Anyone else think some towncar companies are a little "shady"?

[HappyMommy2]

I realize that the towncar companies we discuss on this board serve many, many customers every single day with no problems, and that of course we mostly hear about the problems here, but does anyone else get the feeling that some of the towncar companies are a little "shady" in general? As Anne (ducklite) pointed out in a recent thread, it seems like some of the drivers are using different names; also, we've heard stories of passengers being "stolen," as well as failures to reimburse customers for services not rendered, etc. This is all in addition to the more run-of-the-mill issues, such as not making a pickup on time or not having a requested carseat in the car.

We've used towncars a couple of times with only wonderful results, but I just don't like dealing with people or businesses who seem to be crooked or shady or in any other way not on the level. I don't like putting my credit card number (let alone my life) in the hands of someone I just don't feel comfortable with! I know I should probably just stop worrying...

Just my thoughts. If anyone would like to add theirs, please do!

 

[inkkognito]

In Orlando, we use Happy Limo and have gotten great service. But in Chicago, we finally started driving to the airport ourselves after multiple problems with multiple companies. Generally, it was no-shows, but the worst was the time the driver informed us that we were having a shared ride as we got into the limo. They had not told us beforehand, and there wasn't enough time to pick up someone else and still be assured of making our flight. Worse yet, the other person (who lived in the same town, but several miles away) was not even close to ready, as she thought her pickup time was an hour later (and she didn't know it was a shared ride either). We literally made it on the plane just as they were about the close the door. I was livid! Now, we just drive to Midway or O'Hare and avoid all those problems. In Orlando, we've always been able to count on Happy Limo to be reliable.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DisOrBust]

I agree! I even looked all the towncar companies mentioned and none are registered with the BBB. I am planning on a towncar/limo but I really hate the idea. I don't want them to have my CC # and I don't want to pay cash for a round trip up front. I may choose to pay one way rates I'm not sure yet the whole thing gives me the willies!

 

[DVC-Don]

Most of them are these small operators trying to take a short cut to their first million $. One of my BiL's owns and operates a towncar service in Massachusetts and he's one of the shadiest people I know. (It's amazing they let him drive)

 

[inkkognito]

I think you're safer using a towncar or limo in Orlando than elsewhere, as long as you visit a site like this and do your research. There is a very strong online Disney community, and bad word of mouth can sink a bad company, which is good for the consumer and the reputable companies. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent site for general travelling, like to Chicago, so you have a bigger chance of running into shady operators because there is no easy way to spread the word to lots of people about how bad they are.
All of the companies have some good and bad, but you will spot trends on the ones that have ongoing problems so you can make an informed judgement.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[HappyMommy2]

Thank you all for your responses.
Inkkognito, I think you're probably right about the word-of-mouth factor helping companies stay in line in Orlando; it's encouraging to consider that.

I guess we run into unscrupulous people every day--I suppose I just need to stay on guard and be ready to back out of situations that just don't seem right, and things will work out.