Trouble with 123-Transporter: Numerous Complaints at AK

Numerous customers have complained to the Chamber of Labor (AK) Upper Austria about the rental company 123-Transporter from Lower Austria over the past two years. A deposit mentioned only in the terms and conditions, the slow repayment of this, and a subscription unfavorable to customers have left a bad taste, the interest group reported in a press release on Tuesday.

Specifically, there have been 147 inquiries so far, and solutions have already been found in 71 cases, according to Martin Walther, the consultant of the Consumer Protection Department. Intervention was made in writing via email to the company operating throughout Austria. The main points of criticism: "It is not clearly communicated that a deposit is required, and it is repaid late." The AK now wants to draw attention to these practices.

Before concluding a rental agreement - via homepage or app - there is no mention of the deposit (500 or 1,000 euros depending on the rental period), it is only mentioned in the 24-page terms and conditions. According to consumer protection advocates, this is not sufficient information. The terms and conditions are included in the contract by clicking a box. Only after the transaction is completed does the company draw attention to the deposit.

123-Transporter: Supposedly Cheap Solution Binds for Over Two Years

As an alternative, the company offers a deposit waiver for 149 euros or a membership for 24 months at 67 euros per month, which amounts to 1,608 euros in two years - a bad deal for anyone who only occasionally needs a transporter; even if during this period no deposit is required for each additional transporter rental and a 20 percent discount is granted monthly on a selected booking. Many people are surprised by the deposit when they have already concluded the contract and then take the - for the moment - supposedly "cheaper" solution with deposit waiver or long-term subscription, according to the AK.

According to the assessment of the AK Upper Austria, the 24-month commitment is unreasonably long and therefore legally ineffective. Many complaints also concerned the slow repayment of the deposited deposit. According to the company's terms and conditions, the deposit is not automatically refunded. The refund can only be requested 28 days after the return of the vehicle and it can take up to another 28 days for the money to be repaid. In some cases, however, the deposit was still not in the account even after this period. After intervention by the AK, however, it was quickly transferred.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.