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Limousine Service? Limousine & Bus Company? Transportation Service?

Posted by Bill Faeth on Wed, Feb 22, 2012 @ 10:31 AM
  
  
  
  
  
Add to delicious  delicious  
  
  

So are we a Limousine Service...? 

Limousine Service

 

 

Over the last few months Grand Avenue has debated this question within our company as we have grown and expanded our service offerings.  After much discussion, I have found that we are not the only company in our industry that is asking this very same question.

In the last two months I have attended two industry conferences.  First I attended The American Bus Association, (ABA) conference in Dallas, TX in January,  and then the International Limousine, Charter, Tour conference in Las Vegas, NV last week.  I had the opportunity to meet with many operators in both the bus and limousine industries and this question came up in almost every conversation.


Nashville Bus Rental

Many limousine services have added buses to their fleet to meet the demand for large groups and the growing charter bus market.  We have done the same, as we now operate 8 full size motor coaches, 1 mid-size motor coach, and 3 minibuses and limo buses.

The funny part about this question is that most people outside of the industry, (i.e. customers) think we are a “Limousine Service.”   We only have 4 limousines in our fleet of 56 vehicles.  The vast majority of our fleet is made up of sedans and SUVs to service executives and corporate travelers.   This type of fleet is very common as the fleet makeup nationwide has moved away from limousines due to the recession.

With that being said how would you or your customers refer to this type of service? 

  1. Limousine Service
  2. Transportation Service
  3. Limousine & Bus Service

 

We would love to hear your feedback.  Please write your comments below and start the conversation.  We’re listening.


 


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Comments

It is my opinion that Grand Avenue should be referred to as a Transportation Company. You are more than a Limousine Service and more than a Limousine and Bus Service. The word Transportation just seems to encapsulate services you do provide. 
 
Thank you so much for these splendid services! 
 
-VJH
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 11:06 AM by Vickie Hudson
Vickie - Thank you very much for your comment. We would tend to agree, but most people still refer to us and other companies similar to us as limo companies. Not sure if it is good or bad, but we are happy regardless as long as the customers call us. :0)
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:12 PM by Bill Faeth
I think the word "limousine" is thought of differently than a "transportation co". Whereas a limousine means "concierge service" the word transportation mwans point A to point B. 
A trucking company can get your shipment to where it needs to go. A Limousine Service should be performing a much higher level of service, regardless of the vehicle. 
A taxi will get you there, but a limousine should be a whole different & higher level of service. 
Think of the difference of a city bus and First Class on Singapore Airlines. 
Not enough differentiation is made and then people might make the mistake that it is all the same and choose cheap price instead of great service.
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:27 PM by Bill Atkins - Red Bank Limo
Bill - All great points. Do you think that your corporate customers think you are limousine company if they only use sedan or SUV services? 
 
I agree with you 100% that limousine companies provide a higher level of service and the Singapore Airlines analogy is dead on, but what do your clients refer to you as? 
Thanks for the great feedback! I hope you are doing well?
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:32 PM by Bill Faeth
Our customers refer to us as a limo service. They know we do not have pink hummers and tricked out bling bling vehicles. I believe they appreciate that and are higher end and appreciate quietly understated. The customers who have wealth don't need to show off. I believe I have a sweet spot of knowing what my customers want, then providing that.
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:37 PM by Bill Atkins
Bill - Thanks again for the great feedback. You have a great company which is proven also by your safety record and the accolades you have received in Red Bank. Keep up the great service!
Posted @ Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:41 PM by Bill Faeth
Hi Bill, 
 
It was great to see you in Vegas :) 
 
As far as clients our worldwide think of us as Aristocat Transporation and the local people that have known us for 25 years still think of us as Aristocat Limo and yes I'm still called limo Sue by a lot of people lol :) 
 
I also struggle between limousine and transportation service at local networking functions. 
 
People think I am in the trucking business when I use our name so I have to make sure and do my quick elevator speech or sometimes use Aristocat Limousine just so people know what I do :) 
 
Have a great day :) 
 
Hows that new puppy? 
 
Sue 
 
Posted @ Thursday, February 23, 2012 5:34 AM by Sue Jarvis
Sue - It funny that you talk about two different sets of client types thinking of your company as to "how they use your service". I think you have hit the nail on the head, that clients only think of a business in terms of how they utilize the business.  
 
This same thing happens with us, so the real goal is "How do we change the customers perception"? What I mean by this is do all of the corporate clients know you can also provide wedding service and do your retail clients know you are a worldwide corporate transportation solution? 
 
Princess Poppy (the puppy) is fantastic. My two girls absolutely adore her. 
 
Great to see you in Vegas as well even though it was brief.
Posted @ Thursday, February 23, 2012 8:15 AM by Bill Faeth
I am a front desk service agent at the Hampton in the historic district of Savannah, GA. Your driver Doug Martin (driving for Golden Isles Tours)was an absolute joy to have with us. His concern for his passengers, how careful he was driving, how carefully he parked and where was very impressive! What an absolutely wonderful man! We would love to have him back anytime and I'm sure his tour loved him too! 
 
 
 
Warmest Regards, 
 
Kathleen McDevitt 
 
Nite Audit/Front Desk Agent 
 
Hampton Inn Historic District 
 
Savannah, GA 31401
Posted @ Wednesday, May 16, 2012 8:30 PM by kathleen McDevitt
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