Zipcar Etiquette

My wife and I rented a Zipcar over the weekend at the garage on 15th between 7th and 8th and got stuck in some unexpected traffic on our way back and did not have time to fill the gas tank (was below a 1/4 tank which we knew was against Zipcar rules).

We tried to extend our reservation by a half-hour so we would have time to fill the gas tank for the next renter. But since the next renter began right when our original time was up, we had to make the choice of filling it up or returning it late. So we made the decision to return it on time so as not to upset the next driver, leaving the tank below a quarter (which by the way was still drivable around town).

We raced back as fast as we could and got to the garage only 2 min. late. We explained to the family waiting that the tank was under a 1/4, and that we attempted to extend our reservation to have time to fill it up. We told them we were stuck in traffic and couldn't fill it up for them and told them how we figured they would rather have it on time. We apologized profusely and they didn't really have mush of a response.

And then they freaking reported us to Zipcar! Am I wrong in saying this is kind of a douche move? We were totally at fault, but why report us? What do they gain? Zipcar is a community based organization and these bozos and their stupid ugly kids don't deserve to be members.

bradedward,

So, when is traffic ever “unexpected” in New York City?

My wife and I joined Zip Car yesterday, but have never used it.

I believe you are in the wrong. Apologizing doesn't get someone to where they are going on time. The last thing I would want to do is stop to fill the tank because you didn't plan well.

bradedward,

So, when is traffic ever “unexpected” in New York City?

My wife and I joined Zip Car yesterday, but have never used it.

I believe you are in the wrong. Apologizing doesn't get someone to where they are going on time. The last thing I would want to do is stop to fill the tank because you didn't plan well.

You broke two of the rules that you agreed to when you joined - if they would have looked the other way, it would have been nice, but you've no right to expect it.

You broke two of the rules that you agreed to when you joined - if they would have looked the other way, it would have been nice, but you've no right to expect it.

On a Saturday when you are stuck on a bridge because of an accident...

On a Saturday when you are stuck on a bridge because of an accident...

When is there a Saturday that you don't get stuck on a bridge in NYC?

When is there a Saturday that you don't get stuck on a bridge in NYC?

You are wrong in saying that was a douche move. And why the comment about their kids? Very douchey of you.

It was your fault, and only a douche would think that they could drive in NY w.out expecting traffic problems.

You are wrong in saying that was a douche move. And why the comment about their kids? Very douchey of you.

It was your fault, and only a douche would think that they could drive in NY w.out expecting traffic problems.

sounds like someone who uses delays on the subway as an excuse as to why they are late to work

my answer is always
leave earlier and leave extra time for the highly likely possibility of a delay

on the flip side though perhaps Zipcar should rethink this -
as this is not the first time I've heard this happen.. they should not allow people to book back to back much in the same way people can book a conference room at a large office..
where I work for example you have to leave a 15 minute gap for run overs and to allow people time to clean up etc.. same for Zipcar with being late or filing up the gas..

sounds like someone who uses delays on the subway as an excuse as to why they are late to work

my answer is always
leave earlier and leave extra time for the highly likely possibility of a delay

on the flip side though perhaps Zipcar should rethink this -
as this is not the first time I've heard this happen.. they should not allow people to book back to back much in the same way people can book a conference room at a large office..
where I work for example you have to leave a 15 minute gap for run overs and to allow people time to clean up etc.. same for Zipcar with being late or filing up the gas..

Consensus conclusion: original poster was the douche.

Consensus conclusion: original poster was the douche.

Ayatollah Assahola wrote: Consensus conclusion: original poster was the douche.

:-) Sweeeeeeeet.

Ayatollah Assahola wrote: Consensus conclusion: original poster was the douche.

:-) Sweeeeeeeet.

Yes, this can be a very frustrating situation for the next user. I plan my trips with room for this stuff at the end but not the beginning and I plan on having at least some gas. Someone did almost this to me--returned the car about 15 minutes late, no apology or anything, and the tank flashing Empty. By the time I could get gas (which took a while) the shop I was supposed to pick something big up at had closed.

The rules are clear and not that hard to follow. Just consider it a lesson learned.

Yes, this can be a very frustrating situation for the next user. I plan my trips with room for this stuff at the end but not the beginning and I plan on having at least some gas. Someone did almost this to me--returned the car about 15 minutes late, no apology or anything, and the tank flashing Empty. By the time I could get gas (which took a while) the shop I was supposed to pick something big up at had closed.

The rules are clear and not that hard to follow. Just consider it a lesson learned.

MOD NOTE: Ayatollah Assahola, take a long good read of the rules of this site.

MOD NOTE: Ayatollah Assahola, take a long good read of the rules of this site.

Sounds to me like bradedward tried to do the right thing. There's no way to know if you're going to get stuck in more traffic than you plan for....no matter how much time you leave, there's always a chance. This could have happened to any one of the people critical of him being late.

I probably would have given them $20 to try to make up for not putting gas in the car as a way of mitigating a bad situation. It sounds like he was nice, and reasonable but got bit on the ass anyway.

Sounds to me like bradedward tried to do the right thing. There's no way to know if you're going to get stuck in more traffic than you plan for....no matter how much time you leave, there's always a chance. This could have happened to any one of the people critical of him being late.

I probably would have given them $20 to try to make up for not putting gas in the car as a way of mitigating a bad situation. It sounds like he was nice, and reasonable but got bit on the ass anyway.

"Sounds to me like bradedward tried to do the right thing"

Planning your day around the possibility of there being traffic in NYC would have been doing the right thing.

"Sounds to me like bradedward tried to do the right thing"

Planning your day around the possibility of there being traffic in NYC would have been doing the right thing.

Like I said, none of us is perfect, and shit happens....even if we plan extraordinarily well. And don't tell me you've never been late, even leaving enough time for the unexpected, 'cause that would be total bullshit.

Like I said, none of us is perfect, and shit happens....even if we plan extraordinarily well. And don't tell me you've never been late, even leaving enough time for the unexpected, 'cause that would be total bullshit.

If I were late, planned poorly, messed up another person's day, and broke the terms of agreement of a contract, I wouldn't act like a victim.

If I were late, planned poorly, messed up another person's day, and broke the terms of agreement of a contract, I wouldn't act like a victim.

1) You weren't there to determine if he was nice - judging by the end of his post, he's got a bit of attitude and it's not a stretch to imagine him being indignant.

2) How are we certain that the family reported him? The cars onl respond to your card during your reservation times, it's entirely possible that returning and locking the car late raised a red flag.

3) So he got reported - so what? I hardly think that this is a one strike and you're out kind of deal, but it keeps people honest and keeps the "community" from having to deal with someone that constantly has excuses.

1) You weren't there to determine if he was nice - judging by the end of his post, he's got a bit of attitude and it's not a stretch to imagine him being indignant.

2) How are we certain that the family reported him? The cars onl respond to your card during your reservation times, it's entirely possible that returning and locking the car late raised a red flag.

3) So he got reported - so what? I hardly think that this is a one strike and you're out kind of deal, but it keeps people honest and keeps the "community" from having to deal with someone that constantly has excuses.