You know, I wanted a better word than ‘rave’ for this review. I actually looked it up on Thesaurus.com, because I thought there HAD to be a better word for Joe and Camelot than ‘rave’. I come up with ‘bloviate and perorate’. Are those even words? How did I go 36 years and never even hear the word ‘perorate’? Also there is ‘go bananas’. I’m no Gwen Stefani, and if I say VENDOR GO BANANAS, I’m a loser, and I apologize for even posting in the first place.
So I keep looking down, and I see ‘effervesce, enthuse, and rhapsodize’, and I start thinking, we’re getting somewhere! So here is my VENDOR RHAPSODY (I was oh so tempted to use RHAPSODIC VENDOR BLOVIATION, because I love to use new words, but no one likes a jerk. And I think that anyone who uses the word ‘bloviate’ is probably stocking the shelves at the jerkstore, so I’m a’passing).
I don’t know about you guys, but I have come across my share of shady characters during this planning process. You know the type- you walk in and they size you up, they start you off at an astronomical price, and then are strangely willing to drop it down hundreds when you balk at their ridiculousness, things like that. I’ve also had to endure meetings with vendors who talk you to death, or worse yet, are annoyed when you ask questions. Now, I’m no Rockefeller, and it has given me a minor heart attack each time I’ve signed a contract for ANYTHING. So I want to KNOW what I’m getting, and I don’t want any BS about it.
So I walked into Camelot. They were busy, but one of the employees took the time to greet me and ask me if I needed anything for my wait (just so you know, they DID NOT keep me waiting- I got there early). Then she took me and another couple over to their garage to see the cars.
First of all, they had a fleet the size of the Spanish Armada. Every type of car you can imagine. They were all spotless, and just gorgeous. I was starting to get really excited….
then….
they show me the white Rolls Royce with the red interior. Red interior! And I start thinking, I NEED that for pictures. I’m so stupid, I don’t need it for transportation, but it’s so beautiful, I am now obsessed with taking pictures of us in this red interior. And I’m not really like that- If I don’t need it, I’m not getting it. So now I can’t get it out of my mind. Which is unfortunate, considering that my budget is now almost into negative territory. So I prepare myself for the reality that I may not be able to afford ANY of these cars, and my parents are going to drive me to my wedding in their 1990 wood-paneled Buick Roadmaster. It’s about as big as the Millenium Falcon, and smells like True Menthols, so I’d be stylin’ and profilin’!!!
I can’t believe I just wrote that. I start thinking about that wood paneling, and my brain ceases to function.
So we go back to the office, and I sit down with Joe. I’m waiting for the hard sell. And he starts talking to me, not about what cars I want, but about my wedding day. My timeline (which, I’m mortified to say, I hadn’t even worked out.)
In 2 minutes, Joe had completely orchestrated my entire day, down to the minute.
I probably owe him Day Of Coordinator charges for that one.
Then he asks me what I’m looking for. I explain the size of the party, the logistics, etc, and he WORKS IT OUT SO I USE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARS POSSIBLE.
I would repeat it, but I think the caps indicate my shock. This guy actually tried to SAVE me money. I kept looking around for the hidden cameras.
Then I mention the Rolls- like it’s an untouchable fantasy car. Joe gave me a price for 3 cars- a 22 passenger Navigator, a stretch, and the Rolls.
I literally thought he was joking. The price was SO LOW, I almost started to stammer. I just didn’t know what to say. I was so used to starting out in fighting mode, that I was completely lost. What was this strange and unfamiliar emotion? I was just blown away. He gave me price options for different options as well, just in case I decided I wanted different cars.
I guess the best endorsement is this- I have a cousin who works for another limo company. I asked him if I could get a better deal with his company. I told him the prices that Joe quoted me, and he was silent. HE was stunned. He said ‘Take it.’
Needless to say, I booked with Joe! The only problem I had was FH, who was balking at the extra cost of the Rolls. The funny part is that it was BARELY an added expense. So when I called Joe to book, I told him that we probably couldn’t use the Rolls. He knew I had my heart set on it, and I explained to him what happened with FH.
He cut the price even further.
I mean, I just really don’t know what to say. Joe has just been a phenomenal person to work with. Honest, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
And the most important thing? I have NO DOUBT that his cars will be where they have to be, ON TIME.
Also worth mentioning is that he is very familiar with LIW, and if he knows you are an LIW girl, he will go out of his way for you.
And a conflict of interest disclaimer: I am NOT related to Joe or anyone at Camelot, and I’m NOT trying to get a job there. I was just so thrilled with the service and assistance I got there, that I wanted to let you guys know. Give him a call. BEST OF LUCK, AND THANKS TO JOE FROM CAMELOT!!!
