Andy’s Auto Rentals
In 1998, Andy Connor had the innovative idea to rent his personal car to day trippers from St. Martin. This decision eventually led to the establishment of Andy’s Auto Rentals, a trusted brand for car rentals in Anguilla. This business maintains high quality and ethical standards with emphasis on vehicle safety
and reliability and delivers the ultimate in customer satisfaction.
Andy’s Auto Rentals is based at the ferry terminal in Blowing Point. They offer a choice of right and left hand drive vehicles and are the only company on island that specializes in right-hand drive vehicles. Categories of vehicles available include compact cars, full-size, luxury, convertible, hard top jeep, vans, sports cars and Wranglers. Cell phones, beach and snorkelling gear can also be rented and guests love the convenience of being beach-ready once they get in their vehicle.
The best advice that Andy received when starting his business was that it is important to know, understand and strive to make happy his customers. His business is expanding because he is outgoing and friendly, reaches out to different types of customers and understands what persons want and need when being provided with a service.
His top business tip is to always be more of a friend than a businessman to the person you are dealing with but still maintain that level of service and courtesy. He elaborated, “I’d also say to give the people what you promise them. If you say you’ll give a cow, don’t give a goat. Have integrity, be honest and either do what you say you’ll do or exceed on your promise.”
The biggest benefit of owning his own business is watching the smiles on customers’ faces and feeling their positive energy upon arrival. He said, “Many of them are coming from places where they may never get a “hello” from a stranger. Here in Anguilla we are warm and welc
oming people and many customers need that environment (especially when they’re coming from the cold and snowstorms)!”
The biggest challenge that he has faced in this business is not having the exact vehicles that customers may want during high season. He shared: “It is my business to make sure my customer is pleased and comfortable. Not being able to supply what they need is a challenge for me.”
Andy shared why he thinks doing business in Anguilla is both difficult and easy. He said “our tourist season is pretty short. You have to work hard within a 3 1/2 month period to make an income and then survive off of that for the year. On the other hand as an Anguillian, I know Anguilla and can easily highlight what my guests must see. For the car rental business, it’s an easy ride for customers because they really can’t get lost. I always tell my customers not to worry because they’ll get lost in the right direction!”
Andy has a unique spiel that he shares with each customer which sets him apart from competitors. He says, “I am aware of the fact that you do have other choices in renting your car and you chose me. Thank you and I really do appreciate your business. In return, I promise to give the best of my ability to make your vacation time spent on paradise island (Anguilla) one of the best times you spend away from home. My goal is very simple: to get you here and keep you coming back as much as I can. I am just being myself by being honest with my customers (honesty is the most important factor in business) and I do what I say when I say it will be done. The good people and the great beaches will take care of all the rest.”
The response from the public has been excellent! Most of the customers for Andy’s auto rentals come through referral either by word of mouth, the website, by reading great reviews on Trip Advisor or through their Facebook page. He shared, “Most customers say that I’m a cool guy and they love my “Hi, I’m Andy” t-shirt. We now have t-shirts for the whole “Team Andy” staff.”
In 10 years, Andy plans to be retired. He sees Andy’s Auto Rental continuing to grow but run by the next leaders who will hold true to the Andy’s Auto Rental style and services.
To the general public he says:
“It’s hard work. It takes constant dedication and a successful business does not happen overnight. In any business or anything that you do, you only get out of it what you put into it. It’s just as simple as that. Come and visit us at Andy’s Auto Rentals!”
