I rented a small car from Europcar on a recent trip to Perth. As usual, I was asked to bring the car back with a full tank of fuel. I have rented cars in the USA, in New Zealand, in most states of Australia and in the UK.
Always, I return the car with a full tank and have never before been questioned.
This time I received an additional account for $13.63 for refuelling a week after I returned to Adelaide.
I phoned Europcar in Perth and was put through to the Customer Service Manager who informed me I had brought the car back requiring 8.4 litres of fuel. He also noted the car had been driven 280 Km and that the particular car had a fuel economy rating of 11 km per litre.
I had refuelled the car at the BP service station closest to the Airport entrance and had recorded 19.35 litres of fuel used at a cost of $21.26
As my accountant would testify, I keep accurate records. I had logged some 210 Km of driving in Perth and the 19 litres used seemed reasonable to me at the time.
In my discussion with the Customer Service Manager, I mentioned that no person met me at the airport when I returned the car. In good faith, and on trust, I left the keys with the Europcar service desk attendant.
However, it would appear, based on the manager’s calculations, the car did an extra 70 Km after it was returned by me.
The Customer Service Manager accused me of lying and commented “anyway, it’s only the cost of a couple of beers!”
My comment is: My integrity and honour is worth far more than $13.00
I suggest all hirers of rental cars take careful note of the starting and ending mileage recorded and they get someone to verify the actual fuel gauge position when they return their vehicle.
I have to admit the Europcar rental was an excellent deal. However, customer service managers need to remember that;
"People don't remember what you did for them. They only remember how they felt when you were last with them."
John Harris
Lecturer
Flinders University, Adelaide
Subscriber: frequentflyer.com.au
Qantas Club member
Always, I return the car with a full tank and have never before been questioned.
This time I received an additional account for $13.63 for refuelling a week after I returned to Adelaide.
I phoned Europcar in Perth and was put through to the Customer Service Manager who informed me I had brought the car back requiring 8.4 litres of fuel. He also noted the car had been driven 280 Km and that the particular car had a fuel economy rating of 11 km per litre.
I had refuelled the car at the BP service station closest to the Airport entrance and had recorded 19.35 litres of fuel used at a cost of $21.26
As my accountant would testify, I keep accurate records. I had logged some 210 Km of driving in Perth and the 19 litres used seemed reasonable to me at the time.
In my discussion with the Customer Service Manager, I mentioned that no person met me at the airport when I returned the car. In good faith, and on trust, I left the keys with the Europcar service desk attendant.
However, it would appear, based on the manager’s calculations, the car did an extra 70 Km after it was returned by me.
The Customer Service Manager accused me of lying and commented “anyway, it’s only the cost of a couple of beers!”
My comment is: My integrity and honour is worth far more than $13.00
I suggest all hirers of rental cars take careful note of the starting and ending mileage recorded and they get someone to verify the actual fuel gauge position when they return their vehicle.
I have to admit the Europcar rental was an excellent deal. However, customer service managers need to remember that;
"People don't remember what you did for them. They only remember how they felt when you were last with them."
John Harris
Lecturer
Flinders University, Adelaide
Subscriber: frequentflyer.com.au
Qantas Club member