Last Monday I took an evening flight into Chicago Midway.  Since my stay would last two weeks, I decided to rent a car for the duration.  I made a reservation with Alamo for an economy vehicle since they had the best price, although I wasn't thrilled to be driving an uncomfortable economy car for two weeks. 

My plane arrived in Chicago at 9pm and I was exhausted.  Destination:  Iowa, a three-hour drive away.  The woman at the Alamo desk came around the counter to help me with the self check-in.  As an avid traveler, I would have figured it out, but she helped me breeze through the computer screens and had me on my way to the shuttle in record time.  No annoying extra charges, either!  The shuttle driver was a jolly man and quick to grab my 41-pound suitcase to store it on the luggage shelf. 

A short shuttle drive brought me to the rental car lot.  I looked around for the tiny economy car to which I would be assigned, hoping I could pick the "best" one.  Tyrone greeted me and asked me what type of car I had rented.

"Economy," I replied with an unmistakable tone of disappointment.

"Economy?" said Tyrone.  "How do you like the looks of that blue Volvo over there?"

A-ha!  The sneak upgrade!  Rather than try to talk me into the upgrade at the counter where I wouldn't be easily tempted, they SHOW me the beautiful luxury rental so I'm hooked and can't say no!  They wouldn't upgrade and upsell me.  I would be strong and let Tyrone know I would remain content with my basic, uncomfortable economy rental.

"I don't think I can afford that one.  But, thanks anyway."  I answered.

Completely ignoring my response, Tyrone picked up my suitcase and walked over to the handsome blue Volvo sedan.  He blithely threw my bag into the trunk.  He smiled (he might have winked... but, it was dark so I can't say for sure) and said:  "You tell your friends to see Tyrone at Alamo Rent A Car."

I was shocked.  Tyrone handed me the keys.  As I sat in the driver's seat and felt the leather wrapped steering wheel I said to myself, "This is nice.  I can handle driving this for two weeks."

I pulled up to the exit booth and handed the clerk all of my paperwork, still worried that I was about to get walloped with an upgrade fee.  She smiled at me, entered some information into her computer, and handed back my paperwork.  No request for credit card or other form of payment.  She simply asked, "Do you know how to get to the highway?"

"Yes I do!" I replied. "Thanks, and go Cubs!"

So, thank you Tyrone!  And as you requested, I'm telling everyone to see you at Alamo Rent A Car.

P.S.  I must send some "props" out to Volvo.  The S40 is a finely tuned machine, ergonomically designed with numerous creature comforts.  It is one magnificent entry-level luxury sedan and I'm now considering buying one!


Sarah Draley
National Sales Director
AskPatty.com, Inc.

Sarah is the National Sales Director for AskPatty.com, the premier automotive advice site for women.  She trains dealerships across the country on the most effective marketing initiatives designed to attract, sell, retain, and increase loyalty with women consumers. Ms. Draley has served on the Automotive Expert Advisory Panel with AskPatty.com since March 2007 and is a current member of the Women's Automotive Association International.  She has a reputation for assisting female friendly dealerships to effectively traverse the online marketing world with confidence and success, while maintaining a high return on their investment.