What to know about hiring a limousine for prom night
What to know about hiring a limousine for prom night
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Spring heralds prom season and with it comes the question of hiring a limousine to take your sons and daughters, their dates and friends to the party. Cullan F. Meathe of Peninsula Transportation Group, LLC, says there are several important factors to think about before anyone signs a contract.
What options and services do you want?
Meathe suggests discussing this with the young people and determine together what is reasonable and acceptable. You want the group to have a night to remember, but everyone should understand that there are financial, logistical and safety restrictions to consider.
The budget is important. Will everyone pitch in towards the cost? How many people will be in the limo? The amount they wish to spend will help determine what type of limousine they can hire and what services and options they can afford. Remind them that going for the cheapest company may be a poor idea. They want to avoid any unpleasant surprises that night.
What options and packages does the company offer?
Meathe says that, because this is a highly competitive industry, luxury transportation companies will do everything they can to get your business. Ask for a complete rundown of their packages and compare them to what the group wants. The more information you can provide the company on what the group's requirements are, the better able they are to give you a suitable package.
Does the vehicle have the space, features and look they have in mind for their prom party? Meathe suggests booking a limo with room for at least one to two more people than are in the group. Some companies provide music, or let passengers bring an mp3 player.
Packages normally are for a set number of hours, in a vehicle that fits a particular size group, and for a fixed, all-inclusive price. Many companies offer packages for every type of service and most give substantial "bulk rate" price breaks and specially negotiated deals. Don't be afraid to ask for these.
How do you find reputable companies?
Today, the Internet is a source of very valuable information. Search online for local ground transportation and limousine companies. Narrow down your search to a few and find out as much as you can about them. Much of that is easy to obtain through their individual websites and consumer sites. If a company consistently provides poor service, the customer feedback will demonstrate that.
Some companies will let you enter all the details on their website and will give you a quote online.
You also can ask friends and family for references. If they have had good experiences with certain companies, you might want to check those out.
How do you make sure there are no hidden costs?
To get an idea of the costs involved, check out the prices of the exact same services from the various limo companies you are considering. If you decide to hire the limo on an hourly basis, see if there are any incidental costs like fuel surcharges or other services fees not included in the base price. Let the group know that it is accepted practice to tip drivers 18-20 percent of the base price.
As in any major transaction, a contract is extremely valuable. Make sure that those involved and you, the parent check it thoroughly to see that everything is included, the prices are correct and nothing has been added that wasn't agreed upon. Only then should it be signed.
Will there be a limo available when you need it?
Reserve the limousine as early as possible. That way, you can ensure it is the vehicle you want and not something of a lesser quality. Successful limousine companies are bombarded at this time of the year and have to turn away potential customers.
Will the vehicle be clean and well maintained, and the driver professionally attired?
Whoever is dealing with the company should ask if it is possible to see the limousine, to determine if that is what the group wants and that it is clean and attractive, both inside and outside. If that isn't feasible, does the company website have detailed photos of the interior and exterior of the vehicle under consideration?
The limo should arrive spotless and its driver should be professional in his appearance and demeanor.
What is the company's safety record?
Again, the Internet is an excellent resource to research this. You also should ask the company if it will supply you with information on its safety record. Reputable limo companies need to be registered with their state, carry adequate levels of insurance and be properly licensed. Don't waste your time with any company that won't provide its licensing and insurance credentials.
You want your teens to be safe and responsible. How can you, the limo company and the driver help?
As the parent, there are some tough questions to ask and important messages to explain to the group. The limo company also has rules and guidelines the young people must follow.
Firstly, are all the friends in the group responsible? Are they going to behave in the vehicle and follow the rules? Otherwise, whoever signed the contract will be charged for additional costs for any damages. None of the group should bring illegal substances, like alcohol or drugs, into the prom limo, nor can they smoke in it. Otherwise, the special night will come to an abrupt end and there is the potential of a run-in with the police. Many schools even conduct breathalyzers at the door.
Armed with all this information, teens and their parents can hire the perfect limousine, feeling comfortable that all the young people will have the night of their lives safely and responsibly.
For information on hiring a limousine on Florida's west coast, contact 888-459-7927. On Florida's east coast, contact 800-829-7433 and on the southeast coast, 561-684-9900. Visit http://www.peninsulatransportation.com/
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