Are you hiring a black car service anytime soon? Chances are, if you have a holiday party, an upcoming wedding, or a special event, then it’s likely you’re going to be selecting one.
But how do you go about hiring one of these services?
Here are five tips for hiring a black car service:
1. Do Your Due Diligence with Reviews
Since hiring a black car service is not something you do every day, it would be a good idea to read reviews about the ones you’ve shortlisted before you take a decision. You can find reviews online for almost anything these days and Black Car service providers are no different.
Keep in mind that some online reviews can be fake so make sure you can figure out which ones are authentic reviews. It is always a good idea to read reviews on multiple sites as this would help you get a better idea of their services, prices, and efficiency. Good companies tend to have reviews on several sites and positive ones at that. You should check out reputable websites such as Yelp, Google, GlassDoor. and other similar platforms.
2. Fast Response Times
Another thing you should always do before you hire a black car company is to call and speak to a customer service agent. You can ask any basic questions you might have, and at the same time, you can determine how they respond to customers, their tone of voice, the accuracy and completeness of their answers, and their response time if you leave a voicemail. If they don’t seem professional to you from the very start, it might be a good idea to find another option.
3. The Number of Cars Available
The number of cars operated by the black car service is a good indicator of how successful the company might be. You can always call and ask them how many vehicles they have or you can find that information online. If the company only has a car or two, you could look for a bigger service provider.
Another important criterion is the company’s hiring practices. Do they have a comprehensive driver selection process? Do they conduct a background check? Do they hire them as permanent employees or are these people temporary or on contract?
Finally, if they make you sign something before you get the service, make sure you read it thoroughly. Some companies have been known to promise one car and provide another. Rates can often be quoted differently and charged differently.
All these factors need to be taken into consideration when you are looking for a Black Car Service.
4. What Are the Payment Methods?
When you hire a black car company, you should always ask about methods they use to receive payments.
- Make sure you confirm if there is a security deposit required when you book a reservation.
- Ask about their cancellation charges (if any) and refund policy in case things are not up to your expectations
- Do they require partial payment before or full payment after the service?
All these and other payment-related questions should be clarified before you make a selection. In general, companies that ask for full payment at the time of booking may not be reputable so if you are in doubt, look for another option.
5. A Stellar Reputation
You can basically determine the reputation of a company through their reviews, but it might be a good idea to check if the service you’re leaning towards is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Like you would with any other consumer product, it’s better to ask around within your network as well about the company so that you gauge the kind of reputation they enjoy.
Using a black car service may not be something you regularly do – we’re not all very important people (VIPs), you know? That said, if you do plan to use such a service, then make sure you find the right people to use so that you can enjoy this experience.
