AZLiveryAssociation.org - FAQs about the Arizona Livery Association

Do business with a limousine company owner that treats you with respect. Other than a strong "No Alcohol" rule, the company owner and chauffeur should treat you with respect. This includes stocking the limousine with sodas, opening doors, addressing you appropriately and keeping the vehicle in a spotless condition.

Before you rent the vehicle, get the limousine company owner to put in writing the make and approximate model year of the vehicle you are renting.

Make sure the limousine company is not overbooked and will arrive on time of 15 minutes early in a vehicle that has been professionally cleaned.

Young clients tend to focus on the glitz and glamour of the vehicle, but the skill and professionalism of the chauffeur are just as important. If they are rude to you on the phone, the chauffeur may be rude to you in person.

Do not pay more than a 50% deposit. If you have any doubts about the limousine company, get a parent to pay for their services on a credit card. The card company will protect you if there is a problem with the service you receive.

A cheap limousine may not be a safe limousine. Bad companies often give prices that are too good to be true. Quality vehicles, professional chauffeurs, pleasant reservations staff all cost money.

Confirm that the limousine company is properly insured.

Confirm that your chauffeur will be properly attired and that he or she does not smoke in the vehicle.

Ask the limousine company owner if you can see the vehicles before you rent them.

Check the state Public Utility Commission and Better Business Bureau for complaints

OWNERS and OPERATORS:
Checklist to Sell More Wedding Charters

CUSTOMERS:
Limousine Rental Tips

Make sure your business telephone is answered, especially during peak calling times.
Treat every caller with polite professionalism.
Be prepared to give customers an immediate answer on your company's availability for a future wedding date.
Consistently tell each caller the compelling reasons to use your company.
Put basic wedding information on a company web site.
Pre-address envelopes or postcards, and be prepared to send them to information callers.
Give potential customers an opportunity to see your fleet.
Collect testimonials from satisfied customers.
Maintain a simple list of your competitors' fleet and pricing.
Send out a simple, targeted direct-mail piece to engaged couple in your immediate area.

Inspect The Vehicles

Request A service Contract

Be Specific

Cheaper is Rarely Better

What's Included in the Wedding Package

Be Cautious of Older Models

Understand The Reservation Policy

Beware of Climate Control

Insurance & Licensing

REQUEST TO VISIT ONE OF THE COMPANY'S VEHICLES IN ADVANCE
Reputable companies will gladly allow you a chance to inspect their vehicles. We feel that the condition of the vehicle and a face-to-face meeting with one of our representatives will say a lot about the service you will receive on you event day. Please contact the service to schedule an appointment.

ASK ABOUT INSURANCE AND LICENSING
Limousine Companies are required to carry "livery vehicle" insurance in addition to proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages do not require the same to advertise a limousine service. In an effort to guard yourself from "gypsy companies" request to see copies of their documentation. Our members take this area of our business seriously. We also recommend that you ask them if they are members of their local and national limousine associations. This will often indicate a genuine commitment to professionalism. The ALA is a proud member of the National Limousine Association.

REQUEST A SIGNED & VALID SERVICE CONTRACT
First class limousine service operators will provide you with a written agreement assuring you that you are securing the exact service you expect on your special day. Additionally, you should never be asked to pay the full fare in advance of your event. A fair deposit of 50% is considered the industry standard.

BE SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR OBJECTIVES
It's your event, so no one knows your wants and needs better than you. Quality limousine operators will often make suggestions based on previous experience, but you should always make the final decisions. Your limousine service should complement, not restrict your event.

THE CHEAPEST IS RARELY THE BEST
Remember the old adage, "You get what you pay for." According to the National Limousine Association's (NLA) Consumer's Guide to Purchasing Professional Transportation, if there is one thing consumers learn the hard way in the limousine business, it is that the inexpensive option is by all means not always the most reliable and efficient. The ALA understands that you will find some lower fares in our area, but you will need to ask yourself whether or not the few dollars saved in worth the potential frustration from poor service. Our members charge a competitive fee, and in return, you will receive an extremely clean and reliable vehicle and topnotch professional service from on of our world-class chauffeurs.

ASK WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE WEDDING PACKAGE PRICE
Wedding rates are typically presented as a package price. Always ask what come included in the package price. Quality services offer the following items, beverages, a Red Carpet welcome to the limousine, "Just Married" sign on the exterior of the vehicle, mints, glasses & ice for all beverage service.

BE CAUTIOUS OF OLDER MODELS
When making a reservation for a limousine, be sure that you are absolutely certain what type of vehicle you are getting. A simple description such as "8 passenger limousine" is insufficient. Smaller limousine operators will use older vehicles in their fleet. At present, there are three Lincoln body styles of limousines in circulation. Be sure that you know exactly the type of vehicle that you are getting. Be absolutely sure so that you will not be surprised on your event day by a 1989 stretch limousine when you were expecting a 1999 model. There in nothing necessarily wrong with older model limousines, however, we suggest that you personally inspect any vehicle that is over 5 years old. This will also help prevent any surprises on your event day.

UNDERSTAND THE RESERVATION POLICY
The majority of limousine operators will require that you book their vehicle for a minimum number of hours when making your reservations. We encourage you to consider extending your reservation in advance, since the limousine service cannot guarantee that the vehicle can be available to you beyond the reserved time. Most enjoy having us collect them from the reception and take them to the airport, hotel, or honeymoon destination. The standard industry practice is to request a 50% nonrefundable deposit to hold your reservation for a wedding limousine and the balance will typically be due 10 days before the wedding. Many services will offer the convenience of holding your reservation via credit card and allow any unpaid balance to be settled on the day the service is provided.

BEWARE OF CLIMATE CONTROL ON OLDER OR EXOTIC VEHICLES
If you are looking to rent an exotic vehicle, such as an SUV, Rolls Royce, or Hummer expect to pay more than the standard limousine rates. More importantly, however, be aware that many of these style limousines offer only substandard air conditioning systems that are typically incapable of handling the hot & humid Arizona summer days. Always inquire about the air conditioning system in the limousine you are reserving, particularly if your vehicle will be older that 5 years old. Unfortunately, older style limousines typically have only one air conditioning compressor and on very hot & humid days, getting the cabin of these limousines to a comfort level is not likely. Also remember when the days are intolerably hot & humid, vehicle air conditioners can only lower the outside temperature by about 20 degrees.