Could there really be a $300 difference between two international companies for renting a compact car for the same length of time in the same location?
And what happens when the cheaper quote suddenly jumps almost 50 per cent? Do you have any recourse? Yes and yes. I would have expected a difference of a few dollars, so was quite surprised when the second company quoted me $602 compared to the first company's $1,008.
"Can you wait just a minute - I need to check something with my supervisor," said the woman on the phone. And a few minutes later: "It looks like I was using current figures. The summer holiday rate would be $882."
While that was still cheaper than $1,008, I said I wasn't thrilled the original quote had just jumped almost 50 per cent. I asked to speak to her supervisor but the woman
said she'd see what she could do and eventually came up with $750.
"That's still 25 per cent more than your original quote," I replied. Finally we agreed on $707.
I spent about 20 minutes on the phone (I hadn't been able to get a rate online). That means I would have had to be earning perhaps $1,300 an hour to have ended up with $300 after tax for working those 20 minutes.
For major expenses, it's certainly worth shopping around - perhaps initially online.
Also ask about any additional discounts. For example, with the rental car company I received 10 per cent off for being a BCAA or Costco member.
Even though in one of my columns I did encourage readers to consider earning more money to meet extra present and retirement spending wants, you shouldn't neglect the
simple phone call - with a phone card or Skype if you need to call long distance - to make sure you are getting the best price. After all, money saved (non-taxable) is worth more than money earned (taxable).
Mike Grenby is a columnist and independent personal financial advisor; he'll answer questions in this column as space allows but cannot reply personally. Email [email protected]
