverage on their fleet to protect the consumer in the event of an accident or other mishap. A reputable limousine service will have the required commercial insurance coverage and will have no problem providing you with a Certificate of Coverage, if asked.
- Inquire about the limousine company’s affiliations with reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, The National Limousine Association as well as their local Livery Association. Memberships with any of the above and other related organizations are an indication that you are dealing with a professional, reliable company.
- Always compare prices in relation with the expected service. There are some things that will be more important than others. If you are looking to live it up for a night on the town, you may look at the larger limousines and ones with more amenities. If you are looking for a limousine service to take you to and from the airport, you may look for the more economy and cheaper limos.
- Inquire about evidence of the limousine service’s performances from past clients. Excellent references from other customers will minimize the possibility of service problems.
- Ask to see the vehicle(s) you are inquiring about. If you don’t have time to go and visit the limousine company’s showroom personally, ask the company to email photos of the limousines and other vehicles you are interested in. This will ensure that you will not end up getting an old rundown limousine in lieu of the new white super stretch you were led to believe you would have. Be sure to check the year of the limousine, year, make and model as well as the amenities inside the limousine such as moon roof, tinted windows, fiber optic lights, TV, DVD, CD player, plush bar and any other items you are interested in having in your limo.
- Limousine customer services can vary as much as the price level. The most simple and standardized limousine service will have the limousine, driver and beverages. Obviously, it will cost extra to get any added amenities in the limo. When it comes to the driver, make sure that the service provider will provide a uniformed driver. The driver must be a professional who knows his way around the area, including the routes and alternative routes in the event that traffic conditions cause delays to the destination. The very best limo drivers will know certain traffic conditions for the entire metro area, and can quickly change routes if need be. The beverages can range from alcoholic to non alcoholic beverages.
- If the limousine is needed for a special occasion, you will want to add other things to make it more special. Check the service to see if extras are available such as, "Just Married" signs, balloons, bowties, red royal wedding carpet, interior decoration, flowers, champagne stands, etc. It is important to remember that all of the added amenities will be reflective in prices. The best way to get the best deals is by comparing products and services equally with other products and services.
- Inquire about the size of the limousine you are interested in. Usual sizes will be 6, 8, 10, 12 and larger-passenger vehicles.
- If renting more than one vehicle, for example a limousine and a bus, be sure to ask about discounts that may apply on the second vehicle. Many companies offer special discounted rates for multiple reservations.
- Inquire about overtime charges and overtime availability. Many limousine services will charge you a full hour even if your time runs for example 10 minutes over the contracted time. Be sure to ask if it is possible for the company to charge the overtime rate on 15 minute or 30 minute increments in the event of overtime. If your event ends early enough, most limousine services will schedule subsequent jobs after your scheduled event. Ask the availability of the limousine company in the event their services are needed after the contracted hour ends and get this agreement in writing, if possible. Because weddings and other special occasions are not always predictable, you may need the service longer than anticipated.
- Be sure to ask about your chauffeur’s gratuity. Most companies have a mandatory gratuity policy for their drivers which is usually anywhere from 15% to 20%. Check your contract to ensure you do not pay duplicate gratuity.
- Inquire about the company’s starting time policy. With a majority of limousine services, your time starts at the time of the initial pickup. Others may charge you from the time the chauffeur leaves the garage. We also suggest you inquire about travel time. Some limousine services will charge you travel time if your pickup location or destination is further than a certain amount of miles. Be sure to clarify the extent of all travel time charges prior to making your reservation.
- Inquire about the limousine company’s special occasion/sight-seeing packages. Most Companies run special rates during certain months of the year. For example most companies will provide complimentary wedding packages that include rolling out the red carpet, specialty signs (just married), photos of the bride and groom, flowers decorated inside the limo, champagne toast for the bride and groom, etc. Be sure the complimentary items you want for your event are specified when making your reservation, and placed in the contract.
- Inquire about your chauffeur. Check to see if your chauffeur has experience in the service you are contracting. Obtain the name of your chauffeur and a cell phone number, if possible. You may also want to inquire about your chauffeur’s attire during your event. For example most limousine services ask their chauffeur to wear a tuxedo for weddings. Be sure to specify the driver’s attire when making your reservation, and have it placed in the contract.
- Once you have selected a limousine service to provide your service, ask for a detailed contract of your reservation. Your contract should include the date of service, the time of pickup, number of hours you have reserved the vehicle, the year, make, model and color of the vehicle, the total price of the contract, including driver’s gratuity, overtime charges, and routing information, i.e pickup and drop off locations. The contract should also contain language detailing the company’s policies regarding cancellations, deposits and the company’s liability in the event they are unable to provide the service.
- Ask if the service requires a deposit and the types of payment accepted. Some limousine companies will charge a non-refundable deposit of 50%. Most will accept cash, money orders or cashiers check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks may only be accepted no later than 4 weeks prior to service.
- For weddings--if you have hired a wedding coordinator for your event, be sure to provide a contact name and phone number to the limousine company, so that proper communication is established prior to or during your event. If you have not hired a wedding coordinator, choose a particular person to be in charge of directing the chauffeur and provide his/her contact information to the limousine company.
- Although many companies will call you prior to your reservation to review the itinerary and details of your reservation, if you have not heard from the company 48 hours prior to your scheduled event, contact the company to review the details and amend any discrepancies.
- Inquire whether the limousine service will have a live person available during the scheduled event, should you require any assistance. If not, be sure to obtain a contact phone number of an operating manager or other individual in charge
|
