Poor communication poor Service

I had made an online booking with Woodford to pick up and drop of a car at their King shaka branch, bare in mind this was my first time hire a car from them and I had made the booking and paid on 12/04/2023.

I was going to be in Durban on 29/04 so leading up to that date I’d call in to check if all is good and if they would need anything from me. There was a period from the 15/04 to 23/04 that I couldn’t get through to their office and I was getting worried because 1 this my first time hire a car from them and 2 I don’t want to be stranded come 29th when I land in Durban.

I eventually got through on the 24th April which they told me they going to be doing a “code 10” check which I was fine with it.

I sent in all the relevant documents they needed for the code 10 check but guess what when i wanted to check whether they received all documents nothing couldn’t get through to them on their land lines

On the 28th I received a reminder about my booking for the 29th which I started panicking again because I haven’t heard anything but I just thought I would sort it all out when I get there.

The day of the 29th I received a notification from Woodford car hire “stating the car is ready”

I’d arrived in Durban and headed to the Woodford car hire to collect the car, the gentlemen asked me they will need to do a code 10 check, I’d told him i sent the same documents on the 24th, didn’t get feedback or or any acknowledgment. He checked the system and lucky found them. Now I had to wait for them to approve the documents which took about 30min, only to be told that the car you booked is not available, so I had asked how and why was I not told or notified and how I have been trying to call them but get no answer.

I even asked the guy when did the person book the car, he said the person extended in the morning of the 29th but I’m like how does that work if i’d booked prior but you still let the person take the car.

They did offer me a Toyota fortune I told them “no” as it was as very high risk car and I didn’t want to put myself in danger.

The sad thing that really hurts in the parking bay they had the car I booked and something similar. I’m so glad I had no issues at “THRIFTY” they did a way better job and even went the extra to make sure I get a car.

You guys really need to work on your communication skills because believe me it sucks.