Many rental companies offer the best rates online with availability of discounts and special offers especially when booking online in advance; something that customers may not get over the counter.
However, some customers are of the opinion that visiting the stores and checking the car first before renting does help with decision-making and the last minute deals they offer.
Renting a car online is cheaper, but negotiating rates is easier in person. Face-to-face conversations allow for better use of negotiation tips to get better rates. However, you can still negotiate rates online through LiveChat with customer support agents.
Tips to Negotiate Car Rental Prices Online
Negotiating car rental prices online can be a bit tough, but it is far from impossible. Here are a few tips that can help with that below:
1. Make a Direct Phone Call
While a live chat option is available, it’s best to have a direct phone call to negotiate online. Negotiating over the phone is more effective. Phone calls are similar to in-person conversations, but without visual cues. You can still use negotiation tips to get a good deal over the phone.
2. Tell them about the cheaper rate you find somewhere else
If you want to negotiate a better rental car deal, you can mention the cheaper rates from other rental companies. Research prices from different sources online and use that information as leverage to negotiate. Representatives from the rental company may be willing to lower their prices when presented with cheaper competitors’ rates.
3. Hold your ground
When negotiating online, it’s important to stand your ground and firmly ask for a price reduction. Use a serious yet gentle tone to persuade the representative to make you a better offer. If necessary, you can also mention that you may go elsewhere to further encourage them to lower their prices.
Tips to Negotiate Car Rental Prices in-Person
1. Be Polite and Professional
When negotiating with a rental agency, it’s important to remain polite and professional. Being aggressive or confrontational is unlikely to get you a better deal and may even result in the agency refusing to rent to you altogether. Instead, approach negotiations in a friendly and respectful manner.
2. Set your price
To get a great price when haggling, it’s important to set your maximum price and express mild displeasure with the initial offers. Make sure the final price you settle for is below your maximum price. By following these steps, you have a good chance of getting the best possible price.
3. Use the walk-away tactic
If you’re not satisfied with the initial offers, you can try the walk-away tactic. Stand your ground at a specific price and keep pushing. If necessary, you can even walk away from the negotiation. If the company considers your counter offer reasonable, they may call you back with a better offer. This tactic usually works and even if it doesn’t, you can still compare the company’s bottom-line price.
Why More People Prefer to Rent Online this days
1. Convenience
Booking a car online is convenient because you can do it from home or work, saving time. Visiting the store can be time-consuming as it requires traveling and may require setting up an appointment with the store in charge.
2. No Paperwork
Booking a car online means you can submit e-documents and avoid the hassle of submitting paper documents. This makes the process quicker and more convenient. When booking a car in person, forgetting to bring all necessary documents can lead to delays.
3. Better Deals & Offers
Car rental companies offer great deals and discounts online to attract customers due to increased competition. These offers may not be available when visiting the rental company directly. Online rental also provides access to exciting deals and discounts on almost every occasion.
4. Accessibility
Online renting is a convenient option for travelers as it allows them to rent a car from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection. It also makes it easy to compare prices, car options, and rental terms from different companies, giving customers the ability to choose the best rental option for their needs.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Online renting can be a more cost-effective option than in-person renting due to lower overhead costs for online rental companies, which can translate to lower rental fees for customers. Additionally, online rental companies often offer special discounts and promotions that are not available in-person, making it a more affordable option overall.
6. Time-Saving
Booking your vehicle online is a time-saving option as it eliminates the need to go to a physical rental location. This means that you can spend more time on your day-to-day activities instead of waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Another thing is, online rental allows you to easily manage your booking – you can easily change your rental dates and times, without having to go to the store location or call customer service. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
7. Better Selection
Online renting gives you access to a wide selection of cars, allowing you to easily browse and compare features, prices, and rental terms. This way, you can find the car that best fits your requirements. Moreover, many online rental companies offer a variety of cars, including electric and hybrid vehicles, catering to the needs of environmentally conscious individuals. This ensures that you can easily find the perfect car for your rental needs.
