This "Shopping Aid" is intended to educate consumers about the
limousine
industry.
We discuss national standardsands, terminolgy, pricing,
facts, and the questions to ask. We hope this will assist you in
comparison-shopping for quality companys.
I have seen in the past when a person gets a quote for a wedding in
May, the price is very high. Then months later they call a
different company in January for a birthday party. The quote
is half the price they received for the May wedding from the first
organization, leading the customer to believe that the first company is
over priced. But in reality both companies have the same price. It's
just the quotes were given at different times of the year and for
different hours. Limousines have price ranges which are determined by
different variables. I will explain these variables and try to
help you understand how to receive the best transportation service at
the best price.
Prices in the transportation industry have extreme fluctuations. Just
like the airlines, we set our prices according to demand. If you book
far in advance you will receive the preceived rate, and you
will insure the vehicle you want is locked in. The longer you
wait the potential for demand may increase and so will the
price. In addition the availability of the vehicle you want may
disappear. On the plus side, last minute bookings could save you
up to 50%. But you will have to accept whatever is available
which may not suit your needs.
Billing standards across America
- There is usually a 4 hour minimum
- Includes times
during an event, in between pick up and drop off, even when the vehicle
is not being physically used, but the pick up and drop off are within 8
hours. It would be unreasonable and unfair to squeeze any other fare in
the space of time.
- Service charge: from 5%-30%
- Gratuity: 10%-25%
- Fuel charge: 5%-15%
Limousine price ranges per hour
21-28 passenger
|
Limousine Bus
|
$100-$300 |
| 10-20 passenger |
Limousine SUV |
$100-$300 |
8-10 passenger
|
Limousine |
$60-$125 |
4- 7 passenger
|
Limousine
|
$50-$125 |
1-3 passenger
|
Sedan
|
$50-$90 |
| Buses and vans: |
|
|
30-40 passenger
|
Coach
|
$100-$200 |
20-29 passenger
|
Coach
|
$100-$150 |
10-19 passenger
|
Coach
|
$100-$125 |
4-14 passenger
|
Van
|
$75-$100 |
Specialty vehicles:
|
|
|
1- 3 passenger
|
Rolls Royce
|
$200 |
Per person rates
| Proms
|
$60-$150 |
|
| Wine Tours |
$60-$100 |
|
| Sports Event |
$60-$100 |
|
Price range is determined by
| Month |
Is it a premium month? April through October is premium.
|
| Day |
Is it a premium day? Saturday is our busiest day. |
| Time |
Is your event during prime time?
Saturday Noon to 6pm is prime wedding time
6pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays in the months of May and June are prom nights
|
|
Duration
|
How many hours will you be renting? Standard is 4 hours. Less will have increases.
|
| Vehicle Size |
The larger the car the larger the per hour rate.
|
|
|
|
One hour rentals
Because of the extensive preparation and travel time
involved in a single service, the overall majority of limousine
companies are not willing to offer service for one hour during
prime time slots.
Service charge
Our service charge is a fee we use to pay all of the employees that are
involved in providing you with quality transportation. From the
reservationists to the car washer, the dispatcher to the mechanic. All
of these people play a valuable role insuring your event goes just as
you planned.
Tips for discounts in rates
- Friday and Sunday weddings may be discounted.
- Saturday weddings before noon may be discounted.
- Sunday through Thursday may be discounted.
- More than 5 hours may be discounted.
- Multiple cars may be discounted.
- Repeat customers may be discounted.
- November through March may be discounted.
- Multiple jobs (wedding + staggette party) may be discounted.
Risks of discounted limousine companies
- The limo may be late or not show up at all
- The chauffeur may be unprofessional, unfriendly or even rude.
- The service may only have minimum insurance. If there is an injury will you be covered?
- The vehicle may break down. Without a back up plan you may be left at the altar.
- The limousine showing up may not be the quality clean vehicle you ordered.
- When the vehicle shows up is when most people realize they made a mistake in their selection. By then it’s too late.
For your protection
Inspect the vehicle. Bring a camera. Let them know you expect to
receive that vehicle. Ask for the VIN number, car name or number, or
car code.
Ask to see proof of any awards they have received. Are the awards
local, regional, state, national, or international? Local awards can be
won with 10 votes. National awards require tens of thousands of votes.
Ask for documented proof of years in business. 20 year old companies
have stood the test of time via customer satisfaction, the ultimate
proof.
Request documented proof of how much insurance coverage they carry. 1
million dollars is the legal minimum. This is not enough coverage for 2
passengers let alone a limousine full. This is a good indication that
the company will take other unseen cost cutting measures and put your
event at risk.
Ask to see their certified chauffeur training program. Formal chauffeur
training is not only an indication that the chauffeur is committed to
driving as a vocation, but also the company is committed to your
safety, the community’s safety, and high standards of professionalism.
Ask what technologies their company uses. Investing in technology is
almost as important as investing in chauffeurs. There are many tools
available to limousine companies that improve customer safety, vehicle
dependability and on-time performance. Some of the best are: GPS
vehicle tracking, FAA flight tracking, computerized reservations, Drive
Cams, and chauffeur communication systems.
Things to be wary of
Companies with all brand new cars: Their debt load may be so high they
could go out of business before your event. Or all their cars are
leased, and they have no investment to lose if their cars are
repossessed for non-payment. Either can leave you stranded without
service.
Low prices: Some companies will book every call at a low price to
insure a full calendar of bookings, but continue to book the car at
higher prices, then cancel and return deposits to lower priced
customers leaving them stranded without service. Or their reputations
are substandard and low prices are the only way for them to attract
customers. Generaly the more expensive the company, the more reliable
they will be and the more dependable their cars will be.
Companies that offer all kinds of free extras: This may be the only way
they can lure customers because they have nothing else to stand on. A
big trap for limousine users is when companies only offer flashy
vehicles, pizza, pop, and photos, instead of customer service
recognition or safety awards.
Companies that say that if there is a problem they will send another
car: This is impossible to guarantee during prime time. All of their
cars will be out at the same time.
Newer cars versus older cars
Old cars have many mechanical problems and have to be maintained
rigorously. New cars have technical problems that are hard to track
down and repair. The point is you are renting a car and, as you know if
you have ever owned one, any vehicle can have a failure at any time.
Consider a car dealership. They have 4 cars in the show room window,
but 30 cars in their repair facility.
Years in Service
Companies that have been in business less than 15 years : Most
companies will claim they have been in business for a long time. Ask
them to prove it, but remember documents are easy to forge. Friends and
family are great sources for referrals. Ask someone who has lived in
your area for a long time. Limousine companies come and go like a
revolving door, few last 10 years. Just look at last year's phone
book and call a few to see how many went out of business since then.
The average is 30% go out of business each year.
Limousine size
Limousine passenger capacity rating is determined at maximum. For
instance a 10 passenger will squeeze 10 people at about 125 pounds
each. 10 adults in their 30s will be uncomfortable. You should
take into account the duration the passengers will be in the car. A lot
of short trips probably will be worth the squeeze for the cost savings,
but if you’re going to be on a long trip forget it. Bottom line is, get
a bigger car than you need if you want to be comfortable.
In closing
We hope this will help you in selecting a service. If we do not have
availability for your date we will help you in finding a reputable
company you can trust. Our ethics compel us to insure every person
seeking transportation receive safe quality providers. We do this to
insure your satisfaction, so you will continue to patronize our
industry.
We are recommended by: celebrities, politicians, hotels, banquet halls, consumer protection organizations and many more.
Please visit our references page for all of the listings.
