Getting a good deal on a rental vehicle.

[mook3y]

I was reading the other thread about getting a good deal via a special offer with Budget rent a car.

It spoke of other companies specials right now too.

I just thought the following information could be useful for some of you.

I worked for a major rental company that is listed in this thread. Deals like on the other thread do come out and can be great deals!

But for general use information. The rates on cars are based on supply and demand. But there is no "official" policy on what rates are charged at which supply levels.

Literally, one person would walk in paying $379 a week for a luxury or 4x4 vehicle. Someone could walk in a few minutes later and get the same vehicle for $199 a week.

The reservation toll free numbers actually were higher than the rate we would quote out of the rental office.

Now, there are some time periods where it is very expensive for weekly rentals on certain cars and a deal can't be found.

Mini-vans were notoriously difficult to get and would have higher prices almost always.

It never hurts to call the office where you will be picking the vehicle up from and speak with someone directly that works the rental counter.

Be friendly. Chat a little and you might be surprised at offers that might be made to you.

Now, if they are very busy, they will not want to chat.

Off airport sites get away with giving better deals than on-site airport rental locations. But I have received many free upgrades just by talking with the counter person and asking if any might be available.

If you rent on a regular basis from the same site, take the time to get to know the staff on a first name basis. That will help tremendously.

As a rental agent, you have a LOT of descretion at what price you charge for the rental.

When I worked for the rental company, we had a set monthly dollar average we were supposed to meet. So long as we consistently were over that $ average per car rental day, we were never questioned.

CSR agents get monthly bonuses at many rental agencies, based on their average dollar/rental day and their percentage of CDW and PAI insurance sales. So, especially if you are someone who takes the CDW - collision damage waiver then you stand a great chance of negotiating a good deal on a rental.

Now I have not worked in the Florida Market, but I did work the southern california market, which is one of the prime rental car markets in the world.

Main thing is be very polite and nice.

If you are rude, obnoxious, demanding and DON'T have a reservation, you will pay a lot more. Guaranteed!


Very tired, hope this makes sense. If you have any questions, I have no problem answering them.

[faline]

Thanks for the tips!