Getting an Accurate Quote

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Grade The Quote

When shopping around, please note that price is NOT the only requirement for a reliable quote for limousine service. Companies that ask ALL the questions are providing you with an accurate quote and the service will be much better. Feel free to use this form and point system to qualify the competition when calling around...

You will need to know...

Maximum number of persons traveling
Type of service (wedding, prom, dinner, anniversary, etc)
Overall time-frame of rental period
Addresses and times of pick up locations and drop off locations
Expected stops and time required at each stop
An expected budget "range" per person (fill the vehicle for the best cost per person)
Type of vehicle you wish to reserve

Questions to ask for an accurate quote...

Manufacturer and model of Limousine or SUV(Ford-Lincoln, GM-Cadillac or H2-Hummer, etc)?
Length of the stretch (60, 72, 100, 120, 130, 140 or 165 inch stretch)? 1 point per inch
Seating Capacity? 1 point per person

NOTE: Seating configuration in cars dictates what the capacity really is ("J"-8pax or 3 seat-10pax)

Year of Limousine?10 points for 2008, 9 points for 2007, 8 points for 2006, etc
Vehicle storage? Inside; 10 points, Sometimes Inside; 5 points, Outside; 0 points

NOTE: This will help determine the condition of the vehicle.

Can we view this vehicle, VIN #, and storage facility? 5 points if satisfactory upon inspection
Years present company has been in service? 1 point per year

NOTE: Do NOT include experience or merged company years

Chauffeurs Attire? 20 points for tuxedo (weddings only), 15 points for suit, jacket & tie, 10 points for shirt & tie

NOTE: Don’t assume proper attire as one high profile Ottawa limo company allows chauffeurs to dress in dress shirt and pants only.

How many pickup locations? 1 point per pick-up to max of 14 points
How many drop-off locations? 1 point per drop-off to max of 14 points
Shuttle service? Other groups will be in the vehicle during the course of the evening. Minus 25 points for shuttle service

Dedicated service? Add 25 points for dedicated service

NOTE: Shuttle services are better known as pickup/drop off service without waiting time and will almost always leave 1^st group waiting curbside for later travel as most groups take longer than expected. Also, you could be held responsible for other groups damage to the vehicle during the course of the evening. Worse yet, your personal items could be stolen if sharing the ride with other groups during the course of an evening. Don’t be caught in the limo rented like taxi. This is not professional and could be more costly that dedicated service if you need additional time or additional pick-ups.

Beverage included? 5 points per bottle
Extras? 5 points per...
Is the vehicle stocked with ample glassware? 5 points
CD’s or DVD’s provided for clients use? 5 points
Live person on phone? 25 points
Professional/courteous consultant? 25 points
If leaving a message or contact by e-mail; 5 points for a prompt & professional response
Contracts provided? 25 points
Cost for the service (not just a price for the limo)?

Other Considerations include...

Overtime costs? Per ½ hour? Per hour?
Cost for extra items not included in package?
Does the company allow outside food or beverage?
Loyalty or referral program?
Delay of trip policy/costs (in-climate weather/breakdown/etc.)?
Required amount of deposit? Cancellation policy?
Payment methods/Balance due date?
Contracts, Contracts, Contracts???

NOTE: Why do we note Contracts several times? Several limo companies in Ottawa will cancel on you if they can get a better paying run and the usual BS reason they offer is that they "overbooked". In today's society with the software that all larger companies are using, there is no chance to overbook (or double book) a vehicle. And if they can't offer you the required paperwork to ensure the limo is available then you shouldn't be doing business with them!

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FAQ's

Limousines originally got their name because they were first built in the Limousin region of France.

(1) What is a "legal" limousine?

Many limousine service owners will tell you that no limousine that can seat more than 8 passengers. This is not entirely true, but ... most limousines seat only 8 in Ontario but some are built to carry more. Also, not all SUV's are classed as "limousines". Some cities such as Ottawa-Carleton allow only 8 passengers to be seated in a "limousine" in the way they license those vehicles. Byers SUV's are licensed as "busses" not as "limousines" which allows them to be stretched longer and carry up to 14 persons, legally!

Limousines are manufactured to carry up to 32 persons in some U.S. states. What some owners fail to tell you is that in Canada the standards that govern how large a limousine can be is only regulated by the "legal" length of the stretch (a QVM or CMC vehicle). Ford & GM started the programs called QVM (Quality Vehicle Modifier) and CMC (Cadillac Master Coachbuilder) several years ago to ensure vehicles are stretched to within engineered safe limits. This designation given to manufacturers of limousines ensures that they meet Ford/GM's approval for safe stretched vehicles. Without this designation, one can't be sure how the vehicle will perform in the unlikely event of an accident. In Canada that length (the QVM standard) is a 120" stretch for Lincoln Town Cars, 130" stretch for late model Cadillac Deville's, and 140" for Ford Excursions built after 2003. Note that not all limousines even if stretched to the "legal" length carry that QVM stamp of approval. Call us, we'll give you the list!

(2) Other limo companies say that their limousine(car) seats 10 passengers. How can I be sure?

Again, most companies want to get you into a vehicle at whatever the price or risk of the truth. Ask them this question, "Is the seating in the rear of the vehicle in a "J-seat" formation?" If the answer is yes then the truth is, it's only an 8 seater! Our 10 passenger stretched Town Cars have a 3 seat configuration and lap belts which allows for the 2 extra persons. You can try to squeeze 10 into the competitions but it won't be comfortable especially if the ladies are wearing formal attire. Spend a little more and end up happy and safe with the event going as planned!

(3) How can I ensure a 2007 stretch is really a 2007 and not a 2003, 2002 or earlier model?

Every vehicle has a unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN number is stamped onto a small metal plate and is attached to the drivers side of the dash where it meets the window. The 10th digit in the number indicates the model year of the vehicle in question...

1^st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured.
i.e.: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), etc.
2^nd character- Identifies the manufacturer
i.e.:Cadillac(6), Lincoln(L),
3^rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.
4^th to 8^th characters- Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.
9^th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.
10^th character- Identifies the model year.
i.e.: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T), 1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y), 2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3), 2004(4), 2005(5), 2006(6), 2007(7), etc...
11^th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.
12^th to 17^th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production
as it rolled off the manufacturers assembly line.

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(4) Can I ensure my family's safety when riding in a limousine?

Byers Limousine Service has commercial insurance for the fleet and is a member of the Ontario Limousine Owner's Association, several local associations and is licensed in municipalities and regions in Eastern Ontario including Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cornwall and Ottawa. These regulatory bodies are there to provide you the insurance and safety requirements that our limousines have to pass to ensure your protection. There are limousine companies out there that have only private use insurance on their limousines and aren't licensed correctly. If ever you were in an accident you would have to seek legal council to be reimbursed for medical attention or vehicle damages.

(5) Is there any licensing requirements for limousine services/drivers/owners?

Yes. There are cities, towns and regions requiring licensing for limousines. They municipalities provide by-laws and enforcement to ensure your safety. All services operating in your community are required to meet standards for drivers, vehicles, and owners. There are several companies operating in your community without the proper licensing. Call us and we'll give you the information you need to protect your interests. Byers Limousine is licensed in the South Dundas Township & cities of Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston & Ottawa. Some other communities don't have legislation as of yet but we are working with these communities to ensure that all limousines are drivers/owners are accountable for proper insurance & safe drivers. These measures are important for you to be aware of so you can make a wise decision when choosing a service professional. A list of the licensing agencies in your community and Ontario can be obtained by contacting our office at any time.

(6) Why are the prices so varied between companies?

Price is not the only reflection of why you should choose to rent from the guy down the street with an older limo. Some companies offer vehicles that are not safe, in poor condition, improperly insured or offer unprofessional service with their fares. We have had numerous calls from Brides searching frantically & looking for a limo on Saturday morning as the cheap, old limo they rented from the guy down the street broke down on it's way to the house! Call us and we'll gladly show you why we are the established choice in Eastern Ontario for weddings, bachelor/ette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, football tailgate parties, airport shuttles and corporate work.

(7) Are all limousines equally nice?

No, most are quite nice but all are not created equal. All of Byers Limousines are unique and we would ask you to view all the vehicles you are considering before you put any money down on one.

(8) How long have you really been "in business" ?

James & Shelley Byers have operated this business from the ground up since it's inception in October 1995. Some companies consider driving for other services or purchasing someone else's business a reasonable alternative to actually running this type of business and calling their efforts "experience". We beg to differ! Please don't confuse "experience" as driving a few hours per week or month to be equal to years of cleaning, driving, managing, and building customer loyalty.

We at Byers Limousine offer our clients peace of mind with contracts for services, quality management, customer service, proper licensing & insurance requirements and are governed by regulatory associations and MTO and when combined with our years of experience to ensure that whatever you need and desire won't change before your big day arrives.