Motor Bike Rip Off At Jam Jam, Maehad, Koh Tao

[Slueth]

I have just been to Koh Tao for 1 day. Having left the Seatran I wandered up the road of Maehad and intended to rent a bike from Jam Jam Agency. They would only accept a 3,000 baht deposit!!! I reluctantly complied and we went about taking note (with the lovely thai girl who worked there) all of the marks and scratches on a piece of paper relating to my, already warn out Yamaha Mio. Myself and my girlfriend then checked into a bungalow, went out and ate, slept, checked out at 10am, and then returned the bike!!! Simple. No. Upon return the Thai girl in the shop stated I had sratched the bottom of the bike and demanded that the cost was 3000 baht (funny that, as 3000 was already in her hand). After 10 minutes of arguing ( and me snatching the money from her hands) we were now surrounded by at least 10 Thai men threatening our safety!!! I call the Police, we all go to the station, and I end up paying 1,500 baht. However our safety is in question still so we stay at the station until the Seatran leaves again. I ask you all, (by the way I have lived on Samui for many a year) why do the idiot Thai's wonder why the 'Farang' are becoming sparce on these islands??? GREED!!! is the answer, but they will always be too stupid to see it!!! Someone please give me a reason to stay here!!! Oh and don't forget JAM JAM AGENCY, KOH TAO - DON'T GO THERE

[angiud]

I have just been to Koh Tao for 1 day. Having left the Seatran I wandered up the road of Maehad and intended to rent a bike from Jam Jam Agency. They would only accept a 3,000 baht deposit!!! I reluctantly complied and we went about taking note (with the lovely thai girl who worked there) all of the marks and scratches on a piece of paper relating to my, already warn out Yamaha Mio. Myself and my girlfriend then checked into a bungalow, went out and ate, slept, checked out at 10am, and then returned the bike!!! Simple. No. Upon return the Thai girl in the shop stated I had sratched the bottom of the bike and demanded that the cost was 3000 baht (funny that, as 3000 was already in her hand). After 10 minutes of arguing ( and me snatching the money from her hands) we were now surrounded by at least 10 Thai men threatening our safety!!! I call the Police, we all go to the station, and I end up paying 1,500 baht. However our safety is in question still so we stay at the station until the Seatran leaves again. I ask you all, (by the way I have lived on Samui for many a year) why do the idiot Thai's wonder why the 'Farang' are becoming sparce on these islands??? GREED!!! is the answer, but they will always be too stupid to see it!!! Someone please give me a reason to stay here!!! Oh and don't forget JAM JAM AGENCY, KOH TAO - DON'T GO THERE

Situation like this is everyday story in Haad Rin. Sometimes you call the police and eventually they handcuff you to the police station, where you must pay for the small scratch anyway. Beware of motorbike rental around Haad Rin pier.

[SamuiJens]

3000 BT, that's what you pay for 1mo. rental at most places ON Samui!

Edited May 4, 2008 by SamuiJens

[5tash]

I've heard of a few stories like this happening on Koh Tao.

Someone i met a while ago told me that he had rented a motorcycle in Koh Tao, and a few days later he was riding it when a car cut across him and knocked him off. He wasn't injured but the bike was damaged and also the car. The Thai owners of the car wanted money for the damage, so 3 or 4 of them dragged him to an ATM machine. Fortunately for him he was unable to withdraw any money.

He went to the shop where he had rented the bike and explained what had happened. They had a look at the bike, they told him it would cost 32,000 baht to have it repaired! He went to the police and explained the situation, saying that he had been ripped-off by the mafia. The police said to him 'they're not the mafia we're the mafia'.

This is when he decided it was time to leave and sort out a new passport in Bangkok.

Yes, some of these islanders are very greedy and i'm afraid the police are in on it also.

[toptuan]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be prudent to take 4-5 pictures with the ever-present tourist digital camera at the beginning of the rental, right in front of the owners. Anyone ever tried that?

[SamuiJens]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be prudent to take 4-5 pictures with the ever-present tourist digital camera at the beginning of the rental, right in front of the owners. Anyone ever tried that?

Great idea, but who would inforce it, the police?!

[Mark Wolfe]

ONE TALE'S GOOD TIL ANOTHER ONE'S TOLD...

I have been to Koh Tao five times in the past two years. Each time I rent a bike from Jam.

It is interesting that the poster mentions the 3,000 baht deposit, since usually they want to hold your passport. I have used my passport on a couple of occasions and money on several others. In fact, when I first went there, I didn't bring my passport and they were not going to rent to me. I asked if they would accept my driver's license (I know, strange that I could use what I should be carrying while I drive as collateral) with a cash deposit -- they said yes, but 5,000 baht. I bargained them down to 3,000 (which seems now to have stuck as their norm).

Each time I brought the bike back in the same condition and had noted any dings or dents beforehand.

THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM.

What probably happened with this poster is either he missed the spot that was scratched on the initial inspection, or he inadvertently scratched the bike during the day.

Having dealt with this company so many times, I find it bordering on the absurd to allege that there was some premeditated effort to rip off this customer.

Having said that, if you are in this situation, and can afford the time and effort, demand that they replace the part in question on the spot and give you the receipt showing the cost. That usually throws them and they will say, "Oh, we need to have the part shipped from Surathani or Samui," which is generally bullshite.

The fact is that if you add up all the individual prices on the sign-in inspection sheet (and all this is cosmetic -- nothing about engine or brakes or electrics, and so on) you will find that the total is more than the cost of a new bike. So from the outset the "price sheet" is massively inflated.

Alternately, if you know you have dinged the bike, take it to a shop yourself before returning it to the rental place. Whatever the shop charges will most likely be less than the fee charged at the rental shop.

By the way, taking photos of the bike from various angles is a capital idea. I am surprised that the shops don't do this. I will on my next rental.

[ClaudeFeller]

Guys, it is low season, they spent every THB from the high season already. We have to understand the local hillbillys and their need for fresh money. Deposit means: They "borrow" your money...

[angiud]

Actually a motorbike for rent shop earn the real money not for the rent but for the "damages". A neighbour of mine proudly shows off a monthly income of 50.000 baht for the rent and over 150.000 for the damages...

[H2oDunc]

There is only 1 thing on Tao that is reasonably priced and that is the diving. EVERYHING and I mean EVERYTHING else is a total and utter rip off. the last time I was there EVERY gas station tried to rip me off. 1 even tried totell me he had put 12 1/2 litres in a tank no bigger than 7 litres which already had 2 litres in it. Even the 7/11 rip you off. Beer, water, crisps, pot noodles, everything is far more than anywhere else in Thailand. The bike rentals are criminal as well and the police do nothing. One of the worst being the farang guy at the top of the high street. Think leather shorts!!!! Only when peole stop renting or buying will things change. I for one was glad to see the back of it. Now I jump on a ferry for any diving and leave the next day and I spend nothing on Tao.

[breezein]

ONE TALE'S GOOD TIL ANOTHER ONE'S TOLD...

I have been to Koh Tao five times in the past two years. Each time I rent a bike from Jam.

It is interesting that the poster mentions the 3,000 baht deposit, since usually they want to hold your passport. I have used my passport on a couple of occasions and money on several others. In fact, when I first went there, I didn't bring my passport and they were not going to rent to me. I asked if they would accept my driver's license (I know, strange that I could use what I should be carrying while I drive as collateral) with a cash deposit -- they said yes, but 5,000 baht. I bargained them down to 3,000 (which seems now to have stuck as their norm).

Each time I brought the bike back in the same condition and had noted any dings or dents beforehand.

THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM.

What probably happened with this poster is either he missed the spot that was scratched on the initial inspection, or he inadvertently scratched the bike during the day.

Having dealt with this company so many times, I find it bordering on the absurd to allege that there was some premeditated effort to rip off this customer.

Having said that, if you are in this situation, and can afford the time and effort, demand that they replace the part in question on the spot and give you the receipt showing the cost. That usually throws them and they will say, "Oh, we need to have the part shipped from Surathani or Samui," which is generally bullshite.

The fact is that if you add up all the individual prices on the sign-in inspection sheet (and all this is cosmetic -- nothing about engine or brakes or electrics, and so on) you will find that the total is more than the cost of a new bike. So from the outset the "price sheet" is massively inflated.

Alternately, if you know you have dinged the bike, take it to a shop yourself before returning it to the rental place. Whatever the shop charges will most likely be less than the fee charged at the rental shop.

By the way, taking photos of the bike from various angles is a capital idea. I am surprised that the shops don't do this. I will on my next rental.

What probably happened with this poster is either he missed the spot that was scratched on the initial inspection, or he inadvertently scratched the bike during the day.

SO YOU RECKON 3000bt IS OK FOR A SCRATCH

[t.s]

ONE TALE'S GOOD TIL ANOTHER ONE'S TOLD...

I have been to Koh Tao five times in the past two years. Each time I rent a bike from Jam.

It is interesting that the poster mentions the 3,000 baht deposit, since usually they want to hold your passport. I have used my passport on a couple of occasions and money on several others. In fact, when I first went there, I didn't bring my passport and they were not going to rent to me. I asked if they would accept my driver's license (I know, strange that I could use what I should be carrying while I drive as collateral) with a cash deposit -- they said yes, but 5,000 baht. I bargained them down to 3,000 (which seems now to have stuck as their norm).

Each time I brought the bike back in the same condition and had noted any dings or dents beforehand.

THERE WAS NEVER A PROBLEM.

What probably happened with this poster is either he missed the spot that was scratched on the initial inspection, or he inadvertently scratched the bike during the day.

Having dealt with this company so many times, I find it bordering on the absurd to allege that there was some premeditated effort to rip off this customer.

Having said that, if you are in this situation, and can afford the time and effort, demand that they replace the part in question on the spot and give you the receipt showing the cost. That usually throws them and they will say, "Oh, we need to have the part shipped from Surathani or Samui," which is generally bullshite.

The fact is that if you add up all the individual prices on the sign-in inspection sheet (and all this is cosmetic -- nothing about engine or brakes or electrics, and so on) you will find that the total is more than the cost of a new bike. So from the outset the "price sheet" is massively inflated.

Alternately, if you know you have dinged the bike, take it to a shop yourself before returning it to the rental place. Whatever the shop charges will most likely be less than the fee charged at the rental shop.

By the way, taking photos of the bike from various angles is a capital idea. I am surprised that the shops don't do this. I will on my next rental.

disagree. on an island the size of koh tao, the shop will call the owner. it is standard on KPG.

[toptuan]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't be prudent to take 4-5 pictures with the ever-present tourist digital camera at the beginning of the rental, right in front of the owners. Anyone ever tried that?

Great idea, but who would inforce it, the police?!

I will!

[frankman]

GREEEEEEEED!!! is the only reason!!!! KPG same , same! Ah end who said they spent every THB already??? A shop on Koh Tao??? You must be joking, they have more money then the Farangs.

ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH!!!! ergo Greed!!!!

[jamiemac]

There is only 1 thing on Tao that is reasonably priced and that is the diving. EVERYHING and I mean EVERYTHING else is a total and utter rip off. the last time I was there EVERY gas station tried to rip me off. 1 even tried totell me he had put 12 1/2 litres in a tank no bigger than 7 litres which already had 2 litres in it. Even the 7/11 rip you off. Beer, water, crisps, pot noodles, everything is far more than anywhere else in Thailand. The bike rentals are criminal as well and the police do nothing. One of the worst being the farang guy at the top of the high street. Think leather shorts!!!! Only when peole stop renting or buying will things change. I for one was glad to see the back of it. Now I jump on a ferry for any diving and leave the next day and I spend nothing on Tao.

tight northern git

[Mark Wolfe]

What probably happened with this poster is either he missed the spot that was scratched on the initial inspection, or he inadvertently scratched the bike during the day.

SO YOU RECKON 3000bt IS OK FOR A SCRATCH

[/b]

Of course not, but two things here: One, this is about whether or not there was a scratch to begin with and, most importantly; two, YOU SIGN A PAPER WITH THE COSTS OF ANY DAMAGES BEFORE YOU RENT THE BIKE!

If you have a problem with the costs -- they are there in black and white -- then DON'T RENT IN THE FIRST PLACE!

As for the calling the shop thing on KP, that sounds fair, but what I have done, once, was go to a shop and tell them what piece I need to replace (unless it's something on the frame, in my case it was a mirror) and buy it and put it in myself. You can take most everything apart that is likely to be scratched with a screwdriver.

[stiggy]

H20 said ......

There is only 1 thing on Tao that is reasonably priced and that is the diving. EVERYHING and I mean EVERYTHING else is a total and utter rip off. the last time I was there EVERY gas station tried to rip me off. 1 even tried totell me he had put 12 1/2 litres in a tank no bigger than 7 litres which already had 2 litres in it. Even the 7/11 rip you off. Beer, water, crisps, pot noodles, everything is far more than anywhere else in Thailand. The bike rentals are criminal as well and the police do nothing. One of the worst being the farang guy at the top of the high street. Think leather shorts!!!! Only when peole stop renting or buying will things change. I for one was glad to see the back of it. Now I jump on a ferry for any diving and leave the next day and I spend nothing on Tao.

I suppose every time you fell off your bike that was the fault of koh tao to...........

You never got ripped of at the bar either as you never got a round in............

[H2oDunc]

There is only 1 thing on Tao that is reasonably priced and that is the diving. EVERYHING and I mean EVERYTHING else is a total and utter rip off. the last time I was there EVERY gas station tried to rip me off. 1 even tried totell me he had put 12 1/2 litres in a tank no bigger than 7 litres which already had 2 litres in it. Even the 7/11 rip you off. Beer, water, crisps, pot noodles, everything is far more than anywhere else in Thailand. The bike rentals are criminal as well and the police do nothing. One of the worst being the farang guy at the top of the high street. Think leather shorts!!!! Only when peole stop renting or buying will things change. I for one was glad to see the back of it. Now I jump on a ferry for any diving and leave the next day and I spend nothing on Tao.

tight northern git

Tight YEP!! Northern AND PROUD OF IT Git DEBATABLE Handsome FOR SURE

[Prasert]

When you're running a bike rental shop, you don't make money on renting out bikes. You make money on damages.

The rental agreement shows the price for every part and yes, it's higher than what you'd pay in Suratthani.

If you don't like it, don't rent. Or simply agree, sign the contract and don't damage the bike.

The other side of the story is that loads of tourists do crash bikes on Koh Tao, including themselves. I think the clinics make more money selling bandages than rental shops charging damages.

[5tash]

When you're running a bike rental shop, you don't make money on renting out bikes. You make money on damages.

The rental agreement shows the price for every part and yes, it's higher than what you'd pay in Suratthani.

If you don't like it, don't rent. Or simply agree, sign the contract and don't damage the bike.

The other side of the story is that loads of tourists do crash bikes on Koh Tao, including themselves. I think the clinics make more money selling bandages than rental shops charging damages.

I agree with you, the rental agreement shows the (extortionate)repair price for each part, but the average customer won't take a look at it and think "ooh, that's a bit expensive I better not rent just in case I have an accident".

These shop owners are taking advantage of farangs and it's a blatant rip-off. If you visit other areas of Thailand the repair prices are no-way as expensive. This is another example of how greedy some of these islanders can be.

[jaidam]

When you're running a bike rental shop, you don't make money on renting out bikes. You make money on damages.

How would you not make money renting out bikes? New Mios cost about 42k baht. Daily rental rate of 200 baht. Do the math. It will pay for itself in less than a year - regardless of charging for damage to the bike.

Try buying a house anywhere in the world and getting all your money back in 8 months or so. More like 10 years, but people do buy to let to make money.