Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Recent Client Review

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Here is recent review from a client:

“Hey Frank!

Birthday Limo in Phoenix

Birthday Limo in Phoenix

Birthday Limousine in Phoenix AZ

Birthday Limousine in Phoenix AZ

I just wanted to write you letting you know how great your service was for my boyfriend’s bday surprise. From letting us look at the fleet to answering all my emails and calls. The limo was on time and spotless. Jason the driver was awesome! He was professional and he was very nice. We had a blast and will be looking forward to using Platinum in the future. Thanks again!

A happy Customer

-I attached some pictures from last night!”

Signing off,

Frankie

Responses from our clients

Friday, November 11th, 2011

After answering our phones for 10 years one thing I know is that clients are nervous when reserving a limo in Phoenix. They want to be reassured that they have made the right decision and chosen the right company for their event.

I tell clients the bullet points of our resume:

  • We have been in business for 10 years
  • Platinum Ride Limos is a family run business
  • Our limo company has earned an A++ rating with the BBB
  • The average year of our fleet is 2009

The truth is I think a lot of that goes in one ear and out the other.

What I think really resonates with potential clients is the opinions of our past clients.

Here are opinions of past clients who used Platinum Ride Limos in Phoenix.

Here are a few notes to us from past clients:

“Hi Joey, We all had a great time this weekend. It’s all everyone has talked about since.  Steve and Albert were great to us also. I told them thank you and very well may have given them a hug (it was late so I can’t remember) but they were great.

I found you guys and a couple other companies in the same google search. There was another company that was used for a bus a couple weeks ago and PR Limosines definitely impressed us compared to the other company. I think the only thing I heard feedback was that the CD player was skipping.

Hope you and your brother were able to enjoy the holiday weekend. Stevie”

Meredith Sweet 16 Limo in Phoenix

Meredith Sweet 16 Limo in Phoenix

“The girls said the driver was great. I found you on the internet. We’d certainly consider you guys again in the future.

Thanks for the great service.

Andy”

“Hi Joey. The service was excellent. Look forward to continually using your services. Thanks. David”

“Hi Joey,

Once again, fantastic service.  Bryan said, “I believe we’ve found our guys!”

Like I have stated to you in the past, we’ve been through several transportation services over the past 6 years because of poor service….the first one or two transfers go well then it goes downhill.  You guys have been top notch and we have a great feeling you will continue to be.

Bryan and I look forward to a long lasting business relationship with Platinum Rides.

~Jen”

Let me know what you think?

Do these kind words from past client make you feel better about making a reservation with Platinum Ride Limo and Party Buses?

Signing Off,

Frankie

Limo Prices in the Phoenix Area

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

Limo Prices in the Phoenix Area

I wanted to take this time to write about the state of limousine prices and party bus prices in the Phoenix area.

I started Platinum Ride Limousines back in 2001. It was not called Platinum rides then I had bought the company known as Hummer Style Limousines and soon after changed the name.

Reflecting back on those early days recently, I was remembering how hard it was. I remember talking to people on the phone and all they asked for were Hummers, but not the H2’s they weren’t in production yet they were looking for those hulking H1’s.

There were only a couple of them in the valley and we didn’t have one. In early 2003 the new H2’s were hitting the streets and making their big splash on the market. I am proud to say that Platinum Ride Limos had one of the first H2 Stretch Limos the valley and it was a beautiful custom SILVER!

H2 Hummer Limo

H2 Hummer Limo

From that point I took my brother Joe on as a partner and we quickly grew and became a trend setter in the Phoenix area. At that time reservations were usually only 4 hours on Friday and Saturday nights because the bars closed at 1:00am. But that changed as well and the last call time was extended to 2:00am which was a huge boost for business.

Now the hourly minimum was 5 to 6 hours on those busy weekend nights. That was a big help in our ability to offer the newest and most exotic fleet of limos in Arizona. You see, those H2’s were well over $100,000 and the insurance on most limos is ridiculous. We need to be able to justify making that kind of investment. Three and four hour reservations just wouldn’t cut the mustard.

Nowadays, limo buses in Phoenix are the vehicle of choice. Every other phone call is looking for a party bus for Saturday night. In our business we have to maximize the Saturday night crowds because 99 out of 100 clients are looking to get a limo on Saturday night. If you do that simple math, we have to generate enough money in 52 Saturdays a year to pay the vehicle payment, insurance, drivers, gas, utilities, office rent, etc… If we can have some good, Friday nights that is definitely a plus but it’s easier said than done.

Platinum Rides has remained committed to offering the newest fleet of limos & party buses anywhere in Arizona. But that comes with a cost. A ton of wanna be limo and party bus companies have popped up offering what seems to be great deals for party buses.

The only problem is they are most often Frankenstein, back yard converted airport shuttle buses or as I like to refer to them “PUKE WAGONS”.

These buses aren’t DOT compliant and are a danger to anyone who rides in them.

It may seem like a great deal, I mean we charge $125-$150 for one of our $150,000 party buses with all of the newest technologies and built by reputable builders and these guys charge $90-$100 for their $15,000, 15 year old bus built by Larry the Cable Guy in their back yard.

The point I’m trying to make is that you as a client expect a few things when you book a limo:

Limo Bus in Arizona

Limo Bus in Arizona

  • You expect a new clean vehicle
  • You expect a professional driver
  • You expect great customer service
  • You expect the company to have all the required insurances
  • You expect a safe vehicle abiding by the laws DOT regulations

The truth is when you book a limo or party bus from Platinum Ride Limousines that is exactly what you get. However, when you book a limo or party bus from Larry the Cable Guy you’re getting the guys that are cutting the corners and giving you the very least for a slightly lower price.

My brother Joe and I could probably make more money going the Frankenstein, PUK WAGON route but we just aren’t built that way. Money isn’t everything and our reputation isn’t for sale.

Keep this in mind as your calling around looking for limo prices in Phoenix. There is value in the service we provide and that value is greater because we not only give you what you expect but more than that we live up to our reputation.

Do you have a Frankenstein Limo or Party Bus story?

Signing off,

Frankie

New Limos in Phoenix

Monday, August 1st, 2011

New Limos in Phoenix

Platinum Ride Limousines has been busy upgrading their fleet. We boast about having the newest fleet in town and we back it up by adding 3 of the newest limos in the Phoenix area.

2011 Chrysler 300 Stretch with Lambo doors!

2011 Chrysler 300 Limo in Phoenix

2011 Chrysler 300 Limo in Phoenix

2011 “G6” Party Bus seats up to 30 passengers!

2011 G6 Party Bus

2011 G6 Party Bus

2011 Lincoln Stretch Limousine!

There is no doubt we have the newest and the best. Platinum Rides has always been a leader in the valley. We understand that clients expect a new, clean fleet of well, maintained vehicles. In addition to this, they expect professional chauffeurs ready to serve.

Offering a great price for the best vehicles is the way we make our clients coming back time and time again.

What do you think about  our new additions?

Have any suggestions for our next vehicle?

Signing off,

Frankie

Quinceaneras not just a birthday!

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Platinum Ride Limos has been servicing Quniceaneras, or Qunices for short, for 10 years now. Since the day we started our limo company they have been a very important part of our business success.

Party Bus for Quinceaneras

Party Bus for Quinceaneras

A Quince is when a Hispanic girl turns 15 years old. Similar to a Sweet 16 birthday it really does carry a lot more meaning and tradition. This tradition dates back to the Aztecs around 500 B.C. It is a religious celebration for the family and their daughter who is turning 15. The day is focused on her maturity and the responsibilities that come along with this big day.

The day of the Quince is long and filled with a traditional mass and special Quinceanera church service. After this there is a choreographed dance for the Quince and her Chambalanes & Damas. These are the boys and girls chosen to participate in the Quince ceremony. The entire party is dressed in carefully chosen tuxedos and dresses much like a wedding. The Quinceaneras dress is very extravagant and yes that usually translates into very expensive. LOL. The dance is performed at the reception hall or salon as they are called. In between the church services and the reception the Quince and her party go to several locations for professional pictures and videos.

After those pictures are done this is the time Quince’s look forward to. It’s time for her and her friends to cruise the town in style in a limousine or party bus! The radio goes up and the friends and family chosen to stand up can let loose a little before the reception. Loud music and dancing are what she wants and that’s exactly what she gets on the day of her Quinceanera.

This is a once in a lifetime event and no expense is spared. If you aren’t familiar you might ask yourself how can the parents afford such an extravagant party? Another great part of the Quince tradition is the entire family pitches in taking some of the burden off of the parents. They are called Padrinos & Madrinas. Somebody will pay for the DJ, some will pay for the reception hall, some the Quinceanera limousine or party bus, you get the picture.

As I stated earlier Quinceanera’s have always been a big part of what we do at Platinum Rides for a couple of reasons first, Quinceanera Parties aren’t seasonal, they go on all year long and that is good during the Summer months in Arizona when everybody scrambles to get out of our heat we still have those events booking. The second reason is I just think it is a tremendous tradition for family. It is a family celebration and being Italian I can certainly appreciate anything that brings family together to celebrate. In the end no matter how good or bad things get in this crazy world family and friends are what make it all worth while. I can’t tell you how may times we have given a little better deal to a family after they brought us food to our office to sweeten the deal. You may laugh but it’s true, we get invited to a lot of the Quinceanera’s as well. That too me is the best compliment a client can give us. After coming down to our office and all of us just talking about this big family event and not only do they trust us with their daughter’s Quince they invite us to the event as well. Treating us like friends after only knowing us for a short while. That is special to us and I can’t tell you how many bad days I have had when a family coming down to the office to book a limousine for a Quince has just made my day!

Signing off,

Frankie

Summer Deals!!!

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Summer Deals!

Summer Time is a great time for you to get the best prices for Limos in Phoenix Area.

Most people are thinking of somewhere other than Phoenix for their vacation plans to beat the heat. But for those of you like myself that are stuck here make the most of it PARTY IT UP!!!

Check out our G6 Party Bus

Check out our G6 Party Bus

Get a Party Bus in Scottsdale and check out the nightlife. The clubs have some great deals too and believe it or not there is another new club in Scottsdale named MINT.

I have been hearing some great things about club MINT if you check it out let me know what you think by responding to this blog. If you do post a comment I’ll give a discount on a Limo or Party Bus in Arizona.

Have fun, be safe, stay cool and get a limo or party bus and party it up!

Signing off,

Frankie

Arizona Limo Company on the Move!

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Arizona Limo Company on the Move!

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses is moving forward with a stategically planned expansion.

We are getting more limos! To put it simply.

We just received a brand new 2011 25-30 pass Party Bus as well as a 2011 8-10 pass Lincoln Stretch Limo. In addition to these we expect delivery of a 2011 Chrysler 300 in mid-June.

2011 new Party Bus "G6"

2011 new Party Bus "G6"

Platinum Ride Limousines is always trying to keep up with the latest styles and technologies and these vehicles have them.

The truth is you expect the best when booking a limo in Phoenix and a lot of Limo companies in Phoenix have forgotten that. The trend is to keep older model vehicles much longer. These companies may offer slighter better prices but they should be as they are offering a lesser product.

I know first-hand, companies that offer Party Buses in Phoenix that are 15, 20 and even 25 years old! They offer slightly lower rates but they should they offer a lesser product. In a lot of cases these vehicles don’t meet DOT compliance which may not mean anything to you now, but there are vehicle enforcement units that have impounded vehicles on site. Leaving clients stranded at their event. That may be the least of your worries though because these vehicles are safety hazards as well.

Clients call me everyday asking me for rates and saying they don’t care if their party bus is old they want the cheapest price. Then the same clients call me on Saturday night begging me for a vehicle to come and help them because the vehicle they reserved and got a great price on just broke down!

I tell you with all sincerity it happens every week.

Have a bad limo or party bus story to tell me?

If I post it I will give you a discount on a limo!

Give us a call and come down to check out our newest vehicle additions. We are going to do a great job for you.

Signing off,

Frankie

Why Party Bus & Limo Rates are Higher for Prom Dates

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Limo & Party Bus rentals in Phoenix are much higher for Saturdays in April and May. There are a few reasons why:

  1. It is high wedding season in Arizona and most weddings are on Saturdays.
  2. Because it is high wedding season there are also a ton more bachelor & bachelorette parties.
  3. It is also High Prom Season and most of those Proms are on Saturdays.
  4. We normally sell out on Saturdays any time of year.

Basically, we have 4 times the amount of clients all planning their events on Saturdays. One thing we always do here when taking calls for potential reservations is try to get an idea of your plans. What is the event? What times are you looking for? How many guests will you have? All of these things will help us to make good suggestions for you.

If it is your Prom and it is on a Saturday during this season there isn’t a whole lot we can do about the pricing. The rate will only go up the longer you wait. As availability goes down throughout the valley price will inevitably go up. I did write my previous blog  with suggestions and tips to not get ripped off on your prom limo. Click here to read this blog.

Joey & Farressa's Wedding

If you are planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party in Scottsdale we always suggest moving your event date to a Friday or even Thursday. This cuts the price in half or sometimes more. Most people respond by moving the date. We also make this suggestion to our regular clients who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or any other event that can be moved.

Every industry has busy seasons and slow seasons. Pricing fluxuates the same way, up when busy and down when slow. Some parents get upset and accuse limo companies of gouging kids for every last dollar. What we explain to those parents is that the prices are higher not because it is their son or daughters prom but instead because of the date their prom falls on. Some schools plan their proms on Fridays and in that case the kids get rates that are more comparable to normal rates. It’s their prom but it’s on a Friday not a Saturday.

Vica versa, in July when the valley empties out and retreats to anywhere cooler than here, our rates drop dramatically trying to earn the same business that every other limo company is with half the potential clients.

The number one thing we all try to stress to people is that we are a hard working company. We all have one goal here and that is to do a great job for each and every guest of Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses.

Signing Off,

Frankie

Afraid of getting RIPPED OFF on your Prom Limo?

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

Prom time is when a lot of clients can get ripped off.Limos & Party Buses in Phoenix are in short supply.Think about it,most of the calls getting price rates is done by the prom goers,usually 17 or 18 years old.The reservations they are looking into are $1,000,$2,000,and upwards of $3,000!That is a lot of money and sometimes it is just too easy for somebody to take advantage of the youth and inexperience.

The fact is we get hundreds of calls everyday from people looking for Prom Limos in Scottsdale and the only thing anyone seems to care about is getting the cheapest price for their prom. This is no time to be going cheap cause in our business:

  • Cheap doesn’t show up to pick you and your friends up for the prom
  • Cheap shows up in a puke wagon not a party bus
  • Cheap breaks down on your way to the prom
  • Cheap gets you broken windows boarded up with plywood for your wonderful night
  • Cheap gets you a rude and unprofessional driver
  • Cheap give you no options cause you paid cash to get a deal
  • Cheap leaves you out in the cold with no options cause there aren’t any limos or party buses left in town

Here are some ways to not get ripped off:

  • Get a contract
  • Ask what year is the vehicle
  • Check the BBB
  • Check online reviews
  • Don’t pay cash use a credit card
  • Parents get involved with the reservation
  • Go down to the companies office and view the vehicle you want to reserve before you make a reservation
  • Ask about the companies insurance
  • Ask About the companies DOT compliance
  • Drivers qualifications

Believe it or not we know what we are talking about and I want you to be weary of bad companies providing bad service and sometimes operating illegally and unsafely.

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses

www.RIDEPRLIMO.com 602.230.7433

Think it doesn’t happen?

I had a client last year write up a full page letter to me after her daughters prom explaining how glad she was she took my advise. Her daughters’ friends booked 2 party buses from other companies but she had chosen ours. She wrote that we were more expensive than the other quotes they had gotten but she felt comfortable with us after coming down to our office and seeing the vehicle and looking into our company.

Her daughter’s friends did not, and when their Party Buses in Phoenix showed up they looked like fuel guzzeling puke wagons. Oh and by the way both those buses broke down during the reservation and I was told that her friends paid cash, NO REFUNDS.

She went on in her letter to thank us and that she and her daughter were so glad they made the decision to choose our company.

I want you to know that everyone here has one goal and that is to do a great job for each and every one of our guests.

But I know after reading this some people will not heed my warning and can you blame them?

I mean, what do I know I have only been in the limo business in Phoenix for 10 years!

Signing off,

Frankie

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses

www.RIDEPRLIMO.com 602.230.7433

My Limo company has a REP to Protect!

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

You would be surprised how many of our main competitors have bad rating with the BBB and poor reviews on the web just flat a poor reputation.Although we are not a BBB member we do make sure that our rating with them is accurate and I am proud to say that Platinum Ride Limousines has an A+ rating.I do also check into how our competitors are doing.I am honestly surprised that so many of our competitors have such poor reviews.

I also spend time every week looking through limo rental reviews in Arizona. I look through our limo and party bus reviews and I am proud to say we have all great reviews and no bad ones.

I cannot say the same about our competition. After searching through our competitions reviews I noticed that a lot of companies have no reviews at all. That should be a red flag that either they haven’t been in business very long or they had all the reviews removed to hide the bad ones.

Then there are companies with dozens of reviews some good and some bad. I read most of them and I cannot believe how bad some of the reviews are.

The way I look at it we can learn something from reading another companies bad reviews. I try to pin down the real issue the client had with my competitor. Was it billing, was it service related that can help me to look into the mirror per se and see where Platinum Rides can improve.

We aren’t perfect, but I feel very strongly that the hard work we put in along with an honest and persistant sense of self evaluation is what makes us a great limo and party bus company in Arizona.

I can truly say with all sincerity, if you choose our company, we are going to do a great job for you.

Signing off,

Frankie