This was the worst experience I have ever had with renting a
car.
It was not made clear on Pricelines website that the company that accepted my offer (Alamo) did not take debit cards. I PAID for the car, but when I got to the counter to pick up my car THAT WAS ALREADY PAID FOR I was informed that I couldn't do it because Alamo does not take debit cards (this should be explained BEFORE a person pays for the car so they have the option to decline).
I was told by a Priceline customer service representative on that day that I could not get my money back until AFTER the LAST DAY of the rental (that never happened) and then it would be SEVEN DAYS AFTER that (totaling an ENTIRE MONTH).
The manager of Alamo talked to a Priceline representative on the phone after I did (that same day) and the representative told him that they would give me my refund by COB of that business day. He (the manager) gave me the cancellation number that the Priceline representative gave him.
However, so far no refund.
Guess Priceline's word isn't so valid. This was a terrible, terrible experience
because I should have received my refund IMMEDIATELY because
1) it was promised to me by a Priceline customer service representative (with a cancellation number)
2) because Priceline's website did not disclose that Alamo does not accept debit cards and give me an option to decline the transaction.
I also must note here that the so called "customer service representatives" (I use the term loosely) are very unprofessional, rude and not helpful at all. They refuse to put you through to any management so you have no way to get any assistance beyond the brain dead zombie reading a standard script and unable to construct a single independent thought.
Let this be a warning. Don't go with Priceline! I left the counter and went straight to Budget with my Priceline "deal" because I had to do something. They gave me a great deal, almost matching the Priceline one right there on the spot.
Don't waste your time with Priceline, just go directly to the company, send them the Priceline info (BEFORE you pay, just use the deals they show you on the first page) and strike your own deal. Usually, when you can show other establishments' advertised prices, they will honor them to get your business.
This Priceline scam made me a lot savvier and a LOT smarter!
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