Being an informed consumer is important, no matter what kind of purchase you’re making. When you do a little research before you buy, you save time, worry, money, and work. It’s no different whether you’re buying a washing machine, a gym membership, a set of golf clubs, or a sedan service. Use the following tips to make sure you ride smart every time you use a sedan service:
Tip #1 Choose a reputable company
Choosing a reputable car service is the difference between riding smart and being taken for a ride. As you evaluate your options, be sure you place a personal phone call to each service’s phone number. Do the people who answer your call sound professional and helpful? Are your questions answered courteously? If you have to leave a voice mail, is your call returned promptly? Remember to visit the Web sites of the services you’re evaluating, too. The sites should look professional and be free from typos and other errors. They should also feature online quote request forms and passenger profiles. Look for evidence that the site is regularly updated (e.g., regular blog posts, specials that change according to the time of year, promotions that are based on community events, etc.). All of these indicate that the service you’re choosing is a legitimate business operation that takes its customers seriously.
Tip #2 Plan ahead
You’d never turn up at your dentist’s office unannounced and expect the hygienist to see you on the spot – you have to call ahead of time and get an appointment. The same goes for securing a car service. It’s essential to make a reservation, whether you need the service for a ride to the airport, a client’s office, a business lunch, or anywhere else. When you book an appointment with your sedan service, you’ll be assured that the vehicle and driver you want are there exactly when you specify, in plenty of time for you to arrive safely at your destination. Most services give you the option to make your booking over the phone or online for maximum convenience. Either way, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re “in the book.”
Tip #3 Check out the drivers
It’s important to check out the people who make the car service possible in the first place: the drivers. Before you decide on a service, find out about the drivers. Are they bonded employees or independent contractors? How are their safety records? What about their training? Does the service require its drivers to complete a defensive driving course or qualify for any kind of special driver’s license? As you make your phone calls and do your online research, see if there are photos or profiles of the different companies’ drivers. These people may be coming into regular contact with your colleagues, superiors, or clients, so it’s essential that drivers are well groomed, neatly dressed (a uniform is an extra nice touch), and professional.
Tip #4 Ask the right questions
There are no stupid questions when you’re considering your options for a sedan service. Your hard-earned money (or your company’s) is paying for your car service. Make sure you get your money’s worth; ask for thorough answers to all of your questions before you sign any kind of contract or submit a payment. Some of the more important questions to ask include:
Tip #5 Don’t pay in advance
O.K., you’ve done your homework: you’ve selected your service, made your reservation, read up on the company’s drivers (and maybe even picked a specific driver based on the profiles available), and asked all of the right questions. You’re almost done! One thing more: should you pay for your ride in advance? In a word, no. What if the unthinkable happens and your car and driver don’t show up? Or what if they show up, but they’re so late that you miss your important flight, business meeting, or client lunch? What if you need to cancel your ride in the event of an emergency? If you’ve pre-paid, you’re not only left without a ride, but you’re also out a lot of money. Or how about this scenario: you’ve paid in advance for your sedan service and there’s an unforeseen event (e.g., a multi-car accident or emergency road repairs) ahead of you on the freeway that snarls traffic. Your driver has to think fast, exit the freeway when possible, and take a longer, more circuitous route on back roads to get you to your destination. The extra distance and time are sure to cost more than what you originally paid. Save yourself the aggravation and pay for your ride at the end, once you’ve arrived (or pay only a deposit when you make your reservation).
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Check out what our clients have to say about their experience with us.
Our driver arrived a few minutes early, was professional, courteous and got us to the airport for our early morning flight without any problem! The car was immaculate and comfortable. I especially liked the 24 hour and 2 hour trip notification that was sent via email. It was reassuring to know they were following up. I highly recommend Corporate Sedan for any transportation needs!
Celeste C.
My company had an international artist picked up at JFK and dropped off in Philadelphia, and the artist had the best time. The driver kept in touch with me throughout the day, so we could plan for arrival, and our artist had the most wonderful experience with the driver. That’s really astounding considering our artist had just gotten off a red-eye from across the world. Thank you so very much!
Meredith S.
We pride ourselves on providing the safest and most modern ride for our clients. Our luxury car service is reserved by those who know they can always rely upon us, regardless of where or when their event will take place!
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