How to choose a good chauffeur
When thinking about private chauffeured transportation, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a new high-end vehicle with all the possible amenities to make the passengers’ experience as pleasant as possible. But, even with all the importance of the vehicle, it is the chauffeur who will really make the difference between good service and outstanding service that far exceeds the expectations of the most demanding customers. The chauffeur is, in short, the soul of the service.
A good chauffeur’s capabilities should go beyond wearing a suit and driving a good car. If the chauffeur is not up to the task, the whole service will be affected, and the customer may withdraw their trust in the travel agent who booked this service. On the other hand, a chauffeur who knows how to earn the trust of the most demanding customer will also earn loyalty, and the next time the passengers return to the city, they will probably ask to be picked up by the same chauffeur as the last time.
These are some of the main characteristics that an exceptional chauffeur should have:
- Professionalism and discretion: Private chauffeured transportation users are usually very busy people with tight schedules. They will often have important meetings or phone calls inside the vehicle, revealing potentially sensitive information. A good chauffeur will not initiate an unsolicited conversation with the passenger and should be discreet about what they see and hear inside the vehicle.
- Driving skills: It is not just a matter of knowing the highway code. A good chauffeur will have prepared the itinerary before picking up passengers, and should anticipate possible traffic jams, road work, or any other contingency. Some chauffeurs are even trained in evasive driving.
- Flexibility and adaptability: A good chauffeur knows no timetables, but rather knows that passengers’ schedules are continually subject to unforeseen events, changes, and last-minute cancellations. That can mean many dead hours parked waiting for clients to finish their meeting, but also changes to the itinerary on the fly, or times when a service lasts much longer than planned.
- Language skills: A chauffeur will have to deal with passengers of multiple nationalities throughout the day. An excellent command of at least English is essential. Any other language is also welcomed.
- Technology proficiency: In an ever-changing world, it is essential for a good chauffeur to be able to handle the latest technological gadgets. Many companies and personal assistants expect the chauffeur to be able to report the status of the service in real time via technology, thus avoiding cumbersome and repetitive phone calls.
- Personal care: Good chauffeurs should always follow a dress code, take care of their personal hygiene, and always keep in mind that their working day may be much longer than initially planned.
- Punctuality: Chauffeurs must always be in position at the pick-up point at least fifteen minutes before the agreed time. If they’re picking up a client at a private flight terminal, they should also notify the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) in advance so that they know someone will be picking up the passengers.
- Communication skills: A good chauffeur should be able to anticipate and understand the needs of the passengers. From maintaining the right temperature inside the vehicle, to knowing whether it is appropriate to play music or whether passengers prefer to travel in silence, these details make a big difference.
Drivania’s Affiliates Department finds and vets the best chauffeurs in the most in-demand destinations around the world, making sure they are up to the task. The goal will always be to meet and exceed the expectations of the most demanding clients, and thus offer a complete end-to-end service that anticipates, and corrects, any mishaps that may arise.
Drivania. Beyond chauffeurs.
