FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Enterprise - any way to avoid or lessen the one-way drop charge?
Old Dec 16, 2014, 9:02 am
  #2  
Auto Enthusiast
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York suburbs
Posts: 4,210
No. Once upon a time, you could get drop charges waived if you took a car from the destination city. Back then, most locations were franchises, but today most offices and cars are corporate-owned. As such, the cars can randomly circulate. One-way pricing depends on the company's business model.

Enterprise neighborhood stores, like many other "discount" brands, have a different one-way pricing model. They have a low base rate plus a separate taxable drop charge. This allows them to have fewer one-ways that cause inventory fluctuations, consequently lower inventory, and yet a similar profit when they do get one-ways. This can be cost-effective for short distance, long time rentals.

Ironically, the "premium" brands can be cheaper, especially for short time, long distance one-ways. They have larger fleets at more locations, can withstand greater random inventory fluctuations, and so can offer more flexibility. They charge a higher daily rate with no/hidden drop fee, based on demand and estimated mileage. The total price can be cheaper than the "discounters."
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