Waiting For A Limo That Never Comes

We hear the stories all the time. A bride hires a limo for her wedding. A best man hires a limo service for a bachelor party. The excitement builds until....the limo never arrives, the bride is in tears and the best man is angry. What happened?

Brokering

Many so-called limousine companies are not really limo companies at all. They are limousine brokers. Limousine brokers do not have any limos, they only have a website, yellowpages or newspaper ad. They answer a phone and happily book your limousine order. Next, they begin contacting other limo companies, the ones that actually own limousines, try to hire them at a discounted rate and keep the difference as profit. No crime there, right? The problem arises when:

  1. the limo company (the one with cars) gets a higher price from someone else for your limo on your night, or
  2. the broker or limo company over books/double books clients, or
  3. in an attempt to maximize profits the broker farms out the job to a low quality limo service with old, beat up limos and inexperienced drivers.

The complaints we hear are consistant. Here are a list of the most popular:

  • They showed up an hour late.
  • The limo broke down.
  • The limo was old, dirty, with dents and torn upholstry.
  • The driver tried to extort money out of us to drive us back home.
  • The TV, CD player and air-conditioning didn't work on a hot summer day.
  • The driver didn't know where he was going.
  • The driver was rude. He was dressed too casual. He was wearing street clothes.
  • The limo showed up with another party already in our limo.
  • They wanted a 50% non-refundable deposit.
  • When I called to complain they hung up on me.
  • They lied to me.
  • The driver yelled at me.
  • The so-called "limo bus" was actually a converted school bus.

Some limousine companies act as brokers when all of their own limousines are booked. At A Plus  Limos, WE NEVER ENGAGE IN BROKERING, PERIOD.

Here are some sample feedback from customers:
More Yelp
More Yelp
City Search 1
City Search 2
This review is written by a limo broker! Also see the "real" customer feedback
More Yelp

When You Trust The Wrong Limo Company

In our opinion you should avoid limo brokers and limo companies that broker, farm-in or farm-out jobs.  You need a professional, experienced limo in San Diego. Look what happened to these customers when they trusted the wrong company:

San Diego limo stuck Bad limo company inexperienced driver

Does that first photo look familiar? It should. It's B Street in San Diego. Imagine your wedding day being ruined by an inexperienced driver These folks probably got married and were headed to take their wedding photos. Now, they are late for the wedding reception. How late? Who knows. These inexperienced limo drivers tend to panic when they get stuck and try to "power through it" to un-stick the limousine.  However, that NEVER works.  They only succeed in wedging the limo in tighter until the drive wheels begin to spin and smoke.  None of these limousines will get out of these situations without the help of a heavy wrecker.  Not a regular tow truck, mind you, but a large commercial wrecker.  Additionally, it would be unwise to put this limo back on the road without a full safety inspection.  Stress and tears on the beautiful bride's day of days.

Licensing, Bonding, Drug Testing

The State of California licenses all "livery" services in the State. We must prove to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that we are fully bonded, and that our drivers submit to random drug testing. The State of California then issues a TCP License. We invite you to check our license status at the California PUC website Public Utilities Commision. Search by name for A Plus Limousine Services.

Last year, the PUC performed a surprise audit and inspection of limousines at Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track. A Plus San Diego Limo passed all phases of the audit with flying colors! Other limo companies were not prepared. Some customers were surprised when their limos were towed, leaving them stranded.

So Called "Free" Hours

It is common practice in the Limousine Services business to offer the customer a free hour when the customer books a limo for 6 hours or more. A Plus is no exception. We also offer a free hour for customers that book a limo for 6 hours or more. However when we say a free hour we mean free, as in no charge to the customer. Other limo companies mean $70 dollars for the extra hour. These companies claim they must pay the driver and cover fuel costs for the extra hour. At Plus Limo we strive to earn your patronage, not pick your pocket.

Mechanical Maintenance, Cleanliness, Amenities, Appearance

Not all limo companies care for their vehicles like A Plus San Diego Limousine. We frequently hear stories from customers of other limo services about flat tires, limos that are old, dirty and smelly, with broken TVs, broken radios, no cups, rude drivers, etc. At A Plus San Diego Limo, we regularly inspect our limos and attend to every detail to assure your satisfaction. All of our drivers are hand-picked, long-term employees dedicated to your prefect, care-free event.

San Diego Limousine Rentals - Tips

When shopping and comparing limo services providers be sure to ask:

  • Are you a licensed livery in the State of California?
  • Are you insured?
  • Are you bonded?
  • Do you ever broker cars or accept jobs from brokers?
  • Can you show me the exact limo that I will be renting?

Warning Signs of a Limo Broker

  • Online only. No local address.
  • Does not return your call promptly.
  • Unable to show you the EXACT limo they will rent to you.
  • Refers you to another phone number, person, company.

Come See Our Limos!

We are so confident that our limos are the best maintained limos in San Diego, we encourage you to come and inspect our limos before you book the rental. We will show you the exact vehicle offered for your special occasion, so you leave nothing to chance. We have the cleanest, best maintained, best looking, most luxurious limos in San Diego AND we have the most courteous, knowledgeable, professional drivers in the San Diego Limo business. Demand to see your limo before you book!