It’s that time of year again. Wimbledon, the Derby, Goodwood, Henley – they’re all fast approaching.
Failing to prepare as an executive chauffeur means more than just potentially letting yourself down; it may mean letting down clients, principal guests, their guests… and your business.
So, if you’re just starting out as a professional chauffeur and aren’t sure where to begin, here are some reasons why it’s so important to be in the driving seat, plus some top tips on how to get ready.
For your clients
Whether your client is an executive assistant, a house manager, a family-of-four, or a corporate travel manager, the value of preparation for their chauffeur-driven journey is just as important – no matter who they are.
A chauffeur who arrives well presented, on time, and with an immaculately clean vehicle full of complementary refreshments is impressive. However, the preparation can go beyond what can be seen.
On top of this, having prompt communication, a simple enquiry and booking procedure, and providing polite, knowledgeable assistance is all part of what makes a memorable journey. And that all takes preparation.
For principal guests and their guests
There are two key factors that make the initial impact when a chauffeur arrives – the condition of the vehicle and the presentation of the driver.
When it comes to preparing your vehicle, be sure to get it regular valeted. The frequency of this can depend on things like the weather or if the roads have been wet. A thorough valet should include a full hygiene check on the interior, thus maintaining a high level of cleanliness.
It’s also important to arrive with a full tank of petrol and plenty of spare screen wash, too.
If your client has requested any items at the time of booking i.e. fresh bottled water, fruit, baby seats, dog carriers or a newspaper, ensure that these are ready in advance.
For your principal clients and their guests, they don’t see the work that occurs beforehand, but it’s this preparation that guarantees they have a smoother ride.
Preparing for the journey
Pre-journey planning is not to be forgotten. You can prepare up to 12 hours before, checking for roadworks and accidents for example. But it’s important to still rely on live updates and knowing the roads well enough to be able to make last-minute diversions if necessary.
If a principal client or their guest has requested additional stops along the way, make sure this is all planned in and that journey times are adjusted accordingly. Part of the pre-drive preparation includes communicating this plan to the client beforehand.
Is your chauffeur business covered and prepared?
There are many external factors that may have an impact on you as a chauffeur. Things like rail strikes, airport strikes and seasonal fluctuations such as school holidays and the upcoming ‘silly season’.
Make use of the quieter periods to undergo any training, research, or anything you may not have time for in the mad rush of the summer.
Making sure your business is insured correctly is just as important as the preparation involved for a trouble-free journey. So, let us take one thing off your mind. Contact Howden today to complete a full review of your chauffeur insurance and we’ll do all the preparation to make sure your business is protected.