Limo Industry Tips

Don’t Make A Precious Mistake!
Most people wouldn’t hire the cheapest surgeon, or stay at the cheapest hotel, yet many consumers shop for a limousine service in this fashion.The biggest mistake you could make when hiring a limousine service is basing your decision solely on the ”best price”. This may translate into a large risk for you. Do you want to accept the risk?

Risks You Accept When Shopping for the ”Best Price”.?

• Your limousine does not show up. You miss your concert.
• Your limousine is late. You miss your flight.
• A 1987 model limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting at a 2004 model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed.
• Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your company’s most influential client. You lose the account.
• Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to the Super Bowl. You and 7 of your friends missed the big game-- yet, you saved $35.00.
• Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries.
• Your limousine shows up late for your wedding. The groom doesn’t get to the church until 1 hour later amongst bewildered and disgruntled guests. Yet, you saved $50.

Ask to see the company’s vehicles.?
Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older fleets. You don’t want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a new and late model limo!

Get A Signed Contract for Important Events.?
Reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can’t supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill.

Ask About Insurance and Permits.?
All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services such as ours do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from ”gypsy companies”, ask for proof of these with your signed contract.

Ask About Industry Associations.?
Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.

”The Limo Got Into An Accident!”.?
Don’t be the bride which gets the ”The Limo Got Into An Accident” or ”We don’t have your reservation” story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.

What should we expect to pay.?
Most limousines rent between $50 - $150 per hour. In addition, most limousine services require a minimum hourly booking. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a limousine for 1 hour. Because of vehicle prep costs, travel times, and chauffeur salaries, a one-hour rental is not feasible for most limo services. In high-demand time periods such as the spring time (with proms & weddings) hourly minimums can inflate beyond 6 hours.

Do we pay for the limo time while we attend our event.?
You still have to pay for the rental time during your event, such as prom, even if you aren’t physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup.

Some companies offer a discounted hourly rate when the vehicle is idly waiting outside. In addition, if there are more than 4 hours between drop-off and pick-up with minimum travel time, some companies may offer a ”split” - just a rental to-and-from your destination with no charge for waiting time in between. However, minimum hourly booking requirements still apply.

Are there any discounts for my prom.?
No. Limousine services do not offer discounts during prom time. Why? The demand for limousines during the spring exceeds the supply. This shortage causes an increase in prices and hourly minimums. Some companies may offer a discount for a rental which exceeds 8 hours.