The Backup Plan New York Executive Car Service

Gratuity (When, Who and How Much to Tip)

The term gratuity and the act of tipping has been around for at least 500 years, and some experts speculate that the custom has been in effect since the medieval era.   The word itself either stems from the Latin gratuitas, or "freely given", or the French gratuite, or "free gift".  In many countries especially in the United States, tipping is expected in most service industries; in other countries, like Japan it is an insult to offer a tip.  In the US sometimes the expected gratuity isn’t exactly clear, nor is the expected amount.  “Do I tip the guy who just pumped my gas? What should I give him?”  ”How much is a good tip for the pizza delivery guy?”  “20% of this bill is like $400, is that really what I have to give?”   If you or someone you know has ever asked these questions read on.

First of all it is important to understand that the basic premise of a tip or gratuity is to reward a job well done, or to express the appreciation of a good service provided.  If you are sincerely dissatisfied with the services performed, do not tip.  Some restaurants build a gratuity into there pricing, if you are very dissatisfied with the service or the food talk to the manager about the included gratuities (in this situation I would not demand the money back, but I would at least voice my dissatisfaction).  For the most part however many service providers expect a tip and many, such as waitresses and bartenders, make their living off of their gratuities.  It is poor etiquette not to tip, and it is horrible to fabricate some reason to be dissatisfied with the service just so that you can get out of an expected gratuity.

In general here are the individuals who should be tipped unless specified otherwise by the company they are employed by (as in the case of a restaurant already including a %20 gratuity in the bill).  Waiters and waitresses, bartenders, bellhops, drivers and chauffeurs, concierge, housekeeping or maid service, delivery people (especially for food), tour guides, hair stylists, masseuses and movers.   When tipping a percentage %10 indicates dissatisfaction with the service, %15-%20 indicates the service was good, and above %20 signifies outstanding service.  Certain professions such as a valet or doorman a tip of $3-$5 is customary although it may vary depending on the cost of your accommodations.

Then we have a bit of a grey area, these are professions or services where some people tip and others do not, resources remain very much divided on the etiquette involved in tipping these individuals.  For repairmen or contractors, such as plumbers or electricians, tipping is generally not expected, as the hourly wage they make, especially when in a union, is relatively high.  However is these individuals go above and beyond and provide services not specified at the time of hire it is not unheard of to offer a tip (if ever in serious doubt you can ask them).   Sanitation, workers, mailmen and people like the paperboy or milkmen often receive tips and gifts around the holidays but again some people do, some people do not.   Finally when your car is being serviced, or the gas attendant pumps your gas and washes your windshield, these ladies and gentlemen sometimes receive a small gratuity.  This varies significantly from state to state and company-to-company but tipping in the range of $1-$5 is not unusual; again it is ok to ask, especially if you frequent the establishment often.

Ultimately a gratuity is up to you but for some services it is expected and it is considered poor etiquette not to tip.  In the United States tipping is very much expected for many service providers and we hope our little guide helps you the next time a gratuity is in question.  When in doubt it is OK to ask.  No matter what though it is always important to thank those that service you and to show your appreciation by being polite and grateful.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2014 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

The U.S. Tennis Open

August 26^th 2013 through September 9^th 2013 showcases this years United States Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York City.  The U.S. Open is the fourth and final hard-court tennis tournament comprising the Grand Slam, the other three being Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the French Open.  The U.S. open is the modern incarnation of the world’s oldest tennis championship, the U.S. National Championship first established in 1881.

Originally titled the U.S National Singles Championship for Men the tournament was held in Newport Rhode Island.  It was not until 1915 that the Tennis Championship match was brought too Queens NY.  In 1968 the U.S. Open became what we know today after 5 separate events (women’s singles, women’s doubles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and the original men’s singles) were combined into one.

Since that time technology and politics have made many changes and the U.S. Open Tennis Championship has evolved into one of the most anticipated and watched sporting events in the world.  Currently sponsored by JP Morgan Chase the U.S .Open is owned and organized by the USTA which is a non-profit agency and the proceeds from high ticket prices are used to promote the development of tennis in the United States.

This year some of the talent to keep an eye on includes Vicki Flores, a 14 year old from Iowa who has been methodically climbing the ranks to fight her way into the U.S. Open Women’s Singles tournament.  Flores, although young, will not be the youngest women in history to compete in the U.S. Open if she qualifies (although she is one of very few) Tracy Austin currently holds the title of youngest women to ever win a professional tournament.  Youth also dominated the Southern California sectional qualifier with teenagers winning the men’s and women’s signals as well as the mixed doubles.  The Two-Time champion Juan Martin del Potro, 24 years old hailing from Argentina, currently claims the top seed as is a fierce competitor for the men’s singles tournament.

Always promising to be a memorial event this years U.S. Open commences on August 26^th.  Transportation can be provided by host airline Emirates airlines, the always-reliable LIRR and of course All Star Limousine and All Star Limousine Worldwide.  For tickets and scheduling check out www.usopen.org.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Introducing the New Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Extended Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Limousine.

Far more then just another Van the brand new 2013 Mercedes Sprinter combines the stylish luxury of the Mercedes brand name with the practicality of an economy cargo van.  When it comes to shuttling people the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van is all about comfort and safety.  Featuring room for up to 12 adults, best-in-class one roof, side step-in heights and a wide entry there exists no other passenger van with such a comfortable and inviting interior.  Above all else the innovative Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van has its passengers safety as its highest priority.  A long list of cutting edge amenities and safety features highlight this versatile and Avant guard vehicle.

The Sprinter is the winner of three Vincentric best fleet value in America awards as well as best in class interior standing height.  The Mercedes-Benz legacy and brand has always been synonymous with innovative technology, safety, quality, comfort and reliability.  The new Mercedes Sprinters are well ahead of the curve and represent the next evolution of the standard passenger and cargo vans.

In addition to the standard Sprinter All Star Limousine offers the luxurious Mercedes-Benz party style Sprinter limousine.  All the incredible features and amenities offered by the standard Sprinter are also included in the super deluxe limousine version.  Boasting tinted windows, two 32 inch flat screen televisions, a Bose audio system with 8 speakers and true surround sound, DVD player, WiFi, supple leather wrap around seating for ten, lights and fluctuating fiber optics this vehicle is in a class all its own.   In fact this vehicle is a one of a kid and is found only at All Star Limousine!  In addition to the ultra luxury featured by the Sprinter Limousine one of its most attractive features is the ability to enter and exit while standing strait up!

These vehicles are the perfect choice for those small group outings and corporate events.  Stylish yet conservative, comfortable and practical but still with a luxurious and sleet aesthetic the sprinter is everything you could ever ask for in a Passenger Van class vehicle.  So whether it’s a trip to the airport with a large amount of luggage, a corporate outing, a celebratory event or a shuttle service for your upcoming wedding there is only one choice; the brand new and innovative Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Mercedes-Benz Deluxe Sprinter Limousine only at All Star Limousine!

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

First Impressions

Have you ever been picked up in an executive car or black car and gotten into a vehicle that was inundated with some foul odor or had rips and tears in the 10 year old cracked leather seats?  Have you even gone to a catering hall or celebratory venue and in the dim lighting everything is fine but upon closer inspection the plaster is cracking, the paints chipping, the furniture’s old and the carpet looks like it hasn’t been vacuumed in months?  How about calling a company and being answered by an annoying machine that puts you on hold for 20 minutes and then finally when your call is received the individual on the other line is rude, tired, and totally unhelpful?  First impressions are lasting and often determine your overall opinion of the business or establishment you are investigating.

For an executive car service or limousine service there are multiple points where your company will make a first impression.  The very first contact is made during that initial phone call, whether it be a price quote or a booking, that in-bound or out-bound sales call needs to be fielded properly and professionally.  If reservations is not on top of their game, or if they are having an off day, that ineptitude or lackadaisical attitude translates even thru the telephone.  It may be the deciding factor when that customer makes the decision to book the ride or not. 

The next point of contact, and this is truly where that real first impression is made, is when that executive car service shows up in front of your house.  The proper procedure is that the chauffeur should text or call a few minutes prior to his arrival and then (unless instructed otherwise) call again the moment he arrives.  The chauffeur should then walk to the door and knock or wait so he may assist his passenger with any luggage.  Then he should open the door for the client.  The ride should be smooth, expedient, and without incident.  The climate in the vehicle should be determined according to the customer’s needs and preferences.  The chauffeur should engage in conversation only if prompted by the client and if so engaged he should be friendly, knowledgeable and always professional. 

In a high-end service industry that first encounter is pivotal and the people that make that first impression are the face of your business.  Your equipment and the actual service should be immaculate and flawless and your people should be no different.  First impressions are everything and often they are what will make or break any business.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

The Corporate Travel Department (3 Important Skills for any Travel Manager)

If you hold the title of travel manager you may have a tougher job then most may give you credit for.  The title of travel manager is somewhat new but in todays fast paced society it is absolutely necessary for any company that has any type of travel needs to either have an individual, and if needs are great enough, an entire department dedicated to handling all a companies logistical needs.  Years ago a companies procurement department, the department responsible for obtaining any services or goods that the company may require, was responsible for handling the travel needs for the company but often times that is a recipe for disaster. 

A procurement department is concerned primarily with one thing, the budget.  Whatever is the cheapest way to go is the direction that the procurement department heads in.  This is where you will find online bidding for services and all types of haggling and negotiations.  Now that may be fine when it comes to buying 10,000 pens or reams of white paper, but not when executive car service and or air and ground logistics are concerned.  Executive car services that can offer a low price point are not properly reinvesting their revenue back into the business.  Car service and limousine service is not cheap.  If you are looking for inexpensive ground transportation use a black car company or a cab service.  That is not intended to sound haughty or arrogant it is the truth, this is an industry where you get what you pay for.

The corporate travel department needs to have a solid understanding of their budget and the current and upcoming cost of travel in order to properly do their jobs.  Gas prices and airline costs change monthly and from region to region it is important to be aware of these variations.  The travel manager needs to be organized, they need to have a complete schedule for all upcoming transfers and they need to be on top of any last minute changes or fluctuations in that schedule.  Most importantly (and this is the case with many positions) they need to be able to communicate properly and effectively.  Communication is necessary for success in any travel department because things move quickly and there are a myriad of variables that can affect even the most meticulously planned travel schedule.  The travel department needs to be on top of all these changes and variations and then they need to be able to communicate properly to the correct person or persons these changes and the significance of them.

The corporate travel manager is not an easy job.  There is much to take into consideration and many variables to account for and often when things beyond your control throw a wrench into the works you will be the one doing damage control.  A proper understanding of the travel industry, a good head for budgeting and a knack for communication will contribute to the recipe for success for any travel department in any industry.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick