There are an increasing number of limo brokers and agents surfacing on the internet and the type and level of service you receive is likely to vary from company to company. First of all, you need to decide whether it is actually worth the effort, by the very nature of their business, they are at least one step removed from the limo company that would be providing the hire, in addition, there is no solid evidence that they will be any price benefits from using an agent or broker. In fact, because must will either charge a fee, or expect a 'commission from the limousine company, you may actually end up spending more. Lets look at what they offer in a little more detail, but remember, each company (agent or broker) will differ in what they offer, so you will need to make your own judgements.
Most brokers or agents will argue that they have a large database of limousine companies available to them, this would imply that there is either something unique in this regard or that it is difficult for the average consumer to find a limo company. Well, let us take a look at this claim, because with the internet at hand, you also have a large database of prospective limo companies available to you. A quick search on Google (UK) for 'pink limo hire' provides a result of 126,000 references. Or, we can try another search, the limousine industry is supported with a number of limousine directories and search of Google UK using the search term 'limousine directory' provides 8 different directories on the first page, each with their own database of companies offering limousines and, most are sorted by area, so finding a local company is surely not that difficult.
Perhaps then, the limo agent or broker, is offering better value that you could find if you were conducting your own search and negotiations. The agent or broker must make a living, unless of course, they are a registered charity. This means that a proportion of what you are paying will go back to the agent or broker. This may be transparent through a agent or brokers fee charged upfront, or it could be a that they receive a percentage of the hire charge, some may even receive both, a 'booking fee' and a percentage from the limo company. Either way, they will receive a percentage of what you are paying, just for providing a service that you could just as easily conduct yourself. There is no evidence that an agent or broker can secure you a better rate for the hire, in fact, to their credit, none of these agencies or brokers appear to make this claim, although you could argue that it is implied by some of their description. So unlike, for example, an insurance broker who would provide you with a range of quotes from named suppliers, a limo agent or broker does not promise to do this. Maybe this is because you could go direct and secure a better price, or perhaps, they don't actually go to more than one supplier, either way, it does not suggest that you will receive the best price available for your particular specifications.
If we assume, through the demonstration provided above, that there is no particular difficulty in finding a limousine company and there is almost certainly no financial benefit in using an agent or broker, then maybe there is some security provided in terms of the 'quality or reliability' of the limousine company proposed. Here a clue can be found in the terms and conditions of the agent or broker, if they continually refer to how they cannot be held responsible for anything, even though they have recommended the company, brokered the deal and processed your instructions then this should be a case of 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware'. The reality is, that a company can include whatever they want within their terms and conditions, but in many instances, these would not stand the test of a court case. Reading the terms and conditions will provide you with a 'flavour' of the company, particularly if you read them in tandem with their sales pitch. For example, if they state on their website that they will find you the exact limousine you want in order to seduce you into using them and then, their terms state for example, that they are entitled to substitute the limousine for another vehicle without recourse to you, then what does that really tell you?
Some agents and brokers will brag that they have some form of approval scheme or vetting procedure. It is far easier to make this statement than it is to deliver on the implied value of such schemes. For example, the agent or broker may claim to have vetted the limousine company to ensure that they have the appropriate licenses, insurance and certifications for their limousines. If true, that really does hold vale, but let us look at the claim in more detail. As a consumer, you should insist on knowing when the last time the company was vetted, what form did this take, can they (the broker or agent) provide any evidence that the company has an appropriate licence and insurance and more importantly, can they confirm that they are valid at the time you book and provide a guarantee that they will be valid on the date of your hire. In truth, it is virtually impossible for any agent or broker to provide these guarantees, unless that are very 'hands on' in which case they will provide you with the prerequisite undertakings. If they don't or can't, then you should ask them why they use terminology which would suggest or imply that their vetting procedures have some value.
Another important aspect for anyone looking to hire a limousine is what you are actually hiring, the reality is, you want to hire something special or a little different and deciding which one is right for you is a personal affair, much the same as when you are looking to buy clothes, only a few brave souls would leave it to their mum. So, don't let the agent or broker palm you off with a generic picture, you are probably going to spend quite a lot of money, so at the very least, you will want to see some pictures of the actual limo being offered to you. If they can't show you images of the limousine they are taking a booking on, then you would be much better off completing your own research, no argument!
Returning to the terms and conditions for the actual hire. You need to establish whether you will be required only to adhere to the terms and conditions of hire provided by the agent or broker, or if you will also be required to accept the terms and conditions of hire provided by the limousine company. This is a very important point. If you have to accept both sets of terms, then you need to know which set takes precedent in the event that they differ and, it is not unreasonable for you to ask, prior to booking, for a set of the limousine companies terms and conditions. If the agent or broker refuses, then it is unlikely you can be legally bound by any terms not disclosed. In addition, if you are asked to sign a separate set of terms and conditions, by the limousine company, which substantially or materially differs from those you accepted from the agent or broker, you would almost certainly be entitled to a refund of all monies paid, including any agency fees.
There is another interesting aspect to hiring a limousine through a broker or agent and that is who is legally responsible if there is a failure to perform to contract, for example the limousine company sends you the wrong colour limousine, they don't turn up, they cancel your hire etc. This is because, in the absence of a contract between you and the actual limousine company, which supersedes that provided by the broker or agent; the agent or broker is almost certainly responsible. Why? Because you have placed your business with them (the agent or broker), they have made an offer, which you have accepted, which, unless there are exceptional circumstances, makes it legally binding on both parties, especially where a deposit has been paid.
No article, such as this can be specific about any particular aspect of an agents or brokers business, nor does it seek to be. In fact, it may well throw up as many questions as it answers, but the fact remains that it is difficult to see what value is added from the consumers perspective. And, if something goes wrong, there is arguably, many unnecessary grey areas as to who is responsible for putting matters right. Here are a list of questions to ask of a limo agent or broker.
Most brokers or agents will argue that they have a large database of limousine companies available to them, this would imply that there is either something unique in this regard or that it is difficult for the average consumer to find a limo company. Well, let us take a look at this claim, because with the internet at hand, you also have a large database of prospective limo companies available to you. A quick search on Google (UK) for 'pink limo hire' provides a result of 126,000 references. Or, we can try another search, the limousine industry is supported with a number of limousine directories and search of Google UK using the search term 'limousine directory' provides 8 different directories on the first page, each with their own database of companies offering limousines and, most are sorted by area, so finding a local company is surely not that difficult.
Perhaps then, the limo agent or broker, is offering better value that you could find if you were conducting your own search and negotiations. The agent or broker must make a living, unless of course, they are a registered charity. This means that a proportion of what you are paying will go back to the agent or broker. This may be transparent through a agent or brokers fee charged upfront, or it could be a that they receive a percentage of the hire charge, some may even receive both, a 'booking fee' and a percentage from the limo company. Either way, they will receive a percentage of what you are paying, just for providing a service that you could just as easily conduct yourself. There is no evidence that an agent or broker can secure you a better rate for the hire, in fact, to their credit, none of these agencies or brokers appear to make this claim, although you could argue that it is implied by some of their description. So unlike, for example, an insurance broker who would provide you with a range of quotes from named suppliers, a limo agent or broker does not promise to do this. Maybe this is because you could go direct and secure a better price, or perhaps, they don't actually go to more than one supplier, either way, it does not suggest that you will receive the best price available for your particular specifications.
If we assume, through the demonstration provided above, that there is no particular difficulty in finding a limousine company and there is almost certainly no financial benefit in using an agent or broker, then maybe there is some security provided in terms of the 'quality or reliability' of the limousine company proposed. Here a clue can be found in the terms and conditions of the agent or broker, if they continually refer to how they cannot be held responsible for anything, even though they have recommended the company, brokered the deal and processed your instructions then this should be a case of 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware'. The reality is, that a company can include whatever they want within their terms and conditions, but in many instances, these would not stand the test of a court case. Reading the terms and conditions will provide you with a 'flavour' of the company, particularly if you read them in tandem with their sales pitch. For example, if they state on their website that they will find you the exact limousine you want in order to seduce you into using them and then, their terms state for example, that they are entitled to substitute the limousine for another vehicle without recourse to you, then what does that really tell you?
Some agents and brokers will brag that they have some form of approval scheme or vetting procedure. It is far easier to make this statement than it is to deliver on the implied value of such schemes. For example, the agent or broker may claim to have vetted the limousine company to ensure that they have the appropriate licenses, insurance and certifications for their limousines. If true, that really does hold vale, but let us look at the claim in more detail. As a consumer, you should insist on knowing when the last time the company was vetted, what form did this take, can they (the broker or agent) provide any evidence that the company has an appropriate licence and insurance and more importantly, can they confirm that they are valid at the time you book and provide a guarantee that they will be valid on the date of your hire. In truth, it is virtually impossible for any agent or broker to provide these guarantees, unless that are very 'hands on' in which case they will provide you with the prerequisite undertakings. If they don't or can't, then you should ask them why they use terminology which would suggest or imply that their vetting procedures have some value.
Another important aspect for anyone looking to hire a limousine is what you are actually hiring, the reality is, you want to hire something special or a little different and deciding which one is right for you is a personal affair, much the same as when you are looking to buy clothes, only a few brave souls would leave it to their mum. So, don't let the agent or broker palm you off with a generic picture, you are probably going to spend quite a lot of money, so at the very least, you will want to see some pictures of the actual limo being offered to you. If they can't show you images of the limousine they are taking a booking on, then you would be much better off completing your own research, no argument!
Returning to the terms and conditions for the actual hire. You need to establish whether you will be required only to adhere to the terms and conditions of hire provided by the agent or broker, or if you will also be required to accept the terms and conditions of hire provided by the limousine company. This is a very important point. If you have to accept both sets of terms, then you need to know which set takes precedent in the event that they differ and, it is not unreasonable for you to ask, prior to booking, for a set of the limousine companies terms and conditions. If the agent or broker refuses, then it is unlikely you can be legally bound by any terms not disclosed. In addition, if you are asked to sign a separate set of terms and conditions, by the limousine company, which substantially or materially differs from those you accepted from the agent or broker, you would almost certainly be entitled to a refund of all monies paid, including any agency fees.
There is another interesting aspect to hiring a limousine through a broker or agent and that is who is legally responsible if there is a failure to perform to contract, for example the limousine company sends you the wrong colour limousine, they don't turn up, they cancel your hire etc. This is because, in the absence of a contract between you and the actual limousine company, which supersedes that provided by the broker or agent; the agent or broker is almost certainly responsible. Why? Because you have placed your business with them (the agent or broker), they have made an offer, which you have accepted, which, unless there are exceptional circumstances, makes it legally binding on both parties, especially where a deposit has been paid.
No article, such as this can be specific about any particular aspect of an agents or brokers business, nor does it seek to be. In fact, it may well throw up as many questions as it answers, but the fact remains that it is difficult to see what value is added from the consumers perspective. And, if something goes wrong, there is arguably, many unnecessary grey areas as to who is responsible for putting matters right. Here are a list of questions to ask of a limo agent or broker.
