Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Advantages of Buying Repo Limousines for your Professional Limousine Service

When you're looking to find the highest quality vehicles for your own professional limousine service, the thought may have crossed your mind to look into repo vehicles, especially considering our current economic climate. Every business owner is looking to be budget friendly and business savvy by saving some money and cutting costs overall. One of the best ways to do that is to look into a repo limousine instead of purchasing a new limousine for your limousine service, which will be an advantage to your company.

A repo car is actually a vehicle that has been seized by the bank or government and repossessed due to failed payments. This is something that is becoming more and more common in our economy, so the odds of you finding an exceptional repo limousine for your fleet are good. Those repo limousines are actually being resold to the highest bidder by the banks. This means you can get into a repo limousine with little money down and have a limousine thats ready for work today. If you have credit issues, repos are a perfect place to start, It is much easier to get a bank to extend you credit on an assumption than on a new vehicle. Many of the cars that are resold by the bank are in great condition, and they are coming with a very low price tag. Some repo limousines that have been sold have been purchased with as much as 90% savings. Shocking!

If you are looking to add more professional and quality vehicles to your limousine service at a better price, then it may be prudent to check into repos. One place you can start looking is Cinema Car Leasing, not only can you find the limousine thats right for you here, but they will also do the financing for you as well.

The Importance of Networking With Other Limousine Services:

As you are working to grow as a limousine service owner, then know that the importance of networking with other like businesses is something that should not be overlooked. It has been proven over the years that social business networking with like companies is something that is invaluable. It is imperative for you to have numerous contacts within different groups that will open doors for you and give you even more gain and opportunities. It is better for you as a business person to look to have a large and various group within your network that hopefully does extend across state lines.

If you are able to get yourself within a network for your limousine service, the referral options for you will be endless. Perhaps you specialized in a certain type of limo event, like bachelorette parties. If the people in your social network are well aware of this, then any time there is a need for a limousine service within this atmosphere, then you can bet that you will be referred. This also has a snowball effect because if you are referring other people, such as wedding planners, for other special events, then they will also be able to refer you in a like way.

It is pretty obvious that a lot of work goes in to planning weddings, proms, and other special occasions, so if you begin to work on networking with like companies within this industry, then you will see enormous results in your business and your service. It is so important that you're in touch with other people in your field who you can refer to your clients, and they in turn can refer you for your services. This is something that is extremely common as a business tool but not to be overlooked in any way because it is a building block that should not be missed.

White Limousines vs. Black Limousines

When you're looking to find the perfect vehicle for your special event, then I am sure that the subject of a white limousine versus a black limousine comes up in your planning process. After you have found a credible limousine service to take care of you for your big event, then that is your next choice. White limousines are actually traditionally used for wedding parties, because they go with the overall theme. It is said that around 85% of newlyweds used white limos for their wedding limousine service. This is a great way to kick off your new life as a couple and symbolize your journey into the future together.

Many people are currently selecting black limousines because they are sleek and perfect for a night out on the town. This is a popular option for proms or bachelorette parties because people are used to dressing to the nines to go out in a black limousine. Both of these limousine varieties will have a wonderful additions like a flatscreen TVs, bar service, sunroofs, and decadent interiors. The color that you choose completely depends on the occasion that you are hoping to celebrate and your own personal taste.

The reason that many couples are currently choosing white limousines from their limousine service for their wedding is because they are very easy to decorate with flowers and streamers that complement the wedding colors. This vehicle is also something that goes very well in the wedding pictures in front of the church because it suits the overall feel of a wedding day. It is also something that symbolizes the same kind of purity as a bright white wedding gown, so a white limousine is a traditional wedding choice. Regardless of what color you choose to celebrate your special time, know that you will be riding in the lap of a luxury and having a memorable experience!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Take the Limousine its Cheaper than a DUI

If you are considering booking a luxury limousine service for your next big night out, like a bachelorette party or a birthday celebration, then there may be more advantages that you even know to using that as your ride of choice. If any of your big celebratory event centers around bars and alcohol, which it probably will, then the advantage of using a premium limousine service may be just what you need to save you thousands more in the long run by keeping you from getting a DUI.


It is a proven fact that law enforcement has been cracking down on DUI arrests over the past decade since there have been so many fatal accidents resulting from the over indulgence of alcohol. If you are going out with a group to celebrate a graduation or other event, then the cost of you all chipping in to book a limousine would be much less than individual taxis or even the fees involved in a DUI arrest. It may seem like an extravagant choice, but when your whole group comes together to book a luxury limousine, you will not only get better quality for your money, but you will also be able to add class and style to your event celebration!

There have been many occasions of group events that forgo a limousine service for the group, and there is often regret afterward when one of the party members makes the mistake of getting a DUI on the way home. The amount of money that will be needed to could possibly even buy you your own limousine! So if you are one of the many people that has a special event that you are celebrating in your future, make a wise choice in selecting a reliable limousine service that can cater to your whole group and keep you not only safe, but happy!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

What is the History of the Limousine Service?

I know that we all have enjoyed a ride or two in a luxury limousine in our lifetimes, but where did this elegant vehicle really come from, and how did it gain its popularity as we know it? A limousine itself is actually a luxury sedan with a lengthened wheelbase that will be driven or escorted by a driver. Many limousines are also called "stretch limos", and they usually come in black or white. Most consumers use the limousine service for special occasions like weddings, business events, or birthdays. For the higher profile limousine customer, like the president or a celebrity, there is also armoring and bulletproof glass available for the ride to give the utmost safety.

The first limousine was actually designed in 1902, with the first stretch limousine coming around in 1928 to drive high profile big band leaders and their equipment from one place to the next. From there, limousine popularity soared, and they became run by the larger limousine services to offer quantity and quality in the business transportation market. Most modern limousines will have a divider that separates the driver from the passengers, providing even more luxury and privacy for the individuals riding. This is especially import for the celebrities that use limousine services as their main mode of transportation, so that they can maintain their anonymity in all they do. You can communicate with the driver through the divider using an intercom or rolling down the dividing window.

One of the newest developments in the limousine service is the exotic limousine. This mode of transportation will usually have add-ons that are lavish and impractical, but well worth the enjoyment! There are even some designs out there that include a hot tub and have to have double rear axels to support that amenity. Some of the car models that are used to make these limousines are Bentley, Cadillac, Jaguar, Mercedez-Benz an of cource Lincoln - a truly fantastic lineup! Another fun limousine style that is out and about on the road these days is the novelty limousine, like a Hummer or Escalade that has been lengthened to an actual limousine bus size. It is quite a sight to see and creates a very memorable limousine ride for all passengers!

After this brief education on the limousine service, I am sure you are as eager as I am to get your luxury ride started! There are a vast variety of limousine available for any destination, so get creative- and enjoy your ride

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Best Place To Go For Limousine Service Information

If you are the owner of a limousine service, then I am sure that you are always on the lookout for credible sources of the latest information on limos and limousine services. The best source that I have found for such great online resources is the Limousine Digest. The subscription is only one dollar a month for twelve months, and from there you will be getting the latest news on limousine updates, tips, and informative ideas for your service.

For example, in the latest issue, there are a vast amount of ideas on how to make sure that you are not being taken advantage of in your networking strategies. With quality articles like these, you can ensure that you are providing a smarter limousine service by being up to speed on all that you need to know in this industry. I'm sure that you well know that the limousine service is constantly changing and adapting to the current climate of our country and economy, and to stay relevant as a limousine service operator, you need to look for sophisticated publications like the Limousine Digest to give you the edge and advantage that you need over your competition.

This digest even offers day to day advice on things like finding the best insurance for your limousine service. These are all the subjects that you need answers on but may not know where to look. The Limousine Digest was put together as a way for limousine drivers and service operators to come together and better themselves and their business. If you are looking for an astonishing resource that will move you forward in your field, then this is the best starting point for you! Within these articles, you can find practical life tips, as well as business savvy methods for the best ways to progress in your business and business planning of your limousine service. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Limousine Service Ideas The Whole Family Can Enjoy!

If you are looking for a great way to treat your family to a special event that they will always remember, consider looking for a credible limousine service to take you where you want to go. A wonderful idea for limousine service for your family would be if you had in-laws coming from out of town and wanted to show them a great time, or if one of your relatives was celebrating an anniversary that you wanted to make special.

If you are the type of family that loves going to amusement parks and having a thrilling time, then you can rent a limousine to escort you all to your local Adventure park to add to the entertainment and fun of your day. Wouldn't it be great to wake up to a day you look forward to at an amusement park and be driven in style to your destination? I'm sure that your kids and out of town guests would be delighted at that possibility!

If you are looking for a family outing that centers around visiting historical museums or a zoo in your city, you can find a quality limousine service to take you to your events and make the experience that much more enjoyable. That way, you family is learning together and still having a special time while doing it!

Another great idea along those lines is to use a limousine service to take you to an outdoor park or lake in your area for a family barbecue or picnic. Every city has a special outdoor destination that out of town relatives would love to see and enjoy with a family barbecue to bond and eat. This way, you can all ride together and enjoy music or a plasma TV on your way there. Much better than cramming into a rental car or van!

Remember, you can be creative in using a limousine service to show your family how really special they are to you. There are numerous ways that you can entertain out of town relatives and in-laws, so why not use a limousine service to make it as memorable as possible?

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Kids Birthday Party Ideas with a Limousine Service

Have you had it with taking your kids to Chuck E. Cheese for their birthday parties year after year? Well, one unique idea that will make your son or daughter feel special and certainly make their year is to rent a limousine or limo bus to show them off on their special day. We all know that kids are easy to please, but the luxury and style of a limousine service for their birthday party will be enough to have them overjoyed as they celebrate their birthday.

One great idea is to coordinate with the limousine service to decorate the limo beforehand with the theme of the birthday party. So if it is your daughter's 13th birthday, you can hang a 'Happy Birthday' sign on the limo and have all of her friends dress up with her as you ride in style to your destination. You may even want to have the limousine driver be a part of the fun and hand the little ladies each a red rose as they enter the limo. You can add taste and class to the birthday party with these details and a solid limousine service to back you up.

You can then have even more fun in the limo by personalizing the ride to have your daughter's favorite tunes playing while she and her friends enjoy themselves. The limousine service can take you safely to your destination, like dinner, shopping, or a movie, and afterward bring you back home to enjoy the rest of your party. Using a limousine service for your child's birthday party is a creative way to set that day apart for them as a day they can always remember.

When you are looking for a quality limousine service, look for professional drivers and reliable companies that can help you plan a unique birthday party for your child. Most limousine rental costs will be pretty comparable since it is a competitive market, so look for quality over the lowest price so that you will not be let down in having the best birthday party that your child deserves. It can be a great way to make a lasting memory of class and style for a lifetime.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Choose A Limousine Service For A Safe Prom Night

Prom night is obviously one of the biggest nights of your teen's life, so if you are the parent, sister, aunt, or uncle of a young guy or gal who is about to enjoy their prom, be sure that you put your two cents in after reading this post so they you can help them to have the safest and most FUN prom night possible. Whether you like it or not, there is always a marginal chance that one of your teen's fellow students could be drinking at the prom, and you don't want any of them to be involved with any alcohol or car related situations. The safer and easier option to help you sleep that night is to put your teen in the hands of a safe and reliable limousine service that can shuttle them to and from their big event in style.

This may cost a little more, but consider splitting the cost with several parents to make this luxury affordable. We all know the tradition of prom involves dinner and a dance, and just think of how thrilled your son or daughter would be to arrive with their friends in style to their destinations! Your fist step in selecting your prom limousine service is to make sure that you have a trusted and credible company. Your limo driver will be responsible for a group of teenagers, so do not be afraid to shop around and interview several places so that you feel satisfied with the services you are being offered. It is an important night, after all!

Another great way to double check your prom limousine's references are to ask to take a look at the list of clients that they have already served. Any company that values their integrity would be more than happy to show you this information. Then you can see that quality, care, and safety are at the top of their list, which is exactly what you are looking for in your prom limousine service. It is your responsibility to provide your teen with a safe and fun night, but why not make it one they will also love to remember?

Friday, April 3, 2009

Tips For Limousine Companies to Conserve Costs

It is obvious that many businesses out there are feeling the crunch of these economic times. We have all heard in the news about mass layoffs, foreclosures, and struggling families. The good news in all this, is that while some news may look grim, there is still plenty of money to be had with the right market and the right frame of mind. Limousine services have always been seen as an elegant luxury, but there are still numerous ways to adapt to the changes that are going on in the current economy and thrive as a business owner. For all the limousine operators and services out there, here are 5 tips to help you survive in today's market.

1. Join the NLA: The National Limousine Association is completely useful to limousine operators in preserving their business, as they will list you in their published annual Directory of Members, along with their websites. This will already be a prime referral source for you and can also do more by saving you money with a long list of discounts provided to you. Through the NLA, you can save on vehicle glass replacement, monthly Sprint telephone plans, fuel saving discounts, and the list goes on and on.

2. Get the Best Insurance at a Low Cost: This is a great area to save costs as a limousine operator and to benefit your company even more. Look for a reputable insurance company to work with you, and then focus on staying on top of your service's loss run results. The area where you will save the most money insurance-wise is to prove that your company can be trusted so that you can receive reliable and affordable coverage. A sure way to contribute to this is by knowing your chauffeurs and having an arduous hiring process so that there will be little margin for error within your employees who are driving your customers around in your limousines and shuttle buses.

3. Go Green: This will not only save you money economically, but it will also make your service appeal to all the green minded consumers out there that are on the rise. That said, begin marketing your business online, as it will save costs on paper materials, while also targeting the younger, green conscious crowd that does most of their business online. Most corporate companies that use limousine airport services as a luxury want to feel guilt-free in their travel and that they are doing their part for the environment.

4. Purchase Quality Vehicles: Sometimes saving money does take an initial investment, so try to stay away from too good to be true prices on vehicles that will end up costing you more in maintenance than a higher quality vehicle would. Make sure that the manufacturer that you do purchase from has a strong warranty- meaning that they stand behind their product. Also, thoroughly check that all welds have beading all the way around, as this is a simple test of value and integrity in the vehicle.

5. Save on Car Wash Costs: It may seem small, but every little bit helps. Make the plunge into saving on the many car wash costs for your limousines and shuttle buses by having the necessary tools on hand, so the car washing can be done within your own company. This is an easy way to cut back on something that is a complete necessity in having your luxury limousines seen as sparkling and shining for every client they serve.

Overall, the economy does not need to affect every business owner out there, as there will always be a market for what you are providing. Be creative, and look for ways to conserve your costs so that you too can rise above the economic downturn. As a limousine operator, there will still be many clients out there needing your quality and style to take them where they want to go!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Limousine Marketing 101

When people think about limousines a lot of times the things that come to mind are weddings, nights on the town, graduations and things of that sort. In the limousine world these types of rides are known as leisure trips. They are also for the most part weekend only limo trips.

But in order to have a profitable limousine business, you need to make sure your limousines are on the road as many days as possible. You can do this by getting involved in the corporate part of limousine transportation. Now before I get ahead of myself I must say that although the corporate transportation world can be very profitable it takes a lot of pre-planning before even going after. For example in the leisure trips, white limousines are most often always OK, in fact that it what is usually expected. But in the corporate world if limousines are even used they are always black. The most common vehicle of choice for a CEO of a company would be a simple black sedan, luxury without the flash. With leisure travel most of the times the plans are made during regular business hours, but with corporate transportation you have changes being made all the time, so the phones have to be monitored 24 hours a day.

Once you have put your company in a position to handle the corporate market, here are some type of companies you my want to go after.

1. Destination Management Companies

DMC's have clients traveling in and out of town all the time. A good way to get in touch with these companies would be threw your local Convention and Visitors Bureau. You will find needs for limousines, but most of the time the request will be sedans, and shuttle buses.

2. Surgery Centers:

Lots of plastic Surgeon's perform what is called same day surgery, it is a great marketing tool for Doctors to be able to offer transportation to the customer, just in case they don't have a ride. This small offer may be the deciding factor of which Doctor the patient goes with. You can find these types of business by searching google. Example, modesto plastic surgery.

3. Fortune 500 Companies
These companies have CEO's and executives traveling a lot. Most of the time these trips are arranged by the executive assistants. They are who you should market to. Send a limousine to take them all to lunch. Before they will let you handle the boss, they have to see how the service is themselves.
4. Funeral Homes
This is an area that not many limousine companies think about, but during a struggling economy it is one of the most consistent. Limousines are a big part of a funeral service. Limousine drivers have to have compassion while handling these families. But this type of business can prove very profitable. Go into your local Funeral Home and find out what they are looking for in a limousine service and see if you can be of service to them.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

What to look for when choosing a limousine company

When looking for a limousine company you may notice there are many to choose from. Here are a few tips to help.

1. Not all limousine companies are created equal:

When picking your limousine company remember you should not base everything on price. Companies that have older limousines can sometimes afford to charge less. So make sure you know what you are getting for the price you pay.

2. Variety is the spice of life:

Whether you are looking for a hummer limousine, a stretch Lincoln, maybe even a party bus, Make sure the limousine company you are working with has a wide variety of limousines to choose from. You should not compromise with any other limousine just because the company you are working with does not have the limousine you want.

3. Who will be your limousine driver:

Nothing is worse than having a limo driver that does not know his way around. Therefore make sure the driver you are given fits the occasion. If you are going wine tasting, make sure your driver is familiar with the wine region you are going to. Spending your day giving your driver directions really takes away from your the limo experience.

4. Safety first:

Limousine companies are regulated by the states in which the conduct business. Make sure the limousine company you choose has the proper licence and insurance.

It's a simple matter of protecting yourself against unforeseen discrepancies that may pop up at a later date. Another great rule is to look before you buy. Can you think of anything you would buy sight unseen? Of course not. Check out the limousine to make sure that the ride you're getting is the ride you're paying for. Be it for a party, special event, or for airport or corporate transportation, there are few more satisfying experiences than being the passenger in a limousine or luxury sedan.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Limousine Service 101 Starting a Limousine Company

During my years in the Limousine Transportation Business, I have ran across many people wanting to start their own Limousine Company. I thought I would dedicate my first blog entry to those wanting to start a limousine company. I wanted to touch on a few main points to get you up and running.

1. Limousine Company Rules

Get to know the law- many states require that new limousine companies prove that there is actually a need for additional limousine companies. Make sure you contact the organization which regulates limousine companies in your state. Make sure you get all of the requirements to start a limousine business, especially the insurance liability requirements.

2. Limousine Company Niche

Find your niche. Most all new limousine companies go into the business looking to capture overflow work from others they know in the limousine business already. This is fine at first, but what will be your niche in the long run? What types of clientele will you cater to, and what will make your limousine company stand out? Will it be corporate work, weddings, airports, weekend work, or something else? In whatever direction you choose to take your limousine company there are do's and dont's.

3.Limousine Company Service:

Answer your phone. I can not stress the importance of answering your phone, customers don't like leaving messages, they will simply hang up and call the next limousine company. If you cannot be available at most times, hire someone who can.


Vehicle. Your limousine needs to be in immaculate condition - top of the line. You are the new kid on the block, you need to be as competitive as possible.

Appearance is everything. If I wanted to be picked up by someone in jeans, I would have had my neighbor drive me. Always make sure your chauffer dresses the part. However, remember a tuxedo is not always the answer...

Timing-if you are not at least 15 minutes early to your pick up, then you are late. Don't have your customer waiting for you, you wait for your customer.

Following these steps while starting your limousine business, and building on them as you grow your business will quickly push you ahead of your competitor and increase your staying power.