Posts Tagged ‘online travel’

Are there benefits to using the new online limousine booking websites?

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

As I travel around the country going to various industry shows and events I am asked if our new technology will really help limousine operators. It seems self serving to say yes just out of hand, so I have decided to list the benefits and you can decide on your very own. Let me assure you that I believe in our technology and its future impact on the limousine industry.

Here are some questions and scenarios and how our website helps limousine services:

What makes your company different from the big brokers?

CheapLimoRates.com does not price control, nor do we hold payment, nor do we ask you to lower your rates so that we can place our markup on your services. The benefits of this are obvious. The biggest difference however, is that you control the booking from beginning to end. The client is yours to take care of and cull a relationship.

Why do you say you are the first discount based comparison shopping website for the limousine industry?

CheapLimoRates.com’s technology was built with the goal of assisting limousine and sedan service providers the opportunity to market their unused/unscheduled vehicle inventory in real time. Our whole system is built to give the advantage to those providers who market their vehicles at the best rate. The better your rates the higher you are on the search results. This competitive model has worked in all of the OTA’s and we are bringing that same model to limousines.

How do I know it will work for me and my company?

CheapLimoRates.com is constantly building relationships with the travel industry in order to bring a greater number of consumers to our website and therefore to our Limousine Service Partners, and though we are a new enterprise, within the next year we see explosive growth forthcoming from these relationships. Registering your services with us cost you nothing and therefore, once you start receiving bookings, it will be the best advertising dollars you ever spent.

I have seen other booking engines out there lately.

CheapLimoRates.com believes that in the near future we will have many competitors. However, our advantage is the lack of price controls and the fact that we ensure that our partners pay nothing for services. Another major difference between CheapLimoRates.com and any other booking engine is the fact that we don’t make money unless you do.

Here is a scenario I would like you to consider.

Whether your vehicle is on the road at a discount or sitting in the garage earning nothing makes a huge difference in how much money you get to keep in your pockets at the end of the day. The vehicle cost the same whether your lease it for less or you do not. Our technology gives our Limousine Service Partners the ability to let the public know that they have vehicles at special rates that are ready to get out on the road.

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Limousine Services…Did you know?

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

It is kind of funny when you think about it. I tell people I meet in my day to day activities that I work for an internet based Limousine Company and the first thing they ask me is; “Do you get to ride around in a limousine?” When you describe limousine companies to most laymen they have no idea what is actually in the average company’s fleet.

When most people think of limousines or limousine companies, they think of those big, beautiful, gleaming stretch limousines that the rich and famous ride around in. They rarely think of SUV’s, vans or the steadfast luxury sedan. As most limousine service operators will tell you, most of their fleet of vehicles are sedans. Sedans are what fuel the chauffeured transportation industry. The average company has about 80% of their fleet committed to sedans and SUV’s. Very few companies commit their capital to a fleet of stretch limousines only.

Most business conducted by a chauffeured transportation company involve airport transfers. Most of these transfers are conducted through the use of luxury sedans or SUV’s. Many people who I come in contact with are not even aware that the black sedans they see out and about on the road are actually transporting VIP’s, celebs and busy business executives to and from their various activities.

The executive sedan is certainly not as ostentatious as the stretch limousine and certainly not nearly as over the top as the exotics like the stretch Hummers and Escalade’s out there on the road lately. However, the luxury executive sedan, these low profile, sedate vehicles are the mainstay of this industry. They offer the rider comfort, elegance and convenience along with the confidence that comes from utilizing a professional driver.

During my research on a recent blog “The Beast” I had discovered that over 95% of all presidential limousines ever put in service were produced from the Cadillac chassis and yet industry wide, 90% of most fleets are Lincoln Towncars. The Lincoln Towncar is roomy, powerful and has the elegant look that most customers are looking for. It also helps that the differences between a 2000 model Towncar and a 2009 model Towncar are negligible, therefore increasing the lifespan of this mainstay of the industry.

So the next time you think of a limousine or a limousine company, remember that the true work horse of this industry is the luxury sedan. Whether they are commuting a busy executive on the road or a famous celebrity to a show, these marvelous machines dominate the chauffeured transportation industry and will for many decades to come.

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Limousine Dreaming: An industry under assault

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

If you follow my blogs you may notice I tend to write about three basic topics limousines, CheapLimoRates.com and its technology and limousines. You would think I was obsessed with the whole limo thing. Though I know more than the average person does about limousines, I rarely use them. Oh a few times when traveling and a few times for a dinner (I missed my prom) but not as much as you would think.

I worked for a limousine company once where the owner of the company had a large fleet of limousines and sedans and had not ridden in a limousine until he had owned the company for six years. Imagine that, owning several hundred thousand dollar plus vehicle and you never utilize them yourself. Well I digress, the reason I write so much about limousines, other than the fact it is the career path I have chosen, it is because I have an insane desire to revitalize the limousine industry.

Here are some facts that you may find quite startling:

1. In the last year (2009) the number of limousine companies operating went from and average of around 11,000 companies to around 9000 companies and it continues to fall. That is an average loss of 167 companies per month.

2. The average limousine company employs 9 people (there are only 35 companies that do over 100 million dollars in revenue nationally) which means that last year over 18,000 people in the industry lost their jobs.

3. Whether it is a large or small company, they both average $60,000 per employee in annual revenue.

4. $60,000 dollars in revenue time 18,000 employees equals almost a billion dollars in lost revenue from the industry.

Opinions vary as to the size of the limousine industry. I have heard numbers as high as 20 billion and as low as 4 billion. However, whether it is 4 or 20 billion, a billion dollar loss from the industry is staggering.

The limousine industry is driven by business and leisure travelers. That being said, our technology was developed in order to help the limousine and sedan industry recover from losses incurred by idle vehicles and to help the business and leisure traveler find those idle vehicles at lower costs more conveniently. With both the limousine and sedan services and the consumer getting what they need, the industry has a chance to recover and potentially find an even larger base of consumers.

It may be a dream, it may be wishful thinking, but it is my goal to help our Limousine Service Partners and the industry as a whole come out of the recession stronger and larger than before, because as you know, limousines are meant to make everything appear larger than life.

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How CheapLimoRates.com came to be…

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Early in 2007 we kicked around the idea of creating a company that could top companies like Limo Link and Savoya and compete with the big boys. Even then we thought that the aggregator companies and the lead generation model had just about run its course. The conversation actually started with the question: “Why is the limousine industry treated like the ugly step sister of the travel industry? The answer was simple. Every other part of the industry was part of the GDS system and the limousine industry is so fragmented that it is impossible to link them together.

With a focus on solving that issue, it became obvious that how companies like Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity became so important to the travel industry was the fact that they sold empty seats on planes and empty beds in hotels and empty cars at Hertz, Avis and the rest. So we began to map out a system that would do the same thing for the limousine services.

The first assumption was to build the platform on unused inventory, vehicles sitting in the garage. This was based on the fact that until our technology, limousine and sedan services had no means of advertising those garaged vehicles in real time. Next we had to decide how. The obvious answer was a web based online portal. Once that was decided, it had to be designed to be both and front end and back end system that had an incredible user interface and a functional easy to use back end for the supplier.

Once those things were mapped out it was time to develop the technology platform. It took nearly two years of customizing, testing and trial and error to find the website now known as CheapLimoRates.com. The journey has been well worth the wait. Our discount based model, allows our Limousine Service Partners to market their companies in real time. It allows customers the opportunity to comparison shop and book services in mere minutes and it creates the ability for our partners to be part of the travel industry on a whole new level.

We believe that throughout 2010 our technology will catch on with the travel industry. Once we have acceptance by the travel search sites, we believe that the limousine industry will see a resurgence that will allow all of us to become more successful. If you have not joined CheapLimoRates.com yet and you are involved in the chauffeured transportation industry in any capacity you need to join and become part of the revolution. Visit www.cheaplimorates.com and click on the limo partners join now tab. You will be glad you did.

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Odd facts about “The Beast” another great limousine

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

I am sure you have all heard about Barak Obama’s new Cadillac DTS Presidential limousine dubbed “The Beast”. Like previous Cadillac limousines made for the president, this vehicle was built from the ground up at the Cadillac plant for security reasons. It is believed that this new limousine has over five thousand pounds of armor that is rumored to be five to eight inches thick. It is also rumored that the vehicle is armed with tear gas cannons and Kevlar tires that are puncture proof.

The vehicle is based on a standard Cadillac DTS model, but is completely redesigned for functionality and safety reasons. It is said to have several different counter measures to ward of attack and contains a battery of arms. The vehicles chassis and driveline is actually from a GMC Topkick commercial truck. Even though it has the look of a Cadillac DTS, its headlights are designed after the Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle has been estimated to cost US Taxpayers over $300,000.

The vehicle has two independently reclining seats along with three rear facing seats for other occupants of the vehicle. The two reclining seats are for the President and a guest. The vehicle is also equipped with a fluorescent halo lighting system which is mounted in the headliner, due to the fact that the vehicles window glass is so thick that natural light is very limited. The US flag and the Presidential flag are both illuminated at night by an on board lighting system mounted in the hood.

The President utilizes this vehicle for all local travel as well as ground travel abroad. There are actually two of these vehicles in service at any given time and two more backup Cadillac vehicles that were used by President George W. Bush. You may not know this but the President also travels in a Presidential Suburban. This vehicle is equipped with a six barrel Gatling gun manufactured by the Scottsdale Arizona based company Dillon Aero. This weapon is capable of firing 3000 rounds a minute. The weapon pops up out of the vehicles roof and has a 360 degree field of fire. Ouch!

Being a limousine enthusiast, I thought I would share this information with my readers and let you know how your hard earned money is being spent in the defense of our President. One of the essential missions of the secret service is to protect the President from harm and as you can see, they spare no expense when it comes to the protection of the United States number one asset.

As a side note: The Lincoln town car is the most utilized sedan and limousine brand in the United States use by the livery industry and yet a Presidential limousine made by Lincoln has not been in service since 1989. Moreover, Cadillac has made over 90% of all of the limousines used by Presidents since 1912.

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An Interview with a Limousine Service Partner

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

CheapLimoRates.com is the latest innovation in the travel industry on the internet. It is the first web 2.0 comparison shopping and booking engine within the industry. It matches millions of potential customers with thousands of limousine services in the United States. Because a customer has the ability to book services online, this new technology will make searching for and renting a limousine service much simpler.

As an ongoing part of the Limousine Learning Series, I have decided to interview some of our Limousine Service Partners over the course of the next few months and highlight some of the experiences they have had as a Limo Partner with CheapLimoRates.com.

The first company I decided to interview was Four Seasons Limousine in Phoenix, AZ. This company was one of the very first Limousine Service Partners of CheapLimoRates.com and was truly one of the first companies that had access to the online travel industries through our innovative new technology. I began by interviewing the fleet manager of Four Seasons Limousine, George A. He has over fifteen years of fleet and customer service experience in the limousine industry and took a few minutes to speak with me about how CheapLimoRates.com has impacted his business.

Q. Tell me George, how long have you been a Limousine Partner with CLR?

A. We have been a Limo Partner for about four months now and we are really happy with the results so far.

Q. When I navigated the Limo Partner Portal with you it seemed like there was a lot of information contained there. Was it difficult to populate the portal with all of that information?

A. Actually, most of the portal is very self explanatory and I set up our company in the portal in a matter of a few hours. Over the past few months I have went into the portal and added some of the enhancements that they offered, such as the ability to upload photos and videos and the ability to put in specials and packages.

Q. Tell me some of the features that you find most exciting about the Limo Partner Portal.

A. Well what I like most about the website is that we are in full control of the content. We set the pricing, we determine how we will price any given trip based on zones, zip codes or mileage and we set all of the parameters of discounting and vehicle availability right to the hour if we want to. It is very easy to navigate and yet it is so simple to use.

Q. Where there any parts of the portal that you found difficult?

A. You know it’s been awhile since I had that experience, but I do remember that when it came to inputting the airports I thought I was a little lost, but I clicked on the video tutorial for that segment and it answered my question within a few minutes and I was able to complete the airports in a few minutes.

Q. So the website provides video tutorials?

A. Oh yes and they were quite helpful. Each section has its own tutorial and they show you the functionality of each of the sections and the information that you need to input in order to make that feature function the way you want it to. There is also a FAQ section that puts all of the information in writing so that you can watch the tutorial and then read the FAQ on the subject to make sure you got it right.

Q. How has CheapLimoRates.com impacted your company so far?

A. Well we were one of the first companies brought on during the Alpha and Beta stages of the technology and so from a business standpoint we didn’t have the benefit of any true marketing or even SEO like the website has now and so our responsibility was to determine how the site worked and how to best utilize all of the features and functionality. However, as marketing and affiliate relationships expand, I see an awesome potential for this relationship to add hundreds of thousands of dollars to our bottom line. I know that a relationship with CheapLimoRates.com is going to give our company exposure the thousands of customers who otherwise would have never seen our company or even had the chance to comparison shop our company based on how customers looked for limousine companies prior to this technology coming out.

Q. So you think that this is a good opportunity for Four Seasons Limousine?

A. I think that over the next few years this technology will generate thousands of dollars for our company like I said, and I also think that it will create a whole new group of limousine and sedan service users, who had never even thought about using a service like ours.

Q. Well George I thank you for the time you have given me and I like you am really excited about this new technology and I look forward to growing with your company.

A. Well thank you and let people know that this opportunity is in my estimation going to be the wave of limousine marketing in the very near future and the time is now to take advantage of a new technology like this.

That concluded my interview and I suggest that if you are a limousine or sedan service and you are looking for ways to increase your business and marketing capabilities that you take a serious look at CheapLimoRates.com and become a Limousine Service Partner soon.

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Limousine Learning Series – Five things you probably don’t know about limousines

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

As you may have already discovered, we here at CheapLimoRates.com like to help our customers feel comfortable with the limousine industry and give them a little information in order be able to make better decisions regarding the rental of limousine services. But sometimes sharing fun facts about this industry can also educational.

As and example according to the encyclopedia, the word limousine comes from the Limousin region of France. The covered compartments of early limousines resembled the cloaked hood worn by shepherds in that area of France for protection from the weather.

Automobile limousines were first built in 1902 and designed so that the chauffeurs sat in covered areas outside of the main compartment but were still protected from the elements. (Like the one Leonardo Decaprio took Kate Winslet for a ride in on the movie Titanic, I am sure no pun intended) To some extent limousines today are still built with this separation between the driver and the passenger, now however, through the use of a sound proof partition.

The first stretch limousine may have been better known as a “big band bus” and was built by the Armbruster Company out of Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1928. Their original purpose was for transporting “big band” leaders like Glen Miller and Benny Goodman as well as their band members and equipment.

Limousines had air conditioning installed for their exclusive clientele almost 20 years prior to it’s being introduced for mass production in other less expensive automobiles.

The longest, street legal limousine made the Guinness Book of Records in 1997. It was a 66 ½ foot long, white, Lincoln built by Ultra Coachbuilders. It cost $1.8 million and was 14,000 pounds. The limousine was in two pieces with a hitch so that it could bend around corners and the back portion was detachable. It had four televisions, four moon roofs, three cell phones, a hot tub, two fax machines, a microwave, an air conditioning compressor larger than most homes, and three ceiling fans. To further the opulence, it was furnished with Waterford crystal and imported china.

Who knew that there were so many interesting facts lingering out there about the limousine industry? Today, after one hundred years of the livery business, CheapLimoRates.com has brought to fruition the introduction of the first web 2.0 comparison shopping booking engine, that makes finding and renting a sedan or limousine service a snap. If you can use a computer, you can search for a limousine, compare the prices of the local competition and book that limo service right on line, usually in about three minutes.

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Limousine Do’s and Don’ts, Limousine Etiquette 101

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

These are a few tips on the dos and don’ts of renting a limousine that will keep you from ruining your experience. Take the time to review these few simple rules that will keep you from having to endure some of the pitfalls of the limousine industry. Riding in a limousine is a wonderful experience that is to be savored and enjoyed by you and those you bring along. Just like visiting an elegant restaurant or going to a fine hotel a limousine is one of the places that once your there you are there to impress. So act the part and ensure that your friends and family do as well and you will have one of the best experiences of your life.

Do’s:

Be responsible inside and outside of the limousine. Treat the vehicle with respect.

Treat the Chauffeur with respect he is there to make your experience one to treasure.

Enjoy the look, the feel, the ride of this luxurious automobile.

Try to get the full experience of your ride and enjoy the top notch sound system or the amenities within the vehicle.

Tip the driver after the trip if it wasn’t included in the price, the norm is around twenty percent (20 %).

Make sure you know your itinerary and have a copy with you.

Keep a cell phone and make sure you get the Chauffeur’s cell number so you can call him when out of the vehicle.

Keep track of your passengers so as not to leave one behind at the end of a busy night.

Inspect the vehicle both before and after the ride to make sure it is in perfect condition prior and the same when your night is done.

Make sure that you have retrieved all cell phones, purses, bags, gadgets and keys before releasing the Chauffeur for the evening.

Have a great time and enjoy one of the best experiences ever!

Don’ts

Keep rough housing or unruly behavior to a minimum in the back of the vehicle as things may get damaged and ruin the experience when you get the bill.

Do not allow you or your passenger to drink to heavily to the extent that someone may get violently ill inside of the vehicle.

Try not to converse excessively with the Chauffeur, because he is driving and this may cause an unnecessary distraction which is not safe for you and your passengers.

Treat the Chauffeur rudely or with indifference his job is to make this a truly grand experience.

Don’t allow your passengers to mistreat the vehicle on the inside or the outside as this may lead to additional charges.

Don’t bring more passengers than you had indicated to the limousine service, because you will end up leaving someone behind.

Don’t ruin the experience by not taking the time to enjoy this truly amazing vehicle and the amenities that it has to offer. Sit back, relax and enjoy the feeling of a truly unique experience.

All of these suggestions will ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable outing that will leave memories that will last a lifetime. Good Luck!

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Limousine Rental for your Financial Road Show

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Financial Roadshow

Renting a limousine or sedan for a financial road show is and excellent way to make good use of your time and be on time when navigating business in a new city. By renting a sedan or limousine from the right company with the right amenities can make your road show a huge success. These are a few things you should consider before you make a decision as to which limousine or sedan services you are going to utilize. Taking the time to do a little research and most importantly, ask the right questions will ensure that you are picked up on time and that you arrive at your all of your destination safely and in a timely manner. Though the cost of a sedan service is certainly important, there are many factors to consider when hiring a sedan service for your Financial Roadshow.  Here are just a few questions you should ask in order to find the right company.

A few simple questions to ask and the reasons why:

  1. How long have you been in business? – Established companies are in business for a reason.
  2. How many vehicles of this type do you own? – In case of a vehicle breaks down, you will need another.
  3. What type of vehicles do you provide? – There are several different types of vehicles to choose from.
  4. Are all of your vehicles insured? – It is the law and it will give you peace of mind, ask for proof.
  5. What are the insurance coverage amounts? – To ensure it meets state minimum requirements.
  6. Are your drivers professionally trained? – You want to know that you are going to be wowed!
  7. Will my driver be professionally uniformed? – It is all part of the experience.
  8. Is my driver experienced and know the city well? – The wrong driver can cost you valuable time.
  9. Does the driver have a cell phone? – You may need to call if running behind or to set up a meeting place.
  10. What is your all inclusive rate per hour? (All inclusive is the hourly rate plus all fees.)
  11. How much are additional hours if I go over my scheduled time? – Discount rates may not count on hourly overages.
  12. What payment methods do you accept and how do I pay for your services? – Most companies take a 50% deposit by credit card, you need to know.
  13. All of the questions mentioned are important to ensure that you have a successful trip. By taking the time to know what to ask, you can have a truly great experience.

Some additional questions you need to ask are about the vehicle amenities:  Is the vehicle equipped with an executive desk?  Does the vehicle offer cell phone service? Is it stocked with waters?  Does the vehicle have any mobile devices such as fax? Is the vehicle equipped with GPS?  All of these questions will help you prepare for your road show and it will give you a heads up on what to expect when you begin your day. We hope these tips have helped you schedule a successful road show and with you Good Luck!

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How to rent a wedding limousine

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

wedding limos

Private limousine rental services are cost-effective and convenient means for those who wish to spice up their special day by riding in style and luxury and making that special occasion have the feel of royalty. When you begin to consider a limo rental, take heed that you must consider a quite a few important items before making a decision on a limousine provider. With the proper research and a little ammunition, you will have a much greater likelihood of enjoying your experience by opting for the perfect limousine service.

How much the service cost is certainly important, however, it is not the most important factor when deciding the perfect limousine service for your special day. Here are just a few questions you should ask in order to find the company that is going to make your day a memorable one.

Here are a few simple questions to ask and the reasons why:

1. How long have you been in business? – Established companies are in business for a reason.
2. How many vehicles of this type do you own? – In case of a vehicle breaks down, you will need another.
3. What type of vehicles do you provide? – There are several different types of vehicles to choose from.
4. Are all of your vehicles insured? – It is the law and it will give you peace of mind, ask for proof.
5. What are the insurance coverage amounts? – To ensure it meets state minimum requirements.
6. Are your drivers professionally trained? – You want to know that you are going to be wowed!
7. Will my driver be professionally uniformed? – It is all part of the experience.
8. Does the driver have a cell phone? – You may need to call if running behind or to set up a meeting place.
9. What are your pick-up and drop off policies? – Some services charge extra for additional stops.
10. Will I be charged extra for those pick-ups? – If they say yes, you may want to look further.
11. What is your all inclusive rate per hour? (All inclusive is the hourly rate plus all fees.)
12. What is the minimum number of hours for the vehicle I am choosing? – Most providers have minimum hours for each vehicle type.
13. How much are additional hours if I go over my scheduled time? – discount rates may not count on hourly overages.
14. What payment methods do you accept and how do I pay for your services? – Most companies take a 50% deposit by credit card, you need to know.
15. What is the cost of damages, spills, cigarette burns, broken glasses ect.? – Some companies charge as much as $300.00 for cleaning a car and as much as $20.00 for a broken glass.

All of these things that I mention are important to ensure that you and your betrothed have the very best possible day. Nothing can ruin a good day more than having your transportation take a wrong turn. If you follow these simple steps, you will have a great time and a great day.

Here are some other things you may wish to consider in advance of that special day:

1. Do you need transportation for your wedding party or parents of the bride and groom?
2. Should you consider a motor coach for your guest?
3. Will your limousine take both the bride and groom to the ceremony or should you consider two sedans?
4. Will the bride and groom be alone on the trip to the reception hall?
5. What color limousine do you want?
6. Should you pay for services in advance?

Armed with this knowledge and finding a company that gives you the right answers will make you special day a little less stressful and a lot more memorable. – Good Luck

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