Representatives lie! I needed a car rental for a week in Connecticut, and the least inexpensive option I could find last minute was through Payless for 184.45 (93 for the week, and about 90 worth of taxes and fees.)
When I was checking out I noticed that the rate was increased to 201.97. I asked the representative (Stephen) why that was. He replied that my return time (11:00 am) was later than pick up time (10:30 am) because my arrival flight was early. He was essentially saying that the increase was for an additional day, but if I brought it back by 10:30 am on the return day, that it would bring it back to the 184.45. Because I was in a rush, I accepted this response and signed the screen accepting that increase without reading the fine print.
Stephen actually lied about the increase. It was in fact a $2 per day upgrade fee that they charged me for the car that I never requested! I booked an economy and they gave me Nissan Versa, which was a tiny little car, you'd never know what category it fell into. Its not like they gave me an SUV or sports car upgrade. I was later told by the manager that there was no way to confirm that I didn't request this, but that the representatives get paid on commission. Trust me, I would have considered an upgrade if it was offered to me, especially in February in Connecticut in the snow. I was actually considering an SUV for all wheel drive, but was never offered an upgraded car!
I bet you are wondering why I would take the time to write this over an increase of $20, but this wasn't even all!
I initially booked this car for a week, but before I picked up the car, I found out that I had to cut my trip short and fly out of CT after 4 days instead of the full week. I told this to Stephen at check out, because I was unfamiliar with how it works if you return a car early. He informed me that I would be refunded the prorated amount based on my usage. So in my mind 184.45/7=26.35 a day x 4 days = 105.40 including all taxes.
When I returned the car after 4 days, before 10:30 am I may add, the final balance that they were trying to charge me was 172.50. Unfortunately Stephen was not working, so I told the representative about the conversation that we had, and she said unfortunately there was nothing that she could do because I didn't read the contract more carefully. This woman was the worst, one of those people who is looking to start an argument over trying to help the customer. I didn't get her name, but if you ever rent from Payless BDL, please beware of the ugly middle aged woman who thinks shes good looking but in all actuality are disgusting and plasters on all this makeup to attempt to cover up her ugliness, but it doesn't even blend it into her neck so she looks like a clown. Shes the one that will probably be on her phone instead of trying to help the customers.
Anyways I was getting nowhere with her so I asked for a manager. He at least attempted to rectify the situation by getting the daily rate down and the total cost for 4 days was 151.93. Still going through Payless customer service to get the additional $50, but based on the response I got, they will be getting back to me in 3-5 business days via email with a response, so it doesn't look promising.
I'm so upset I am writing this from the airport instead of doing my work. Its amazing how a situation and negative people can just ruin your mood for the day. Needles to say I will never be renting from Payless again, if there was a negative star amount I would be giving them negative.
The manager was OK after talking with him nicely, the guy driving the shuttle was nice, beware of anyone checking you in/out (salesmen that work off commission) and the wicked witch of the west. read more