Zipcar vs. Hertz Connect
I’m a big fan of Zipcar, having used it plenty in Boston and New York. It dawned on me this week that “Connect by Hertz” began following me on Twitter a while ago because I have mentioned Zipcar from time to time, usually while cruising late at night. (“Connect by Hertz” is Hertz’s answer to Zipcar.) Smart move on their part going after Twitter users.
Hertz recently distributed a discount code through Twitter that waives the monthly fee for a year, which looked like a great deal. Upon visiting the website, though, I discovered that on top of a monthly fee they impose a $25 registration fee, which didn’t make much sense given that they’re trying to get people to try out an unknown service.
I promptly sent Hertz a nice e-mail explaining that they are taking on an established brand in Zipcar that has embedded itself in the urban landscape, has great customer service and easy online and phone access, and doesn’t charge me any fees because I registered as a university employee—which was the only reason I signed up in the first place. I explained that if they want to woo Zipcar users, conversion needs to be painless. The first step is dropping the registration fee.
Imagine my delight when this landed in my inbox yesterday:
Mr. Mitchell,
Thank you for forwarding us your comments in regards to Connect by Hertz. We appreciate the feedback and I would like to extend an application fee and membership fee waived sign up for you. Please use the promotion code [redacted] and your membership fee and application fee will be waived.
Thank you and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
[redacted]
Dig it. Time to give it a shot.
Also, here’s more info on the programs [via autoblog]:
The big difference between the two programs is that where Zipcar has about 5,500 cars in 13 cities, Hertz has 40,000 in New York alone. Right now, Connect by Hertz is available in New York, Paris and London, as well as in Park Ridge, New Jersey, home of the Hertz Corporation. The plan is to add 20 more domestic cities and an equal number of foreign ones next year.
[Source: New York Times]
