Neelee Posted November 26, 2009 Report Posted November 26, 2009 We'll be needing a car for one way from FLL to MCO. Researched to board posts for previous posts. Seems reasonable to get a compact for approx. $17-$19 / day. P/L rejected bids for compact $12, mid-size $14, standard $16. Didn't want to go higher because I don't like bigger cars.Does anyone have any suggestions for a successful bid? Thank you!
thereuare Posted November 27, 2009 Report Posted November 27, 2009 This is likely a peak time in Florida with many families vacationing during school break... what is the best rate you're able to find thru conventional booking channels for this one way rental? (please break down the total cost between base rate and taxes/fees)Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Neelee Posted November 27, 2009 Author Report Posted November 27, 2009 This is likely a peak time in Florida with many families vacationing during school break... what is the best rate you're able to find thru conventional booking channels for this one way rental? (please break down the total cost between base rate and taxes/fees)Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.From Carrentals.comAlamo Economy5 Days @ $103.99/day = $519.95Estimated Taxes and Fees = $120.59Total Price= $640.54Alamo Compact5 Days @ $107.99/day = $539.95Estimated Taxes and Fees = $123.91Total Price= $663.8From Alamo web site "$30 one way specials in Florida"5 days $107.99/Day = $539.95 Subtotal with taxes and fees = $123.91Estimated Total = $663.86Other car rental prices similar range.Thank you for any advice or suggestions
thereuare Posted November 27, 2009 Report Posted November 27, 2009 Seems reasonable to get a compact for approx. $17-$19 / day.Just like hotel rooms, rates for car rentals are date specific. As per the rates you've quoted, prices for your dates are $100+ per day or more... making a $20 bid highly unlikley.I think you're going to need to determine a more realistic maximum budget.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Neelee Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Posted November 28, 2009 Yes, I'm starting to get that impression after additional research. It was a November 2008 post by Whammy1 (FLL >> TPA) that got my hopes up. It was the only other one way rental over the holidays. I guess a year makes a big difference.Would you say $40 - $60 per day is more reasonable?Thank you!
thereuare Posted November 28, 2009 Report Posted November 28, 2009 You could certainly try that, but it may take even more.With rates near $100/day, rental companies are likely experiencing heavy demand and may feel that they can rent all/most of the cars on their lot themselves... thereby giving little reason for them to offer deeply discounted inventory (or inventory at all) to the opaque suppliers.I would definately look to book a cancellable back-up in the meantime while you continue to bid, as this will at least give you a firm 'price to beat' number, as well as protect you from any further price increases.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Neelee Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Posted November 28, 2009 I would definately look to book a cancellable back-up in the meantime while you continue to bid, as this will at least give you a firm 'price to beat' number, as well as protect you from any further price increases.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. I wasn't expecting that. That's why I LOVE this board. Terrific advise and prompt friendly replies.While I was looking around, it occurred to me that I could probably use my Costco discount. So I booked Plan B at Alamo.Compact Car @ $97.80/day x 5 days = $489.00Less 15% + free upgrade = -$15.65Subtotal = $473.35Taxes/Fees = $112.85Total = $586.20Back to bidding I go...
Neelee Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Posted November 28, 2009 Sheesh! You're right.. P/L playing hard ball.Rejected 40 for economy, 50 for compact, & 60 for midsize. They did not it was not likely to be accepted because the regular retail is around $90. But if you could save 'up to 40%' then 60 should have done it. I'll try again tomorrow. Thank you so much for your help.
thereuare Posted November 28, 2009 Report Posted November 28, 2009 Remember that the opaque suppliers are used to sell excess inventory... if the (insert travel supplier here) feel that they can sell everything themselves (at or near full price) on a given date, then there is little reason to give the opaque suppliers inventory, and what they do give them won't be as deeply discounted. Taking the above into consideration, it stands to reason that when prices go up (due to demand), the percentage discount may actually go down.Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Neelee Posted December 1, 2009 Author Report Posted December 1, 2009 Well, Priceline rejected my bids again despite my attempts to go higher than I wanted ($60 up to midsize). Decided to take advantage of my company's corporate rates with Enterprise at $35.99/day plus taxes and fees. Worked out to half the deal at Alamo and I can get airline mileage credit. Thank you everyone for your suggestions and advice. As usual, this board is awesome and I've recommended it to several of my friends!
thereuare Posted December 1, 2009 Report Posted December 1, 2009 Although higher than you originally wanted, glad you found something for this trip and thanks for helping spread the word about BetterBidding! :) Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Neelee Posted December 2, 2009 Author Report Posted December 2, 2009 Well, Priceline rejected my bids again despite my attempts to go higher than I wanted ($60 up to midsize). Decided to take advantage of my company's corporate rates with Enterprise at $35.99/day plus taxes and fees. Worked out to half the deal at Alamo and I can get airline mileage credit. Thank you everyone for your suggestions and advice. As usual, this board is awesome and I've recommended it to several of my friends!Just got the rental details for this one-way rental for reference to others.1. Enterprise does not offer airline mileage credit with any airline (oh well)2. Agent said One Way rental fee "built-in" to the price"5 Days @ $ 35.99 USD = $ 179.95 USD VEHICLE LICENSE FEE RECOVERY = $ 1.35 USDRENTAL CAR FACILITY CHARGE = $ 19.75 USD2.00/DAY RENTAL CAR SURCHARGE = $ 10.00 USDSubtotal = $ 211.05 USDAIRPORT ACCESS FEES= $ 19.14 USDSALES TAX = $ 13.76 USD* Total Estimated Charges $ 243.95 USDThis is for an Intermediate Car / unlimited mileagePontiac G5, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla or similar2 or 4 doorsAutomatic TransmissionAir ConditioningAM/FM CD PlayerSo, word to the wise who travel during peak travel seasons - check into your company's "perk" plans.Take care!
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