Before establishing a website, what must a franchisee submit to Budget for approval?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any Website (as defined below) will be deemed "advertising" under the franchise agreement, and will be subject to (among other things) Budget's approval. The term "Website" means an interactive electronic document, contained in a network of computers linked by communications software that you operate or authorize others to operate and that refers to the Franchised Business, Proprietary Marks, Budget, BRAC, Avis Budget Group, and/or the System. The term Website includes Internet and World Wide Web home pages. As to any Website, you agree to the following:
-
- Before establishing the Website, you must submit to Budget a sample of the Website format and information in the form and manner we may reasonably require.
-
- You may not establish the Website without Budget's prior written approval.
-
- In addition to any other applicable requirements, you must comply with the standards and specifications for Websites Budget prescribes in writing. If required by Budget, you must establish your Website as part of Budget's website (primarily "Budget.com") and/or establish HTML or other electronic links to Budget Website.
-
- If you propose any material revision to the Website or any of the information contained in the Website, you must submit each revision to Budget for its prior written approval (the Budget License Agreement, Article V).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any website related to the franchise is considered advertising and requires Budget's approval. Before establishing a website, a franchisee must submit a sample of the website format and information to Budget in the form and manner that Budget reasonably requires.
This means that prospective Budget franchisees cannot independently create and launch a website for their franchise without first providing Budget with a preview of the site's design and content. This requirement allows Budget to maintain brand consistency and ensure that all online representations of the franchise meet their standards.
Budget also requires prior written approval before a franchisee can establish a website. Furthermore, franchisees must comply with Budget's written standards and specifications for websites. Budget may also require the franchisee to establish their website as part of Budget's main website or create electronic links to the Budget website.
If a Budget franchisee wants to make any significant changes to their website or the information on it, they must submit these revisions to Budget for prior written approval. This ensures that Budget maintains control over the online presence of its franchises and can ensure consistent messaging and branding.