Someone planning a trip or a family outing often has to decide between driving the car themselves and hiring a chauffeur. The two options serve different needs, and they cost differently. A renter who doesn't understand the difference may request the wrong one, and a rental company that doesn't explain it clearly will spend time correcting enquiries.
This article shows how to lay out the two options so a renter can choose quickly.
Describe each option in plain words
For self-drive, say that the renter drives the car, what the renter must provide (such as a valid licence) and what the rental covers. For a chauffeur, say that a driver is provided, what the driver does, how many hours or days are included and what the renter pays for the driver's time and any allowances.
Keep the two descriptions parallel, so a renter can compare them line by line.
Who each option suits
Self-drive suits people who want freedom and who are comfortable driving in the places they'll visit. A chauffeur suits people who want to relax, who are travelling in a group or who don't want to drive in unfamiliar traffic. Say this in one short sentence each, rather than leaving the renter to guess.
Hours, days and extras
Show how each option is priced: per day, per hour or per kilometre, and the minimum charge if there is one. Explain what happens if a trip runs over the agreed hours, and what the driver's food and night allowances are, if you charge them.
Be exact about what's included. A renter who finds an extra charge at the end of a chauffeur trip will remember it.
Driver details, shown responsibly
If you provide drivers, say how they're selected and trained, and what checks you carry out, but only describe checks you actually do. Use photos of drivers only with their consent. Don't describe a driver's experience in a way you can't verify.
Requests and confirmations
Ask for the pick-up point, the drop point, the dates and times, the number of passengers and the option the renter prefers. If the renter isn't sure which to choose, offer to suggest one from the answers. Say that a request is confirmed only after you reply with the vehicle and the driver, if one is needed.
Quick checklist
- Describe self-drive and chauffeur in parallel lines, so a renter can compare them.
- Say in one sentence who each option suits.
- Show how each option is priced, including any minimum charge.
- Explain what happens when a trip runs over the agreed hours.
- Describe driver selection only with the checks you actually carry out.
- Ask for pick-up, drop-off, dates, number of passengers and the preferred option in the request.
What to do next
The car rental websites page shows how the fleet, the rates and the request section usually fit together. The layout behind this is covered on the business websites page, which suits any car rental business building its first site. Write the two descriptions side by side first, since that comparison is what a renter needs to see.