Hire the right prom/homecoming limo
These events often mark a rite of passage in a teenager's life. It is
typically a celebration marked with once-in-a-lifetime extravagances,
such as designer dresses and tuxedos. A couple or group
will likely hire a prom/homecoming limo to take them from place to place. Prom/Homecoming
season is one of the busiest times of year for limousine companies, so
it’s best to plan ahead. Here's how you can ensure a successful trip.
Limousine Rental 101
Make sure the limousine services you consider are reputable. The
limousine rental company should have a carriage of insurance and
references from past clients. They should be authorized to operate in
your locality. Ask for the appropriate certificates. Testimonials from
past clients are good signs that the company is reputable and
reliable. The limousine company should also be reviewed with the
Better Business Bureau. Any complaints about the company will be
lodged through the BBB.
Chauffeurs should be screened carefully. They should be familiar
with the area they cover so that students don't get lost.
Ask to see your event limousine before you book it. The limousine
rental company should allow you to view their inventory. If you are
unable to, ask them to e-mail photos. The company should also be able
to show you the limo’s amenities such as a moon roof, a TV/VCR or
a bar in the back seat. Ask for the make, model and year of the
limousine. You don't want a clunker when you asked for a new
limousine.
Limousine Contracts
Ask for hourly minimums and rates. Limousine companies typically
ask for a 6 to 8 hour minimum during prom/homecoming season. Their rates may vary
according to distance and time covered. Rates usually include a
gratuity (that is, a tip for the driver).
Above all, ask for a contract. The contract should include year,
make and model of the prom limo. It should also cover any fees and
gratuities, and specify the service area. The contract will also
typically include written rules and regulations. A parent or legal
guardian must sign the contract. As the signing party, the parents are
liable for any damage that may happen to your event limo. Ask for a
written copy of their rules and give it to all the students riding the
limousine.
Provide the itinerary in advance. This should be a written copy of
all the pick-up and drop-off locations. If there are any deviations to
the itinerary, there must be parental permission. Most limousine
services will require this information in advance.
No matter what service you choose, here
are some tips to help you find the perfect limousine service and
limousine for your Prom/Homecoming night......
PLANNING: If you're sharing a limousine with others to
make it affordable and fun for everyone, the key to making your
special night go well is good planning.
TIPS:
1) Don't wait too long to get a limousine
for your Prom/Homecoming. Do your homework early and reserve your
limousine as soon as possible so that you will get what you want.
Decide how many people are riding along and pick up the phone or go
online to begin your shopping!
2) Get others to pay you when they commit to
sharing the cost. Don't wait until the event to collect as
someone may have a problem that causes them to back out.
3) Plan to have everyone picked up in one or
two places. This will save you time and money and allow you
more time in the limo to enjoy the night! It will also make it
easier to get pictures of everyone with the limo while it is still
light outside.
4) Find out what the cancellation policy is
for your service. Get it in writing. Some services offer
cheaper rates but do not allow you to cancel.
5) Choose your group wisely. Make sure
that you don't allow someone to ride along that can ruin the entire
event for everyone. This might include damaging the limousine
or breaking the Prom Promise (smoking, alcohol, etc.)
6) Call your service provider the week
before your event to make sure that everything is still as you
agreed. Give them updates to your charter such as pickup
addresses, where you will be going, or where your charter will end.
AVAILABILITY: Prom/Homecoming season holds the highest demand of
the year for a limousine service in most cities. Don't wait
too long to book as your choices may be limited to "what's left" or
may leave you going to prom/homecoming with the parents!
COST: Limousines are very expensive to purchase and
operate, so the cost to rent a limousine is similar to a hotel or
car rental. Basically, you will probably get what you pay for
and this may not be the night to go cheap and be embarrassed in
front of your friends.
TIPS:
1) When sharing a limousine, a larger
limousine can land you a lower cost per couple but a smaller
limousine can be more intimate.
2) Find out what additional costs that your
service may have for your charter. Make sure they have them in
writing (online or by confirmation) and when you reserve that they
are spelled out in your confirmation. Ask about the costs for
overtime, if it happens.
3) Look for Packages. Services that
are focused on prom/homecoming business will have a specifically designed
package for your event. This eliminates a lot of the questions
that you need to ask. Here is an
example of a Prom Package
REPUTATION: There are many limousine services and many
different levels of services that are offered. It is important
to do your research and find a reputable company. If you find
a "great deal" on a high demand prom night, then there is probably a
reason that would cause you not to rent. Ask, ask, ask!
TIPS:
1) Get a confirmed reservation. A
legitimate and responsible limousine operator will offer you a
written confirmation by mail or email. This assures you that
they have the correct information and that they will show up as
promised.
2) Check references. Make sure you
check references on your chosen service. The BBB is still one
way, but in today's "e-world" you can easily find many websites that
offer online references on your service. A reputable limousine
service is always concerned about their reputation.
3) Look for a limousine company that has
been around for some time. Many limousine services go out of
business each year. Typically, a service that has been around
for 5 years or more has made it through the toughest times of
starting a business.
4) If a limousine service requires a deposit
or prepayment, make your deposit with a check or credit card so you
have a receipt.
5) Verify that your service is properly
licensed and insured! The cost of your limo will depend in
part on the levels of insurance provided. When there are many
people in a limousine, look for a service that provides higher
levels of insurance than "state minimum." State
minimum in Ohio is $300,000
6) Find out about the quality of the
chauffeurs with your service. What is their uniform for your
event? What qualifications are required to be a chauffeur with
your service? Will they be a good chaperone?
7) Check what memberships or associations that
your service provider is involved with when you reserve. The
recognized association of limousine operators in the US is the
National Limousine Association (NLA) and members are held to a high
standard.
8) Does your service provider participate in
the National Prom Promise? If not, what assurances do they
offer your group to make sure that everyone gets home safe and
without incident?
9) Find out what other businesses your
service provider is involved with? Some unrelated businesses
use limousines for their primary needs and only rent them out to
proms on the side. Is it ok that your kids are in a limousine
that is owned by a "strip joint?"
10) Stay away from limousine operators that
use only a PO Box as their address or a cell phone as their main
number. These operators show no concept of permanence.
CHOICES: Today there are many different types of
"limousines" to choose from than before. You will need to
decide if you want to be presented as formal (traditional stretch
Town Car), "bling" (Hummer) or "party." (Party Bus)
TIPS:
1) Choose a limousine that will fit your
group comfortably. Remember, in formal attire you do not want
to be "squeezed" into a limousine for your special night.
2) You will get what you pay for.....make
sure you know exactly what you are getting. How old is the
limousine? What condition is it in? What color is it?
What model is it?
3) If you rent a non traditional "limo" such
as a Hummer or Party Bus that accommodates more than a traditional
limousine, ask what their policy is on substitution if it breaks
down or is put out of service before your event. Do they have
others like it? What will you get if anything as a
replacement?
Prom Promise
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