I recently rented a car, and I was struck with an idea that could really improve customer service. Avis Preferred members can give the driver their name when they board the shuttle. The driver enters the name and transmits it to the central computer. The central computer then relays the car assignment back to the shuttle. Then the driver reads the names and slot number assignments to the customers on the shuttle.
The problem is that I have noticed these drivers typically don't speak clearly and the P.A. on the shuttle is extremely loud. Not only is it hard to hear your name and slot number called, it also makes it impossible for other guests to have a conversation on a cell phone.
Now for my big idea ...
Avis needs to allow preferred guests to register their cell phone number with their online profile. When guests land at the airport, they can use SMS Text Messaging to notify Avis of their arrival. Once the car assignment is made, the slot number can be sent back to the guest using SMS Text messaging.
I would really like to send a text message to Avis when I get off the plane, and then have my slot number before I even get on the shuttle.
So, how about it Avis? Do you really "try harder"?
Posted by Mark J Musante on April 25, 2007 at 06:28 AM MDT #