The processing of choosing a limousine service can be a task that feels overwhelming, and rightfully so. When you are looking into this mode of transportation it normally symbolizes something of a grand event; whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or travel to some kind of important venue. To help mitigate the stress of this process the following can be considered to make the task much more manageable:
Approach With a Budget in Mind
It’s best to approach any kind of limousine due diligence with a general idea of what you are looking to spend. You don’t want to bury yourself with expenses that leave you in a financial bind, yet at the same time you want to ensure that you get the service that you are seeking.
Think about how you can optimize the experience of travel, and what you are and aren’t willing to pay for.
Depending on your venue and your needs there are often times package deals that can save you money, and provide an enhanced service. It could range anywhere from transfers at the airport, red carpet arrivals, champagne toasts, the list can go on and on.
Consider a Contract
A lot of transport services will approach this with the means of a contract, which is a good approach because it puts everything out on the table for both parties to see and agree to. This is where you will agree to the length of time you will need the vehicle, the time that the driver will arrive, what is required from your side of things, and of course, the cost that will be at the end of the road.
This is a good time to address any possible clauses you might want to add. This could be a variety of things such as if you wanted to extend the usage of the vehicle what would be involved and what it may cost. You can also discuss extra services that you may want, and just in general, cover all the bases.
When you are putting together a contract it outlines expectations, so make sure that you are clear and thorough with yours. It will become a point of reference during this entire transaction that is also legally binding should you encounter any problems.
Bells and Whistles
When you think about the special features that a limousine might have, you should also consider factors like the length of your trip, and who you are entertaining.
There are a variety of special amenities that a limousine service could possibly provide. A few examples are:
- LCD Televisions
- Special lighting effects with the use of fiber optics
- Moonroof/Sunroof
- Surround sound audio experience
- Personal beverage bar, which can sometimes include champagne
- Premium seating
And that is just to name a few. The question you need to ask yourself is what will make the trip special to you and your party? If it’s a longer trip then you might want to consider getting a television as a means to entertain, yet with the same idea being considered, if your location is a gem to the eyes, you might want a nice sunroof to be able to take in the full scene.
How Many Vehicles Does a Company Offer?
This is a factor that is pretty much to the point, yet important nonetheless. When you are looking into a limousine service you should consider the kind of fleet the business has available based on your own needs. Various vehicles that are used in the limousine business are:
- Stretch limousines
- Charter buses
- Trolleys that are custom-built
- Shuttle buses
Depending on the variety that a company may offer it can also speak volumes about their experience in the business of providing travel. The more diverse of a fleet a company can offer shows experiences and having a skilled staff that can pilot the vehicles effectively.
Think about what can provide you with the best experience and choose accordingly.
Consider Your Venue
Think about the venue that you will be attending and use that as a kind of compass to direct you towards finding the company that meets your needs. Several limousine services will specialize in certain kinds of venues, by taking your own personal circumstances and considering this, it will help line up with the best possible option.
Popular venues for limousine travel include:
- Wedding days
- Proms
- A business meeting
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Family vacations
- Anniversaries
- Concerts/Sporting events
Take Ratings and Reviews Into Account
If you are speaking to a close friend and are getting a recommendation from someone’s personal experience, then that can go a long way in making this kind of selection. If you attended a venue with someone else and were really impressed by the way a limo service was provided on that occasion, then it’s well worth exploring and seeing if they can meet the needs that you have for your own event.
Additionally, we live in a day and age where there is a track record provided online of just about any kind of service. Take the time to see what other people have to say about a company, and what their personal experiences are. Even in the event it doesn’t paint the company in the brightest light, you will get the opportunity to see how the owner responds to unhappy clients, and that can show a lot about how a business operates.
This is also a good time to verify that they are properly insured and licensed. It is also good to be aware of their cancellation policy in the event anything needs to be adjusted or canceled altogether.
Evaluate the Company From a Safety Perspective
Consider the company and the number of years it has been in business. A business that has been operating for a long duration of time in itself is a very good sign, but outside of that, there are other factors that need to be properly gauged.
Make sure that they are properly insured, which was mentioned above, but aside from that, consider whether their chauffeurs are properly trained.
When you are putting the travel needs of yourself and your loved ones you want to put them into the hands of a capable and professional individual. A well-trained chauffeur will not only have several years of experience driving, but they will also conduct themselves in a professional and sophisticated manner.
Your Connection with the Company
Use your gut feeling when you are discussing possibilities with companies and consider how they speak to you, and how responsive they are. First impressions are incredibly important, but beyond that, how did interaction go moving forward from there?
Did they answer any questions that you might have? Were they prompt and professional? Did their answers feel thorough and clear? If a company makes you feel uncomfortable in any way then that should be the end of that inquiry. You are in control, so maintain that power.
When you are looking to employ a limousine company it’s a quest to find the group that represents themselves the best, while offering the services required to earn your business. You have absolutely nothing to prove, you are a gift to any business, so evaluate based on your needs, and choose with confidence.