We went out for what was supposed to be a romantic dinner last night. We changed-up the place - so instead of Ocean Club in Kierland we choose McCormick & Schmick's off of 25th and Camelback. So maybe I was already a bit upset because we weren't going to as nice of a place as I'd hoped. But we had attended a networking event for the Phoenix Convention and Visitor's Bureau at McCormick & Schmick's and I had it on my agenda to go back and dine there.
I figured it would be pretty nice with am entrée price average of $20-30 - certainly better ambiance and food than your average restaurant. But it starts off from the beginning wrong. The hostess seats us at a dirty table. 98% of the rest of the tables were fully set with glasses, flatware, napkins - and 98% of the rest of the place was empty - no other patrons.
But she leads us to the table that is dirty and not set. I make mention of how dirty the table is after the hostess wipes the table - but leaves a bunch of bread crumbs still sitting right in front of me. She gets flustered and takes off and sends the server over to finish setting the table and wiping it down.
The food was pretty disappointing too - with shrimp cocktail that tasted as if it had freezer burn (not fresh?!), rubbery lobster and fatty sirloin for me. The fish dish that James got was much better.
I think that my experience was ruined right from that first impression. To choose that dirty, un-prepped table set the tone for disappointment. Probably not unlike a limo experience where the chauffeur hasn't started the radio in the back with some easy listening or top 40 music, started the fiber optics lighting and made sure the seats and carpets were wiped down and looking good.
Hopefully our chauffeurs have been following our traning and have the limo prepped so our clients don't experience the same disappointment that I did last night with McCormick & Schmick's. First impressions count for a lot in a highly competitive service-oriented business.
Spa Lamar is located in the heart of Scottsdale off of Scottsdale Road just north of Chaparral. I drove past the building for years not realizing that a little slice of heaven was just up the road from my favorite shopping at Scottsdale Fashion square.
When you walk into Spa Lamar you are greeted with a warm welcome from the front desk and a cute shopping area with all sorts of items like from lotions to health and wellness books.
The spa is huge - with room after room set up to pamper you. Hair salon, manicure and pedicure room, sauna and steam room, massage rooms (including a couples massage room). There is even a dance studio where they teach dance lessons according to my tour guide.
Spa Lamar is a great way to show your appreciation to your bridesmaids and help them have a beautiful glow for the big day. This is one of the few spas I've found that can accommodate up to 30 people at the same time for spa treatments - but book early!
Your bridal party can enjoy a massage to rejuvenate and facial for a beautiful complexion. Or the morning of the big day - get your tresses, toes and make-up done so you are all picture perfect.
Couple a day at the spa with transportation in a beautiful limo so you don't have to deal with traffic after your relaxing treatments and can enjoy some champagne on the ride there and back. Our spa and limo packages are a delight to bridal parties!
Also enjoying the spa and limo packages is a great option for the visitors to Arizona. While the husbands are at Scottsdale's beautiful golf courses - the ladies can be enjoying the steam rooms and saunas. Any service at Spa Lamar over $50 gives you all-day access to their heated pool, Whirlpool, Steam Room and Sauna.
Really, the spa and limo package is great "diva day party" for any group of girlfriends - and a full agenda starts at only $99 including spa treatment, limo ride and lunch. We all deserve a little pampering - and it is more fun when you pamper yourself with all your girlfriends.
Low cost of entry -
It's a pretty easy business to get into - you can spend as little as $5k-$20k for a old beater Lincoln limo or converted school bus into a party bus. Better yet - use your (hopefully) good credit and finance a newer vehicle. Get insurance - this can be more difficult - the liability of moving passengers and making sure your broker is selling you the correct insurance for your size vehicle can be a few stumbling blocks - especially if you don't have a good driving record. Make sure you are licensed with the local regulating authority(s). Then spend some money on advertising to make the phone ring and make some bookings.
In the beginning you can drive yourself - especially since the easiest business to get is retail/social so you can take calls during the day - and drive at night. Seems kinda fun to be out in the party scene or at celebrations like weddings - but as the sober chauffeur.
Organization is key -
If you don't have a good software system or ability to track your reservations, you can actually ruin somebody's important event. You don't want to be that limo company that no-showed for a wedding - bride and groom standing there a little tipsy - wondering how they are going to get to their hotel. Or be late for an airport pick up so the traveler had to jump in a cab - very upset because you've already charged his credit card.
Margins are slim -
The biggest problem in this business is not making enough per vehicle and spending too much. You start growing and adding vehicles to your fleet. Your payments go up and your insurance goes up. You spend more money on advertising to get those vehicles moving. Because you are so busy getting vehicles serviced and booking reservations since your phones have gotten busier - you stop driving and hire chauffeurs.
Now you have staff and all that associated cost. Then it gets a little slow for a few weeks (or months like it does in Phoenix during the hot summers) and your staff is bored and hungry for work, and you are starting to crack under the weight of all your overhead. You wonder why you got into this mess in the first place. So you discount your rates to try and "make it up in volume".
So then the marketplace becomes accustomed to paying crazy low prices like $95-$110 per hour for a Hummer limo (when in most markets Hummer limos are $150+ per hour for this $110,000+ vehicle).
Then the economy goes into a downturn and people aren't spending money on entertainment and travel and then you start to get really desperate to make the payments, insurance, payroll, advertising, etc.
So then you really start to drop the price. Just to make the payments and insurance - you let everybody go and you stop advertising. And then - what I feel is the worst case scenario happens - the marketplace really gets wind of our industry's desperation. You have prospects calling you saying "I have $300 that is all I want to spend for 6 hours in a Hummer limo". They think they are in the power position.
I don't think anybody would ever think of walking into a Morton's Steakhouse and said "I have $50 - I want a 2 filets, 2 salads and 2 sodas and $50 including tip is all I want to spend".
But restaurants haven't let the marketplace think they are desperate (at least until they shut their doors). Because we have such a low cost of entry into our business we have a lot of very small, under-capitalized limo business owners signaling their desperation to the market-place. They make the prospects believe they will do anything to move their vehicles. Not even giving thought to making sure they cover actual costs like payroll and fuel.
It is a crazy time and I hope that this market-place in Arizona recovers quickly because, if not, I believe that many of the specialty limo businesses will be out of business forever. Those companies running the pretty limos like Hummers and Chrysler limos - so popular for social events - are going to fold. And the only limo businesses left will be the ones running sedans, SUVs and buses. Great businesses - but not the fancy vehicles that many people imagine for their wedding or prom.
I guess there could be a new generation of people thinking what a great business it would be to start a limo business - not too expensive to get into. . . and they can start the whole cycle over again.
As I sit down to think of another topic to write about I am struck with the duh moment - why blog? What is so important about blogging as a limousine company business owner in 2009?
The most important reason I can think of is that the comments on the bottom of the blog give readers a chance to publish their opinions. Their ideas. Their reaction to what we (the limo company writers - and hopefully some guest bloggers in the future) are talking about.
Sometimes we get in our own little world. It's all about limos, sedans, SUVs, party buses in our world. We get dozens and dozens of phone calls and on-line quotes a day. We do our little pitch with the price and service. Then we wait - will this person book? What is their "hot button" that will cause them to order service?
With the blog hopefully it will be a two-way street. Not just our ideas and our own little world. Hopefully we will publish good concepts or ideas, tips and travel advice, stories and issues that can help our prospective clients.
Let us know what you like or your don't like - use the comments area to talk to us!! If you feel strongly about a subject maybe you would like to be a guest blogger?
I can always be reached at rachel@inthescenelimousine.com or at 602-996-5466.
We had to go to court today for a restitution hearing for a person who burglarized 3 of our limos/party buses in November 2008. We got our restitution amount settled - hopefully we will see some money out of this person - personally I would much rather have not been burglarized. This robber has been in jail before for drug charges and it is suspected that he was using drugs when he committed the crimes.
It was a sad day in court - we heard sentencing cases for domestic violence and child abuse while the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol. He professed to being grateful for his new-found sobriety and for the help of Child Protective Services and court ordered classes on how to be a better father and husband.
But the most heart wrenching case to hear was the sentencing of a man for his 2nd DUI. He was sitting in the courtroom with his wife and mother-in-law. They were hugging and sobbing the man as he went up to address the court. They knew this would be the last time they held onto him as a free man for a while. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison. 4 1/2 years. Because he decided to drive after he had been drinking. When the Judge issued the sentencing the wife sobbed louder. As the man was walked out by the police officer he mouthed to her "I love you" with tears streaming down his face.
This is your average Joe - he wasn't represented by an attorney - just the public defender. Maybe the type of person who could afford sedan service would also be able to afford a defense attorney and not have been sentenced to such a long prison time.
I'm sure this average Joe thought in his mind before this arrest and conviction that he couldn't afford sedan service. But now - as he loses out on the ability to make money for himself and his family for the next 4 years - wonder what he would think of a sedan or chauffeured transportation when we wants to drink now?
So it is your birthday celebration or you are planning your best friend's bachelor party. You want to go out to the bars and celebrate with all your friends. You are the party organizer - the planner - but does that mean you have to be the purchaser of the limo or party bus (so you and your friends can have all drink without the worry of a DUI)? Not anymore if you use technology right!
Here is how you leverage technology to have everybody pitch in for the limo/party bus:
1. Use Evite - Set up an account in Evite and create your party invitation with the theme, date, times, all the details.
2. Click on Invitation Options and choose Requests Payments from your Guests.
3. Set a price per guest - so if the limo or party bus costs $750 complete for the night and you expect 17 party goers - maybe make the cost be $50 per head ($850 total). This gives you a little wiggle room - in case some people you were counting on say they can't attend. If you get all 17 people - you can buy some decorations for the limo or some alcohol to enjoy on-board with the $100 extra.
4. Set up a Paypal account - Evite has teamed up with PayPal to allow you to collect money for your events.
Directly from Evite's website "Now your guests can safely and easily pay you back online. Enter the amount you wish to collect. Note: Paypal may charge a fee for their service. Please visit Paypal for more information."
5. Send the invitation out and watch the replies and money come rolling in to pay you back for the limo/party bus for the evening.
Important cautions -
-Most limo companies are going to want only ONE credit card for the reservation and usually at least 50% non-refundable deposit to secure the reservation. Many Friday and Saturdays book early - so you will probably need to book the limo before you have launched the invitation.
-Most limo companies use that credit card on file to charge for any damages or overtime. If your friend throws up on-board the limo - collect the damage fees from your friend that night, because that fee will be applied to your credit card.
That's it - a great way to make sure and collect money from your friends for a great night out. Make sure you aren't stuck holding the bill for the festivities by using Evite and Paypal!
Prom is a huge event in every teenagers life. Once you find the perfect date and the perfect outfit, your next goal is to arrive in style. There are many limousine companies out there so how do you choose and what do you look for?
There is a lot more to consider than just the price of your limousine - many limousine companies use stock photos on their website - so the limousine you rent may not be the one you see on the website. You wouldn't buy a car without seeing it right? You are welcome to come down to our office to view the actual limos & party buses available for rental. Click here for a map of In The Scene Limousine office. Just give us a call to make sure the vehicle is not out on a reservation.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your Prom limousine or party bus ride more fun!
1. When you book your limo keep in mind that most companies will charge at least a 50% deposit which is non-refundable. Make sure that you are ready to book and that your friends won't flake out or your parents won't tell you the limo has to be canceled because of poor grades.
2. The chauffeur has a driver's license that is at stake if anything illegal occurs in the limo - and of course underage drinking is illegal. This means that your items will be searched for illegal contraband. And it means that the ride is over if we catch any minor drinking - even if they are not drinking in the limo. The teen can have an alcoholic seizure while we are transporting them - so if we smell it on your breath - the fun is over. We immediately call the parents, notify the on-site school officials, and possibly call the police. Make sure all the prom party-goers understand the rules. BOTTOM LINE - don't drink!
We have a Prom I Promise document that we email you to have read and completed before your Prom night. That way we know which passengers should be on-board the limo or party bus. And we ask that all passengers read and sign the I Promise document in advance of the night. This helps you ensure that everybody has a fun night and the rules are followed!
3. Make sure the company sends you a confirmation or you sign a contract. A reliable and professional limousine company sends you confirmations for your reservation. This way you know that your prom limo or prom party bus is coming on your big day!
4. Your Prom is very important to us and being on time is crucial. We have an on time guarantee so that you will arrive in style and on time!
5. The person driving you is also very important. Ask about the chauffeurs. You want to make sure that the person driving you is going to get you there safely and has a great personality. All of our chauffeurs go through extensive training. They are randomly drug and alcohol tested as well as properly licensed and insured.
6. Not only do you want the outside of your vehicle to look good, but the inside is important too. Ask if the company has a detail staff to clean the vehicles. We have staff to wash and maintain the vehicles daily. We wash and sanitize our glassware. Some companies just use windex!
7. Lastly Prom Packages are a great way to make your special evening even more fabulous. Does the company have any special packages to make your night even better? In The Scene Limousine has a Prom Package to make you feel even more special on your important night. We roll out a red carpet for you to enter your limo in style! We also include balloons, water, ice, soda, and apple cider.
Prom is an extremely important event and you want everything to go just as planned. Book your prom limousine with In The Scene Limousine and enjoy a smooth, stylish ride!
NBA All Star in town was fantastic for In The Scene Limousine! Many people in town with money to spend - despite the economic downturn.
It was amusing to watch our call volume spike right after the NBA All Star game (and the game was great - the West won - good job guys! That between the legs shot that Shaq did was amazing!) Right at 9:45 pm - as soon as the game ended - we started getting the calls for limo rides.
You know you are going to have some drinks at the game and then want to go out afterward - to celebrate a victory or drown your sorrows - especially since there were so many parties and events in town.
You have a group of yourself and 8 of your closest friends. A taxicab won't work because you want to drink on board and of course a taxi doesn't fit you style, or fit all 9 of you.
Plan ahead a little bit and give us a couple hours notice at least. Our chauffeurs have to shower (we hope!), get dressed up in a suit, drive down to our office, prep the limo/party bus - making sure it is stocked with ice, any party package you ordered (congrats sign, red carpet, etc.), making sure the vehicle is fueled up, clean, and with all working amenities. Then he or she has to drive to pick you up.
All of this takes time. We are not like a taxicab company - just randomly driving around hoping somebody will call us for a fare. So plan ahead a little and you and you friends can roll around in style - for super discounted prices Sunday-Thursday.
Even though the NBA All Star game is in town this weekend In The Scene Limousine still has some availability. Those stars and athletes like the SUVs and sedans (little more incognito I guess!). So limos and party buses are still available this weekend and we do not have outrageous pricing!
Take a limo to any of these fine restaurants voted the Best of Citysearch in Phoenix. Reservations strongly suggested for this busy weekend!
And call us at 602-996-5466 to reserve your beautiful limousine or party bus for your Valentine sweetie!
The Capital Grille
2502 E Camelback Rd , Phoenix , AZ , 85016
Award-winning steaks and first class service make for a four-star dining experience.
Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
11111 N Seventh St , Phoenix , AZ , 85020-1176
Enjoy an adventurous menu while dining with an unsurpassed view of the city.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 290 , Phoenix , AZ , 85016
Sophisticated American chain serves up corn-fed USDA prime cuts and New Orleans-style appetizers and sides.
Furio
7210 E Second St , Scottsdale , AZ , 85251-5602
Diminutive Old Town Scottsdale lounge and restaurant features happy-hour bargains and unique cocktails.
Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
11111 N Seventh St , Phoenix , AZ , 85020-1176
Enjoy an adventurous menu while dining with an unsurpassed view of the city.
T. Cook's
5200 E Camelback Rd , Phoenix , AZ , 85018
Romantics will fall in love with this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.
Wrigley Mansion Club
2501 E Telewa Trl , Phoenix , AZ , 85016
The luxurious meals at this historic mansion let diners live the high life at an affordable price.
Salt Cellar Restaurant
550 N Hayden Rd , Scottsdale , AZ , 85257
Classic seafood served in a subterranean setting.
Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar
7000 E Shea Blvd #1010 , Scottsdale , AZ , 85254
Sup on uncommon, interesting recipes and wine selections from around the globe.
Tarbell's
3213 E Camelback Rd , Phoenix , AZ , 85018-2307
Understated Camelback Corridor mainstay features bold cuisine and a wide-ranging wine list.
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So we've all done it - had a few too many drinks and said the classic line "I'm okay - I can drive" after drinking a few or many cocktails. In this case they had a child - a beautiful little 6 year old that they would be driving too. And of course it is a felony to be caught drunk driving with a child on-board.
The Superbowl game was great! I would have been much happier if the Cardinals won - but they showed up to the dance and did a GREAT job - it was exciting, a real nail-bitter. Beer, Jaggermeister, vanilla vodka flowing freely and creating a few drama scenes as alcohol often does.
But us as the hosts - to see good friends of ours say they can drive - this after slurring for the last few hours (and being teased for it!).
Of course we did the right thing and drove their car home - following with ours. But how many others on the road that night were driving after a few too many? How many hosts of Superbowls parties stay sober to make sure their friends get home ok?
The tragedy is in the what could have happened when the "I'm okay I Can Drive" words are spoken. . .
