Finding the Right Limo Service: 13 Questions

When you are looking for a limousine service in Montreal, you only have to enter “limousine service” in Google to realize that there are many options.

Even if it’s just for a “simple” transfer to or from the airport or for an event, you should ask yourself how to make the right choice. Below, we ask you 13 questions. Responding to them will help you to choose a quality limousine company, whether you go with Charles Limousine or one of its competitors.  ;-)

Can one of your friends recommend a company?

If your response to this question is yes, then you will have no need to ask yourself the remaining 12 questions, because, YES, going with a company which has left someone you trust satisfied is without a doubt the easiest way to go. On Facebook or the next time you go out for dinner with your friends, ask this question. Maybe a friend had the chance to travel with a very professional limousine company on their last business trip.

Are the company’s reviews written by real clients?

You can respond to this question as well as the next before even entering into a relationship with a limousine company because, YES,  a company which has “truly” satisfied its customers can count on customers which are happy to take the time to publicly say it (as well as to be asked their opinion by potential clients which desire it).

What are its business hours?

You should be able to respond to this question after a visit to the webpage of the company under consideration. Will someone answer you 24 hours or only during office hours? Imagine: if someone is coming to take you to the airport at 5am, you will have more confidence in a company which answers its telephone at that time, right?

What does the vehicle that you will travel in look like?

This question is much more important for a graduation night (or a marriage) than for a simple “business” transfer from the airport… but it’s all the same worthwhile to ask. What does the limousine that you will travel in look like? Can you see it on the company’s website, or can a photo of it be sent to you at least?

Believe us. Companies which do nothing but take reservations – and subcontract service – can be embarrassed by such an innocent question.

How many limousines does the company have?

Quality of service is not dependent on the number of limousines which make up the fleet. Nonetheless, according to your needs, the number of vehicles which the company possesses will give you an idea of the service it offers.  A company with two vehicles will be likely to offer a personalized service whereas a company with 10 vehicles will be reluctant to adapt.

For how long has the company been in business?

This is another question which will help you to separate the good from the bad. In fact, limousine companies which have been in business for nearly 10 years are not very common. If you can’t find information on the year in which the company started serving business travellers in the greater Montreal area, ask the question.

What is the name – and experience – of  your driver?

The company may have been in business for nearly 10 years, but what about its drivers? What’s the name of the driver who will be waiting for you at the airport? For how long has he been driving limousines for the company that you are considering? We’re not saying that a driver with less than 5 years of experience can’t offer quality service… but ask these questions. You will see. Once again, the companies which do nothing but subcontract service will have a hard time passing the test which these questions represent.

Does the company require payment in advance?

Today, when it comes to payment in advance, notably in the case of a marriage rental, be informed that the payment in advance should never represent more than 25% of the total. Furthermore, for a simple transfer to or from Montreal Airport, a serious company will generally be satisfied with your credit card number.

What is included in the price?

Certain companies automatically include a 20% tip in the price on top of the price which they tell you. Do you want to avoid unpleasant surprises? Ask what’s included in the price… and make sure that you know what’s not included in the price.

For graduation nights or marriages, ask – for example – if there are extra charges for additional stops. Also, if your driver is coming for you at the airport, ask if the price which you are quoted includes the waiting time at Dorval arrivals (or not). Likewise, you should ask about waiting time (after your plane lands) from which time you are charged extra on top of the price quoted at the time of your reservation.

Is the tip automatically charged?

Some companies automatically charge a 20% tip on top of the stated price. Not all do this. For example, at Charles Limousine, the tip is at the discretion of the customer, once the transfer is complete. We don’t force you to pay additional fees!

What sort of tip does the driver expect?

If the tip is not automatic, you should ask – at the time of the reservation – what sort of tip the driver expects.

Is the price offered “too good to be true”?

In the end, if you don’t want to pay much for your limousine, expect to get the service – and the vehicle – which go with it. We see new limousine companies in Montreal regularly. They drop prices… and disappear afterwards. Therefore, if the price offered seems “too good” to be true, be careful. Ask that they confirm everything in writing or ask for references. You don’t want your limousine trip, whether for fun or work, to be a disaster, right?

What was your experience before making a reservation?

This question, although very simple, can say a lot. Did they reply to you quickly? By email or by telephone, were you answered “well”?

We invite you to ask these questions before making a reservation.

In the case of problems or a simple change of plans, you don’t want to stress about communicating with the limousine service which you have chosen.