OH MY GOD! This Party Bus only costs $75/hr! Sold! I don't know what could possibly go wrong...
There is a tool for every occasion, and sometimes the cheapest option might be the right choice... but everyone should know the pitfalls of doing business with the bottom feeders of the high end transportation industry, especially if the event has any significant meaning to the event organizer.
There is a tool for every occasion, and sometimes the cheapest option might be the right choice... but everyone should know the pitfalls of doing business with the bottom feeders of the high end transportation industry, especially if the event has any significant meaning to the event organizer.
Yes, when looking for a limo, trolley or party bus there will always be someone cheaper. The question is: what are you willing to risk when booking with them? It's a phrase we have all heard: "You get what you pay for" and when you are talking luxury transportation it couldn't be more true.
If you are looking to book a wedding, corporate event, holiday party, transportation to a concert or that big bachelorette bash the last thing you want is for the transportation company you hired to not hold up their end of the bargain. When you book with the wrong company that's cutting corners and doing anything to get the sale you're risking: the wrong vehicle showing up, the vehicle not showing up on time or worse yet, the vehicle not showing up at all... yes, this happens all the time.
When you book with a too good to be true cheap company it is probably just that. Here are some of these companies common attributes and problems you'll run into:
- A company that's not paying taxes
- Vehicles that are not properly insured
- A company that has been poorly reviewed by customers
- Scam artists that will not give you what they promised
- The vehicle in the pictures not showing up at your door
- Drivers not showing up on time, or not showing up at all
- Older vehicles with less features
- "Companies" that don't even own the vehicles they are renting you
More importantly, here are some ways to ensure you avoid these companies and get the best service and piece of mind for your event:
- Pay attention to the person you are talking to on the phone. Do they seem reputable? Trustworthy? Do they know what they're talking about? Are they taking the time to answer all of your questions? If you like the person you're speaking to that's a great first step!
- Read reviews, Yelp is probably the best site to do this. Google reviews are for the most part fake. How many companies have you reviewed on Google? Zero? Exactly. When you are looking at the reviews on Yelp definitely look at the filtered reviews too. You will see filtered reviews on the lower left of a company's reviews. It will look like: "(17 Filtered)." Take a look in there, you will be surprised what you find. If the company is not reviewed at all what does that say about them? They probably don't want to be reviewed... or they have been reviewed and didn't like the results
- Make sure you are not dealing with a farm out company. There are plenty of companies out there that will sell you a vehicle that they don't even own. They will quote you, take a cut and then give the remainder to a random company that will show up at your door. Do you really think you will be getting the vehicle in the stock pictures they found on the interwebs? Probably not. There is no better way to risk your event than booking with a farm out company, they do not want repeat business and are only acting as a middle man. Ask the person on the phone if you can come out in person to see the vehicle, tell them you have a completely open schedule. If they skirt around the question, they don't have it. Move on in your search.
When it comes down to it, a group of 30 people paying an extra $5 - $10 per head is not a lot when it gives you piece of mind and ensures you have the best chance of having a great event. No reason to risk the embarrassment and repercussions that come along with accidentally booking with a shady company.
If you ever have a question about a company I will give you a non-biased opinion and will be more than willing to help you out and be a resource. (312) 546-4494
Mike Yonk
CEO and founder of Limotainment LLC, The Premier Chicago Party Bus Company.
Specializing in: Chicago Wedding Transportation, Chicago Corporate Transport, Party Bus for Prom & School Dances, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Deluxe Tailgates, Chicago Concert Transportation and any other Chicago Limo Bus needs.
CEO and founder of Limotainment LLC, The Premier Chicago Party Bus Company.
Specializing in: Chicago Wedding Transportation, Chicago Corporate Transport, Party Bus for Prom & School Dances, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Deluxe Tailgates, Chicago Concert Transportation and any other Chicago Limo Bus needs.
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