The weekend day rate has increased 44%. What kind of increase can NYC zipcar members expect for the rate period yet to be published (June 15 - Oct 15)? I love the zipcar concept but when I work the numbers renting is more economical. Unless rates become more competitive I am sure all members will have to re-evaluate whether or not to renew their memberships.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2003

Answers

I'm feeling the same way unless, that is, the higher prices make it more likely I'll be able to use the zipcars in the first place because other members reject the SUPER high prices. Currently, I'm still renting from Hertz most often not only because it's a lot less expensive but because the Zipcars are booked. We need more zipcars on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Zipcar should also realize revenue from members who chronically book and then cancel their reservations - the penalties could be on a sliding scale based on the number of cancellations over a certain period, proximity to rental time, demand for rental time (i.e., higher penalty for weekend cancellation) etc. Look at the Mini - I've never even gotten a chance to try it.

Regards.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2003

I agree that ZipCar should probably penalise late cancellations, as they just hurt all of us who are in need of cars. Late returns are also not to be trifled with, as we need reasonable assurance that the car we book will be there. I would suggest that the current penalty for a late return be adopted for cancellations less than 4 hours before the reservation time, and that actual late return penalties be doubled, as courtesy is not emphasized enough these days.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2003

NYC zip car seems rather expensive. I am currently living in Boston and will be moving to NYC and I was hoping to be able to use zip car as a way to commute. To my surprise the rate is doubled in NYC. Although everything is more expensive in NYC, I am sure it's not necessarily twice as expensive. After all, Boston is not cheap either. So, I hope ZIP car can reevaluate their NYC prices.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2003

It's double in NY? I should have checked the prices. I can't believe you bastards are ripping off the nYC customers. SO long shit car.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2004