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To ensure that you choose the right Company for your special event,
the following are some suggestions to consider:
- 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
provider 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.
Limousine Companies with such licenses are regulated and thus more
likely to provide the consumer with satisfactory service.
- Inquire about the Limousine Company’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
Company 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 Bussines Bureau, The
National Limousine Association as well as their local Livery
Association. Memberships with any of the above and other related
organizations is an indication that you are dealing with a
professional, reliable Company.
- Ask for references of present or past performances from the
Limousine Company you choose. Excellent references from other
consumers will minimize the possibility of service problems.
- Be sure to check the year of the limousine or other vehicle you
are interested in, the make and model as well as the amenities
inside the vehicle.
- If renting more than one vehicle, i.e. a you also get the best man
or maid of honor to use the same Company, ask about discounts that
may apply on your reservations. Many companies offer special
discounted rates for multiple reservations.
- Inquire about overtime charges and overtime availability. Many
Limousine Companies 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 Companies will schedule
subsequent jobs after your scheduled event. Because Batchelor/Batchelorete
parties are not always predictable, you may need the service longer
than anticipated. Be sure to ask the availability of the Company in
the event their services are needed after the contracted hour ends
and get this agreement in writing, if possible.
- Inquire about your chauffeur’s gratuity. Most Limousine
Companies will automatically apply gratuity of 15% to 20% on the
contract. Please review your contract carefully so that you do not
end up paying duplicate gratuity. Ask if the gratuity is included
and whether you can pay gratuity separately to your chauffeur based
on his/her performance.
- Inquire about the Company’s starting time policy. With a
majority of Limousine Companies, 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 Companies 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 Batchelor/Batchelorette
party packages. Most Companies run specials party package rates will
throw in complimentary refreshments (stocked bar depending on your
age and the local State Laws), and party favorites. Be sure the
complimentary items you want for your event are specified when
making your reservation, and placed in the contract.
- Inquire about the name of your chauffeur and a cell phone number,
if possible. It is very important that you and your chauffeur are
able to get in touch at all times in the event you require immediate
pickup for your or one of your group.
- Once you have selected a Limousine Company 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.
- 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 Company 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.
- Inquire about free admissions for you and the to local clubs or
bars. The majority of Limousine Companies obtain free admission to
various night clubs and adult entertainment clubs.
- One word of Caution; because Batcelor/Batchelorette parties get
crazy at times, be careful about anyone in your group vomiting or
spilling inside the Limo. Most Companies will charge you a
substantial amount for damage to the upholstery or other areas of
the Limo caused by you or your group’s negligence. Keep this in
mind and ask everyone in your group to be cautions of the same.
- To ensure that you get full usage of your limousine, here are a
few other tips that may assist you:
Get everyone to gather in one location. This will eliminate wasting
unnecessary time for multiple pickups;Provide the company in advance
with all pickup and drop off addresses so that the driver has full
directions in advance and will not get lost;
Bring your favorite CDs to listen to your favorite tunes during your
rides; and
Bring a camera to take pictures of an unforgettable night.
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