Originally posted by: RaistlinZ
<--- Enterprise Rent-A-Car employee here.
Let me clear up a few of those
10 things they won't telll you
1. "We're a tax magnet." - This is not true for all companies and all states and branches. If you're renting from an airport you'll likely pay a small airport fee. If you're renting from a neighborhood branch you may only pay the state sales tax. At least, that's the way it is with Enterprise here in California.
2. "We track your every move." - This one surprised me. I've never heard of rental companies tracking how fast you're driving etc. I'm not sure which rental companies have done this, but Enterprise doesn't. We have better things to do with our time.
3. "Our prices are etched in sand." - Prices can and do change day to day and week to week based on availablility fo cars in the region. The best thing you can do is book a car well in advance and check online again 2 days before to see if prices have dropped. If they have, book a new reservation and cancel the old one.
4. "You probably don't need our insurance." - You'll have to decide this for yorself. If you have a low deductible on your own insurance and are keeping the rental for a couple weeks the price you pay for the damage waiver may be more than your deductible. In which case, yeah, I wouldn't get the protection either. But if you have a high deductible ($500-$1,000) and you're only keeping the car for a day or two you're better off paying the $10/day just in case some jerk dings your door in the parking lot, or a rock hits the windshield on the freeway, etc.
5. "Your reservation doesn't mean bupkis." - I didn't really know this until I started working for Enterprise. When you make a reservation it doesn't "really" set a car aside just for you. It's more of a reminder that so-and-so plans to come in today, so try to find that class car for them. Truth be told, if you have a reservation for Noon for a mid-side car we probably won't start looking for one until about 2-3 hours before you come in, if that. If they don't have the size car you reserved then they should upgrade you to the next best thing at no cost. If they don't, throw a fit in the lobby until they do.
6. "Special orders are our bread and butter." - This is probably more true at airport locations that can offer things like GPS, satillite radio, and have a wider selection of cars. But all branches train their employees to try and up-sell whenever possible. Who wouldn't want a Camry over a Corolla for $5.00 more?
7. "The little guys charge less." - Not always true. I've seen our prices lower than Rent for Less, it just depends on the availability of cars that particular week. Shop online for the best rates at any given time.
8. "We're cutting corners anywhere we can." - I've seen this go on at some branches more than others. Just make sure whatever car you rent is in good condition. Make note if the tires are balding, if the engine makes any weird noises, or if the car drives funny.
Refuse any car that you feel is not safe to drive, period. Any smart rental company will switch you to a different car rather than face liability charges if you get into an accident driving a car they knew was unsafe.
9. "Think gas prices are high at the pump? Look what we charge." - You'll be expected to return the car with the same amount of gas as when you rented it. If you return it short, expect to pay $4-5 a gallon.
10. "We offer some terrific deals ? on Thursdays when the moon is full." - I know at Enterprise we don't combine discount deals. I bet most other companies don't either. If you're going to use a coupon, read it carefully. Make sure of any limitations on what size car the discount works for, which states it's valid in, and any restrictions on milage, days, etc.
The more homework you do, they less you'll take it in the rear at crunch time..... just like in college.
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