The biggest error you could make when shopping for a limousine is searching based on PRICE. In the limousine industry, there are many variances of Quality, Service and Price. All too often, a cheaper price translates into larger risk for you and your special occasion or corporate event.
Most consumers would not choose a restaurant or hotel based on price, yet people shop for a limo service this way and expects 4 star quality. If you shop for a limousine service based on price alone, you will likely be frustrated and disappointed with your limousine experience, but you saved $50.00.
Old, dirty, poorly maintained vehicles, shoddy service, unprofessional chauffeurs, dangerous vehicles, and under-insured services are all possible results of a "best price" You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, but again you saved $50.00.
You could end up with a surprise like this!
or this!
or this!
Once again, check out the vehicle you plan on renting and the company. Some companies utilize older fleets or party cars (smells like last night party!) You will be surprised when a 1988 limousine shows up or is late or may not show up at all, when you where expecting a year 2005 model (Oh! the limo you booked was in the repair shop!). Please don’t let your first limo trip be your last.
What Are The Company Policies?
You will find that each company operates in a slightly different manner. One company may include tax and gratuity in their pricing, the next may include tax but not gratuity, and the next may not include either. This will make a big difference when comparing prices from one company to the next. Is a deposit required? If so, how much? It may be a percentage or a specific dollar amount. Is it refundable? If so, until when? Evening-out packages may require 4 to 24 hours notice, weddings may require several months notice, while other service fees may not be refundable. It is up to you to check it out!
Have All Your Times Prior To Booking. When you booked the church, photographer, or hall, most likely the first questions you were asked related to timings. These are crucial to a limousine booking. Most companies will not take a booking unless you have all the times confirmed. Others will take tentative bookings and then end up overbooked. Having your schedule confirmed will avoid this problem.
Go Look At The Limousines
You most likely would not order your wedding gown or tuxedo sight-unseen. Why would you do that with your limousine? One thing your guests will notice is a dirty, rusted-out old limousine with a shabbily dressed driver. Ask to view the company's fleet and inquire about the age of their limos. If they decline, they are most likely embarrassed of their vehicles and you should be wary of booking with them. Please feel free to give Executive 4 Star Limousine a call and we will gladly arrange a viewing at our facilty, so you can see firsthand and upclose the quality that we offer. Executive 4 Star Limousine is the ONLY company in Lethbridge with a commercial storefront location.
High school graduates should be ready and able to live life in the adult business world. Yet, some companies still treat grads as if they are children. One way to combat this is to have a business-like approach to booking your graduation service.
Have your itinerary ready and know what you want. Do you need one-way, round-trip, or multiple-stops? Will your service carry on past midnight? How many passengers at how many pick-up locations? Having the answers to these questions before hand will help make booking a limousine a little less intimidating.
Rules and regulations that limousine operators have to follow vary from airport to airport and do change over time. As more and more airports come under the control of local authorities, the rules keep changing. When booking arrivals or departures have the flight number, contact person, number of persons, and amount of luggage information available. Find out from the company their meeting point(s) for arrivals or drop-off point(s) for departures. Find out if there are surcharges for parking, airport service fees, meet-and-greets, etcetera.
I hope these few tips allow your booking and use of a limousine an enjoyable experience.
Dave Brodoway
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
| June 27 | Lilith Fair |
| Calgary Flames Schedule > | |
| Go to the next event at the Enmax Centre in Style > | |
| Pengrowth Saddledome Events > | |