Avoid Car Rental Agents - Economy Car Rental

I had to arrange a quick trip to CT, on a limited budget. I compared Car Rental Companies. Economy Car Rentals was the cheapest - so I obviously booked with them. On arrival at Car Rental Companies at the Airport, I was told that Economy Car Rental was just an Agent and didn't actually do Car Rentals. I also didn't have my 'Voucher' printed (didn't think it was necessary) - and got sent to one Car Rental Company after another. After an hour and 45 minutes - Budget said that I am booked with them. After some confusion, I cancelled with Budget and hired a car elsewhere. I contacted Economy Car Rental & asked for a refund, as I hadn't used Budget. I was told that they would not refund me, as that is an Agency Fee. It is also difficult to get hold of them, as they are based in England. So rather book directly with a Car Rental Agency, not AN AGENT - eliminating agent fees and being able to contact them directly - not only by email or 'chat to an operator' online.