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Review 4 of 6
Price Paid:
$0.00 Strengths:
The car worked but felt like it was about to shake apart Weaknesses:
Customer service is non-existant Summary:
I reserved a Kia Rio (or similar) economy car, online, with Dollar Rent A Car, to be picked up Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 at Tucson International Airport and to be dropped off Sunday September 21 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. On the 15th we arrived at the Dollar Rent A Car counter at the designated time to pick up our car. We were told that there were no cars available but that they had an arrangement with Alamo to rent us a car and that if there were any discrepancies in the rental price, we would be reimbursed. The gentleman who helped us was very apologetic and helpful. I was a little disappointed as I had made my reservations on June 18th and now I was being told they did not have a car for me. However, it seemed that the employee had taken care of any problems, was nice, and so we went on to Alamo to get our car. After waiting in line for 30 minutes at Alamo, we were informed that the only vehicle that we could take to Phoenix was an SUV and would cost at least $600, almost $400 more than we had planned on paying. My husband and I knew that we could not afford this difference even though Dollar had promised they would pay the difference, we decided to check with them.
We called Dollar from the Alamo counter and explained the situation. The person I spoke to told me to ‘wait a minute’ and began talking to someone in the background. While I was waiting for a response, the Alamo representative began talking to me as I explained my frustration with the situation. She made an innocent comment stating that Alamo did not have a policy of overbooking. I replied that I think that would be a good lesson for Dollar. Immediately, the Dollar representative began yelling at me on the phone stating that he did not appreciated my attitude and that it was uncalled for. I asked if he even knew what I was responding to. He said no. I then told him that based on the situation that DOLLAR had put me in I was being more than cooperative and understanding. I had not raised my voice, I had not cussed, I had not complained a SINGLE time. He continued to berate me at which point I became upset and let my husband deal with the problem. He hung up the phone and went back to the Dollar counter where the same representative, whom we later found to be named David Rodabaugh, continued to be uncooperative and kept insisting that he was just trying to help us. (Of course reneging on an agreement and reducing a woman to tears is my idea of helpful! What was I thinking?!) My husband replied that we appreciated that but the only way to help us was to get us a car. He even tried to tell my husband that just because we had a reservation, it did not guarantee that we would have a car. I think he should be shown a dictionary as the definition, by Webster’s, of reservation includes an arrangement to have something (as a hotel room) held for one's use ; also : a promise, guarantee, or record of such engagement. By the very definition, a reservation is a promise or guarantee!! My husband finally had to become firm with Mr. Rodabaugh and miraculously, a car was found for us. I truly believe, that had my husband not intervened, Mr. Rodabaugh would have continued to be disrespectful and bully-ish to me and I would have been left high and dry. As soon as a man entered the situation he became accommodating and helpful.
I feel that I was disrespected as a customer and a person. The simple fact that we had a contract for services to be rendered, that initially the company was not going to honor, is enough for me never to use Dollar Rent A Car again (much less recommend it to others). Combine this with the horrendous attitude and customer service given by Mr. Rodabaugh, and the situation is even worse. I cannot see how this company will continue to survive when there are so many other choices out there. I suggest a change in policy and better employee training. My experience was (negatively) unforgettable.
Similar Products Used:
Coconut Car Rentals
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