I'm curious about how other members feel about the new price plans and the way they were forced upon us.

I knew that Zipcar was introducing new plans and ways for us heavy drivers to get credit for being heavy users, but what I didn't understand was that we could no longer be billed once a month at the end of the month. I thought the new plans were OPTIONAL.

I do NOT like being billed per use, and I don't want to have to "pre-pay". I am really very, very disappointed in Zipcar on this one.

The company has changed so much since I joined several years ago. This is no longer a "community feeling" establishment that really cares and gives consideration to its members- it's being run like a greedy company. What's the difference now in just going to a rental agency? What I liked was that I could pay at the end of the month, all at once.

I've come to depend on Zipcar, so I'm forced to deal with this for the BRIEF moment, but I fear that I now must begin to review my transportation choices. Maybe I'll break down and ::::gasp::::: buy a car. Maybe Enterprise's weekend specials aren't so bad after all.

I've spoken with the Zipcar folks about this, and everyone was very nice. However, my mind isn't changed- this FORCED pricing plan bites the big one. I'm just one person, I'm sure my dollars won't be missed, but hey Zipcar, don't force away too many of your old faithfuls.

How do other members feel? Maybe it's just me. If it is just me, oh well, like I said, I'm just one person- so carry on.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2004

Answers

I'm not really sure what you mean, or why it's such a big deal--doesn't everyone have Zipcar automatically debit from a credit card? If so, then paying the credit card statement once a month means that effectively, yes, you do still pay at the end of the month. There may be more individual transactions (actually, I haven't really noticed if that's the case, but I'll take your word on it), but so what? You're just getting a more detailed look at the bill up front.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2004

Hi Christina and all,

After a discussion over dinner last night with my partner, I've realized that maybe I overreacted to the whole sucky billing thing.

When I began telling her about how my beloved Zipcar had gone corporate, and about the horrible new forced billing system, she looked at me and said, "oh, I love Zipcar-thank them for this! This is wonderful!". So, I'm sitting there looking at her like she's nuts, and I ask what she means. She says, "I've been after you for years to think about how you use Zipcar. Your bill is way too high. You spend too much. You just hop in a car because it's fun and convenient, then pay up at the end. This way, you will be forced to think about each and every use, consider whether it's cheaper to grab a cab, take the T, etc., and I bet you will never have another $250- $300 month".

I sat there. Thought about it, and realized she is absolutely correct. So, even though I personally feel this was a terrible decision on Zipcar's part, I do appreciate it for making me think before I hop in a Zipcar, just for fun and convenience.

This weekend's reservation- cancelled. Enterprise Weekend Special, here I come.

Thanks for listening, ya'll.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2004

P.S. Christina, I was using a DEBIT CARD versus a credit card. The charges just add up on a cc, but with a debit card, they come out right then.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2004