Posts Tagged ‘party bus in Phoenix’

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

The Best Limo Drivers

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

The Best Limo Drivers

 

People call us day and night looking for pricing and availability for their weddings,birthdays,night out,etc

Clients typically focus on price first and vehicle second,they rarely ask about our great drivers and the great service we provide week in and week out.

 

When renting a limo in Phoenix all of these things are important however,I feel very strongly that great service and fantastic drivers are a more important piece to the puzzle.

 

Jack the Phoenix Limo Driver

Jack the Phoenix Limo Driver

The way I see it, anybody can go out and buy a limo or party bus in Arizona and start driving people around town. That guy can go out and buy the fanciest limo and even give you a great price over the phone but can he deliver you great service?

 

Most times the answer is no and the reason is, because they don’t have the knowledge, experience or the passion to provide great consistant service.

 

First, there is knowledge, sure that guy can buy a limo get a phone number and start driving people around but he would be breaking the laws that govern limousines in Arizona. There are permits needed for the airport, insurance regulations, weights and measures requirements, DOT requirements, and so on and so on.

 

Next, experience, being prepared and having the support of a team to help the driver perform a great service, knowing what to do when challenges arise. You can have the coolest limo or party bus in the world but a lousy driver with no experience how to handle situations that arise can ruin that clients event.

 

Don’t believe me, google bad limo reviews and see what appears. You will read some horror stories about drivers who torment their clients, have no idea what they are doing or where they are going and more importantly are total unsafe drivers. Then you will read about all of the vehicle issues breakdowns, things not working, etc…

 

I am sure all of those clients thought they were getting a great deal but instead signed up for a nightmare limo ride. The really sad thing is you are held hostage at that point because you have a group of people you have planned this great event for and your mistake cannot be fixed to save the event.

 

Be careful and do your homework, check limousine and party bus reviews of the company you are considering. That isn’t enough, you can also check the BBB and see what their rating is with them. Unfortunately, companies can hide bad reviews by asking the website to not post any reviews good or bad or they simply change the name and add a new listing with a fresh start. There are several ways to hide or minimize poor reviews but if that company would just put in the effort they would not have to worry about such things.

 

Lastly, you have to have passion for the transportation biz. This is critical because it takes a lot of effort to provide a great vehicle, great drivers and great service for every reservation. It is a lot of late nights and early mornings driving, cleaning, checking paperwork, etc… be prepared to provide a great experience for guests.

 

As I said before, your driver can make or break your event and Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses is fortunate to have a great crew of chauffeurs ready to serve you.

 

We all have one goal and that is to do a great job for you and I am proud to say we have done that for almost 10 years now. We want to do a great job for you.

 

Signing off,

 

Frankie

Funny Mondays

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

So Monday is a funny day in the limo biz.Every Monday we get calls from clients telling us they had a great time but I lost my cell phone can you look for it in the limo or party bus.It never fails I remember one time A bunch of the Cardinals cheer leaders had rented a limo in Phoenix(rough job but it’s a living)and after I had dropped them off and was on my way back to the office I heard a funny sound.

 

There were like a dozen cell phones going off with all different ring tones. I couldn’t help but laugh. Then when I got back to the yard I found them all and put them in the office while I cleaned the limo. After getting done with my cleaning I went back in the office it was about 3:30am and those phones were still going off.

 

I decided to answer them and let the person know that we had their phone and to come down and pick it up on Monday. Well a lot of the calls were the cheer leaders boyfriends looking for their ladies. I simply told them to let their girlfriends know we had their phones and to call me.

 

Monday morning all of the girls called and I told them all to come down at 5:00pm to pick up the phones. Then I got all of the chauffeurs together and had them come down to the office to WATCH THE PARADE!

 

Cardinal Cheer Leaders get a Limo in Phoenix

Cardinal Cheer Leaders get a Limo in Phoenix

It was great, all of these hotties coming down 1 by 1 to get their phones. The drivers loved it and we all had a great laugh even the girls that came down. All work and no fun makes Frankie a dull boy.

 

So give us a call and reserve a limo in Phoenix area so you can lose your cell phone too! Just kidding and to all of my readers have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Signing off,

 

Frankie

Did you want the cheapest limo?

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

If you want the cheapest limo or party bus I can get you the number to several companies in town that are cheaper than Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses.

 

Platinum's Chrysler 300

Platinum's Chrysler 300

Does it surprise you that I say that?

 

We tell clients all the time that we know we aren’t the cheapest limousine company in town. In today’s economy you can imagine that it is a cut throat market. There are guys out there quoting prices that are ridiculously cheap and the truth is it’s too good to be true. The fact is they know by the time you figure it out it’ll be too late. They will be there to pick you up and you will have your guests and there won’t be anything you can do about the 20 year old, smoking, clanking party bus that arrived for your big night out.

 

At this point you concede the mistake you have made and make the best of it right? That’s until it breaks down on the freeway and now you’re all dressed up with no place to go. Now you are stuck in a crappy 20 year old puke-wagon waiting for a tow truck. What a nightmare right!

 

Unfortunately, it happens don’t let it happen to you.

 

Here are some suggestions that will help:

 

  • Ask the year, make and model of the vehicle (they might say it’s a new conversion which isn’t the answer, you want to know the year of the limo or party bus)
  • Ask to view the vehicle at their office location (a reputable company should have viewing hours for potential clients)(pics on a website always look good)
  • Pay with a credit card (if they demand cash that’s a RED FLAG)
  • Look for reviews online (past clients will tell you about their experience and shed some light on the reputation of that company)

 

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses has been in business for almost 10 years now and is family owned and operated. We have the newest fleet of limousines and party buses in the valley. We have also been rated as a “TOP 10 OPERATOR” for the entire time we’ve been in business. “A” rating with the BBB and no bad reviews online. We have an excellent reputation for providing great service.

 

Party Bus in Arizona

Party Bus in Arizona

Party Bus Interior

Party Bus Interior

I want you to know that we intend to earn your trust and respect. We’re gonna do a great job for you.

 

Signing off,

Frankie

Limos for School Dances

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Homecoming dances are coming up and we are getting a ton of email requests for limos and party buses here in phoenix. This is the time of year when I try to give some good advice to students and parents looking for prices for  transportation to the school dance.

 

  1. Call 7-10 limousine companies in the phoenix metro area.
  2. Look for online reviews, previous clients are the best way to judge a company you are considering.
  3. When calling don’t focus on the price, ask about the company how long have they been in business, what year are the vehicles in their fleet, can you go down and take a look at the vehicles, etc…
  4. Use a credit card to make your reservation! If you don’t, ask yourself what your going to do if the company does not show up?
  5. Most reputable companies will have you sign a contract or terms and conditions agreement. This is good for both you and the company you have chosen. Everything should be in writing so you are all on the same page.

 

Recent school dance

Recent school dance

After you have made your calls and checked online reviews you should be down to a couple of companies. Ask yourself if the prices you had been getting and the pricing of the companies you have left to choose from are in line with the others. When you make these calls you should have a decent idea of the ballpark price.

 

If a price seems too good to be true (RED FLAG) If the company won’t let you see the vehicle (RED FLAG) If the company requires cash (RED FLAG) If you see a company with no reviews on line (RED FLAG)

 

Take you time and be diligent in your search because if you aren’t, or simply choose the cheapest limo company you may be disappointed when they don’t show up, or show up late, or show up in an old junky limo or party bus, or the driver shows up in a polo shirt and jeans, or any number of things. It happens more often than you may think and you will be the one who has to explain what happened to those kids and their parents.

 

Platinum Ride Limos & Party Buses has been in business for almost 10 years now. We have been ranked as a “TOP 10” operator almost that entire time. If you look online you are going to see a ton of great reviews from our past clients, I am not aware of any bad reviews online.

 

Google our name, (Platinum Ride Limousines Phoenix reviews or Platinum Party Bus phoenix reviews) and you can search through.

 

Everyone here wants the same thing, for our guests to have a great experience with us and we have been successful because of our dedication to the service we provide.

 

I hope you will give us the opportunity to serve you, we are gonna do a great job for you.

 

Signing off,

Frankie