Anecdotal increase in National rates
Feb 28, 20, 3:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,469
Anecdotal increase in National rates
Has anyone else noticed a jump in National rates this year?
I usually rent through @AutoSlash and National's rates are usually in the neighborhood of Hertz's and Avis's rates. But since January, National is usually at the bottom of the list, significantly more expensive than anyone else's. I don't know if it's because National no longer offers the same discounts through my credit cards and memberships, or if they've raised rates across the board.
Anyone else?
I usually rent through @AutoSlash and National's rates are usually in the neighborhood of Hertz's and Avis's rates. But since January, National is usually at the bottom of the list, significantly more expensive than anyone else's. I don't know if it's because National no longer offers the same discounts through my credit cards and memberships, or if they've raised rates across the board.
Anyone else?
Feb 28, 20, 5:33 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: AUS
Posts: 279
I mentioned this in the AutoSlash thread, but AutoSlash no longer seems to be getting the same rates as National's website. They're *dramatically* higher in every single AS quote I've submitted in the past month, even with the same contract ID/coupon/etc.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
Feb 28, 20, 8:57 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 753
Posted about increase in National's rates in another thread several weeks ago.
Noticed when making reservations in January for upcoming year that National's rates were off the charts. Any where from 10%-12% increase from 2019's daily and weekend rates. Also no, there doesn't seem to be as many discounts or promotions so far compared to last year either.
Another odd thing (also mentioned in previous posts) is sometimes full size, compact to mid-size SUVs, and Premium vehicles have lower daily rates than economy, compact and even IICAR. What's up with that?
Cannot say this is true, but scuttlebutt that reached my ears was at least during holiday season 2019 National was severely overbooked and lost money because people were showing up with some steeply discounted rates. Where they got those rates cannot say, and or how Enterprise National systems allowed heavy overbooking I don't know.
Unless or until things change am going to do more comparison shopping of rates between National and Enterprise. If not really particular about vehicle choice, and Enterprise is cheaper will roll with them. Long as receive EC credits am fine. Yes, Enterprise can be a PITA, and also yes you have to watch them, but cannot see paying $110 or $120 a day (week day rate) for a quick meeting or maybe running an errand. If away from home base will still compare rates.
Noticed when making reservations in January for upcoming year that National's rates were off the charts. Any where from 10%-12% increase from 2019's daily and weekend rates. Also no, there doesn't seem to be as many discounts or promotions so far compared to last year either.
Another odd thing (also mentioned in previous posts) is sometimes full size, compact to mid-size SUVs, and Premium vehicles have lower daily rates than economy, compact and even IICAR. What's up with that?
Cannot say this is true, but scuttlebutt that reached my ears was at least during holiday season 2019 National was severely overbooked and lost money because people were showing up with some steeply discounted rates. Where they got those rates cannot say, and or how Enterprise National systems allowed heavy overbooking I don't know.
Unless or until things change am going to do more comparison shopping of rates between National and Enterprise. If not really particular about vehicle choice, and Enterprise is cheaper will roll with them. Long as receive EC credits am fine. Yes, Enterprise can be a PITA, and also yes you have to watch them, but cannot see paying $110 or $120 a day (week day rate) for a quick meeting or maybe running an errand. If away from home base will still compare rates.
Feb 28, 20, 10:56 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,469
I mentioned this in the AutoSlash thread, but AutoSlash no longer seems to be getting the same rates as National's website. They're *dramatically* higher in every single AS quote I've submitted in the past month, even with the same contract ID/coupon/etc.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
@AutoSlash, are you aware of this?
Feb 29, 20, 3:59 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lexington KY/Coronado, CA
Posts: 950
My corporate rate with National/Enterprise went up this year, while my Hertz rate stayed the same. For the past 10-15 years, they've always been identical. They've also killed of the ability to use our National rate with Alamo.
Feb 29, 20, 7:36 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SAN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, American Air, National Car
Posts: 1,130
I've been getting silver car at substantially lower priced than National ... Enterprise neighborhood still gets me reasonable prices, but the restrictive hours are an issue
Feb 29, 20, 8:00 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 753
Because of local Enterprise locations restrictive hours there is no such thing as a one day weekend rental.
Saturday hours are: 8AM-1PM
Sunday hours are: 3PM - 9PM
Thus you cannot rent on Friday (hours 7AM to 7PM) after 1PM because location is closed on Saturday after that time. You have to make a two day reservation returning on Sunday after 3PM.
You cannot pick up a vehicle on Saturday morning for one day because locations don't open until Sunday afternoon.
If you need something with a Sunday morning pick-up time it has to be Saturday morning (before 1PM), and again reservation must extend beyond 3PM on Sunday.
Staff including managers can do nothing, word from corporate is basically "no weekend rentals", and they have been sat down to understand that goes for everyone.
Keep in mind Enterprise's return policy means even if you bring back a vehicle to garage after hours (assuming the place will even take it), reservation is not closed out until next business day when Enterprise staff arrives to do the work themselves.
Saturday hours are: 8AM-1PM
Sunday hours are: 3PM - 9PM
Thus you cannot rent on Friday (hours 7AM to 7PM) after 1PM because location is closed on Saturday after that time. You have to make a two day reservation returning on Sunday after 3PM.
You cannot pick up a vehicle on Saturday morning for one day because locations don't open until Sunday afternoon.
If you need something with a Sunday morning pick-up time it has to be Saturday morning (before 1PM), and again reservation must extend beyond 3PM on Sunday.
Staff including managers can do nothing, word from corporate is basically "no weekend rentals", and they have been sat down to understand that goes for everyone.
Keep in mind Enterprise's return policy means even if you bring back a vehicle to garage after hours (assuming the place will even take it), reservation is not closed out until next business day when Enterprise staff arrives to do the work themselves.
Mar 2, 20, 7:38 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lexington KY/Coronado, CA
Posts: 950
Huh? Are you referencing some funky hotel or casino location? Every Enterprise neighborhood location I’ve encountered that’s open on Sunday opens between 9-11am and closes around 2pm.
Mar 2, 20, 10:18 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York suburbs
Posts: 4,179
Manhattan neighborhood stores all have the same weird hours. NYC is a very different market than most other places in the country.
Mar 2, 20, 10:04 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 753
This would be NYC and you can see what there is for yourself by doing a simple Google or other internet search. At least in Manhattan places are open both weekend days (if you could call it that). Outside of city non-airport Enterprise locations may be closed either Saturday or Sunday.
Mar 2, 20, 10:15 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 753
I mentioned this in the AutoSlash thread, but AutoSlash no longer seems to be getting the same rates as National's website. They're *dramatically* higher in every single AS quote I've submitted in the past month, even with the same contract ID/coupon/etc.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
National's rates on their website, on the other hand, I've actually found to be on the lower end recently.
Mar 4, 20, 7:06 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lexington KY/Coronado, CA
Posts: 950
What part of "local Enterprise locations" aren't you comprehending?
This would be NYC and you can see what there is for yourself by doing a simple Google or other internet search. At least in Manhattan places are open both weekend days (if you could call it that). Outside of city non-airport Enterprise locations may be closed either Saturday or Sunday.
This would be NYC and you can see what there is for yourself by doing a simple Google or other internet search. At least in Manhattan places are open both weekend days (if you could call it that). Outside of city non-airport Enterprise locations may be closed either Saturday or Sunday.
