I rented a car for a 3 hour meeting which was canceled, but I only found out upon arrival. So I drove back and the zip car sat in its spot for 2 hours unused.

It is my understanding that I can't cancel a reservation less than three hours beforehand, so I didn't cancel mine (since it had started.) I don't mind having paid the fee but it seemed a shame that it wasn't available to others during this time. Could I have canceled and made it available?

It would be nice if there was some small incentive for doing so (e.g. you get x% per hour back if someone does use the car). I know I've seen the car I want parked in its spot even though it was shown as being in the middle of its reservation.

Thanks.

Joe

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2004

Answers

I agree. In fact the billing is screwed up.

My plans have changed, and I'll be able to return a car 1/2 day earlier than expected. I tried to change the reservation, and the system informed me that I would be charged $37 for the change -- even though I'd be paying the same full-day amout either way.

Now the car will be sitting empty for 1/2 day when someone else could have used it. ZipCar is throwing away potential revenue.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2004

You guys are so right. At the very least, you should be able to phone ZipCar to have them reset the availability on the car, and they should reward you for the notification of the early return.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2004

i'll add my name to this request.

seems like a simple enough thing for a computer to keep track of... w'ed call in that the car is back early and if its rented by someone else we get some % back. I too have seen my neighborhood car sitting there when i would have loved to be in it for an hour or two.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2005