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| Tips
- Limousines |
- Looking for the best price? You may
be disappointed.
The biggest error you could make when
shopping for a wedding 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 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 chauffeurs
with poor hygiene, dangerous vehicles,
and under-insured services are all possible
results of a "best price" shopping priority.
- Ask to see the company's vehicles.
Once again, check out the vehicle you
plan on renting. Some companies utilize
older fleets. You don't want to be surprised
on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine
shows up at the church when you were expecting
a year 2000 model!
- Get a signed contract.
A reliable and professional service will
be more than happy to provide you with
a signed contract for service. Companies
who can't supply a contract may not be
confident in their ability to fulfill.
- Ask about insurance and permits.
All limousines are required to carry commercial
insurance and proper permits. To protect
yourself, ask for proof of these with
your signed contract.
- 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 local livery
association are good indications that
your service provider does their due dilligence.
The Better Business Bureau also is a good
resource - complaints about limousine
services are not far behind those of auto
mechanics.
- Vehicle rental policies.
In general, the bigger the limousine and
the newer, the more expensive it will
be to rent. Here are the 4 standard types
of limousines operating today at their
relative cost per hour to rent.
- 6-passenger limousines ($40-$70
per hour)
- 8-passenger limousines ($60-$90
per hour)
- 10-passenger limousines ($80-$110
per hour)
- 12-passenger limousines ($100-$130
per hour)
Wedding rates are usually quoted at a
"package price". Ask your limousine company
what is included...
- Standard chauffeur gratuity of 15-20
percent
- Champagne
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Red carpet roll out
- Limousine decorations (i.e. "JUST
MARRIED" sign)
When booking a limousine, always make
sure you know what kind of car you are
getting. Simply being told a "8-passenger
limousine" is not enough. Many smaller
companies utilize older fleets. There
currently are three Lincoln body styles
of limousines on the market! Make sure
you know which you are getting! You don't
want to be surprised at your wedding when
a 1988 stretch limousine appears at your
doorstep when you were expecting a 1998
model!
Most companies require a minimum 2 to
4 hour booking when making reservations.
If you are looking for a wedding limousine
for only 1 hour, you will have to do some
searching. Many companies simply will
not do it because of cost considerations.
If you do find a company that will do
your wedding for 1 hour, more than likely
the limousine will be an older model vehicle
or in the off season. There is nothing
wrong with older model limousines; however
we suggest you view any vehicle before
you rent, especially one that is over
5 years old!
- Deposits required.
Most companies require a 50% deposit to
hold your reservation with the balance
due on the wedding day. If you cancel
your reservation, your deposit can be
forfeited. Such things can be outlined
in the contract. Ask your selected company
to explain their policy.
- Air-conditioning systems.
Also, be aware that many old model limousines
have air-conditioning systems which are
NOT equipped to handle hot days. If you
are getting married in the 'dead of summer',
inquire about your limousine's air conditioning
system, especially if your vehicle will
be more than 4 years old! Older models
only have one A/C compressor and on extremely
hot days, getting a cool limousine may
not be possible. Newer model limousines
have two A/C compressors which eliminated
this problem.
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