subject: Hiring A Limousine - Information & Advice [print this page] Hiring A Limousine - Information & Advice
The average person does not hire limousine services very often, so knowing who to call and how to shop for a service may be a new experience for you. Shopping for a service that you are unfamiliar with does not need to be a daunting experience. Limousine companies are often held to very high customer service standards and that should show in the way they answer phones and deal with prospective clients. You should be able to tell early one whether a company is one you would rather not deal with, especially if they answer phones in an unprofessional manner or fail to return phone calls.
One of the first questions you are likely ask a limousine service is how much they will charge. Some will charge a price for pickup and drop off, or they may charge by the mile. There may also be minimum charges to contend with. It is important to ask what is included in the cost. Some companies will offer extra services such as red carpet rollout or the service of champagne. Sometimes these are included in their initial cost, or they may be charged separately.
When reviewing questions of cost an important item to consider relates to gratuity. Be sure to ask if gratuity is included or if it is left to the customer's discretion. 10 to 20 percent gratuity is the norm, but if it is included in a limousine company's quote, the quote may appear inflated at first. In some cases, the rental contract allows for gratuity to be automatically billed on top of the original quote; an issue that should be found out before signing your contract.
While cost will be the most important item for many people, other important questions include: What model year are the limousines? Do the limousines have air conditioning? Does the company have commercial liability coverage? What is the dress code for drivers? Is alcohol allowed? If you are considering a limousine for a wedding, you may want to find out if a "just married" sign can be mounted to the vehicle. Some companies allow this popular ritual, but additional charges may be incurred.
Do not forget to ask about lead-time and availability. Limousine services are not typically available on standby! Most limousine companies will experience inquiries for last minute bookings, and in most cases they are not possible. It is very important to book your limousine service early, and it is also important to consider that limousine companies tend to be busiest on weekends. If you want to be sure that a limousine is available from the company you want to use, be sure to book your limousine several months in advance.
