Enterprise Car Rental (1 Viewer)

[Baloney Sandwich]

They have jumped the shark in terms of their customer service. My company now has them as our preferred provider and they are so over the top yet at the same time robotic in their customer service. It all seems so scripted and they are constantly trying to make conversation but it is transparent that they have been trained this way. It is really a turn off personally and I'm sure some of these 22-26 year old kids are really nice but I find myself pissed off after every interaction with them.

 

[Reginald Cornsilks]

I always try to recruit them into a fake multi level marketing scheme when they're trying to make conversation with me.

 

[[icon]]

Never used em.

National Emerald Aisle FTW.
Just walk up, get in whatever car you want, and leave. No ####### around with dimwits.

 

[johnnycakes]

Make up your own pre-scripted conversation next time and see which one prevails.

 

[John Bender]

they all act like the waiter at Chotchkies when you're trying to get a rental car.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

they all act like the waiter at Chotchkies when you're trying to get a rental car.

Much more succinct than my post and spot on

 

[Bob Loblaw]

"So... how's your day been? Crazy weather we're having, huh? Yeah the rain makes the roads pretty slick. You know, if you sign up for damage waiver, you wouldn't have to worry about damaging our car. Think about, k?"

 

[The Ref]

Never rented there but my extended family has purchased 8 cars from them over the years. We have always been very happy with them.

 

[Fat Nick]

I'm more of an Avis guy myself...mostly because there's an abundance of Corporate Discount codes online, and they never ask for the requisite employee ID. I've rented some pretty cheap cars as a member of the Louisiana State Bar association...even with my NJ driver's license.

 

[nirad3]

Never used em.

National Emerald Aisle FTW.

Just walk up, get in whatever car you want, and leave. No ####### around with dimwits.

Yup.

 

[Abraham]

Never used em.

National Emerald Aisle FTW.

Just walk up, get in whatever car you want, and leave. No ####### around with dimwits.

This is the correct answer. THis or Silvercar.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

I'm more of an Avis guy myself...mostly because there's an abundance of Corporate Discount codes online, and they never ask for the requisite employee ID. I've rented some pretty cheap cars as a member of the Louisiana State Bar association...even with my NJ driver's license.

care to share that code?

 

[culdeus]

Had to use enterprise for work for a few years. by the end I begged if I could use anyone else.

Their entire model is designed around being slow so you get over sold.

 

[Chadstroma]

I have not rented there in ages but I am not a fan of the fake customer service.

One place that I have always had exceptional customer service and it has always been genuine (or seemed that way at least) has been Chik-fil-A but then I noticed something the other day with them using "my pleasure". Scripts, no matter how they are delivered, really takes away from the customer service experience in my opinion.

Be a genuine, nice person with some personality and puts in a little bit of extra effort and you deliver exceptional customer service. Telling your employees "you must say 'my pleasure' if someone thanks you" is not good customer service, it is irratating.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

I'm more of an Avis guy myself...mostly because there's an abundance of Corporate Discount codes online, and they never ask for the requisite employee ID. I've rented some pretty cheap cars as a member of the Louisiana State Bar association...even with my NJ driver's license.

 

[Fat Nick]

I'm more of an Avis guy myself...mostly because there's an abundance of Corporate Discount codes online, and they never ask for the requisite employee ID. I've rented some pretty cheap cars as a member of the Louisiana State Bar association...even with my NJ driver's license.

care to share that code?

LINK to the forum where I usually pull them from. It's an ongoing thread. Basically, what I do is this:

-Go to Avis and set it up for what I want.

-Run a few of the codes off the link.

-Once I find a good one, I'll Google that code and read if anyone has had issues using it.

-If not, I'm good to go.

I've never had issues with random association codes (bar associations, university affiliations, etc.) There are a few SUPER discount codes (Avis employees, a few airline employees, etc) that I think throw some kind of message at check-in to verify employment. Don't use these. The rates can differ wildly depending on what type of car you want, etc. For example, I actually worked for Pfizer, and they got GREAT rates on anything up to a mid-sized car. Anything over that was just retail price...but some rates are good on SUV's and more. Be careful because some of the awesome rates don't include unlimited miles. May or may not be of benefit to you, but I did rent a mid-sized car for a week for $130. We didn't use it for more than just going to dinner and to/from the airport, so the mileage cost was minimal. You really just have to try a few codes and know what you want and how you plan to use the car. In general, the rates I end up with are pretty darn good. If you take 30 minutes to look, you can probably save 30% or more.

 

[John Bender]

Interesting

I may finally switch to a different company for rentals. I've gone with Enterprise because it's comfortable - you pretty much know what you're going to get. Baloney is right about the customer service being so over the top sometimes that it's almost mocking the customer. If it's not over the top awesome, you're usually stuck with someone who's having a miserable day - there is no in between.

National Emerald Aisle sounds like the way to go and I just might try it.

The rewards and corporate programs for Enterprise mean nothing - a lot of the time, if you know how to work the system, you can get a car for cheaper than the "corporate" discount. In fact, about 95% of the time. The corporate discounts, unless they are a huge national fleet company, are good for holidays when prices are so bloated. Otherwise, you can work a better price almost every time on your own. Enterprise doesn't have set rates...if you call a branch directly, most of the time they are just pulling a number out of thin air based on how many cars they have idle on the lot.

 

[Fat Nick]

Interesting

I may finally switch to a different company for rentals. I've gone with Enterprise because it's comfortable - you pretty much know what you're going to get. Baloney is right about the customer service being so over the top sometimes that it's almost mocking the customer. If it's not over the top awesome, you're usually stuck with someone who's having a miserable day - there is no in between.

National Emerald Aisle sounds like the way to go and I just might try it.

The rewards and corporate programs for Enterprise mean nothing - a lot of the time, if you know how to work the system, you can get a car for cheaper than the "corporate" discount. In fact, about 95% of the time. The corporate discounts, unless they are a huge national fleet company, are good for holidays when prices are so bloated. Otherwise, you can work a better price almost every time on your own. Enterprise doesn't have set rates...if you call a branch directly, most of the time they are just pulling a number out of thin air based on how many cars they have idle on the lot.

I've noticed the same thing with Enterprise - Corporate discounts are very very minimal. I've had better luck using straight coupons if I need to rent from them for some reason.

 

[nirad3]

Interesting

I may finally switch to a different company for rentals. I've gone with Enterprise because it's comfortable - you pretty much know what you're going to get. Baloney is right about the customer service being so over the top sometimes that it's almost mocking the customer. If it's not over the top awesome, you're usually stuck with someone who's having a miserable day - there is no in between.

National Emerald Aisle sounds like the way to go and I just might try it.

The rewards and corporate programs for Enterprise mean nothing - a lot of the time, if you know how to work the system, you can get a car for cheaper than the "corporate" discount. In fact, about 95% of the time. The corporate discounts, unless they are a huge national fleet company, are good for holidays when prices are so bloated. Otherwise, you can work a better price almost every time on your own. Enterprise doesn't have set rates...if you call a branch directly, most of the time they are just pulling a number out of thin air based on how many cars they have idle on the lot.

Used to travel a buttload for work, still do occasionally, and I'll never use anyone but National.

I booked the compact rate, but since I'm Emerald Club (just sign up and go) I was told to pick anything in the Emerald Aisle, which included SUVs, mid-sized cars, etc. I rocked a brand new Jetta (no rainbow stickers, however) for a few days in Austin. Really nice.

 

[SWC]

they are a hell of a lot better than chipotlay brohans you know what i am talking about take that to the bank

 

[John Bender]

Last tip...

if you need a local rental.

Call them and tell them your car was in an accident so you need a rental for a few days but that your insurance company will reimburse you for 25 dollar a day. You HAVE to stay under $25 a day because that's all your policy will pay for. If they try to set up direct billing with the insurance company, just tell them you already spoke to an adjustor and it's reimbursable only. They will honor the insurance company rates and get you something for <$25 a day...every time.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Interesting

I may finally switch to a different company for rentals. I've gone with Enterprise because it's comfortable - you pretty much know what you're going to get. Baloney is right about the customer service being so over the top sometimes that it's almost mocking the customer. If it's not over the top awesome, you're usually stuck with someone who's having a miserable day - there is no in between.

National Emerald Aisle sounds like the way to go and I just might try it.

The rewards and corporate programs for Enterprise mean nothing - a lot of the time, if you know how to work the system, you can get a car for cheaper than the "corporate" discount. In fact, about 95% of the time. The corporate discounts, unless they are a huge national fleet company, are good for holidays when prices are so bloated. Otherwise, you can work a better price almost every time on your own. Enterprise doesn't have set rates...if you call a branch directly, most of the time they are just pulling a number out of thin air based on how many cars they have idle on the lot.

This is true. I'm a former ERAC-er.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Last tip...

if you need a local rental.

Call them and tell them your car was in an accident so you need a rental for a few days but that your insurance company will reimburse you for 25 dollar a day. You HAVE to stay under $25 a day because that's all your policy will pay for. If they try to set up direct billing with the insurance company, just tell them you already spoke to an adjustor and it's reimbursable only. They will honor the insurance company rates and get you something for <$25 a day...every time.

Also true.

Be careful with this, as you'll be charged on a "Calendar Day" basis, rather than "24-Hr Day" basis. So, if you rent at 8am Monday and return the next day at 7:53am, you'll be charged for 2 calendar days. So, 2 days @ $25/day is greater than 1 day @ $39.99. However, if you kept it until close of business on Tuesday, it would be in your favor ($50 vs. $79.98). Like I said, be careful.

 

[[icon]]

Interesting

I may finally switch to a different company for rentals. I've gone with Enterprise because it's comfortable - you pretty much know what you're going to get. Baloney is right about the customer service being so over the top sometimes that it's almost mocking the customer. If it's not over the top awesome, you're usually stuck with someone who's having a miserable day - there is no in between.

National Emerald Aisle sounds like the way to go and I just might try it.

The rewards and corporate programs for Enterprise mean nothing - a lot of the time, if you know how to work the system, you can get a car for cheaper than the "corporate" discount. In fact, about 95% of the time. The corporate discounts, unless they are a huge national fleet company, are good for holidays when prices are so bloated. Otherwise, you can work a better price almost every time on your own. Enterprise doesn't have set rates...if you call a branch directly, most of the time they are just pulling a number out of thin air based on how many cars they have idle on the lot.

Used to travel a buttload for work, still do occasionally, and I'll never use anyone but National.

I booked the compact rate, but since I'm Emerald Club (just sign up and go) I was told to pick anything in the Emerald Aisle, which included SUVs, mid-sized cars, etc. I rocked a brand new Jetta (no rainbow stickers, however) for a few days in Austin. Really nice.

I've had a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Dodge Charger, a Nissan Maximas etc from the Emerald Aisle... The entirety of your interaction is to hand over some paperwork at the booth on the way out. They hand it back within a minute or two usually and you're gone. The damn airport shuttle bus even stops at the head of the Emerald Aisle before the main building usually.

I'd say I'd average 5 mins max from the time I step off the bus until the time I was out of the lot and on my way. Cars all have the keys in the ignition ready to go. It's awesome.

 

[Fat Nick]

Do you need anything special to get this Emerald Isle thing? I don't rent a TON...usually 1-2x per year. Is it frequency based or you just have to sign up?

 

[[icon]]

Do you need anything special to get this Emerald Isle thing? I don't rent a TON...usually 1-2x per year. Is it frequency based or you just have to sign up?

Normally it's $50 to enroll, but there are always ways to bypass that cost if you look around. There is no annual fee. I'm not aware of any minimal rental requirements.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL FREE via Disney Mousesavers (saves $50 - use enroll now link on left side of the page)

YOu make a reservation like normal... specify you want an midsize/intermediate/emerald aisle rental. Then you just show up, jump in a car, sign the car out at the booth on your way out (never have to leave the driver's seat) and and you're gone. You also can use "Emerald Reserve Service" which means you can make a reservation for specific type (minivan, SUV, etc) and just go jump in it and go (doesn't have to be on emerald aisle).

Once our travel department at my old job apparently forgot to make a reservation.... the woman at the check out booth said no problem, pushed a few buttons and I was still out of there quickly..... so I guess theoretically, you can just go jump in a car anywhere at any time and drive off with it.

They keep all your info and payment details on file to streamline the process. Truly a godsend if you despise the rental car counter experience as much as I do.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

But they'll pick you up.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Never used em.

National Emerald Aisle FTW.

Just walk up, get in whatever car you want, and

leave. No ####### around with dimwits.

Forever in your debt, Emerald Club is light years better than dealing with Enterprise. Thank you sir!