OAK Oakland Mid-Size or Full-Size

[berniecf]

Hello all. I am new to this board and Priceline and feel like I must be doing something wrong. I see a lot of successful bids on here (including California); but I have not had any luck.

In fact, when I try to bid on a car for say $22, Priceline tells me before the bid is even submitted that I probably have no chance? It lists $32 or $33 as necessary bids to be successful and asks if I am sure that I want to go ahead with my bid? :)

I have already found a Mid-Size for these dates at the Dollar web site for $28.81 per day, with lower fees. How can PRICELINE be suggesting that I bid $5 higher than a direct web site? :) I really feel like I am doing something wrong. Any help/feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[thereuare]

When did you reserve that rate with Dollar, as currently the rate on their website for a midsize is $34/day.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. (and also note that we're an affiliate of Dollar Rent a Car)

[berniecf]

I reserved it yesterday around 4:30PM EST. When you first do the search you get a price of $32.20; however there is a button below that price that says "CITY SPECIAL: Here are special rates on your dates in Oakland, California". When you click on that link, the prices all drop a bit. That is how I got the $28.81 quote, which is still available as of this morning.

[thereuare]

If demand is high, and there are not a surplus of cars available, the rental companies may not offer deep disounts (or any discount) to the opaque providers... which makes them 'not such a good deal' after fees are added in, which is why it's important to do your homework first (regardless of what product you're purchasing/bidding for) as you have done.

Since the rental companies often allow you to reserve without any penalty for cancellation (or even for no-show, but 'do the right thing' and cancel reservations you won't be using as it makes it easier for them to manage their fleet) use the above as your back-up and continue to bid on PRICELINE and search HOTWIRE in an attempt to beat your current total cost for this rental.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.