The Lesson of the Rental Car

By Mark Inboden

Mark Inboden

I would expect that anyone who has rented a car while traveling has experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. I know that I have ended up in endless lines because I signed up for a “great rate” that shortened my vacation by waiting in the car rental line. I have also had the pleasure of waiting in shuttles that needed to wait on others before they could take me to my car. I have had several close calls missing a flight because the return line was so long. At some point in time, I asked myself, “What do I really value and what company can give me this?”

I answered the question above by valuing my time more than anything else. I have now settled with a major player that has been exceeding my rental car expectations for the last several years. I wanted to reserve my car ahead of time. I wanted no paperwork or waiting at a rental counter to get my vehicle. I wanted to return it and not have to wait for paperwork. I was willing to pay more for a better experience...my experience, not theirs.

Upon arrival at my destination last week, I received a text telling me where my car was located. I spotted the aisle, found the car, loaded my luggage and drove to the exit. I gave the attendant my driver's license, and one minute later, I was on my way. Total time was less than 10 minutes ( most of the time was spent inspecting the outside of the car for any existing damage and then setting my mirrors, etc.) Upon my return, the attendant checked the fuel level while I unloaded the trunk, scanned a barcode and told me that my receipt was sent via email. That process took two to three minutes. 

What does this have to do with control panels? UCEC is an expert in delivering this same type of experience to our customers. We know customers come to us for an experience they can count on. We deliver a quality panel, at a fair price, in a timeframe that fits our customers' needs. We share these values and want our customers to say, “It is super easy to do business with you” and say it every time they are here!

Mark is CEO and President of UCEC. 

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