Looking at transport for your next event can sometimes seem daunting, with all the information at our fingertips it is hard to know which companies are legitimate. We have put together a few things to look out for/ look into
- Is the company registered? an easy way to check is by heading to the companies register and typing in the company name – New Zealand Companies Register
- How long has the company been operating for? companies that have not been in operation for long may be less reputable as they won’t have the reviews or customer feedback to back them.
- Check the reviews. Do the reviews seem legitimate?
- How comprehensive is the website, does it have all the information you require? when information is vague or seems like it has been cut and paste from someone else’s site this could be cause for concern.
- When looking at hiring a Party Bus or a Coach you would like to consume alcohol it is very important to find out if the company has a Liquor licence / On Licence which would be issued by the council – This is a requirement for any company that is selling or having alcohol supplied on their conveyance. This does still apply when you are looking to BYO. This information is also Public so you are able to look up to see if a company has been issued a licence – Register of Licences and certificates
- If a company does not have a licence they should be transparent and advise you that no alcohol is allowed onboard – check if they will allow you to obtain your own special licence (some companies won’t allow due to the extra risk involved for the provider in terms of mess or damage to the coach). No harm in asking the question.
- When you are being asked to pay a deposit is the money going into a business account or someone’s personal account.
- Professionalism – is the company professional to deal with over the phone, via email and in person (if you head out to view the vehicle).
- All transport providers must have a TSL (Transport Service Licence). Does the company you are looking to hire from have one? all companies with a TSL will have this on the windscreen with Rego, Road users and passenger loading information.
- When making a booking do you receive an official quotation and booking confirmation or any other formal documentation?
- Is the price too good to be true? – The cost to operate a licensed conveyance, with licensed and professional staff and a vehicle that is well maintained is expensive so promotions that seem too good to be true might be just that.
- Are you booking direct with the company or are on a third party website? One thing with booking through a third party is you don’t know what company will be providing the transport and what standard of vehicle they have.
- If there is a risk that a company isn’t legitimate or operating without a licence they could be asked to cease operation and may be forced to cancel future events.
Doing a little bit of research can save you a whole lot of stress in the long run! Knowing what service, you will be getting and that your guests will be getting there safely and able to have a great time onboard is key!
Director & Owner at The Party Bus Company Ltd
Mark grew up in the family business at Markovina Vineyard Estate and was introduced to wine making very early on. He has a gift that enables him to pull together a very successful occasion in effortless style and it is the small but finer details that enable these events to be so memorable and successful.
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