Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. Tech Tip: Press CTRL + F to find a key word for your search).
Can we smoke in your Limousines?
Local bylaws prohibit smoking in limousines. In order to provide a clean fresh interior for all our clients, we strictly prohibit smoking in any of our fleet vehicles. We reserve the right to cancel a reservation if any of the passengers smoke in our limousines.
Can we stand up through the sun roof in the limousine?
Our client's safety is our number one concern. Serious injury may result if the vehicle is in motion and passengers are standing up through the sun roof. If you wish to have a photo taken of your party as they are protruding through the sun roof, this can be done at the beginning of the ride, while the vehicle is not in motion. Passenger may not, under any circumstances stand up through the sunroof of the limousine once the vehicle is in motion.
Are you allowed to drink alcohol in a limousine?
Local drinking laws apply and clients assume all responsibility associated with alcohol consumption while in the limousine. We will provide complimentary champagne to Wedding Parties only. No employee of Barrie Executive Transportation & Limousine will supply and/or purchase alcoholic beverages for clients. We will not stop anyone over the age of majority from drinking alcohol in the limousine. However, we will not be legally responsible for any individual who chooses to consume alcohol while in our fleet vehicles.
How do I know the limousine will return for me at the end of the evening?
BET is a reputable business and we honour every reservation as a contract. It is not in our best interest, to break a contract without cause, with any of our clients. Our personal and professional reputation is on the line with every reservation. We will gladly provide references upon request.
Do I need to provide a credit card?
Yes. Even if you plan to pay by cash, we require a credit card imprint to hold a reservation and in case additional charges apply. BET will not put through any unjustified charges on your credit card. You may request for the chauffer to return the credit card slip to you at the end of the booking, once it has been determined that no additional charges were incurred.
How are payments made?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Interact, Cash or Certified Cheque. Payment by non-certified cheque can be arranged one week prior to the date of the event. During peak season or prime reservation dates, a non-refundable deposit may be required to hold your reservation. Payment must be made at the time of booking.
Under what circumstances are there additional charges over and above the quoted rate?
A reservation will not be charged more than the quoted rate except under the following situations:
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If additional pick-up and drop-off points are requested.
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If client is not ready at the pre-arranged reservation time causing the chauffer additional waiting time.
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If damage is caused to the limousine or any property of BET due to accident, carelessness or misuse by the client or by any member of the client's party. This includes, but not limited to, broken glass, cigarette burns, damage to bar or any interior or exterior surface of the limousine.
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If additional vehicle usage or transportation time is requested in excess of the original reservation.
Why is there such a price difference between limousine companies?
If you call several different companies for price quotations you will undoubtedly get a wide range of prices. Generally, you will find that several companies will quote prices within a similar range with a few quoting significantly higher or lower. All professional, reputable limousine companies have similar expenses such as proper insurance, licenses and maintenance costs. Therefore, in order to run a quality service, reputable companies will have similar price quotes. Companies, who charge significantly less, may need to cut cost, which can translate to an inferior level of service. Cutting cost may translate to poorly maintained or fleet vehicles, poorly trained or not qualifies chauffeurs, unlicensed or uninsured operators, or part-time operators who run the limousine business at their convenience. Some companies may quote a lower price and then quote the same reservation to other clients for a much higher price. Such operators may call and cancel the previous reservation in favour of a better paying run.
How is the Limousines Rate determined?
The rate charged for the limousine service is based on several factors. The distance travelled, the length of time a vehicle is required, and time of reservation are all taken into consideration. The most economical reservation is what is called a "split" run. A split run is simply a pick up at one address, a trip to your destination and a return at a pre-arranged time. This allows us to book a run for the fleet vehicle during its "down" time (while you are not using it). Thus, you are not paying the chauffeur to sit and wait for you. We can provide a firm price quotation for split reservations. You may also reserve a limousine per hour of use, which is considerable more expensive, since you are paying to keep the vehicle at your disposal for the entire time. We charge a minimum flat rate plus additional hourly charges. Some clients prefer to be charged an hourly rate if their circumstances require for them to go to several destinations.
Under what circumstances will BET cancel a reservation?
BET reserves the right to cancel any reservation under the following circumstances:
- Clients endanger themselves or the chauffeur.
- Excessively inappropriate behavior.
- Verbal or Physical abuse of the chauffeur.
- Non Payment.
- Smoking inside the Limousine.
- Damages caused by clients to any property of BET Limousines.
- Clients can not be located within 30-minutes of pre-arranged pick-up time at pick up location.
- If reservation is cancelled for any of the reasons listed above, full payment is still required.
How are gratuities handled?
A gratuity for the driver is customary. Standard gratuity is generally 15% of the total bill. If you wish, we can add the gratuity to the invoice. In the unlikely event the chauffeur did not provide you with courteous and timely service, feel free to contact our office and we will refund any pre-paid gratuities.
How much luggage can you fit in a limousine?
Stretch limousines provide the same amount of trunk space as non-stretch limousines. Trunk space can usually accommodate 4 large suitcases and 3-4 carry-on pieces. If you feel the number of pieces travelling with you exceeds this maximum, or if you have large items such as golf clubs, snowboards or ski equipment, please inform our office at the time of booking so we can make arrangements to accommodate such large items. Luggage in the passenger compartment of the limousine is not permitted.
Do you charge for extra stops along the way?
Yes. Extra stops, even if on-route are chargeable. We can quote you a rate based on the details of your reservation.
Can we rent a limousine for less than 4 hours for a wedding?
Generally, for an occasion such as a Wedding, our large selection of limousine fleet is rented for a minimum of 6 hours.
Why are weddings priced at a premium?
Weddings are the main reason for limousine companies to maintain a fleet of larger, more expensive vehicles. These cars cost in excess of $100,000.00 and are extremely expensive to operate and maintain. Operators must make sure their costs are covered and reasonable profit margin is maintained in order to stay in business. Therefore, this type of service is priced at a level that reflects the cost of providing excellent service and well maintained, fine limousine vehicles.
TOP 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A LIMO COMPANY!
1. What happens if your limousine breaks down, will they have a back-up?
2. Does a company have and is it able to provide proof of licenses?
3. Does a company have and is it able to provide proof of insurance?
4. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if a limo company has any complaints filed against it.
5. Once you make a reservation, request for the limo company to send or fax you a booking confirmation.
6. Find out if the limo company has a cancellation policy.
7. What type of limo do you require? Don't assume that when you rent a limo that every limousine service has the same cars!
8. What is the make and model of the limousine? Make sure that you are not renting a limo from an old fleet.
9. Will your limo smell of smoke?
10. Are special packages available for weddings? If so, what are the details?
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