Tips on Hiring a Limousine or large-party Bus

Million Services Limousines: Tips on Hiring a Limousine


Don’t Make A Critical Mistake! 

Most people wouldn’t hire the cheapest surgeon, or stay at the cheapest hotel, yet many consumers shop for a multi-party or large-party Bus or Limousine service in this fashion. The biggest mistake you could make when hiring a limousine service is basing your decision solely on the ”best price”. This may translate into a large risk for you. Do you want to accept the risk - risks you accept when shopping for the best price? 

• Your limousine does not show up. You miss your concert.

• Your limousine is late. You miss your flight.

• A 1987 model limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting a late model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed.

• Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your company’s most influential client. You lose the account.

• Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to the Super Bowl. You and 7 of your friends missed the big game-- yet, you saved $35.00.

• Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries.

• Your limousine shows up late for your wedding. The groom doesn’t get to the church until 1 hour later amongst bewildered and disgruntled guests. Yet, you saved $50.

 

Million Services has a 5-Star Rating on Yelp.com because we are experienced professionals who know how important our clients' events are and see to it that things run flawlessly.  Contact us now for info and pricing for your next special occasion and keep us in mind for Napa Valley Winery Tours - a specialty of ours!  

Our number is 1-415-724-3246 and we are available from 6am to 11pm every day of the week.

 

Ask to see the company’s vehicles. 

Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older fleets. You don’t want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a new and late model limo!  Million Services has late model PartyBuses and Limousines - always clean and on-time.

Get A Signed Contract for Important Events

Reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can’t supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill.

Ask About Insurance and Permits

All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services such as ours do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from ”gypsy companies”, ask for proof of these with your signed contract.

Ask About Industry Associations

Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.

”The Limo Got Into An Accident!”

Don’t be the bride which gets the ”The Limo Got Into An Accident” or ”We don’t have your reservation” story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.

What should we expect to pay? 

Most limousines rent for between $65 - $165 per hour. In addition, most limousine services require a minimum hourly booking. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a limousine for 1 hour. Because of vehicle prep costs, travel times, and chauffeur salaries, a one-hour rental is not feasible for most limo services. In high-demand time periods such as the spring time (with proms & weddings) hourly minimums can inflate beyond 6 hours.

Do we pay for the limo time while we attend our event?

You still have to pay for the rental time during your event, such as prom, even if you aren’t physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup. Some companies offer a discounted hourly rate when the vehicle is idly waiting outside. In addition, if there are more than 4 hours between drop-off and pick-up with minimum travel time, some companies may offer a ”split” - just a rental to-and-from your destination with no charge for waiting time in between. However, minimum hourly booking requirements still apply.

Can I Rent A Limo For 1 Hour?

No. Most companies require a minimum 3 hour booking to rent a limousine. During prom season, expect this minimum to increase; as much as 8 hours minimum. High demand vehicles such as Stretch Excursions will often rent at full price with an 8 hour minimum. Unfortunately, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than getting a limousine rental for 1 or 2 hours during prom season.

Are there any discounts for my prom?

No. Limousine services do not offer discounts during prom time. Why? The demand for limousines during the spring exceeds the supply. This shortage causes an increase in prices and hourly minimums.


Call us at 1-415-724-3246 or Email us now for you next special occasion and leave the details to us!
 

Back to the top of the page

Testimonials from Yelp

On the day of my event I checked in with Reese as the pick up time approached and he confirmed he was right on track. He picked a super great pick-up spot after doing some research on the music festival we'd be leaving. We found it no problem but since there were other limos there too I had to call for guidance. Reese was super friendly and patient with us in giving me directions and by flashing the lights we found him no problem! 

He came and greeted our group with a fun little speech and everyone loved him right off the bat. Of course they loved even more the amazing party bus, champagne, and ability to hook up our iphone.

While it was a quick trip, It was invaluable to me to find a company that was reliable, affordable, and friendly and made me look good. 5 star all the way!!

Thanks, Reese!

Nikki M.
San Francisco, CA

Have a quick question for us? Send us a message with the following form!