Commitments unfulfilled

I rented a car through Thrifty for three days. Understanding that my deposit could take up to 14 days to be returned I thought I would ask for an update after 8 working days. This is what transpired: 12 December 2017 - Monday: 08:44 - I left a message asking Fatima to call me back. I also left my rental agreement number so she could investigate and give me feedback. NO CALL BAC****! 13 December 2017 Tuesday: 08:30 - I called AGAIN and Fatima answered the phone. By now I was already slightly irate because she had not called back. I had to call a second time at 11:15 and then only did Fatima call me back (13:21) to let me know that Thrifty's bank will release my money within 24 - 48 hours. (REALLY?) 15 December 2017 - Thursday: 15:09 - I call and leave a message for Fatima to call me back. I also ask who the supervisor is/are and told: Joyce, Nicolene, Justin and another name I didn't take down. To me three are enough - maybe too many chiefs and not enough Indians? Fatima calls me back to tell me she has just spoken to FNB AGAIN and the money will definitely be released. By now I am very annoyed to say the least. NO RELEASE OF MY DEPOSIT COMES THROUGH FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS!!!!! 17 December 2017 - Monday: I call AGAIN and have the same story. I ask for the supervisor, whose name is now Roween to call me back and also for Fatima to call me back as both are on calls. I have no problem with this but only Fatima calls me back and not Roween. Fatima says she will find out from the bank and it is not Thrifty's fault the money has not been released but FNB's fault. (I really don't care whose fault it is, I deal with Thrifty and it is their responsibility to make sure they fulfill their commitments to me as a client!!!! As far as I'm concerned if your bank cannot release your client's money then open a business account with another bank Thrifty!!!!) AGAIN I am told by Fatima that she will contact the bank and get back to me which she does not. 19 December 2017 - Wednesday - 10:33. I phone twice and the phone rings and is put down. Does Fatima recognize my number and know I am a more than irate client by now???? I try again and guess who answers the phone... Yes, Fatima. I explain my situation not knowing it is Fatima initially and after my explanation she introduces herself as Fatima. By now I am boiling with frustration and tell her how unacceptable this is in no uncertain terms. She INTERRUPTS me and fuels my anger further by her unprofessional "no need to shout at me," (which I wasn't - sure my voice was raised as by now I am fuming with anger but she should hear me shout.... that was not even close to shouting!!! ) She keeps on about this and that and I raise my voice above hers and tell her that she should not take my anger personally as it is Thrifty I am angry with and if she does take it personally she should change her job. She starts saying that she will call the bank and I tell her I want Roween the supervisor to call me and I don't want to hear from her how she will call the bank that I just want my money back in my bank account. What has upset me the most is the fact that Fatima and Roween and or other supervisors failed to phone me back and also the fact that Fatima confirmed that my deposit would be released and reflect back into my bank account within 48 hours a WEEK ago!!!! Don't make statements you can't fulfill Thrifty!!!! Rather tell your customers that they will have to wait the full 14 working days for their money as per the contract!!!! Then we will have no expectations on your empty promises.

I have dealt with Bidvest Car Rental on many occasions and have NEVER had an issue like I have had with Thrifty.

From now on I am staying far away from Thrifty and recommend others deal with a reputable and professional company like Bidvest!

I hope this can save others from frustration and disappointment AND a waste of time and money!!!!