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What You Should Know Before Renting-
Looking for the "Best Price"? You may be disappointed. 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 and price. All too often, a cheaper price translates into larger risk for you.Most consumers would not choose a restaurant or hotel based on price, yet some people shop for a limo service this way and expect 5-star quality. If you shop for a limousine service based on price alone, you will likely be frustrated and disappointed with your limousine experience. Old, dirty, poorly maintained vehicles, shoddy service, unprofessional chauffers with poor hygiene, and dangerous vehicles, late service, and services are all possible results of a "best price" shopping priority. There are exceptions---however, the lower the price, the more risk you will assume with your transportation plans.
Risks You Take When Shopping For A Limousine Based On Price Alone- Your limousine is late or does not show up. You miss or are late for your special occasion. A 1987 model limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting a later model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed. Your limousine shows up with an unprofessional chauffeur with poor hygiene. Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries. Your limousine drops an axle during transportation and you are injured. Turns out your service did not have the limousine safety inspected as government law mandates. Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to your after prom party. Instead of enjoying the festivities, you and your date have to call a Taxi. Yet, you saved $50.00. Is it worth the risk?
Ask About Insurance and Permits-
All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services such as ours do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from "gypsy companies", ask for these from your selected company.
Ask About Industry Associations-
Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the BC Limousine Association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source--complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.
"The Limo Broke Down!"
Don't be the unfortunate person, which gets the "The Limo Broke Down" or "We Don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by dealing with a reputable company. Shopping on price along is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.
Grad & Wedding Limousine Rental Costs, how it is determined-
To determine the cost of a prom rental, limousine services utilize several factors in determining price.
Vehicle Rented: Luxury Sedans are the least costly, however can only transport up to 4 passengers. Cost increases directly proportionate to vehicle size.
Hourly Rental Time: Limo services charge on a per hour basis. Charges vary from $50/hr upward to $150/hr depending on vehicle time.
Travel Distance: If your transportation involves an abnormal amount of travel time, some services will charge extra, such as accommodations for the driver.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Limo for Weddings?
Limousine rentals run in the neighborhood of $50-$120 per hour with a MINIMUM of 4 to 8 consecutive hours booked. Companies require a minimum to 4 or 8 hours to provide service because of increased demand. here are some hourly rental guidelines:
Do We Have to Pay for the Limo While We Attend our Function:
You still have to pay for the rental time during prom, even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. While you are at the prom, the vehicle cannot be used elsewhere; even where there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup. Some companies sometimes offer a discounted hourly rate when the vehicle is idly waiting outside. In addition, if there are more than 4 hours between drop-off and pick-up with minimum travel time, some companies may offer a "split"-just a rental to-and-from your destination with no charge for waiting time in between. However, minimum hourly booking requirements still apply.
Can I Rent A Limo For 1 Hour?
No. Most companies require a minimum 4-hour booking to rent a limousine during Grad Season. In some areas, some minimum hourly requirements can scale up to 8 hours! This is due to the huge demand on limousines during prom season. March through June is also busy wedding months, which also inflate minimum hourly requirements and rental costs. You are more likely to get struck by lightning than getting a limousine rental for 1 or 2 hours during prom season.
When Do My Rental Charges Begin?
This varies by company and location. Some companies begin rental charges at your designated pickup time at your pickup location. If you say, "Pick us up at 6pm at 123 Main St", and then this will be the beginning of your rental charge. Other companies begin rental charges on portal-to-portal basis and charge "travel-time". Specifically, your rental time may begin the moment the limousine begins its journey to your first pickup location. Ask your limousine company specifically how they charge. Travel time is usual in rural areas where the closest limousine service may be miles away.
Should We Tip The Driver?
Yes. The standard tip is 10-15% of the total fare. If you feel your driver has performed in an exceeding manner, you can tip more. Some companies will AUTOMATICALLY include the gratuity (tip) in their total price quote. When making reservations, always ask if GRATUITY is included in the total price. If not, you should budget an extra fifteen percent towards your total bill for driver gratuity.
We hope these guidelines assist you in reserving some safe and reliable transportation for your special occasion. Limousine Rental Tips provided by First Class Limo Service Ltd. Kamloops, BC, Canada. (250) 314-7733
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