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.
