Forced to sign up for Preferred
Oct 8, 2015, 12:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
Forced to sign up for Preferred
Just rented a car from OAK this morning. When signing the various parts of the contract, one of the screens was that I was signing up for a new Preferred account. I declined as I already have one (intentionally didn't include it on this reservation). The rep helping me at the desk said I had to sign up or I could not rent the car. I reluctantly did because a) I had to get going and b) renting at another company on the spot would have cost significantly more.
Come to think of it the reason I have a Preferred account is from the last time I rented thru OAK. The manager at the time said my corporate rate code requires me to have one (it doesn't - only requires me to show my work ID). I've never had this problem at any other station.
Is this something new? Do these guys get a bonus for how many people they sign up? Something smells odd here. And yes, I'll be e-mailing Avis later today.
Come to think of it the reason I have a Preferred account is from the last time I rented thru OAK. The manager at the time said my corporate rate code requires me to have one (it doesn't - only requires me to show my work ID). I've never had this problem at any other station.
Is this something new? Do these guys get a bonus for how many people they sign up? Something smells odd here. And yes, I'll be e-mailing Avis later today.
Oct 8, 2015, 3:39 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Aluminum, WN B+
Posts: 929
I wanted different insurance options from what is saved on my profile for this short notice rental and last time it took nearly 48 hours to change my preferences through my account.
Oct 8, 2015, 4:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
You can always just tell them at the counter to change your insurance for that rental, you don't need to change it in your profile.
Oct 11, 2015, 12:10 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Plat; Starwood Plat, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 24
There is no bonus or any other incentive for signing you up for Preferred for the agent or the location if they are playing by the book. I have seen agents that are REALLY good and quick with the computer sign up folks for preferred (especially on longer rentals) generate the contract and once the customer leaves, void the contract and reopen them on the preferred wizard # so that it doesn't hurt their commission base.
Also, if you don't use your wizard # on your reservation, but the credit card used for the rental is the same as on your profile, your rental will be linked to your wizard # the second that card is swiped
Also, if you don't use your wizard # on your reservation, but the credit card used for the rental is the same as on your profile, your rental will be linked to your wizard # the second that card is swiped
Oct 13, 2015, 12:14 am
#6
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,627
I was advised that the link to the Avis profile is based on the driver license number.