Comments on: “Gotcha” marketing http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/2009/10/gotcha-marketing/ On communication, persuasion, and perception Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:27:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Kathy Stershic http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/2009/10/gotcha-marketing/comment-page-1/#comment-33 Kathy Stershic Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:46:01 +0000 http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/?p=557#comment-33 Beware when renting cars! I have twice now rented an Avis car in a city with a 'fast pass' system. The rental car had a built-in transponder so you didn't have to wait in line to pay tolls. Thing is, if you used it even one time, you were then assessed a usage fee for each day of the car rental, even if you didn't use it on any other day but the one. No where was this explained to me and when I challenged it with my credit card company [because this fee was charged to some third party I never heard of, not Avis, and showed up well after I had returned the car] I was told it was in the rental agreement [that 6 page document in 2 point font] and I had agreed to this. Ended up costing me WAY more than just paying local tolls and I did not want this 'service' because there wasn't any line at the toll booth the one time I went through it. I blame Avis for this situation although they are not the ones collecting the $$. Hertz probably does it, too. Beware when renting cars! I have twice now rented an Avis car in a city with a ‘fast pass’ system. The rental car had a built-in transponder so you didn’t have to wait in line to pay tolls. Thing is, if you used it even one time, you were then assessed a usage fee for each day of the car rental, even if you didn’t use it on any other day but the one. No where was this explained to me and when I challenged it with my credit card company [because this fee was charged to some third party I never heard of, not Avis, and showed up well after I had returned the car] I was told it was in the rental agreement [that 6 page document in 2 point font] and I had agreed to this. Ended up costing me WAY more than just paying local tolls and I did not want this ’service’ because there wasn’t any line at the toll booth the one time I went through it. I blame Avis for this situation although they are not the ones collecting the $$. Hertz probably does it, too.

]]> By: Ellie Fields http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/2009/10/gotcha-marketing/comment-page-1/#comment-30 Ellie Fields Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:18:49 +0000 http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/?p=557#comment-30 You mentioned the airlines, but they're worth mentioning again: what other industry makes a business out of jacking hidden fees, reducing service and generally making customers miserable? People are starting to drive or even avoid trips just to stay away from airline hell. And another good one: the cable companies, who have under-delivered and overcharged for cable for years and are now trying to do the same with broadband. You mentioned the airlines, but they’re worth mentioning again: what other industry makes a business out of jacking hidden fees, reducing service and generally making customers miserable? People are starting to drive or even avoid trips just to stay away from airline hell.

And another good one: the cable companies, who have under-delivered and overcharged for cable for years and are now trying to do the same with broadband.

]]> By: Porsche Nguyen http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/2009/10/gotcha-marketing/comment-page-1/#comment-27 Porsche Nguyen Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:37:30 +0000 http://arlingtonmillgroup.com/blog/?p=557#comment-27 Arlington Mill Group- Nice post. Don't forget to mention: 1) Automatic monthly renewal charges for one-time services ordered via credit card, yet you're assessed a new charge each month in perpetuity due to hidden clauses. 2) Worthless extended warranties that consumers are pressured into purchasing at the point of sale, yet hardly ever use. 3) Low list retail price for merchandise, redeemable only if a cumbersome 12-step rebate process is followed. I could go on! Keep up the great posts! Best, Porsche http://www.twitter.com/heardable http://www.heardable.com Arlington Mill Group-

Nice post. Don’t forget to mention:

1) Automatic monthly renewal charges for one-time services ordered via credit card, yet you’re assessed a new charge each month in perpetuity due to hidden clauses.

2) Worthless extended warranties that consumers are pressured into purchasing at the point of sale, yet hardly ever use.

3) Low list retail price for merchandise, redeemable only if a cumbersome 12-step rebate process is followed.

I could go on! Keep up the great posts!

Best,
Porsche

http://www.twitter.com/heardable
http://www.heardable.com

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