1. 1.  Don’t just shop for price, service is key.
2. 2.  How long has the limo company been in business?
3. 3.  Ask about group packages.  They are usually more affordable.
4. 4.  How was your initial contact?  Were they helpful?
5. 5.  Safety first – only use properly licensed, insured providers
6. 6.  When possible, see the fleet in person
7. 7.  Limo service is a far better value than a taxi
8. 8.  Always ask about hidden fees

MEGA STRETCH

Getting the right limo often depends on the type of occasion, quantity of people, length of time you’ll need and how far you’re are traveling. Always specify whether your event is for a wedding, concert, prom, birthday party or an anniversary.  This allows them to assist you with additional services if required.  The more details you can provide a limo company, the better the value and limo service you will receive.

Don’t just shop for price, service is key.

Price should not be the only factor you search for. Much like booking a plane flight, different price points often mean different service levels. Always have a budget determined ahead of time, but also know what type of  service you are willing to pay for.

Choose the right limo

The right limo can make all the difference – a stretch Porsche for your next party or a Rolls Royce for riding off in style from the wedding. Ensure the limo you’re getting has the features and look for your next event. Try to book a limo that has room for at least one to two more people than you are expecting. Some companies provide extra movies and music so ask in advance. Nowadays it never hurts to take along your iPod or a CD with enough music to last the whole ride.

Always ask about hidden fees

Always make sure you are comparing prices apples-to-apples between services. Each limo company will generally have their own way of pricing things. Most companies offer charter services priced by the hour – but may also offer flat/round trip rates for airport rides or pick-up and drop-off services. Pay attention to “add on’s” like extra bags, fuel surcharges, share ride or other services fees not included in the base price. It is customary and courteous to tip drivers 20% of the base price. Most companies automatically charge a driver tip but be sure to ask so you are not surprised.   Be sure you get the full price up front and request a receipt each and every time you use a service.

LIMOS EVERYWHERE

Ask about group packages.  They are usually more affordable.

A package is often the best choice for special occasions like weddings, concerts, school dances, sporting events and nightly events. Packages will generally provide a set number of hours in a vehicle that fits your party size and event for a fixed or all-inclusive price.

Reserve early

Always begin searching well before you need your limo. For wedding limos, some people book 4 -18 months in advance. Other events, like proms and night outs, are best to book a limo a couple of months in advance. In general, it is best to start looking 2-4 weeks before your event. After you’ve selected your limo service provider, get confirmation via a contract. It’s generally a good idea to contact your limo service provider a week before the event, just to ensure everything is ready to go.

Safety first – only use properly licensed, insured providers

One of the most important things to consider when considering a limo company is safety for you and your party. Most limo companies need to be registered with their state and maintain the proper levels of insurance and be properly licensed. Never book a limo with a company that can’t show you their licensing and insurance credentials.

THIS COULD BE YOURS

So, you’re searching for a cheap limo – an inexpensive car service to get from point A to point B, or perhaps you need transportation for a special occasion. Either way, be advised a cheap limo is not a sure bet when it comes to reliable transportation. As with most things in life, what you get is what you pay for. If you choose to hire a cheap limo service, expect lousy service and unacceptable vehicles that have been neglected inside and out.

Limousine companies survive on their reputation, which leads to referrals and repeat business. If a limo service quotes an extremely cheap rate, they most likely have a very poor reputation and are desperate for business. Companies such as these cannot be trusted when hiring transportation for important affairs or when an on-time arrival is critical. Trust businesses that quote standard rates in your area and ask if your reservation is guaranteed. Also confirm the vehicle type that will be picking you up. If the representative cannot confirm your vehicle at the time of your reservation, it is likely they will hire a third party company to fulfill your request, resulting in many unknown discrepancies. In the event your limo does not arrive to pick you up on-time, a third party company will be difficult to contact quickly and resolve your issue.

Take these several points into consideration the next time you search for a cheap limo, and consider spending a few more dollars for reputable service.

THE HORROR STORY

Don’t become one of the stories on the long list of terrible services in the limo business. From limo no shows, bad vehicles, poor service and weirdo drivers, the things you may run across if you don’t do a little research are surprising. This is what happens when limo companies all fight over the same penny. They may take your cheap offer right away but the minute the next best offer comes by, you will be left stranded without notice. If you have a bad limo story to share, please feel free to share it with us. You never know who you may be helping along the way.

LIMOUSINE DEALERSHIP

The limousine industry is booming because some of the best limousines are hard to come by. Some of best builders in the U.S. have bottleneck resources and as a result have a certain capacity at which they operate, producing only sixty to a hundred limos a year. Considering there is domestic and international demand, there is a shortage of quality limousines that are both used and new. There are tons of small factories that pop up trying to take advantage of this niche within the automotive industry and to manufacture the next best limo, but considering these folks have no experience, it often ends up in production of low-quality limousine for sale.

These limos that are of low quality are really hard to sell because people that have been in the industry know the key signs to look for when purchasing a limo and also have their preferred builders that the rely on and go to when they are in need of new equipment. Since there is overseas demand, especially from people that have no ties to the limo community, they often get burned because they go for the cheaper prices and end up with paint that is peeling or a chassis that is clunking or a limousine whose drive shaft falls out on a run. So, you must do your research before you decide to buy a limousine for sale. Some of the best resources for shopping are on the internet. Make sure to personally inspect the vehicle before committing to any purchase or to use a specialized agent that will inspect the limo like SGS Automotive Services.

GLOBAL MARKET

BUY LIMOUSINE

The limousine business is now a global market. When companies or an individual are looking to buy limousine vehicles, there are several places to begin the research. Of course “Ebay” is the first recommended stop. Web searches are another suggested way to locate a specific limousine. Be sure to have your financing in place before you consider serious shopping and always compare pricing before the final purchase. Ask for up-to-date pictures and a history report. If a seller can’t provide this information, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUING IT. There are literally thousands of limos on the market.  Choose the right one for you and take your time…

BEAUTIFUL 300 LIMOUSINES

Obviously, the internet is your most valuable resource when searching for a limousine rental. There you can view photos of the company’s limo fleet and flat rental rates or packages. But besides shopping for the best price, consider the following key items…

What types of vehicles and how many passengers can be accommodated? This is the main factor that contributes to the rates a limo company charges. Exotics, classics or custom vehicles will tend to cost more than your average Town Car limo. But when it comes to a special occasion, there’s nothing more exciting than riding in a stretch limousine – especially if it’s a luxurious custom limo.

How well are the limos maintained? A well-maintained and clean limousine is critical to your enjoyment during your rental. If you’ve ever ridden in a limo after a bachelor party has inhabited the vehicle the night before, you know why this question is so important. Make sure the limousine company guarantees a properly maintained and clean vehicle for your rental. Ask to see the vehicle (or fleet) before making a reservation.

Are reservations guaranteed on time? Whatever the reason for renting a limousine, you and your party don’t want to have to be late, or worse yet, get stood up! Check with the limo company to see what their on time policy is. Do keep in mind, that all limos do incur mechanical problems from time to time. So it’s comforting to know if a company will have a back-up limo in the event disaster strikes.

Is the driver professional and courteous? As important as the limo itself is to your rental experience, the driver can make or brake your day. A professional driver will help ensure a safe and smooth ride because they are used to handling an oversized vehicle in many traffic situations. The level of courtesy is of extreme importance especially on an important occasion such as a wedding. His or her attitude can lend toward an enjoyable experience or an unpleasant one quickly. Ask who will be your driver and how long has he/she been with the company.

COOL LIMO INTERIORS

Is the limousine company accredited with the Better Business Bureau? This can easily be answered by searching the business name on the BBB website. Any negative feedback that has been reported will be reflected on the company’s rating. If the company has performed services well over time, the BBB issues a grade based on the lack of negative reports and consumer complaints. This report can prove extremely helpful in making a decision in which company to rent a limo from, especially if you are not able to personally view the vehicles.

There is a big difference between your typical limousine and a luxury one.  They are not always going to cost you big bucks, but some may be a bit higher due to the quality of service you end up contracting.  So what is a luxury limo and what qualifies as one?  The world of limos has progressed quite far from the days of when a town car was all the glitz and glamour. A Luxury limo use to be anything that was stretched longer to accommodate carrying passengers.  Those days are long gone.  Amenities like power windows, sunroofs, leather seats and air conditioning are the bare minimum for a limo and you should do your research well before committing to any choice. There is no real definition of “luxury limo;” however, there are some guidelines. If you are shopping around for a luxury limo, make sure to look at the upgrades installed on the car like the rims and their size, whether the limo has a custom color, and amenities like the iPod hook up, disco floor and disco ceiling. Much will depend on your needs.  Are you looking to make a grand entrance or are you simply looking for a smooth ride.  Nowadays, there is little you won’t find in a luxury limo. When shopping for price, be sure you are getting the most for your dollar.  Try and see the vehicle in person or ask for photos whenever possible. Be sure the company you are considering has a staff of professional chauffeurs to assure your event has the perfect ending.