mikey0531 said:
Hi Pat,
How are you finding these rates? Are you using discount codes or anything? If so, where from?
Thanks
I'm sure Pat will correct me if my assumptions are wrong, but I think he's accessing the Dollar website without a coupon. My test for Orlando minivans just brought back a $286.95 rate (fees and taxes included) without coupon or corporate code for a ten-day period at the end of March.
If you're not finding the same rate results for a different period of time that's because there's no one-rate-fits-all concept for rental cars. A rate that you find for early March will probably not be the same rate that you find for a couple of weeks later - March 22-April 1 brings the above rate, March 1 - 11 brings a $518.85 rate. This is normal for car rental companies,pricing is sensitive to demand and can fluctuate greatly based on inventory and can change daily. And pricing will tend to be higher during holiday weeks, expected high vacation periods, etc.
Pat has found a key to car rental savings - go back often, check rates, re-check rates and revise your reservation when the price goes down. Also try different coupon combinations available from sites like Mousesavers and check the rental company's online promotions or specials (there's usually either a special for upcoming dates or specials about to be released). The whole process can be a little frustrating if you hear somebody else is getting a great rate that you can't find for your vacation week, but you've got to deal with your time frame and keep trying to find the small discounts and changes that add up to savings.
Dick Taylor