Buyer beware! On January 5, 2023 at around 11am, I had the most shocking and traumatic experience trying to return a vehicle to Budget located at 2000 Kittridge St, Berkeley CA. After noticing a service engine light, I called the Budget corporate customer service line who then advised that I turn the vehicle in to the closest location which was the Budget on Kittridge street. When I entered the facility, I encountered a male employee behind the counter wearing a Budget uniform . He was not wearing a name badge and declined to provide his name. He appeared to be of Indian descent, 50-60 years old, dark hair and speaks with an accent. I explained the situation and how I was instructed to return the vehicle at this location. This male employee appeared annoyed almost immediately and yelled at me stating that this location was independently operated and that I would incur a one way drop off fee. He later accused me of not filling up the tank which he soon discovered was not the truth as once he took the time to read the rental agreement. Given that he appeared very volatile and I was alone with him, I felt very uncomfortable and threatened by his language and posture toward me. I tried to diffuse the situation by suggesting that he either read the notes that were provided in the system or to call the corporate office for clarity. This seemed to anger him more and he replied that it was not his responsibility to do so. He then forcibly shoved the keys back across the counter at me and yelled at me to get out!! At this point I am dumb-founded and quite frankly scared as there were no witnesses present. I then ask him to stop talking/yelling at me as I agreed to make the call. He then leaves me unattended and goes to an adjacent room out of view for the next 30 mins as I wait on hold to speak to a manager. Upon speaking with the manager, it was confirmed that everything I told him was the truth. The manager ask to speak to him but he refused to get on the line. I was then advised by the manager to leave the keys and the vehicle and to leave the office immediately. I happily obliged and will never return. I do not recommend that any person, male or female, subject themselves to this type of treatment. It was disgraceful and whomever this unnamed male is, he should be ashamed of himself and should not be unleashed on the public. Notice that i did not refer to him as a man. If you are management of this location, you should strongly reconsider having this person represent your business. read more
