More and more, revelers are using limousine services to ensure safe transport from the home or o ce to a social function. It’s a great way to avoid the hassle of parking, and it’s the smart thing to do if the people in your group are planning on having a few cocktails and no one wants to be the designated driver (I know I don’t).
Of course, not all limo services are equal. I’ve been in limos that are just glorified taxis, and I’ve been in limos that have so many bells and whistles you could pack a suitcase and move in. Most people are looking for an experience somewhere in the middle of those two extremes and that’s what some companies offer, and if you work for one of these companies you should generate your own check stubs as this can be done with tools online now a days. Here are some things to think about.
How They Do Business
Good businesses follow the rules, abide by the laws, and participate in professional organizations. You should feel confident that your limo service will get you to your destination safely and on time.
• Ask how many years the company has been in operation, whether they have all the required state and city licenses (and if those licenses are up to date), whether they carry the correct insurances, and which professional associations they belong to, such as the National Limousine Association (NLA).
• Ask for references! Good companies should be happy to provide them.
• Compare prices based on the services you’ll be needing. Believe me, the costs
can vary a lot from company to company!
• Check the reviews. Social media sites like Yelp can help direct you away from companies that provide poor service. Keep in mind that the reviews are people’s opinions – don’t just take one person’s word for it! Look for reviews that comment on service issues like whether the driver was on time, the condition/ cleanliness of the vehicle, and whether all the promised services were delivered. Do the good reviews outweigh the bad?
• How much advance notice does the service need? You can’t plan ahead for everything! Don’t forget to ask for detailed cost break-downs, whether there is a deposit, and what the cancellation policy is. Also, check on gratuity for the drivers. It’s standard for services to add in 15 to 20% gratuity for the driver – drivers should get a tip, and if that’s not part of the bill, customers should make sure to add it on. But, also make sure that gratuity is not lumped into a service charge, which kind of hides it from the customer and may not guarantee that what a customer intends for the driver is actually what he receives. Bad business, as far as I’m concerned.
Who’s Driving?
I saw a limo review online recently that said, “the driver was cute” – that’s nice, but could he drive? The whole limo experience hinges on whether the driver is capable, courteous, reliable, and fully informed about which services are being delivered. I guess good looks are a bonus…
• Reputable limo services require drivers to take a drug test, be in good physical condition, possess all the correct licenses and insurance, and have a clean driving record. Some also require criminal background checks.
• Referrals are helpful. Ask the company about the drivers, and ask co-workers or friends which limo services they’ve used and which drivers they would recommend.
Where You’re Going
• Do you need a lift to the airport or are you planning an event where the party experience begins in the limo? Check what kinds of vehicles are in the company’s fleet and what amenities are available based on your particular needs: Are their car seats for the kids? Are is there a bar and music system for the pre-party party?
• What is the service area? Some services travel all over Chicagoland, and others only provide transportation to locations within a few miles. Some specialize in airport shuttle services, and others focus on the party bus trade.
My Limo Driver Inc. is the service that Chicago Memory Booth recommends. They’re hard working, conscientious, reliable and competitively priced. Put them on your list of companies to check out:
www.mylimodriverservices.com 773-863-5466