Friday, June 24, 2016

FYI - Making a Car Service Choice

When I decided to start my own car service I wasn't happy going with the flow.  I also didn't have a dislike of any one service.   Granted, I'd taken enough taxi rides to know what to expect.   They always managed to get me from point A to B.

I personally don't understand why companies feel compelled to bash on their competition.  For me, it's a HUGE turnoff.  Simply tell me why you're different, without all the negative stuff.

Needless to say, I won't be bashing anyone here.

Taxi - I would say 90% of my Clients have used a Taxi.  A typical rate is between $2 and $4 a mile, and the vehicles are people movers.  Not much in the way of comfort.  Personally, I've had great drivers and some who scared the Hell out of me (lol).

Conclusion:  The Taxi industry will always have a place within the transportation industry.  As long as there are Airports, there will be Taxis.

Uber/Lyft - Wow, if there's one change that I can point at, this would be it.  Both of these companies took the transportation industry by storm.  The advantages over Taxis are HUGE.  Open an App on your phone, hit a button, a vehicle arrives in only a few minutes.  Rates are also lower, making for a cheaper ride.

Conclusion:  Uber/Lyft are here to stay.

Todd's Car Service

  • Service:  I would like to think that service is the backbone of every company.  While Taxis are convenient at the Airport, and Uber/Lyft are only minutes away, Service isn't universal.  I feel great service comes down to understanding one thing, crystal clear.  Focus on delivering an exceptional "experience".  From beginning to end, it's 100% about you.
  • Personalization:  My goal is to get to know my Clients.  Surprisingly, I would say 90% of those that make a transportation choice, just want to get from point A to B.  Creating a relationship with the driver is their last thought.  Understandable.  However, the remaining 10% crave it.  95% of my Clients come from this small segment.  Important, right!  This leads well into my next point, reliability.
  • Reliability:  Servicing such a small percentage of the transportation market, every ride is EMENSLY important.  If I screw up, it cuts deep.  Because my Clients are more than passengers, providing exceptional service is instinctive.  Simply, I care.
  • Integrity:  There are many reasons Integrity should be at the top of this list.  You've most likely felt deep disappointment in someone's integrity.  Someone you trusted, fell short of your expectations.  Or possibly discovered one person's definition of integrity is VERY different than yours.  For me, there's NO middle ground.  Do what you say, say what you do.

Conclusion:  Taxis, Uber/Lyft, Super Shuttle, they are all acceptable options.  However, if you're looking for something a little special, I'd love to meet you.

Todd Mittness
Todd's Private Car Service
(480) 256-8268
http://www.toddscarservice.com/
todd@toddscarservice.com

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Airport Wait Times

The #1 question when I help a Client schedule a trip to the Airport? How early do I need to be picked up?
Answer - Give yourself at least 2 hours once you arrive. An 8'oclock flight, with a 30-minute ride to the airport, we should be heading out about 5:30AM.
Things to know -
(1) I ALWAYS arrive 10-15 minutes early. Why? While we'll typically end up leaving at the planned time, Clients rethink their departure times. 100% understandable, especially when it's a vacation months in the planning. No one wants to feel rushed checking through to the gate.
(2) Traffic updates. Nothing worse than getting out the door on time (or early) only to be stuck in traffic. When I arrive I plot our course to the airport using real-time traffic information. I pick the quickest route, and we're off. I'll also make a change if the circumstances change.
(3) HOV lane. I don't get paid by the mile, or by how long it takes to the airport (like a Taxi or Uber). My job is clear, get you to the airport SAFELY, EFFIENTLY and COMFORTABLY.
(4) The Airport is a dangerous place. Once we arrive, I ask my Clients to stay in the car until I check for traffic. My common saying, "People check their common sense, right along with their bags.? I'll step out and make the coast is clear before opening your door.
(5) Lastly, expect, the unexpected. Assume there's going to be traffic or long lines at security. I'll do my best to get you there safely and on time, but there's little I can do about a TSA Agent having a bad day...lol.

Book your next Airport Ride HERE.

#airporttransportation, #toddscarservice, #airportshuttle