BLACK TIE LIVERY CORPORATION

815-484-9346

info@blacktielivery.com

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If you have a question you would like answered, and you don't see it shown below, contact us at info@blacktielivery.com.

GENERAL QUESTIONS    AIRPORT QUESTIONS    WEDDING QUESTIONS   

PROM/HOMECOMING QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q.  Are we allowed to bring alcohol on board?

A.  By state law, alcohol is only permitted on vehicles which have a divider between the driver and passengers.  Also, per company policy, unless children are traveling with their parents or guardian, no alcohol may be brought on board if any passenger is under 21 years of age.

Q.  Are we allowed to smoke in the vehicles?

A.  Absolutely not.  All of our vehicles are smoke free.  Smoking is not allowed by the driver or passengers

Q.  What happens if we want to smoke during service?

A.  If your contract is for a stated length of time, you may ask your chauffeur to stop the vehicle somewhere safe for a smoke break.  As long as the contract ending time does not go beyond the stated time, there will not be any penalties.  If the contract is for point-to-point service, such as an airport transfer, then any additional stops are subject to a $10 fee.  For occupants who smoke in the vehicles, they will be required to immediately extinguish their product and the contracting party will be fined $250.00.  Upon the second offence, the contract will be cancelled and the entire group will be dropped off at the nearest safe location.

Q.  Will you match the price from another company?

A.  Not all companies provide service at the same level.  You wouldn't expect to get Hilton Hotels to match the price of a Motel 8.  The other operators may be able to offer lower costs due to a variety of factors.  These may include operating an older fleet of poorly maintained vehicles or paying their drivers a lower wage.  There may be companies that are not in compliance with state and federal regulations.  If we could be convinced that another company is operating an equivalent service, we may be persuaded to alter our prices.

Q.  Why is there variation in the pricing for different times and events?

A.  Just as a restaurant offers a lunch menu with lower prices or an early-bird discount for dinner, we would prefer to offer all our services at the full rate but we recognize that a lower rate during the off-peak times may appeal to a broader public and generate additional opportunities to serve our customers.

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Q.  What are your payment terms?

A.  For the majority of contracts, within 48 hours of booking your vehicle, we require a 25% deposit to reserve the vehicle.  If a deposit is not received during this time, the reservation will be removed and the vehicle will become available for another party.  The remaining 75% must be paid within 7 days prior to the event, unless other prior arrangements have been made.  The deposits and invoice balances are not refundable.  Once a vehicle has a time slot reserved, we will not cancel that reservation in order to book a more lucrative contract.  For this reason, our exposure to risk must be minimized and we cannot assume we will get another chance to book a contract for that same time slot.  If the event is within 7 days of the reservation, a 25% deposit is due within 24 hours of booking and the remaining 75% is due within 48 hours of the event.  

Q.  What forms of payment do you accept?

A.  We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Money orders and Cash. We will also accept your personal check if approved by our office prior to the event.

Q.  Can I personally view your vehicles before I commit to your company?

A.  Yes! Beware of a company that refuses to allow you to visit their place of business to personally inspect the vehicle that you are interested in. At BLACK TIE LIVERY CORPORATION, we encourage our clients to visit our facility to personally view our vehicles, we have nothing to hide.  Our garage is attached to QuickSigns of Rockford at 1017 East State St.  Unscheduled vehicle viewing may be done during standard business hours of 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.  However, since the sign company often has production deadlines to meet, we cannot guarantee that a staff member will be able to provide a personal tour of the vehicle features.  Also, since we cannot guarantee the presence of every vehicle, we would gladly arrange for a personal tour of a vehicle at a scheduled time.

Q.  What if I do not have the time to visit your showroom to view your vehicles?

A.  What you see on our website, is what you get. Do not accept the old line when your vehicle arrives ( The sedan that you reserved is not available, so we sent you this one ), unless it is an upgrade of course. On a rare occasion, the vehicle that you reserved will not be available for numerous reasons. In the event that this happens, BLACK TIE LIVERY CORPORATION will always send an upgrade, never a downgrade. This will of course be done at no additional charge to you.

Q.  What kind of limo to book?

A.  The two main factors are age of vehicle and the size. The newer the car and the larger the car, the more it costs. Newer cars like BLACK TIE LIVERY CORPORATION'S have more amenities than older cars.  Ask what year the cars are! Beware of any company that refuses to tell you! (It's old!) Make sure the car you pick is written on the contract.

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Q.  What are the state and federal regulations that must be conformed to?

A.  At the federal level, passenger service providers must have US DOT and FMCSA compliance.  They must be registered with the state and be properly insured and licensed.  If they are providing transportation to Chicago, O'Hare Airport or Midway Airport they must be registered with the city of Chicago.  It is your right as a potential customer to have any company show you their credentials during a visit.

Q.  What would be a reason why you would need to substitute a vehicle?

A.  BLACK TIE LIVERY CORPORATION takes pride in being able to live up to the customer's expectations. That includes sending out the vehicle you requested in perfect working order.  From time to time we may have to send out a vehicle other than the one requested.  Foremost as a reason for sending a substitute vehicle is driver and passenger safety.  If there is a reason to question the ability of one of our vehicles to provide safe transport, we will not hesitate to send a substitute vehicle.  Likewise, if it comes to our attention that not all of the features of the vehicle are functioning properly, we will try to remedy the situation.  However, if it is not possible to remedy the situation, we will give you a courtesy call to inform you of the situation and inform you of your options.

AIRPORT QUESTIONS

Q.  What airports do you provide service to and from?

A.  We routinely provide service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport and also Chicago Rockford International Airport.  We even provide service to General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee , Dane County Regional Airport in Madison , and will service other smaller regional airports as well.

Q.  Can I book travel in just one direction?

A.  Yes, all our airport prices are listed as one-way transfers.  The cost is higher for round-trip transportation.

Q.  What information is required to book an airport transfer for a departing flight/passenger drop-off?

A.  The information that we will gather from you is date of flight, customer pick-up time, number of passengers, and airport name.  With this information we can determine if we have a vehicle available.  If we have a vehicle available we will ask a few more questions to determine the price.  These will include the initial pick-up location and any other customer scheduled stops along the way.  We will also ask if there are any special requests such as complementary beverage choice or conveniences that may result in additional fees.

Q.  What information is required to book an airport transfer for an arriving flight/passenger pick-up?

A.  The information that we will gather from you is date of flight, scheduled arrival time, number of passengers, and airport name.  With this information we can determine if we have a vehicle available.  If we have a vehicle available we will ask a few more questions to determine the price.  These will include the final drop-off location and any other customer scheduled stops along the way.  We will require the flight number and airline information as well.  Once these are provided, our company will track the scheduled arrival time of your flight.  Our chauffeurs will monitor changes to your flight time and make plans to be at the airport accordingly.  We will also inquire as to whether clients will have checked baggage and therefore require additional time for baggage claim or will just have carry-on baggage and will be ready for pick-up quicker.  We will also ask if there are any special requests such as complementary beverage choice or conveniences that may result in additional fees.

Q.  I have compared your rates to other options.  What services are included with airport transfers?

A.  Here is what you can expect when you reserve your airport transfer service with us.  Your well groomed driver will be dressed in a suit when arriving on-time or early to pick you up.  You will have also received the cell phone number of your driver prior to being picked-up in the event you may need to contact him or her.  The non-smoking, garage-kept vehicle assigned to you will be clean on the inside and a chilled assortment of complementary, non-alcoholic beverages including water will be available.  The driver will assist you with your luggage from doorstep to airport curb.  Once inside, you will have the operation of the climate control system within your reach.  Your entertainment options will include radio, CD player, and DVD player with color monitor.  We travel by interstate as our primary means of conveyance. We do not take alternate routes to avoid the tolls.  Our vehicles are equipped with I-Pass transponders.  Our drivers will not extend your travel time by waiting in line at toll booths.

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Q.  Is there a discount when booking both the outgoing and return transfers?

A.  Yes.  If you reserve pick-up and drop-off service at the same time, a $20 discount will be applied.  The balance for the entire bill must be paid prior to the first leg of service.

Q.  Is there a military discount?

A.  Yes.  We support our military appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve our country.  $25 will be discounted for airport pick-ups of service personnel who are returning from basic training or returning from overseas active duty.

Q.  Can someone ride along with the driver when going into the airport for a pick-up?

A.  Yes, but there is an additional fee for us to pick up passengers for an airport greeting.  The fee for an address in Rockford is $10, for other areas the fee varies by distance.  The fee is waived if the passengers board at our facilities.

Q.  What factors can effect the base rate for airport transfers?

A.  The base rate for our airport transfers are based on a few assumptions.  Among these are a single pick-up or drop-off location, a location that is within Rockford or Loves Park, a reservation made more than 18 hours prior to service, our vehicles being on the road between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, and the day of service is not a holiday.  Any deviation from these parameters may result in extra fees.  The base rate does include your chauffeur dressed in a suit and able to assist in the loading and unloading of your luggage.  It also includes complementary cold beverages such as water and pop/soda.  The rate also includes the use of all the features specific to the vehicle chosen by you.  Please refer to the fleet link to review vehicle features.

Q.  How will our chauffeur locate us after we have arrived at the airport?

A.  The heightened security of a post-9/11 America results in less opportunity for chauffeurs to leave the vehicles unattended while waiting for arriving passengers.  The offsetting technology to this dilemma is the ubiquitous cell phone.  Our chauffeurs are required to carry one, and it is more than likely that someone in the party you are traveling with has one also.  During the reservation process we will ask for your cell phone number in addition to the other information required for billing purposes.  Once a driver has been assigned to provide you service, you will be informed of your driver's cell phone number.  Typically once your entire party has accumulated all their luggage, a call will be placed to the driver who will be stationed nearby.  The procedure is slightly different depending on which airport you have arrived at.  With the introduction of new laws pertaining to cell phone use while driving it may not be possible for the driver to stay on the phone with you until your pick-up.  

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WEDDING QUESTIONS

Q.  Will extra stops for taking pictures increase the cost?

A.  Not at all. When you choose our service, you are contracting to have the vehicle available to you during the time you requested. You may choose to ride in the vehicle continuously during that time or you may make as many stops as you want during the allotted time.

Q.  Can we book just a single hour of service for wedding transportation?

A.  Generally yes. Restrictions apply to times of day that may overlap with other known events or peak demand times. One example is prom season. Your service will still include complimentary champagne, soft drinks, bottled water, ice, glassware, and red carpet service. Be aware that when booking just one hour of service, there is the potential that the vehicle or driver may have other commitments scheduled as well. In these instances, overtime may not be allowed.

Q.  What services/features does your wedding service include?

A.  You will be treated to true red carpet service. We will extend a red carpet from our vehicle toward the steps of the congregation. If you choose to pose for pictures alongside the vehicle, we will run the carpet down the length of the vehicle for you to stand on. Newlyweds will receive complimentary champagne and the limousine is stocked with soft drinks, bottled water, ice, and glassware. Your chauffeur will be attired in either a business suit or a tuxedo. “JUST MARRIED” signs will be displayed on the sides of your stretch limousine.

Q.  Do you provide other wedding day service?

A.  When your wedding travel needs go beyond just transportation from the ceremony to the reception, we are available to assist. You may use our service to transport members of the wedding party to the ceremony beforehand or to salon appointments prior to the wedding. We will also provide transportation to family members or other guests throughout the day. And whether your honeymoon starts that night or the next day, we can be counted on to whisk you and your spouse off to the airport or other getaway location. Ask about our bachelorette party discount when reserving your wedding service.  

PROM/HOMECOMING QUESTIONS

Q.  How old do you have to be to book a limousine for prom/homecoming?

A.  The forms for our service are a binding legal contract and must be signed by a legal adult over the age of 18.

Last update: January 2010