[ Limousine Chatter ]

We know that you have a lot to say about what's impacting your business, your market, and the industry as a whole. “Chatter” is your chance to talk back and let us and your industry peers know what you're thinking. Each month we publish a different question and invite you to send us your candid answers.

[ This Month's Question ]

"What’s your most effective strategy for marketing during the holidays"


“Everyone markets for the holiday light tours, so what we do is send out a Thanksgiving card to our customers to thank them for their business, and we include a $75 coupon for service. Limo shopping tours are always popular too. We’ll also do an e-blast to our corporate and retail customers, but the Thanksgiving card has worked well for us for years. It gets our marketing message out there before the holiday rush.”

Jonce Gibson of Bayside Limousines, Baltimore, Md.


"As one of the first in our area to market light tours, we really get into it and decorate the cars with a tin of custom cookies, candy canes, and play Christmas music. What we also do now is market packages through local radio stations. We’ll put together a package like a limo lunch on a Friday afternoon when we’re a bit slower and send out e-mail blasts to remind our customers that we can help them during the holidays.”

Matt Yorke of Signature Transportation, Nashville, Tenn.


“It’s all about the packages and getting the message out there as early as possible. What is going to make their life easier during whatever holiday? We market holiday rides for kids through church groups so that mom and dad can go shopping. We also offer discount, no-frills rides on New Years to our customers who want to go out and drink without worrying about how to get home. We also donate our services everywhere possible so that our name is out there and they think of us first. We market everything as a convenience, but luxurious and affordable.”

John Franklin of Affordable Luxury Limousines, Chicago, Ill.


“Most of my corporate customers come directly to us about holiday parties, so our marketing efforts are minimal. During the holiday season we mostly send out flyers or e-blasts to clients to remind them to book early for New Years or corporate parties. Vehicles are always decorated festively pertaining to the client’s request and nature of the party.”

Rich Azzolino of Gateway Limousines Worldwide, San Francisco, CA


[ Next Month's Question ]

"What is your most effective way to ensure quality control of your service, such as ghost rides, mystery shopping, surveys, etc.?

Send responses to: chatter@limodigest.com with “November Chatter” in the subject line. Deadline: 9/30/09

Want to talk back? What’s on your mind? Let us know! Send an e-mail to chatter@limodigest.com, and include “Chatter” in the subject line. If your response is selected, you will be notified to provide a headshot for publication. Replies may be edited for space and clarity.