NOTE: Tried to discuss with Owner concerns from last trip. Got back response (attached). Owner…read moreknows I've been loyal thru Covid and referred business. I can only speak about my experiences. For that loyalty, you can see the response.
I can only post accurately what this car service offers...
On this last trip, when I suggest we might wish to move up to a slightly earlier time, I get back a rude text I need to 'be on time', he's has another job right after. The REASON you hire a pro car service is so you can relax, not stress - the last thing you want is to be told curtly to 'be on time' as they've got another Client RIGHT AFTER.
That again is after a year and a half of loyal business and referrals.
I initially posted a good review before even booking, as Oleg had been polite and was interested in my work. I post I "look forward to our first trip..."
A few bookings in (have done about 7-8 runs with the Owner), this is what you might expect:
SUV door is not opened. No water for passengers; no chargers for phones (if you need one, he will unplug his for you). SUV sometimes dirty, sometimes clean (apologies were made the 2nd time; figured, okay, sometimes that happens... but you ARE hoping for a clean car...)
Drivers do not wear professional clothes, but the rates are reasonable, and Owner is on time.
The Owner even on our first run, was as he is DRIVING, looking at his phone for texts, taking calls, speaking loudly to employees or family, dealing with 'other business'.
You of course want your Driver keeping their eyes on road, focused on the business at hand, treating you like a Client. Safe, professional, courteous.
2nd Trip: pick up at LAX: no sign held up to easily spot driver after traveling cross country exhausted. No cart for baggage. I carry my heavy equipment backpack, no offer made to carry it.
Third trip, I mention I'd prefer him not be handling all these calls at night while driving; I get a somewhat rude response, then he reverses and says he understands and awkward silence until drop off. It is dark, close to 11 at night, and no offer was made to help me with bags up to my place. I ask if he will do so.
Owner always asks if you want to leave a tip. To be honest, there were times I didn't feel a 20% or even %15 was warranted (he'd done minimum, talking loudly the whole drive, taking calls, texting) and no amenities - not even opening door to climb into an SUV. You're picked up, dropped off, and listen to him take calls; but I tip 20%-25%.
The 4th or 5th trip he has another driver pick me up (Alex) who also does not help me (10 PM) to carry bags and make sure I am safely at door. THIS time I do try to have an conversation with Owner; he gets defensive, almost hostile, THEN backs down and says he can see it from 'my point of view' (??? it's pitch black outside, the female client is exhausted - THAT'S why you hire a car service, and not an Uber or a Taxi).
Cut to a 6 month pause; the Studios booking my trips are using other car services, and I'm reminded what a car service can be: driver coming to your door without being asked, polite and welcoming. Car is clean, water in the cupholder. Chargers for client in back. At airport, sign held up so at least you can spot in a crowded baggage area; a cart waiting for luggage, immediately offering to carry everything. Music offered, and certainly no texting and phone calls / conversations going on while you're exhausted having just travelled (even UBER drivers don't do this). Upon parking, opening your door, gathering luggage, walking you to door.
A nice, relaxing experience.
Last trip as I got off of flight after a long weekend nonstop work, no sleep, I accidentally walked past Owner as he was on a call talking and, again, no sign. I'm exhausted. I carry my equipment backpack - no offer is made to carry it until we're standing at crosswalk over 3 minutes and I mention I'm struggling. Car is not freshly washed; evidence of last rainfall. Loud calls coming in (his ringtone is on speaker so loud I jump, he apologizes for the 2nd time that booking); more calls. I'm tired, but trying to relax and deal with some business (again - why you hire a car rather than driving yourself).
The Owner (who has driven me several times) literally asks me where my house is on my street... "Is it a little further down?" I ask if he has my address - I have no idea from direction we're coming from as I'm half asleep. He parks SUV in the middle of the driveway, so I ask him please to pull over so cars can get in and out. He tells me how rude my neighbors are. As he has not opened my door, I try to get out, door won't open, so I call out to please help. He carries my bags to my door, and asks if I want to tip this trip and the last one. I tip over 20%.
Today I text offering to speak so we can clear the air, perhaps help him understand client POV, and get back the text attached.
Thank you. Kathryn
