Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Questions to ask your potential Wedding Transportation Company



QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR LIMO COMPANY BEFORE BOOKING SERVICE:

·         What training requirements do you have for your drivers?
o    In Ohio the Department of transportation or DOT requires all drivers of vehicles over 9 passengers pass a physical and hold a current medical card.  You also want to make sure that whoever is driving you on your big day has had a proper background check and also has gone through training.
                           
·         What attire will he driver arrive in?                            
o   Many companies require a certain dress code for the chauffeur, as they will publicly visible when they arrive at your event. Limousine drivers should be professional and dressed appropriately.

·         What models do you offer?
o   There are many different kind of limousines or vehicles available. Some wedding parties are looking for a stretch limousine or party bus while some companies offer budget friendly but still nice vans or shuttle buses to transport your party. Ask what kind of options they have available or your group size and pricing.

·         Can I request a certain model or vehicle?
o   Often a limousine company will offer several different models under the same price blanket or passenger capacity if you have a preference make sure you specify which one your prefer and that it’s noted in your agreement.
  • Year, Make, Model, and Color of each vehicle you will be using?
o   Ask what type of vehicle you are getting upfront and noted in your agreement so you know you are getting exactly what you are looking for on your wedding day.

·         How many people can I bring with me?
o   Livery vehicles will have a predetermined passenger capacity but that maximum capacity might not be the most comfortable depending on varying sizes. The passenger capacity is often based on the average size adult so be sure to ask how many comfortably in formal wear will fit in the vehicle. If a company will allow you to bring more people than the vehicle is licensed for on a vehicle beware because professional limousine companies must follow these passenger counts for safety and insurance reasons.

·         Do you charge services by mileage or by the hour?
o   This answer will determine whether you can cruise around or travel to several different photo locations. It’s also good to find out their overtime policy and if you go over your scheduled time how that overage will be charged. Make sure you be aware of any possible miscellaneous charges or fees.

·         What does your insurance policy cover?
o   Discovering what is covered by the limousine company’s insurance policy will help you in event of an fender bender or more serious accident. Plus making sure you get insurance information will guarantee you are working with a legally licensed company.

·         Do you guarantee your services?
o   What happens if you are completely unsatisfied with your service received Limousines are an expensive luxury, and anything on the fault of the driver or chauffeur that compromises the class status of this event should be guaranteed against.

·         Do you provide complimentary champagne or alcohol?
o   It is illegal in the state of Ohio for limousine companies to provide alcohol to their clients. Clients can bring in whatever sort of alcohol they would like but it cannot be provided by the company. The limousine company can be fined and a reservation interrupted should they be caught providing that. So while the thought is nice make sure you book with a company who is following laws and regulations to have a smooth wedding day. Companies must also be a registered livery company in order to be able allow passengers to consume alcohol in their vehicles. Drinking in a vehicle from a non-registered and insured company could result in “open container” ticketing from law enforcement as per Ohio Revised Code 4503.24.

·         Will we need to set our route ahead of time?       
o   It’s a good idea to route ahead of time, although most companies and drivers are flexible. If there are certain destinations that you would absolutely like to hit along the way, make sure you give the names and addresses to your driver so they can plan the best route and make sure if using a large vehicle they can access the area.

·         Do you have a contract?
o   For every business transaction, it is important to have a written and signed contract before the money changes hands. This will help you to know what is expected of you and what you can expect from the limousine company and the driver.

·         Can I view the vehicle before I book?
o   Make sure you ask if you have an option to look before you book this will allow you to view your vehicle and make sure you get what you paid for on your wedding day. To many companies show beautiful pictures but don’t actually show up on your wedding day with that vehicle or do what is called a “Bait and Switch” causing unnecessary frustration and disappointment on what should be a happy day.

·         Do you offer any wedding packages?
o   Some companies offer pre-planned packages that will save you money when bundling services like wedding limousine and guest shuttles. It’s good to get all your options presented.

·         Is tax and driver gratuity included in your pricing?
o   Several companies include the drivers gratuity and tax already in the pricing to save you from surprise fees. This also will help you determine the best price value so if there is only a difference in pricing by $50-$100 and one includes tax and gratuity but the cheaper one does not then you know why. A company not collecting tax is in violation of state law so that also could be a red flag as to their legal standings as a company.
  • Do you offer sedan/van transport to/from the airport for our guests?
o   Several companies do not just offer limousine service but can offer your out of town guests airport transportation service or you honeymoon transportation services at a discounted rate when booking wedding day service with them.

·         Are there any additional charges (tax, tolls, fuel, parking, etc)
o   Don’t get hit with any additional charges find out up front what is and is not included in your rate.
·         What are the back-up options if a vehicle breaks down on the day of the wedding? 
o   It is important to know what the options are if a vehicle is unable to get to the venue. Knowing your options if something were to happen will relieve stress and also make sure that there is a definite back-up plan.
·         Will the vehicles have their own GPS system? 
o   Make sure that the chauffeur will have directions to your venue. Nobody wants to get lost on the way to the venue, so make sure the directions are clear.
·         What do you recommend for timing? 
o   Asking how long a service last is a great question, as well as discussing pick-up and drop-off times. This will help you avoid being late by making sure the driver knows and agrees to your itinerary.
·         Can you provide me with professional references?          
o   Wedding vendors will only refer other professional and quality wedding vendors so when looking to book with Limousine Company ask for professional references you can reach out to or ask for testimonials from previous couples.
·         What review sites are you on?
o   Ask what sites you can view their reviews on but make sure you are looking at sites that scan for fake reviews so you are only getting actual client reviews.

About 4 to 5 months before your wedding date make sure you have reserved transportation for your bridal party and whoever else will be riding with you. Also, confirm your reservation at least 1 week before your wedding! Ask your wedding transportation provider to give you driver details and contact number prior to your wedding so you have it on hand should you need it on your wedding day. It's also good to have a point of contact for the limousine company that is not yourself that way any last minute coordination or questions can be addressed and can take care of processing any remaining balances due. Your wedding day should be one of the happiest moments of your life so asking the right questions will help you ensure you have a company that will provide you with the best for your big day! 

Looking for a Transportation Company in Northeast Ohio we hope you will consider us at A Touch of Class Limousine Service a premier transportation provider for over 34 years. 




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