So you’re ready for your chauffeur to drive you to the airport. They knock on your door, take your luggage and give you five minutes to say goodbye. All you have to do is to walk to the car. Now what should you expect of your driver?
A Chauffeur will open your door for you and open it correctly. The door should be opened before a passenger reaches the vehicle. The driver should stand heels-to-wheels (facing away from the car) and protect the passenger.
Protection is given by standing in one of two places: Either in front of the door or toward the rear of the car. Both of these places ensure the passenger can enter and exit with dignity – especially a lady.
Next as you settle in to your seat, the driver should quietly close your door and walk round the rear of the car before they join you for the journey.
It is these subtle differences that set a chauffeur apart from regular drivers. It adds value to the service. In addition to the chauffeur’s etiquette, their driving should put you at ease and deliver a comfortable journey.
After all that is what you pay for.
Friday 29 October 2010
Friday 8 October 2010
First Impressions
Imagine you book a chauffeur driven car to the airport. A nice vehicle arrives at your house, a smart driver gets out, they light a cigarette, walk across your lawn and hammer on your door. Would you be impressed?
In my last blog I wrote about the legalities of private hire and what tools a Chauffeur requires. In the real world there is so much more than just having a nice car and being legal. For a start it is important to get the basics right – dress smart, wear a tie, arrive early, be polite, give a firm hand shake, be prepared to wait, help the customer with any luggage and ensure you create the right impression.
As a Chauffeur your job is so much more than to drive. You need to gauge the passenger and any desire for conversation. Do they prefer a front seat or do they prefer the rear of the car? If they prefer the rear, the arm rest should be down, the front seat moved forward and the rear-view mirror slightly adjusted so the driver can make eye contact with the passenger.
Be aware the client could be attending a meeting, hospital appointment, interview or anything that could cause them to feel nervous. Being in a car with a driver you don’t know can sometimes add to the tension. The Chauffeur’s job is to calm the passenger, make them feel at ease and help them relax.
Now suppose the car arrives outside your home six minutes early, the driver parks neatly, walks along your path, knocks lightly on your door and simply asks if they can take your luggage while they wait for you? Would that be better?
In my last blog I wrote about the legalities of private hire and what tools a Chauffeur requires. In the real world there is so much more than just having a nice car and being legal. For a start it is important to get the basics right – dress smart, wear a tie, arrive early, be polite, give a firm hand shake, be prepared to wait, help the customer with any luggage and ensure you create the right impression.
As a Chauffeur your job is so much more than to drive. You need to gauge the passenger and any desire for conversation. Do they prefer a front seat or do they prefer the rear of the car? If they prefer the rear, the arm rest should be down, the front seat moved forward and the rear-view mirror slightly adjusted so the driver can make eye contact with the passenger.
Be aware the client could be attending a meeting, hospital appointment, interview or anything that could cause them to feel nervous. Being in a car with a driver you don’t know can sometimes add to the tension. The Chauffeur’s job is to calm the passenger, make them feel at ease and help them relax.
Now suppose the car arrives outside your home six minutes early, the driver parks neatly, walks along your path, knocks lightly on your door and simply asks if they can take your luggage while they wait for you? Would that be better?
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