Payless Head's Up

Just returned from Vegas. Had a five day reservation with Payless for $156.++. After getting my paperwork, I checked the contract and found my charges were listed as $202.++. Took paperwork back to the counter and asked what was the deal - the woman gave me some incomprehensible B.S. I then asked to speak with a manager. She then tore up my original contract and gave me a contract with the correct charges. I noticed a daily charge for "roadside assistance" and some other charges I could not comprehend on my original contract - I had not asked for any of these additional items - they were just there. After getting home, Payless had the audacity to send me an e-mail for a survey. I stated my experience and received a reply e-mail from "Crissy". She informed me that the "roadside assistance" item was on the contract for the "customers convenience". I replied that that was nothing more than a money grab on Payless's part and I considered her response as total B.S. I have not heard from this liar since. Moral of this tale; If you decide to rent a car from Payless, check your contract for the total price - don't be surprised if they try to add some additional charges to your quote.

If a bigger percentage of customers pay attention maybe they will stop trying to screw us. When I walk up to the counter the representative will smile & greet me, but the first thing that comes out of my mouth is...I don't want any added insurance & I don't want any roadside insurance. After they go thur the contract during their fast talk and have me initial each item, before I sign the contract I compare the bottom line total to my total on my printed copy from my online order. If they don't match I tell them to go over each item again but a little slower. As far as them thinking about our conveniences, that should be OUR choice to have or not. Glad you when up against them.

I hate all of the car rental companies. they gouge you with so many BS fees. I feel like I need to cross my fingers and pray every time I rent one.

I too had a problem with Payless in October. I had a 1 week rental and the quote I received was $20 less than the bottom line on the contract. They understood I was not adding anything and the contract correctly reflected that. I spoke to the Manager who was less than helpful. He stated that Payless was not responsible for the "Goodman" taxes. He and she were the Mayor's of Las Vegas when all these taxes escalated. The manager stated that he could not do anything about this and there is a long line that I need to take care of. I informed him that I too stood in that long line as well. Standoff. To make a long story short Payless double charged me the daily $3 tax which I corrected upon return of the rental. No apology nothing. I informed the agent who corrected the problem that I find it hard to believe that I was the only customer this happened to. No response again. It's funny how a company can make the customer feel like they are wasting there time! Food for thought. Buyer beware and thanks for listening.

I'm all for saving money.But one thing I don't understand is with all of the negative reviews for rental car companies like Payless, Advantage and Fox for example, why would anyone rent from them??

I've been reading stories just like this one on internet forums for years and their price would have to be 50% lower than any of the major companies out there to even get me to consider it.

I recently read on another forum where a guy booked through one of these companies to save $20 on a weekly rental. Again, I'm all for saving money but between the time wasted and then the bullshit you have to deal with, is it really worth all of the aggravation for such little savings?

stungazed- one of the major attractions for those who utilize the LVA website is the exchange of money saving information. I, for one prefer to spend my money in the most frugal ways possible. As far as "all of the negative reviews for rental car companies" goes, when ever they try to rip me off for more money than they contract for, I am going to call them on it. Relaying this information to fellow LVA members is and will be automatic for me. Also, I find that saving money is worth the possible extra time and effort needed.

For once I agree with the doc.Rates are already getting out of hand so they need to be called out when they intentionally try to over charge you.

The car rental business is so vast, so many contractors and subcontractors and sub-sub contractors, so many taxes and fees depending on state, county, airport, hotel, etc., daily price changes.

I believe the online survey is the best opportunity to have a concern heard. I am glad you completed the survey, drmilled. I don't know why you feel it was an "audacity" that they sent it to you. You were successful! Someone actually responded! At least you know you were heard. Not good that you insulted the lady and the company, as that probably got your e-mail tossed in the round file, but at least you got through initially.

O2bnVegas - Quoting you " Not good that you insulted the lady and the company" - I take umbridge with your comment, after all, she asked and I honestly replied. Citing "customer convenience" for an unasked for and unwanted service and fee that only padded their bottom line was and is B.S. - as I stated. I should be and was the one insulted.

i find that if you can get to the car rental company's loyalty club, even payless, it helps a lot. by-passing the front counter eliminates most of the up-sell b.s.
i did, however, enjoy a couple years ago asking the agent if he thought $3.95/day roadside insurance that covered a max of $120 was a good deal, loud enough for the whole line to hear