According to the Budget agreement, what is required for any changes to be made to the agreement?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
During the term of this Agreement, Budget will grant Licensee access to the Manual. For purposes of this Agreement, "Manual" means manuals or policies and procedures, Standards, specifications and requirements relating to the Rental Business, as Budget specifies. The Manual may be revised,
changed, modified or supplemented by Budget at any time. Modifications in the Manual will become effective thirty (30) days after written notice thereof to Licensee, unless a longer period is specified in such written notice. The Manual also includes training manuals, development manuals and other business manuals as may be prepared for use by Budget licensees. The Manual may be in printed and/or electronic format and may include audiotapes, videotapes, information available on an Internet site or other electronic media. It may also consist of several component parts and materials Budget may issue, including bulletins, handbooks, newsletters, computer-based and computer-transmitted information. The Manual is confidential and will remain Budget's exclusive property and may not be duplicated, shared or re-distributed. The Manual will be an integral part of this Agreement and references made in this Agreement or in any amendments, exhibits or schedules hereto to the Manual will be deemed to mean the Manual as current. In the event of a dispute relative to the contents of the Manual, the master copies maintained by Budget at its principal office will be controlling.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Budget Manual, which contains policies, procedures, standards, specifications, and requirements relating to the Rental Business, may be revised, changed, modified, or supplemented by Budget at any time. These modifications become effective 30 days after written notice is provided to the franchisee, unless the written notice specifies a longer period. The manual includes training, development, and other business manuals and may be in printed or electronic format, including audiotapes, videotapes, information on an Internet site, or other electronic media. The manual may also consist of several component parts and materials Budget issues, including bulletins, handbooks, newsletters, and computer-based and transmitted information.
The Budget Manual is confidential and remains Budget's exclusive property, and franchisees may not duplicate, share, or redistribute it. The manual is an integral part of the License Agreement, and any references to the manual in the agreement or its amendments, exhibits, or schedules refer to the manual as it is currently maintained. In the event of a dispute regarding the contents of the manual, the master copies maintained by Budget at its principal office will be controlling.
Furthermore, according to the FDD, franchisees are required to obtain Budget's prior written approval before making any material changes to the layout or appearance of the Rental Business during the term of the License Agreement. This ensures that all Budget locations maintain a consistent brand image and meet the company's standards. Additionally, Budget may change any elements of the System, including introducing new Marks, products, reservation systems, other services, and Standards. Franchisees must promptly accept and implement all such changes at their own expense and according to the schedule prescribed by Budget, after receiving notice from Budget.