Intro
Hey there, adventure-seekers and car enthusiasts! Welcome back to Turo Vette Ventures’ blog. Today, I’ve got quite the story for you – it’s a mix of unexpected twists, practical tips, and a little bit of “oops” moments that come with the territory of car rentals. Let’s dive into my week-and-a-half rental saga that had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster!
The Late Arrival
Our journey begins with a scheduled long-term rental. Everything was set for a smooth pickup, but as fate would have it, the renter didn’t show up on time. After a bit of back-and-forth, they informed me they’d be a whopping 5 hours late! Talk about a scheduling hiccup. But hey, flexibility is key in this business, and we managed to compromise for a 2-hour delay instead. Working from home is definitely a big advantage in being flexible.
Unexpected Extension
Just when I thought I had everything under control, the renter requested to extend the rental by a day. Initially, this sent my nerves into overdrive – what could possibly go wrong? But, I decided to approve it anyway, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. More rental time means more income, and less effort between bookings. Note to self: extended rentals can be a good thing! I have had a few people request an extension now and have always approved it. In fact, I encourage it when they’re initially picking the car up!
The Mystery of the Scratched Door
Upon the car’s return, I was greeted with an unwelcome sight – a deep scratch on the passenger side door. The renter played the innocent card, but we all knew the truth. Here’s a pro tip: if you opt for the 85% insurance option it doesn’t cover scratches under 3 inches. Lesson painfully learned. You can get more coverage with plans that earn you less than 85% of the rental amount.
Puff, Puff, Passengers
Next up in our series of unfortunate events: the car reeked of pot. I tried everything from cleaning to air fresheners, but the stubborn odor lingered. The next renter was quick to point it out, and that’s when I turned to my secret weapon – an ozone generator. A colleague had suggested it, and it worked wonders! Now, it’s a staple in my post-rental routine. In case you’re wondering, you cannot do anything about a passenger smoking in your vehicle (prohibited in all turo rentals) unless you have physical evidence. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we still do not have the technology to share scents over the internet.
The Paint Fiasco
Determined to fix the scratch, I grabbed a dupli-color scratch fix, hoping for a perfect factory paint match. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as planned. The paint application turned into a messy blob, leaving me with more of a mess than a fix.
Unfinished Business
As a last resort, I bought a buffing kit to salvage my DIY disaster, but confession time – I haven’t gotten around to using it yet. This might be a job for the professionals at the body shop.
The Price of Adventure
So, what’s the damage? The trip earned me over $900, but the scratch and potential body shop visit might just tip the scales. In the world of car rentals, sometimes you win big, and other times, well, you learn big.
Key Takeaways
- Always prepare for late arrivals and be flexible.
- Extended rentals can be a hidden blessing.
- Choose insurance wisely, and know its limitations.
- Ozone generators are a lifesaver for stubborn odors.
- Some DIY fixes are better left to the pros.
Thanks for joining me on this wild ride! Stay tuned for more tales and tips from Turo Vette Ventures. Drive safe, rent smarter, and keep adventuring! 🚗💨🌟