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Take a look at our tips for a successful prom in the Greater Los Angeles area:
1. Shop around. But don’t always just go for the lowest price. Remember, in the Limousine industry, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is usually woefully true. Many students or parents shop for a limousine and get the lowest price, only to be disappointed when the limousine arrives at the house and it is old or damaged. Shop for the best value, but remember that you are shopping for a luxury limousine service.
2. Inquire about the number of years the limo company has been in business. Experience counts. Companies that have been in business a number of years, will most likely be more reliable, providing the top service in the industry. Limousine companies with bad reputations just don’t survive in our competitive market.
3. Is the Limo Company licensed? Ask about the limousine company’s license and operating authority. Limousine and other transportation companies are required to have Federal authority to operate their vehicles from the Department of Transportation as well as the Public Utilities Commission in the State of California. Limousine companies with such licenses are regulated, pay their dues, and are therefore making money; a good sign that they run a reputable company.
4. Is the Limo Company Fully Insured? It’s a fact. There are numerous companies that are operating in Southern California and nationwide that do not carry the proper insurance coverage on their fleet to protect the consumer in the event of an accident or other mishap. A reputable Limousine company will have the required commercial insurance coverage and will have no problem providing you with a Certificate of Coverage on request.
5. Is your limo company connected? Always ask what affiliations your limo company is associated with such as the Better Business Bureau, The National Limousine Association as well as the Greater Los Angeles Limousine Association. Memberships with any of the above and additional associations or related organizations is a sign that you are dealing with a reputable, professional company.
6. Can the limo company provide referrals? Ask them who they drive and if you can contact them. Excellent references from other clients will minimize the possibility of service problems.
7. Ask to see the limousine you’re interested in reserving. If you don’t have time to go and visit the Limousine company’s showroom personally, ask the company to email photographs of the limos. This will protect you from getting some old, rundown limousine instead of the new one they told you would arrive at your door. Be sure to check the year, make and model and all the amenities inside the vehicle.
8. Be sure to ask about discounts when renting one or more limousines. Many limousine companies offer discounts when multiple limousines are reserved. Most companies have the limousines listed below in their fleet:
6-passenger limousines
8-passenger limousines
10-passenger limousine
12-passenger limousines
9. Once you have selected a limousine company, be sure you get a written confirmation. The Limo confirmation should include the date, time, estimated price, including notes regarding the color, make, year and model. You should also check to make sure the address and proper routing are included along with specific procedures regarding any cancellations.
10. Many limo companies will call you approximately 48 hours prior to the prom reservation, but if you haven’t heard from your limo company, be sure to contact them and make sure that your limo is still secured and review any details you want to go over at this time.
11. Ask about your limousine chauffeur’s gratuity. Most companies add a mandatory gratuity on to the bill of about 15% or 20%. Check your contract to be certain that you don’t pay a duplicate gratuity.
12. Most of all, have FUN. Bring CD’s of your favorite music and don’t forget your camera, so you can take pictures of all your friends in the limousine on the way to your prom!
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