What is the Corporate Rate Program that Budget franchisees must participate in?

According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must participate in the Corporate Rate Program with regard to National Accounts, as designated by Budget. The Corporate Rate Program offers corporate customers special rates and benefits in return for the volume of rental car business that they provide to the Budget network. Franchisees are required to use the Wizard System, a computerized rental and reservation system, for all locations under agreements executed with ABCR.

This means that as a Budget franchisee, you are obligated to offer discounted rates and potentially other benefits to corporate clients who bring a significant amount of business to the Budget system. This program aims to attract and retain large corporate accounts by providing them with incentives to use Budget for their car rental needs. The specific details of the rates and benefits offered under the Corporate Rate Program are likely outlined in Article VI of Exhibit H, which is referenced in the FDD.

Participation in the Corporate Rate Program is not optional; it is a mandatory aspect of operating a Budget franchise. This requirement ensures consistency across the Budget network and allows Budget to effectively manage relationships with national corporate clients. Franchisees should carefully review Exhibit H and discuss the specifics of the program with Budget to fully understand their obligations and the potential impact on their revenue and profitability. The Wizard system is also a mandatory tool for managing rentals and reservations, ensuring standardized operations and data collection across the franchise network.