SmallBizGenius Analysis

Thrifty has a mixed reputation among customers, with significant complaints about hidden fees and aggressive upselling tactics at rental locations.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Hidden Fees & Upselling

8.5/10

Many reviewers report being charged unexpected fees for insurance, fuel, and other add-ons that were not clearly disclosed upfront. Employees are frequently described as aggressively pushing optional coverage and services.

41 reviews mention this

Poor Service Quality

7.8/10

Customers cite long wait times, rude employees, and general disorganization at Thrifty rental locations. Several experienced issues with vehicle availability and staff being unable or unwilling to resolve problems.

37 reviews mention this

Deposit/Refund Issues

7.2/10

A significant number of reviewers report difficulties getting security deposits or other charges refunded after returning vehicles, even when no damage was incurred.

28 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Convenient rental locations Mentioned 14x
"The Thrifty location at the airport was easy to find and access."
Responsive customer service Mentioned 10x
"The agent on the phone was very helpful in resolving my issue."

Common Complaints

Aggressive upselling tactics Mentioned 41x
"The agent kept pressuring me to buy additional insurance coverage even after I told them I didn't need it."
Issues with deposits and refunds Mentioned 28x
"I was charged an extra $100 that they said would be refunded, but I never received the money back."
Poor service and long wait times Mentioned 37x
"We waited over an hour to pick up our car, with only one employee working the counter."

Common Questions About Thrifty

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Thrifty legit and trustworthy?

Based on the 96 Thrifty reviews analyzed, the company has a mixed reputation at best. While some customers report positive experiences with convenient locations and responsive service, a majority describe significant issues with hidden fees, aggressive upselling, and poor overall service quality. Many reviewers warn against renting from Thrifty due to the risk of unexpected charges and difficulty resolving disputes.

Based on 96 reviews

Does Thrifty have good customer service?

Customer service appears to be a mixed bag for Thrifty. Some reviewers praise the helpfulness of individual agents, while many others report rude behavior, a lack of issue resolution, and difficulty contacting the company. The high volume of complaints about hidden fees and deceptive practices suggests Thrifty's overall customer service approach may be problematic.

Based on 37 reviews

Is Thrifty worth it for small businesses?

For small businesses, Thrifty's inconsistent service and high risk of unexpected charges make it a questionable choice. While the company's locations may be convenient, the numerous complaints about aggressive upselling and refund issues pose significant challenges for budget-conscious SMBs. Overall, Thrifty seems like a risky option that small business owners should carefully weigh against more reliable alternatives.

Based on 96 reviews

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