Steps
- Consider the type of event. Typically limousine companies charge based on the type of event. Events are typically as follows: Airport Transfers, Weddings, Nights Out, Birthday Parties, City or Wine Tours, Day Trips, Concerts, A to B Transfers, Proms, Client Meetings and Special Events. Most limousine companies have special airport transfer rates and special A to B Rates. All limousine companies have hourly minimums on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Prepare the details of what you are looking for. Most companies charge by the hour, so it is important to decide how many hours you will need.
- Determine how many people will be participating before you call. This can affect what type of vehicle you can ride in.
- Decide on vehicle types. Here are all the types of vehicles available:
- Sedans (mostly Town cars but sometimes Mercedes or Specialty Sedans)
- 6 Passenger Limousine (Seats 4 comfortably)
- 8 Passenger Limousine (Seats 6 comfortably)
- 10 Passenger Limousine (Seats 8 comfortably)
- 12 Passenger Limousine (Seats 10 comfortably)
- 14-22 SUV Limousine (Typically a Navigator, Escalade, or Excursion)
- 18-20 Passenger Hummer
- Small Shuttle Bus (22-35 Passengers)
- Coach Bus (45-55 Passengers)
- Small Limo Bus (14-22 Passengers)
- Coach Limo Bus (28-35 Passengers)
- Classic Cars (Rolls Royce, etc).
- Reserve early. It is best to call 2-4 weeks in advance of the reservation. Now, do some research. Google "Vehicle Type, Your City" for example, "8-passenger limousine, San Francisco,CA." Then look at the company websites to confirm the companies have your desired vehicle. Look in the phone book and decide on an additional few companies.
- Call companies and listen to how each company deals with your phone call. On your special night, it is important that the company is responsive to your requests. Call each name on the list and get quotes from each. Be sure to ask for rates including gratuity, cancellation fees, how much for an extra hour and their TCP number (State license to be a licensed transport). Ask what the vehicles come with (alcohol, music, passes to clubs, etc.).
- Decide which company you feel will be on time, have the best vehicle and chauffeur, and has the best price. For most people, price is not as important as service, so don't automatically choose the lowest rate, you might end up with an 80's limo and a driver in jeans and a t-shirt.
- Book the vehicle with the company you choose. When booking make sure to get a copy of the contract and reservation, confirmation/reservation number, as well as their cancellation policy in writing/email. Make sure to confirm the out the door price that will be charged to your credit card.
- Call 2-4 days before your event to confirm your reservation and request the driver's cell phone number. Be sure to verify that the routing is correct and that there is a driver scheduled. Be sure to ask if they are going to farm out your run.(A "Farm-out" means that they are selling your reservation to another company at a profit). If they tell you of their intention to farm out, either tell them not to do so, or ask for details of the other company so that you can satisfy yourself of their reliability.
- Call 3 hours prior to the event, just to check in and make sure everything is fine.
Tips
- The type of event can drastically change the price of the vehicle.
- Make sure that you know the location of the limo company. Some must charge drive time if they are more than 30 minutes away.
- Head count is important, no one wants to be left to take a taxi!
- Like in most things, you get what you pay for.
- When you ask for the TCP, be aware that the state issues them in order. The lower the number, the longer the company has been around.
- Be sure to inquire about limitations around food, drink, or smoking. This could include the availability of glasses, refrigeration, if the driver will also be the server, etc.
- Some companies provide music (radio or satellite radio), so ask in advance or be prepared to take a mix CD that has enough music to last the whole ride.
- if you're in California, check with the California Public Utility Commission at [www.cpuc.ca.gov cpuc.ca.gov]. This web site will help you check the license and standing of the limousine company (active, denied, revoked, suspended). you can check using the name of the company or the TCP number. If the company is not listed then it could be illegal.
- Remember that it is also advisable to check the limo before you book it. make an appointment to check the limo and if you are satisfied write the license plate down and get it in writing. Happy limousine hunting.
Warnings
- Be sure to give an extra 10-15 minutes than needed whenever setting up detailed routing. Events always take longer than expected.
- Ask the year of the vehicle!
- Lowest price means lowest service in most cases!
Things You'll Need
- A phone, a computer and an hour or two.
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