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Tips When Renting a Party Bus

November 13, 2019
renting a party bus

Birthdays, anniversaries, concerts: Any occasion is the perfect occasion for renting a party bus.

One of the biggest perks of party buses is keeping your group together in one vehicle. If there’s drinking involved in your outing, the party bus lets everyone partake and eliminates the temptation to drive drunk.

Plus, party buses are just plain fun. Music, refreshments, and party bus activities keep the night lively.

To get your money’s worth and to keep everyone safe, you need to choose your party bus carefully. Not sure where to start? Use these tips when renting a party bus.

Find a Reputable Company

Your safety starts with the limo or party bus company you choose. Research the party bus company online through third-party review sites to check for issues. 

Some people complain about the little things, such as a tiny stain on the seat. Others complain when the company won’t bend the rules for them. A customer might complain that the company didn’t provide alcohol for them even though it’s prohibited by law.

Ignore those petty or irrelevant complaints. Look for bigger issues, such as unsafe vehicles or drivers who don’t follow the rules of the road. 

Ask the company about their driver hiring policies. Ensure their drivers all have the proper licensing and plenty of experience driving buses. Ask about the company’s safety record and insurance.

Another way to check up on the company is to visit in person. The facility should be clean and well managed. Note how the employees treat you and how knowledgeable the staff seems.

Have a Guest Count

Get an initial headcount before you start narrowing down party bus options. Buses come in different sizes, and the maximum number of passengers varies with each.

Knowing your party size makes it easier to determine if a certain company has the right size of bus in its fleet. You can also book the right size of bus. Booking a larger bus than you need costs extra money, but booking too small of a bus could leave some guests out of the party.

Create Your Party Plan

Having a general agenda in mind helps you get a more accurate quote and helps the company plan for your event. Usually, you won’t make just one stop and go straight home. Most party bus events involve multiple stops, such as dinner, a concert, and bars after or a series of bars.

Some companies charge for fuel, so your route impacts the cost. Keep this in mind when deciding where you want to go. Plan your route efficiently to save on gas costs.

Check on Availability

Contact the company you’re considering to check on availability for the party bus size and type you want for your event date. Book at least one month in advance. It’s always best to book as soon as you know your plans to give yourself the best choice in dates and bus types.

Some dates book quickly and require earlier reservations. Holidays tend to be busy periods, and weekends are busier than weekdays. If there’s a big event going on in town, such as a huge concert, there may be more demand for party buses.

Look at Party Buses in Person

Not all party buses are equal. Images a company posts online can make the bus look better than it is, and some companies may use generic photos. Know what you’re getting before you sign your contract by seeing the bus options in person.

Make sure the overall look of the party bus fits the vibe of your event. If you’re going for a more upscale party bus experience, you don’t want a converted school bus painted neon green to pull up to your house.

Once you find an option that fits your preferences, look at the details. Is it clean and in good working order? Does it look new, or is it outdated with fraying seats and stains? 

Understand the Costs

Party bus rental costs can vary significantly by area. The time of year and overall demand can also affect pricing. Party bus rentals typically range between $100 and $300 per hour.

Get a detailed description of the costs so you understand what you’re paying. Party bus costs may be charged by the hour or as a flat rate for a set amount of time.

Find out what’s included in the quoted cost. Some companies give you a basic rate but add surcharges for fuel and other transportation costs.

You may also need to figure in a tip for your driver. Check with the vendor to see if it automatically adds a gratuity to your costs. A safe tip amount is 18% of the total rental cost, but you can tip 20% or more for exceptional service. 

Ask about costs for going over your time limit. Sometimes you don’t want the night to end, but extending your party bus time could result in a hefty additional fee.

Another part of the financial aspect is deciding who’s going to pay for the bus. Are you covering all of the costs as the host, or is everyone splitting the bill? Determine how you’ll collect the money if everyone’s pitching in to cover the costs.

Get it in Writing

When you rent a party bus, always get a contract. The document should detail exactly what you’re getting and the policies and rules you need to follow. It should show a breakdown of the party bus cost and any extra fees.

Read the party bus contract thoroughly before signing it. Ensure you agree with the rental terms before signing. Keep a copy of the party bus rental contract for reference.

Choose Refreshment Options

Ask the company about its rules on food and beverages. Some may allow you to bring your own refreshments onto the bus, while others require you to use their vendors.

Once you know the policies, plan for your party. In most states, the limo company can’t provide alcohol for you, but you may be able to bring your own alcohol onto the party bus. 

Renting a Party Bus

Renting a party bus is the perfect way to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe for your nights out or big events. Take time to pick a reputable company and investigate all the details so you know what you’re getting.

Make a reservation now to ensure you have a party bus ready for your next big event.

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