Credit: BCR Car Rental website
This site has had reviews of various services in Barbados before, but never as a dedicated series that examines concrete examples of customer service excellence. There will be 1 nominee per month for the Bajan Mom Award of Service Excellence 2023 (no monetary value, but a sense of pride is priceless), and then, in December, one of these monthly nominees will be declared 2023’s winner overall.
Have you ever tried renting a car in Barbados in the winter season? Not only does demand outstrip supply, but the rates that are charged are astronomical. I can tell you with authority that a “reasonably priced” rental of a vehicle that can seat 4 passengers can cost over US$900 for less than a week. Yes, nearly BBD $2,000 to rent a car for less than a week in January. I can also tell you with authority that in off-peak months that that price will drop lower than a double-jointed limbo dancer at a Bajan cultural event.
This is why when a friend recommended our February Nominee, BCR Car Rentals, and I saw that their winter rates were almost off-peak period prices, I thought there was a catch. Something had to be wrong with these cars or the service. Maybe they are jiggling jalopies or rickety rust buckets. Maybe the staff members have the temperament of a pride of constipated mountain lions . . . but no, from beginning to end the staff was pleasant, helpful and gracious. The vehicle was clean, not in perfect but good condition, and many people who saw us driving it could not help but comment on what a good-looking vehicle it was.
Ease of Booking
We booked our vehicle via email since it was a direct referral from a friend but anyone can easily make a booking on their website. Vonetta was willing to answer all of my questions via email and even phone when necessary. Also, extending the period of hire was not difficult. The front desk staff, including Kerry, are also quite pleasant and professional.
The Handover/Drop Off
Again, we were exposed to another genial staff member who conducted the drop off. Baggio not only followed the procedure of making a record of the state of the vehicle when delivered, but he took the time to give an overview of how the vehicle worked. It was a push button start and although it was a right-hand drive, the indicator and light lever was on the left.
He noticed that the gas tank was below the quarter tank that is BCR’s starting point and he made sure that it was at the appropriate level before he officially left the vehicle in our care. I had experienced some “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” kind of service from a previous provider that just did the due diligence regarding the state of the vehicle then dropped the keys in my hand and left. I appreciated this young gentleman’s attention to detail and his pleasant demeanour.
Extension of Rental
If you need to extend your rental period, just give the office a call. They will check to see the vehicle’s availability and then you can pay over the phone or in person. I had to extend a few times and each time the responses were professional and helpful. Manager Ramon was also very warm while Baggio and others made sure to check under the bonnet and top up the car’s fluids before I left the parking lot.
Overall Impressions
BCR Car Rentals is a family business with a family culture. As a customer, especially as one referred by another consumer, I was treated as if I had come in for the family reunion. The prices are reasonable and fair, and the service is pleasing. The vehicle also served my family and me well.
Bajan Mom score: 9/10
BAJAN MOM 