How Do Car Rental Credit Card Deposits Really Work

Many complaints received at car rental companies are around the misunderstanding of credit card deposits taken at the time of a car rental.

Says Melissa Storey, Executive Head: Strategy, Development & Marketing, Nine percent of all queries received by First Car Rental, via our Cristil software directly and some via Hello Peter, are around the misunderstanding of refunding credit card deposits.

“This, unfortunately, gives a negative stance on the car rental industry because many of these people complain – sometimes in horrific language – on public forums. This automatically gives an unbalanced perspective of our industry practices and the banking laws that govern certain processes.

“First Car Rental intelligently and structurally handles most queries within our own customer service online channel. This includes the excess deposit hold queries, and our management team has access to each and every query type and its representation within the greater scheme of things. We run transparent financial transactions with all customers.

Explaining the authorisation process, Storey says, At First Car Rental, when we take an authorisation from a credit card, this means we only block this amount. There isnt a physical amount being charged and transferred to a First Car Rental account at this stage, but rather a security hold in the event of any additional charges incurred during a rental such as fuel, one-way fees or vehicle damage.

“Therefore this authorisation amount blocked at the beginning of your rental will not reflect as a refund after the rental period is completed because the funds were never removed from a customers credit card in the first place.

“First Car Rental is one of the only car rental companies that automatically sends the bank a ‘please release’ message to ensure that holds are released as soon as possible, but it is still up to individual banks to make these funds accessible. (The release period varies from 24 – 48 hours locally and even up to 30 days for international banks to release an authorised hold).

Here is an example of a First Car Rental booking process in action.

A customer hires a Group B car for 2 days on the Executive package (lower excess/deposit and higher daily rental rate).

This carries a deposit/excess of R2000 plus the daily rate of R233. A hold is then put on the credit card for this amount (R2466) until the vehicle is returned.

When a client returns the car, the petrol used is replaced, and scratches and dents are checked against the vehicle inspection sheet filled out and agreed to at the time of pick up.

The final invoice is then calculated and emailed to the customer within 24 hours from closing the contract showing the final invoice amount to be deducted off their credit card.

In this instance, it would be R466 for the daily rental fees, plus for example R85 petrol consumed + contract fee of R40 = R591 in total.

This amount is then charged to your credit card and will reflect on your credit card statement.

The blocked amount, still using this example, is R2000. This hold would be then released by First Car Rental and by your credit card bank, usually within 4 days but this R2000 would not reflect as a refund. It just means you now have access to this R2000 for spending again.

If the customer finds that this hold has not been released within this time period, they can contact First Car Rental customer services on with their contract number. First Car Rental will contact the bank directly via email to request the release. The bank will then confirm the date and time this block was released. This information will then be relayed to the customer.

Storey concludes, At First Car Rental our customers are as important as the air that we breathe. Our business exists because they do and we are constantly encouraged by the many compliments we get every week. We really need customers to communicate with us through our website or through First Cares.

The Benefits Of Budget Truck Rental

When you need to move your things from one place to another, it means a lot of things to do, from packing all your possessions to loading it up in the truck. Many individuals said that this is one of the hardest jobs a person can experience since all the preparations and all the stuff that you need to accomplish is somewhat complicated.

Aside from the preparations that you need to do, you also have to consider the budget you need to hire a truck. This is one of the most important aspects in relocating. This is not a problem anymore since there are several companies that offer much lower rate to their vehicles that help lots of people in their moving.

Still, although there are lots of companies that rent their automobiles to numerous of people, not all can meet the budget you have to move all of your things and furniture. It is a great thing that Budget Truck Rental can provide you a high-quality service and most particularly, you do not have to spend too much money to hire their vehicle compared with other renting companies.

In addition, in the United States, Budget Truck Rental is the second largest truck rental company and they really offer their customers the best of their services. In general, Budget is the company that offers the lowest rate when it comes to the fees of their moving vehicles that you can enjoy and afford without sacrificing the quality of their services.

Moreover, you can also acquire best deals with this firm because you can make agreements with them particularly if you are in a tight budget. Although they give their services for a very low rate, it does not mean that their quality is poor because it is not. A lot of individuals have already proved that their services are really good.

You can be at peace with the service of this firm because they can ensure you that they can relocate all of your possessions and other stuff with no trouble at all. They are also offering different kinds of automobiles, such as big trucks, vans, pickups and many more. These automobiles also come in various sizes, from small to large vehicles. Before you hire one, you need to calculate first all the necessary things that you need to transfer so that you know what size you need. Budget Truck Rental has also contracts with Isuzu, Navistar International, GMC and Ford to construct their rental vehicles.

Northern Colorado’s Tough Rental Market

The Northern Colorado economy is making it more difficult to find qualified tenants for condos, duplexes and single-family homes, according to local landlords and property managers.

Properties have been available for two months and some longer, and not getting a lot of calls. It’s pretty slow for which a lot of it is just that peoples incomes have changed.

The economy is lowering many peoples incomes and nicking their credit, making it harder to find qualified tenants. The Fed’s Regional Economic Survey showed sluggish consumer spending and a sharp contraction in the Oil and Gas Industry with limited activity in Colorado due to low natural-gas prices.

Some landlords have recently made improvements to their property and lowered the rent in an attempt to rent it. Others are offering a free rent for up to 2 months and yet some are offering a cash rebate at the lease signing.

You hear stories like, “We don’t usually have trouble renting it,” “We began advertising the vacancy and even though we have received a similar number of calls as we did a year ago its still remains vacant.”

Many people are asking if the landlord accepts Section 8 vouchers, a federal program that helps very low-income families rent from private owners. Many are not qualifying because of income or credit problems.

Businesses continue to reduce their expenses. Labor is the largest expenditure on most Profit and Loss statements and employees are asked to take furlough days and some are forced to join the unemployment ranks.

I think rental vacancies are close to peaking but reducing the number of vacancies seems really tough. Tenants are shopping for value (filling their needs inexpensively).

Some landlords have bent a little more to fill vacancies and others are working more with current tenants who may have fallen behind on their rent, creating a plan to let them catch-up instead of simply evicting them.

While others are negotiating a new lease agreement with reduced rent collection but extend lease cycle. The thought process is to try to make a win-win for everybody.

This could be the solution needed to get through these tough times but if your tenant vacates then use venues that deliver a great presentation to the widest audience at a minimum price such as the product and services offered at Rentmarkets.com where together with you their mission is to fill your vacancy!

Rv Rental Tampa The Ultimate Remedy For Your Journey Need

If you are intending to embark a long distance trip, you would want to have your demands sated as if you are in your own home for certain. Well then, a recreational vehicle or simply referred to as RV is all you need to have. If you’re residing in Tampa, and planned to check out other delightful sites in Florida and nearby states, then you’re lucky since there are a handful of Tampa RV rentals around. If it’s your very first time to rent, then stick to these simple measures:

Start Web surfing

Essentially, RVs are available in various sizes and features. In this perception, it is of utmost importance that you should go for RV Rental Tampa where in there a lot of different option provided just for you. You don’t have to invest longer hours of driving and looking for all the rental firms in the place. You just need to browse the internet for many Tampa RV Rental firms to find out their services and offers.

You can find all the information you need about them in their site. There, you will see what sorts of recreational vehicles are available. Moreover, you may make an evaluation on the probable rental cost since the costs are also shown on the website. Contact information are also seen in their website for you to quickly get to them in case you have additional inquiries regarding their vehicles and for rental dealings also.

Find out their Offers Costs

The rental and service fees that are imposed by Tampa Rent an RV companies often vary from one another. That is why it’s very important that you ask about it. Generally, they will give renters to either get a package deal or to pay by mile. Furthermore, this will serve as a smart way for you to inquire more about discounts and other promos. There are several aspects that could increase or decrease the rental price so make sure to inquire about it so you would have better control over your expenses.

Your Needs Must Be Prioritized

There is no denying that you require a lot of bucks before you can take advantage of the services of Tampa RV rentals. Even so, you don’t have to stress because you can perform several things to slice the substantial charges. Get an RV unit that can definitely speak to your certain need. Large unit that can accommodate everybody who will go with your trip must be chosen. Going for RVs that have unneeded extra features and supplies means higher amount of rental costs.

The initial price of RV Rental Tampa is substantially high but this is a more practical plan. Through this, there is a big opportunity for you to spend less resources on the transportation, food, and lodging matters. Spending some time and cash for hotel reservation and expenditures is not needed since there are available cozy and clean beds in the unit. Well, when you have went by a gorgeous panorama, then you can simply pull over. As there is a built-in kitchen accessible, cooking will not be a problem anymore. So, when going on a journey, it is advisable to rent an RV.

Costa Rica Vacation Home Rental Or Property Ownership Made Easy And Reasonably Priced

With the down turn of the economy many coastal developers and realtors have left the coast for the cheaper interior of Costa Rica. The South Pacific zone of Costa Rica is mountainous and lush with vegetation providing endless opportunity for home builders and vacation renters.

“It is a known fact that many people would like to purchase property in Costa Rica but one of their primary concerns is what happens while the place is empty, the second concern is how do I promote my property so it can generate revenue” – says Tierra Verde land developer Michael Holm.

The private secure development Tierra Verde will provide homeowners with worry free piece of mind. People who purchase a home in Tierra Verde as a future retirement home can have their home marketed free of charge on the Costa Rica vacation home rental market for possible revenue generation. People who buy a home in Tierra Verde to live in can live securely and in privacy.

Michael Holm has been developing North American standard homes in Costa Rica for 15 years. While building homes on the coast near Dominical he purchased land in the mountains outside San Isidro de General with the dream of getting out of the custom home building market to develop his idea of a real Costa Rica vacation/retirement community.

Due to the hilly geography of the area each home is built with what is called a daylight garage, basically the area under the house, which extrudes from the hill and is supported by concrete pillars. Michael was always amazed at how many builders would leave this area of their homes unfinished. Each home has an indoor laundry room, central hot water, and a garberator. All fixtures are to North American standards, the homes are built with an open floor plan concept and completely landscaped with privacy in mind.

The Costa Rica South Pacific property development and management provided by Tierra Verde begins once a home is purchased. They will, keep a watchful eye on any residence, address gardening needs, maintenance requirements, facilitate meet and greet services to renters when arriving, and provide owners with the comfort of knowing their investment is being cared for.

The development is the dream of a retired Amreican developer who lives on site making the place well secured and very well maintained. The landscaping skills of Mike’s wife is amazing and everyone is very impressed who sees the place.

The city of San Isidro is complete in all North Amreican ways except it still has a small country town atmosphere about it. It is the gateway to the southern region of Costa Rica and is a must see for any traveler visiting the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

The development Tierra Verde is like a gated community without the obstruction of the fence, Michael has surrounded the development with a natural fence of live vegetation which is very hard to get through.

The main mind set of Michael is to return the land to a natural Costa Rica vegetation state so he has spent much time and money reforesting the place, you could say it is an eco community with the natural environment of Costa Rica a primary focus.

The common pool area is simply unbelievable and once again the brain child of Michael, it has a beach type access, water fall and a large rancho for meeting friends and hosting gatherings, a great place for a wedding.

There are many, other eco lodges, B&B, hotels and natural accommodations in the area from Spa’s to camping. The largest national park in Costa Rica is minutes away from San Isidro.