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 Choosing a Limo Company
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Whether you need a limo for a wedding, a school dance, an anniversary, or simply airport transportation, there are many things to consider. First and foremost you must decide what type of limo you are looking to rent (traditional stretch limo or specialty limo), the length of time you will need it for, and what price you are willing to spend.
Since the type of limo you choose and the amount of time you will be using it for both have a bearing on the price, it's usually best to determine these specifics before contacting limo companies.
If you aren't sure yet what you want and are just shopping around for pricing and ideas, just keep in mind that these choices will play a major role in your limo renting experience.
Similarly, the event that you are reserving the limo for can play a big part in which limo service you should choose. For example, you shouldn't choose a limo company that primarily does airport pick-ups if you are renting a limo for your wedding.
Airport limo companies are less reliable as their schedules are much more hectic and their passengers' planes can be delayed or cancelled, so plans can often change. Find a service that specializes in weddings or larger events as opposed to simply transportation if that's why you're hiring the limo.
When deciding what type of limo to rent, make sure that the company you are interested in actually owns that type of limo. This is not usually a problem if you are going with a traditional stretch limo, but if you want something a little fancier such as a Rolls Royce or Hummer limousine, the company may not have one and could instead contract the job out to another company that does have that limo.
If this happens, it is the second company who is responsible for being on time, so you need to ensure that the new company specializes in events such as yours and has a good reputation for being on time. There is not usually a need for a “middleman” in the limo business, so if the company you are looking at doesn't have the type of limousine you want, you should go directly to the company that does.
If you are booking a limo for a large event, especially something like a wedding where everything needs to be perfect, you should start your limo search 3-6 months in advance. This will ensure that you get that dates and service that you want.
Take a week to call around and look at the websites of different limousine companies, and once you have narrowed the field down to 4 or 5 of your top choices, go inspect the limo services themselves and make sure they are professional organizations that meet your standards.
If you have friends or colleagues that have used a limousine service in the past, ask them about their experiences. They might lead you to a great service or help you steer clear of a bad one.
It's not always possible to book a limo weeks, or even months, in advance or to actually visit the limo service itself, but it is important to ensure that you choose the right service. Talk to someone associated with the limo company and make sure that you are comfortable with their professionalism.
In many states, such as Florida, companies will charge a 20% gratuity for the driver up front, so you want to feel comfortable with the quality of the service before you agree to a price.
Most limo companies are professional and offer great service. Just use your common sense and follow the suggestions lined out in this article and your special occasion will be memorable and hassle-free.
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By Chris Welsh
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