Considering all factors will assure you of a more enjoyable experience
Diamond Limousine Service is committed to providing you quality service and quality
vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with our company or the industry, we include the
following compilation of comments from national transportation industry sources
to help in your selection of a transportation service provider.
How to select a luxury vehicle service:
- Are all limousine companies the same? Can I just shop by price?
- Much like selecting a hotel or restaurant, a limousine rental is a
luxury experience. The adage “you get what you pay for” is true in the limousine
and sedan industry. If you shop on price only you run a risk that could result in
serious disappointment. Why are some companies priced so low? One source says “The
way we look at it - each limousine company knows what they are worth and they charge
accordingly!”
- They continue on with this information: A very low price may be a warning flag for
such things as:
- Old vehicle - the biggest tip-off the car is old is a low price
- Inadequate maintenance:
- Dirty vehicle
- No functional air conditioning, TV, sound, or other equipment
- Limited or no amenities: no glassware, exterior & interior lights not all working
- Vehicle inadequately maintained, with risk of break-downs
- Non-compliance with city/state requirements: insurance, licenses,
bi-annual city inspections
- Untrained chauffeurs who may and not know directions
- Unreliable company making errors on times and locations (some unscrupulous
operators have even canceled low-price reservations for more profitable options)
- Owning, operating, and maintaining a quality fleet of limousines properly is almost
impossible to do at lowball rates. Consider the savings of a small price on your
special night versus the risks.
- What questions should I consider asking to be comfortable with
my choice of a limousine service?
- If you have not used or heard of a transportation company and you
want check them out, here are some questions to assist you:
- About the vehicle
- Vehicle size: Learn the capacity of their vehicles. Will the vehicle accommodate
your number of passengers without being crowded? Limousine companies typically quote
the number of permitted passengers based on manufacturer guidelines. Select a large
enough vehicle.
- Vehicle quality & saftey: Are the vehicles current models? Are the limousines
QVM certified (meeting the industry safety standard)? What is the condition of the
car I am renting - high miles, damage or broken equipment, sufficient seatbelts?
- See the vehicle: Ask if you can visit the office and arrange see the vehicle
you are renting. You can see the quality before renting. Look at the cleanliness
and maintenance. Newer vehicles and higher quality brands are less likely to have
mechanical problems. Be cautious of a company that does not have an office or vehicle
location.
- About company reliability and service: How long the company
has been in business? A longer history means experience and service in order to
stay in business. How do they assure their service is error free? Ask about guarantees
and back-up plans. You may check out any comments with the Better Business Bureau,
available on the internet.
- About the chauffeurs: What training and experience do they
have? How long have they served the company? How well do they know locations?
- About Pricing:
- Price: Pricing is usually based on factors such as: vehicle type, distance,
number of passengers, additional services, and may include government-mandated fees.
You will be asked for pick up and drop off times and locations. Companies set transfer
fees for point-to-point service. If rented by the hour, there is usually a minimum
number of hours. After hours service or unusual circumstances may increase fees.
To avoid unexpected charges, be sure the price you are quoted includes all costs.
- Packages: Ask what amenities are included and if special packages are available
for your occasion: wedding, prom, etc.
- Contract: Be sure you have a contract to avoid misunderstandings. If you
are unfamiliar with the company consider paying with a major credit card when you
make your reservation.
- Gratuities: Tipping is at your discretion. A chauffeur may be tipped between
10 and 20 percent of the total charge. Chauffeurs prefer a cash gratuity. If the
chauffeur has treated you well, tip him/her well and tell the company. If the chauffeur
has NOT delivered good service, inform the company as well.
Consider not only cost but the quality of the vehicle, service, chauffeurs, and company
reliability before making your choice.
- Suggestions About Your Event:
- Weddings: Consider how likely the timing of your event will go off precisely
as planned. Limousines may be reserved for more than one event in a day. Weigh the
cost of an extra hour against the alternative of not having the limousine available
if delayed. If you believe your schedule is too tight, consider arranging extended
time in advance to avoid the problem.
- Proms: For proms and graduations, talk to your friends early and decide who
will be in your limo group. . Having a chauffeured vehicle makes the night safer
and more special. Make the reservation early to be sure you get the vehicle you
want. Sharing costs is a great advantage and the cost per person is more affordable.
You may want to plan on everyone meeting at one location to start your event. This
saves time and lets you enjoy friends and take pictures before your ride. Ask about
perks such as sparkling cider and music available. Preparing you own music mix in
advance will assure you have the best music for your special event.A word of caution:
make sure your group of friends in the limo are responsible.
- Parents on Prom Night: Discuss ground rules with your youth and set consequences
in advance. Select a company that will help assure the safety of your youth. Find
out if the vehicle company requires the youth to sign an agreement prohibiting alcohol,
smoking, drugs, or other inappropriate behaviors. Ask that the chauffeur keep the
privacy screen down during the ride. You may give the transportation company a curfew.
- Adults & Drinking: If you have alcohol at your function, keep alcohol out
of the limousine, as much as possible. The chauffeur of your rented vehicle is your
designated driver. However, plan ahead to avoid the problem of guests getting sick
in the vehicle. Not only are there problems for formal clothing, but limousine services
charge additional if the unexpected happens.
Because we have earned our reputation, you can be assured that your needs and expectations are handled with care