Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Zipcar shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Zipcar offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Zipcar at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Zipcar? Wrong! If the Zipcar is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Zipcar then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Zipcar? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Zipcar and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Zipcar wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Zipcar then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Zipcar site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Zipcar, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Zipcar, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
Zipcar is a for-profit, membership-based carsharing company providing
automobile rental to its members, billable by the hour or day. Zipcar was founded in 1999 by
Cambridge, Massachusetts, residents Robin Chase and
Antje Danielson.
Membership details
Members, called "zipsters", are able to view vehicle availability and reserve a self-service car via the internet or by telephone, in increments as short as one hour and pay only for time they reserve; at least 180 miles are included in each reservation (180 miles are provided in each 24 hour period http://www.zipcar.com/help/before#cost). Each vehicle has a home location: a reserved parking space located on a street, driveway, or neighborhood parking lot in the member's area.
Members are given an RFID, called a "Zipcard", which will open the vehicle they have reserved only at the time they have reserved it. Each vehicle records hours of usage and mileage, which is uploaded to a central computer via a wireless data link. The location of the vehicles is not tracked during a reservation for privacy reasons but is trackable. The reservation includes
vehicle insurance (state mandated minimums), a gas card for the car, and reimbursements for typical car maintenance items like car washes and window wiper fluid refills. When someone becomes a member, they can automatically reserve and use a Zipcar in any Zipcar city.
On May 1, 2007, ZipCar announced that it was ending its partnership with XM radio and the service would be removed from its cars over the subsequent two months.
With service in
Boston,
New York City,
Washington, D.C.,
Minneapolis, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Oakland, San Francisco,
Toronto,
London,
Chicago, and Vancouver, Zipcar claims to be "the world's largest car sharing and car club provider." As of July 2007, there were 100,000 Zipsters worldwide.
Individual members can sign up for one of two different plans. The "Extra Value Plan" starts at
United States dollar$7.65/hr or $57.80/day with a $50 monthly commitment. The "Occasional Driving Plan" starts at $50/year plus $9.00/hr or $68/day.
University, organization and business partnerships
Zipcar also offers its service for businesses (called "Z2B"), universities and organizations. These programs typically provide a discount on the annual membership fee. Additionally, the Z2B program provides discounts on Monday - Friday driving. They have also partnered with over 30 colleges and universities to provide students with access to their car sharing service on or near campus, the first being the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
History
Criticism
The costs of renting a Zipcar for more than a few hours can exceed the cost of a traditional car rental (starting around $31/day). However Zipcar provides gas and insurance (not covered at traditional rental) and is also open to individuals age 21 and up.
Zipcar only provides the state minimum liability insurance in the United States (higher in Canada and the UK). These are very minimal levels of coverage not comparable to most individual auto owner policies. If you are found to be at fault in an accident, you will have to pay any damages that exceed the minimums out of pocket. Members are encouraged to purchase a non-owner's car insurance policy.
See also
References
External links
Zipcar is a for-profit, membership-based carsharing company providing
automobile rental to its members, billable by the hour or day. Zipcar was founded in 1999 by
Cambridge, Massachusetts, residents
Robin Chase and
Antje Danielson.
Membership details
Members, called "zipsters", are able to view vehicle availability and reserve a self-service car via the internet or by telephone, in increments as short as one hour and pay only for time they reserve; at least 180 miles are included in each reservation (180 miles are provided in each 24 hour period http://www.zipcar.com/help/before#cost). Each vehicle has a home location: a reserved parking space located on a street, driveway, or neighborhood parking lot in the member's area.
Members are given an RFID, called a "Zipcard", which will open the vehicle they have reserved only at the time they have reserved it. Each vehicle records hours of usage and mileage, which is uploaded to a central computer via a wireless data link. The location of the vehicles is not tracked during a reservation for privacy reasons but is trackable. The reservation includes
vehicle insurance (state mandated minimums), a gas card for the car, and reimbursements for typical car maintenance items like car washes and window wiper fluid refills. When someone becomes a member, they can automatically reserve and use a Zipcar in any Zipcar city.
On May 1, 2007, ZipCar announced that it was ending its partnership with XM radio and the service would be removed from its cars over the subsequent two months.
With service in
Boston,
New York City, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Oakland, San Francisco,
Toronto, London,
Chicago, and
Vancouver, Zipcar claims to be "the world's largest car sharing and car club provider." As of July 2007, there were 100,000 Zipsters worldwide.
Individual members can sign up for one of two different plans. The "Extra Value Plan" starts at
United States dollar$7.65/hr or $57.80/day with a $50 monthly commitment. The "Occasional Driving Plan" starts at $50/year plus $9.00/hr or $68/day.
University, organization and business partnerships
Zipcar also offers its service for businesses (called "Z2B"), universities and organizations. These programs typically provide a discount on the annual membership fee. Additionally, the Z2B program provides discounts on Monday - Friday driving. They have also partnered with over 30 colleges and universities to provide students with access to their car sharing service on or near campus, the first being the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
History
- 1999: Concept solidified by Robin Chase and Antje Danielson.
- 2000: Company formed.
- June 2000: First Zipcars hit the road around Boston, MA.
- September 2001: Washington, D.C. office opened
- February 2002: New York City office opened
- February 2003: Scott Griffith replaces Robin Chase as CEO.
- April 2005: Zipcar partners with XM Satellite Radio () to provide satellite radio in all Zipcars.
- July 2005: Zipcar secures $10 million in funding led by Benchmark Capital.
- August 2005: San Francisco office opened.
- May 2006: Toronto office opened.
- May 2006: General Electric's Commercial Finance Fleet Services () gives Zipcar $20 million in lease line financing.
- September 2006 Toronto market is named fastest growing new market in company history
- November 2006: London office opened.
- April 2007: Vancouver office opened.
- May 2007 : XM Satellite Radio ends partnership with Zipcar and radios will not be available in Zipcars any longer
Criticism
The costs of renting a Zipcar for more than a few hours can exceed the cost of a traditional car rental (starting around $31/day). However Zipcar provides gas and insurance (not covered at traditional rental) and is also open to individuals age 21 and up.
Zipcar only provides the state minimum liability insurance in the United States (higher in Canada and the UK). These are very minimal levels of coverage not comparable to most individual auto owner policies. If you are found to be at fault in an accident, you will have to pay any damages that exceed the minimums out of pocket. Members are encouraged to purchase a non-owner's car insurance policy.
See also
References
External links
Zipcar - Car sharing, cars by the hour or day
Service in multiple markets in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Includes history, online availability checking, membership details, and green benefits.
Zipcar : About Us
Zipcar is the worlds largest car sharing and car share service. Use a car by the hour or day without the hassles of owning or renting a car. Share and try carsharing and car clubs ...
Zipcar - Car sharing club, cars by the hour or day
Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing club that means you have a car just around the corner, when you need one. Use by the hour or day from £4.95 it's the smarter way to zip ...
Zipcar : Check Rates
Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing club that means you have a car just around the corner, when you need one. Use by the hour or day from £4.95 it's the smarter way to zip ...
Zipcar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zipcar is a for-profit, membership-based carsharing company providing automobile rental to its members, billable by the hour or day. Zipcar was founded in 1999 by Cambridge ...
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