CMK10

It's not a naive question, but as you can tell, there are very few threads about them on FT. Certainly not more than the general forum can handle.

jackal

^^ to all of the above.

It's interesting that is the case, given that Enterprise is the world's largest car rental company (and that was before they purchased Vanguard (d.b.a National and Alamo). But yes, they're (understandably) not popular around these parts because their entire rental process tends to treat everyone, even road warriors, as a first-time renter (which a large portion of their market is, to be fair). Between the lack of having anything pre-processed (so you have to deal with a rental agent pulling up and processing your rental when you arrive), rental software that intentionally slows the rental process down and forces the rental agent to engage you with extra products (upgrades, insurance, gas, etc.), and the dreaded full walk-around of the car (including showing you the car's operation, as if you'd never seen a 2013 Impala before in your life!), it's not an attractive option for the "just want to get on the road" crowd.

That said, I still maintain that you can make their system work to your advantage with just a small investment of time. They covet their J.D. Power awards so dearly that they will do literally anything to ensure you are (the key words:) "completely satisfied" with your rental, and branch management bonuses are heavily tied to the branch's "ESQI" (Enterprise Service Quality Index) score, which is based on random post-rental phone surveys of customers (and yes, by renting, you opt into these). Even entry-level "Management Trainees" (i.e. the fresh-out-of-college idiot who just rented you your car) can wipe away two days of rental charges without even having to explain anything to their supervisor, and bigger reductions are easily possible, too. So, all you need to do is saunter up to the agent when you return the car and mention these key words: "You know, I was not completely satisfied with my rental." You'll see a look of sheer panic cross the agent's face, and after a few seconds when he recovers, you'll see him stutter and finally manage to get out: "Well, what would make you completely satisfied?" Ask for your two free days, and boom--instant discount.

MSPeconomist

OK, that explains it. I know Enterprise as the company that my car dealer used to use for the loaners they provide when cars are in for service.

CMK10

That's them. I worked for them from 2007-2008 including at the PHX Airport in fact. It's amazing how in the last seven years how little they've evolved. Jackal's description above is spot on, especially about why people don't like them for airport rentals.

On another note, I've proposed a motion in the private forum and we're hammering out the details now.

MSPeconomist

It would be better to FIRST "hammer out the details" and THEN make the motion. In fact, as a general principle, IMO it's better to hammer out the details in the public TBT forum devoted to the issue.

CMK10

Says you, I think my way works just fine. It seems once a motion gets proposed we get some discussion momentum going.

nsx

I'm very much with MSP on this. TalkBoard has had nothing but trouble over the years from voting on incompletely considered drafts. In the last few years it's been better. Patience is crucial.

CMK10

No one is voting on anything, I proposed a draft motion, based on your suggestion I might add, and until it gets a second and until everyone weighs in there will be no voting. There's plenty of patience, we've been discussing this issue for weeks.

nsx

One should not ask for a second until the draft is the best it can be. Otherwise you are just one person's error away from starting a vote on the wrong proposal. It's a process that the person asking for a second does not control. It puts way too much power in the hands of, for example, someone who opposes the idea and would prefer to see a flawed proposal fail.

CMK10

Again, says you. Especially as I said "Anyone else want to weigh in?" after my motion. There is such a thing as plodding along too slowly. I think my draft was the best it could be, but I still asked for and welcome input.

I also think TB Members are above the scenario in your last sentence.

bdschobel

Yes, there is. But I don't believe that we are even close to that. There is no emergency here. We can take our time and get it right.

Some observers of TalkBoard want to see a steady stream of motions, or they think that we're all on vacation somewhere. I don't intend to spin my wheels just to make those uninformed observers happy.

Bruce

kipper

I agree with you. I would prefer that details and discussion take place in the public forum, rather than the private forum.

bdschobel

Actually, the discussion tends to occur in both places at once.

Bruce

tcook052

Haste makes waste.

MSPeconomist

Why do you say that discussion had been cut off? No one can vote yet and not all of us--meaning me for sure--will be voting at the first possible moment. There's been discussion on the general idea and now people can choose to continue to discuss the general idea, to make comments on the specific motion, or both. Please believe me that I'm listening and haven't yet decided how I will vote.