When you are looking forward to an important event, it is easy for details to get lost in the shuffle. Whether you are planning for a prom, a wedding, an important business trip, or another special occasion, a limo is a luxurious way to get there. Not all limo services are created equally, though, so make sure you choose the right limo service to celebrate this momentous day. Here are a few tips for finding the best limo service in Gilbert, Arizona.
1. Picture Your Event
Before choosing a limo service, envision how you want your event to go. How many people will you be transporting? How far is the ride? Is a limousine appropriate for the occasion? If so, do you want a classic limousine, or an SUV, or a party bus? If you can see yourself and your passengers arriving in style to the event, then you should start shopping around for the right limo service.
2. Plan Ahead
Before contacting any limo services, nail down the details of the trip. It will be much easier to estimate the price and book the limo if you know the date, time, number of passengers, and locations ahead of time. Think through all the details of where you will be getting picked up, where you’ll be getting dropped off, whether there are any stops along the way, and how large of a vehicle you will need. You or your passengers may also require some additional accommodations, or you may want some special features in your vehicle. Finally, know your budget. Even the most memorable occasions come with financial considerations. Think through all of these possibilities as you research your services.
3. Read Reviews
In the Internet age, a good review online is one of the best ways to vet a company. You should look at not only the service’s website and photos, but also look at third-party reviews to make sure this company is the right fit. You should look for a limousine company that comes with a lot of variety – there is no one-size-fits-all because every customer and event is unique. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Arizona is one place to read customer reviews and complaints about a service.
Another important opinion to consider is that of your family and friends. Almost everyone who has been in a wedding party or other formal event has at one point in time been in a limousine, so ask around. If someone had an extraordinary experience with a Gilbert limousine company, ask them for the company’s information. Similarly, you may know of someone who had a negative experience – perhaps the driver was late or unprofessional, or the vehicle was messy. You will want to hear as many first-hand accounts as possible to ensure the ride goes smoothly.
4. Ask Questions
When scheduling your event, do not be afraid to ask the limo service a lot of questions before you book. Make sure that their service can accommodate the right number of passengers, inquire into the quality of its drivers, and ask about any other amenities that are of interest to you. For some people, having champagne provided in the limousine is one of the main purposes of employing the service in the first place. Similarly, if you are looking for a party bus experience, ask about the rules and guidelines, such as whether you must bring your own food and beverages, or if they can be provided by the service. You should always know what to expect before your trip so that you can sit back and relax once you get on board.
5. Check Out the Limo Ahead of Time
If you can, you may want to tour the limo before the event. Online reviews and photographs are not always what they seem, so avoid a disappointing limousine service by checking out the car in person. Not all companies will offer this opportunity, but you should consider asking. If a company seems evasive about letting you see the car in advance, it may tip you off that they are not proud of the quality of the service.
6. Look into the Limo Service’s Safety Certifications
While the limo’s safety and security are probably not going to be at the top of your mind on the big day, you want to ensure that the company you are hiring will take good care of you and your passengers. Limousines require more skill to drive than a standard passenger vehicle, and passengers typically do not have to wear seatbelts in the car, so you should double-check that the limo service is licensed and insured. You may also want to consider looking into the vehicle’s safety rating to ensure the type of vehicle you are choosing will protect you in the event of an accident.
Another sign that a limo company is unreliable is if they do not meet the compliance requirements in Arizona. Check for the correct license plates, permits, and signage to indicate that the service is up-to-date.
7. Review Packages and Specials
Most limousine companies will offer their services in the form of a package or a special. If you are using a limousine simply to get from one place to another, perhaps a special isn’t right for you. However, many people who want to book a limo are trying to make their event a memorable occasion, so booking a package is often appropriate for a prom, wedding, or wine tour. This way, passengers can take advantage of a number of amenities all included in the price of their limo service.
8. Read the Contract
Once you’ve settled on the right service and started planning out the details, you’ll most likely be presented with a written contract. Look through the contract thoroughly and make sure all of the information is right. Most of the agreement will probably be standard, form language, but some of it will also be unique to your event. Ensure that the contract properly identifies the times, locations, passengers, and any other details that you agreed upon with the company. You should also make sure the contract plans for any contingencies, such as if you would need to extend the duration of the trip or change the times at the last minute. Some customers prefer to schedule a pre-set route, while others want to book a limousine for a set amount of time and direct the chauffeur as they go. Check that the contract lines up with your expectations. Finally, read through the fine print as well to make sure you understand the whole price of the service. Sometimes the final amount due does not match the price promoted on the service’s website. You do not want to be surprised to find out that you are responsible for unexpected costs or fines hidden in the contract.
Though it may be frustrating to get into the nitty-gritty details of your limousine service, it will pay off when you and your guests get to enjoy the day with no hassle. With the benefit of an experienced chauffeur, you can trust you will get where you are going smoothly while spending quality time with loved ones and friends.