First, no two limousine or luxury sedan services are the same, and different organizations place varying levels of emphasis on service as well as the investment in their fleets. You can get a clue regarding the way a company operates by how responsive they are and how professional their approach is. For example, when you complete an online form, how long does it take the company to respond; have they correctly interpreted your driving needs; and is the quote professional and in line with what you want to spend?

In addition, telephone inquiries can also provide an insight into how a luxury sedan company is likely to handle its customers. Is your call answered promptly and professionally with receptionist using the company name? Are they friendly or evasive when answering your questions? Does the company offer to send you a written confirmation of the price? Or is your call answered by an answering machine?

If you are visiting web sites looking for professional limousine operator, you should ask yourself these questions: Does the company have a fixed line number or just a cell phone? Does the web site include the name of the company or an individual? Is there a physical contact address, or just a PO Box number, or worse still, no address at all? The right answer to these questions could make or break a deal.

Because the luxury sedans are a critical aspect of the business, look to see if the web site includes vehicle images. Study the pictures, because many companies use generic pictures of limos and luxury sedans. One clue is to look at where the picture was taken and the license plate. Also ask about vehicle signage. Some companies use their vehicles as billboards, which could disappoint many potential customers.

If you come across a limo service broker offering to secure quotes on your behalf you will need to consider the following -- most limousine operators pay a percentage for each inquiry they receive or a percentage of the hire value, so will you end up paying a premium price for the convenience of using a third party? Some brokers describe their limousine operators as accredited or approved. If that's so, ask what this process entails, what guarantees, if any, the accreditation process provides you. For example, will the broker underwrite the hire and also how often are the drivers' backgrounds checked? Since you're relying on a 3rd party to complete your research, you are dealing with two entities that you've no previous experience with.

Sure, there's the lure of a low, unbeatable price. This should only be given a little consideration. As everyone already knows, you get what you pay for. Because all limo drivers should not be considered equal, all limousine operators are not equal; you should pay attention to the rate as well as the service.

Another aspect to consider is the length of the hire. There is an average time that's taken to prepare a limo or luxury sedan prior to hire. So most professional operators might impose a minimum charge and/or a hire duration to cover for their prep time, and this charge may be higher during peak periods.

In addition, beware of a company that intends to use the vehicle for several hires on the day. Inevitably this can lead to problems relating to reliability or timing and more often than not, it means that a vehicle has not been properly prepared.

Reliability is another aspect you need to think about when searching for a luxury sedan or limo for your event. Luxury sedans and limos are expensive to service and repair, so this could result in some companies attempting to delay repairs until the last possible moment. Unfortunately, poorly maintained luxury sedans can be unreliable. So be vigilant when hiring. A cheap limo rate may mean cheap service.

Here are other basic questions you should ask a luxury sedan or limo company:

o How long have you been in business?

o How many vehicles do you have?

o Where are you based?

o How old are you vehicles?

o Where can I view your vehicles?

o Are there any minimum charges or hire durations?

o Are you a full-time luxury sedan operator?

o What does the price include (Gratuities, etc.)?

o What contingencies do you have if the vehicle breaks down?

o What guarantee do I have that I will receive the luxury sedan I've chosen?

o Do you have the appropriate insurance and can I see it?

o Will I receive a written confirmation of the price?

o Do you provide a booking confirmation with the itinerary and price included?

o What payment methods do you accept?

o What is the deposit and when is the balance due?

o Is there signage on the vehicle? Is it discreet enough?

Here are questions to ask brokers:

o What does your accreditation or approval process consist of?

o How often do you complete this procedure?

o Will I be able to see a copy of the last report for the company I book with?

o How can I be certain that I will receive the limousine I ask for?

o Do you provide any guarantees regarding operator reliability?

o Will I have to pay extra if I use your service, either directly or indirectly?

o Who do I pay?

o How can I be certain that you are truly an independent service?

o Can I be sure that my email address will only be used for the purpose of a quotation?

None of these questions are unreasonable and no professional luxury sedan company should have any objections to them, however, if you meet with resistance or answers are evasive, you should look else where for luxury sedan service.

So whether it's for business or pleasure, the right airport limousine service can really add to your bottom line or make your trip that much more relaxing.