Membership has it's privileges

[wendyzski]

With a check I got from my Aunt & Uncle I got some Rather Useful Things (tm)

First off, I joined I-Go, the car-sharing service. For those not familiar with it, you pay an annual membership fee (in this case $25 because of a special promo) and then an hourly fee to reserve and use a car. It's great for someone like me who only needs a car for occasional errands. The plan I got is $8.25/hr and I get 50 free miles per hour. (There is a cheeper plan than is only $6/hr but then you pay $.50/mile and I didn't want to worry about that) Very handy for shoppies and stuff. (jfc013, I now also get a 10% discount at your fave comic book shop on Chase)

Then speaking of shoppies, since I could now actually TRANSPORT stuff, I signed up for a Sams Club membership. In the past it wasn't practical, but now that I have an apartment with an actual pantry and other storage space plus access to transport it could be very useful. (buying a case of TP isn't practical if you have to use it as a coffee table for 6 months!)

Comments

[justphoenix.livejournal.com]

I think services like I GO are a neat idea. If I lived in the city, I'd probably use that and get rid of my car.

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I rent a car once a year or so to go out to the burbs/Ikea/etc, but other than that have lived nearly 20 years in Chicago/Evanston without owning a car. But for stuff like shopping and errand-running it could be really useful. I've a friend who has been on it for a year or so and likes it a lot, so I figured it was worth a try - and she got a $20 credit when I joined.

a cling-on from Cleo...

[mustang-bex1126.livejournal.com]

I wish I lived somewhere that IGo would work- our public transportation here is dismall at best so I have to drive to work everyday. Sams Club memberships are surprisingly useful from time to time- we bought a ton of stuff for our wedding there. I also buy Perrier by the case... yes, I'm seeking help. =)

Re: a cling-on from Cleo...

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I've lived in Chicago for 20 years and never owned a car. Once or twice a year I will rent one for a weekend day and head out to Ikea or something, but other than that the public transit system is great here - it's part of why I settled here after college as opposed to going back to the NYC area.

[aedifica]

I really like the idea of car-sharing services... but I love my car dearly, and I'd hate to give it up. I have the excuse that public transit would take me a very very long time to get to work. :-) So I'm glad that enough other people are interested in car-sharing that it's financially viable even without my help!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

It's viable enough that there are actually TWO competing services in Chicago! The other is zipcar (http://community.livejournal.com/bunnyowners/3122806.html?replyto=28843894) I picked the one that had cars a couple of blocks from my home as opposed to the one that has cars a couple of blocks from my office :)

Well, that and also that I actually know someone who has been using it for a while (lisagems) and can attest that it doesn't suck.
And I had a coupon.

[daryljfontaine.livejournal.com]

One of the news blogs I read had a recommendation for the equivalent of this service in Philadelphia a few years ago. It sounded neat for the right sort of consumer -- a niche I don't personally fit into but which sounds like it will work out well for you. Congrats on your new timeshared car! ^_^

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

and the niftiest thing - I can USE that service if I should happen to go to Philly! I-Go partners with similar services in other cities.

[jazmyn333.livejournal.com]

Mike and I have been meaning to join I-Go. I am sooooo jealous!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

To celebrate our most successful year ever, we are making it cheaper than ever to become an I-GO member. Join I-GO between Friday, December 22 and Monday, January 1 and your sign up fee will be only $25! THIS IS A $50 SAVINGS off of the regular rate!!!

The easiest and quickest way to join is to go to our website at www.igocars.org and click on the JOIN TODAY & SAVE button on the homepage. When you get to the promo code field just enter the following promo code: D25NEWYEAR. If you prefer to join over the phone, call us (during regular business hours) at 773-278-4446 and press 2, give us the promo code and we’ll take your application over the phone.

If you’re already a member and you know someone who has been thinking about joining, let them know about this special one-time offer! Just give them the promo code (D25NEWYEAR) and tell them to enter your name in the referral field (its right after the promo code field). You will receive a $20 driving credit every time someone uses your name. Remember, there is no limit to how many referral credits you can receive!!!

With over 100 eco-friendly cars in 30+ Chicago neighborhoods, Evanston and Oak Park, NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN!!! Happy New Year from all of us at I-GO!

[rennie-frog.livejournal.com]

I should have read before posting!

[rennie-frog.livejournal.com]

Um... You may want to put your last name in this info. I THOUGHT I knew how to spell it, and I was wrong. Luckily I followed the link to your webpage from your user info and found it. Glad I double check stuff!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

ah - oops - thankee!

[jfc013.livejournal.com]

Do you mean Evil Squirrel on *Estes*? :)

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

oopsies! yes that one

[starstraf.livejournal.com]

I had heard of such car sharing but didn't know anyone who used it - how awsome - I was carless for 10 of my 15 years in chicago - I rented a car about every other month for one reason or another

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I used to rent once or twice a year- take the whole day and run all my errands at once. But this 8.25/hr includes gas and insurance, so it's more practical for shorter and more frequent trips. There is one car 3-4 blocks from my apartment and two more 6-7 blocks. There is also an SUV available (same fee) up at Main & Hinman if I decide to buy furniture or something.

[starstraf.livejournal.com]

how awsome!