While skimming the forum - there are no fewer than three 'where did this zipcar go' question. I myself logged onto zipcar this morning to get a car, to find my local TWO cars are now gone.

Zipcar loves point out new cars in their monthly newsletter. But don't communicate AT ALL when cars go away. Any reason you don't tell folks of cars moved/retired/taken away in the newsletter? or better yet, e-mail all members in the immediate area when their cars go away...

We depend on cars being close to us - the whole point of Zipcar. It's a big disappointment when we only find out about location changed by logging on to reserve our cars and find them gone. :(

- J

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2005

Answers

heh heh i'd say its like most management in companies.

Promote good news and try to make bad-news sound like good news (ie move it to another location and announce it as good news, for that area maybe. )

D

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2005

Zipcar is not really interested in moving cars around against our membership interests...our goal is more business and putting cars in better locations one way to get there. We get out of some locations because thay are routinely problematic. Still others are leased and the lease is not renewed. We will pull cars if they don't have enough business on them to support being there, but this is rare.

In general, as we get more cars, we are seeking more multiple-car locations, and those with more stable (and reasonable) terms.

We can (and will) do better about communicating where the moves have an impact. As always, we expect that the website will be a source of dynamic and exciting news for all...more cars, nearer you and in better spots.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2005

Thanks Stephen. I know cars do move from time to time - it's the notification I'm looking for. Not sure if I agree with going for multiple car locations over single drops, but realize you are running a business.

Since new locations are touted in the newsletter, I don't see the harm in announce car 'retirements'. I'm more for being proactive and telling people things than dumpping it somewhere on the web site wher we might find it some day.

Thanks for answering

- J

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2005