Florida Sales & Rental - Bowling Green, Florida

justin A.

I called on 8/31 and asked for a one day rental on a mini excavator. They told me that they had one available and that the one day fee was about $500. Which off the bat sounded high, but I assumed that since I owned a construction company once I got there, they would have a contractor rate like every other equipment rental company. I told the woman on the phone that I would make the 30 minute drive right then to come and get it.

When I arrived, I was told my trailer would not work because it was a single axle. I wished they would have explained their trailer requirements prior to me making that drive. They then offered to drop off/pick up the mini for $120. Still high compared to their competition, but I was already there and said fine. Now we are up to around $625 for a 1 day rental for a mini. I asked about a contractor discount and they said they only give a first responder discount. That's great and all, but I have never heard of an equipment rental company not offering a reduced rate. It is in their best interest to make sure #1 contractors get a discount because we are the customers that give the repeat business. But they told me no.

The machine was dropped off and mini was right, it was the smallest mini excavator I have ever seen. It should be called a tiny excavator. It would have been fine to have hauled on my trailer, but worse, it was smaller than I had imagined.

Regardless, it was there, I needed to get work done so I accepted the delivery so I could get to work. The driver explained that the machine was stuck in turtle gear and the selector had been broken off for some time. Again, disappointed they did not tell me that beforehand, but I said fine. I got on the machine and the driver left. Turtle speed would have been great but this thing was sloth speed. No lie, I could crawl with one broken leg faster than this machine would drive. I had a 70' trench to dig for an underground electric line which ran between two properties that were fenced.

I am a very experienced operator with over 15 years experience running a mini excavator. This machine needed to be put out of service a long time ago. It was a rusty, worn out heap of junk. The job took five hours longer than it should have just for the drive time going back and forth between properties. It wouldn't even zero turn because there wasn't enough power.

I called this morning, when they opened, and told them I was done and to come pick it up. I expressed my concerns, very kindly and even tried being humorous despite the extra driving, time, labor expense and loss of profit. The manager Abraham was nice on the phone and appreciated my concerns. He told me he would look into the matter more and call back. I told him that despite everything, all I was asking was for a $250 refund and I would even give them a 5 star review. Well, as you can see, it's a 1 star review.

Abraham, I got your voicemail that despite all of this, all your willing to do is give me a $120 credit towards a future rental. Keep the $120. This review is going to cost your company much much more than the $250 that could have got you a 5 star review, kept a customer semi happy and now others will go to your more friendly, lower priced competitor that's 1 mile down the road. It's not always about the money. To me about treating people right and having some dignity.

Hans

Equipment in good condition, prices were competitive. Abraham was our associate and he did a great job helping us out.

Robert L.

Quick, efficient service, fair price on LP bottle refills. $1.00 off on fill- ups each Tuesday. Also stocks lots of hardware & gear related to LP burning appliances.
I have not used the rental portion of their business.

Brenden B.

Amazing staff and one of the most helpful we’ve found. If you need a tool this is the place to go. We’re in our rv and can’t bring the big ones with us. They had everything we needed. Highly recommended

Christopher C.

I have had several propane tanks filled here recently. Fast service and friendly staff.

Jamie H.

Friendly and professional, reasonable prices on their rentals. They also have moving supplies (tape, boxes, paper). They have everything you could need

Leticia E. ?.

Great service, always very helpful, respectful and kind.

Edward H.

Good prices for propane.