by Admin | in Blog | 0 comments

Even the most regular of business travelers are occasionally blindsided by the unexpected. Sometimes, even the regular travel habits we develop to enhance convenience on the road are actually, on closer glance, not bringing us much convenience at all. Since our work at the booking desk involves talking with travelers each and every day, we’ve picked up a few insider’s tips and tricks that may help you take stock of your travel strategy before you book that rental and pack that bag.

Opt for Online Invoicing for Easy Reimbursement

Will you be submitting your travel expenses to your employer for reimbursement? Instead of keeping up with physical receipt copies on your journey (as these are easily misplaced, lost, and stuffed into forgotten coat pockets), opt to have digital copies of your booking confirmation and receipt emailed to you at the booking desk. If you choose to use a rental car service that provides online booking (as Savannah Car Rentals offers from our website home page), you’ll receive an emailed receipt automatically. When it comes time to submit your expenses, your records are only an inbox search away.

Ask Upfront About Early Return Fees

Some car rental companies have a practice of charging customers an early return fee if you happen to need to return your rented vehicle before the appointed date. These fees are not often publicized by the companies who use them! For this reason, make sure you ask at the booking desk about any possibility of early return fees—even if you don’t plan on returning early, it’s best to know all terms upfront. (Before you ask: you’ll never be charged an early return fee at Savannah Car Rentals.)

Loyalty Program Fees

Many national chain car rental companies have begun competing with each other over apps and loyalty programs in pursuit of customers looking for convenience, but sometimes the customer comes away paying more for these ‘conveniences.’ Though you may be tempted to go with a national chain’s loyalty program if you regularly need to use rental cars for work, read the fine print and consider how much you’re willing to pay for that convenience—some loyalty programs add a surcharge of up to $1/day while renting. Make sure you know how these programs will be used and how much they may cost you over time if you opt for such an account, or stick with a company that offers you convenience online and face to face without an added price tag.

Of course, if you’re located in Savannah, Statesboro, Hinesville, Beaufort, or Hilton Head, we’re a bit biased—as a regional company, we feel we’re able to provide a great balance of local awareness, personalized customer service, and technological convenience. If you’re planning a business trip and have any questions about booking or our policies, call 912.920.5431 and we’ll be happy to help!