Does Budget require approval of a franchisee's website or changes to that website?
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:
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- 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.
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- You may not establish the Website without Budget's prior written approval.
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- 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.
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- 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 operated by a franchisee that refers to the Budget franchise, its marks, or the system is considered advertising and requires Budget's approval. Before establishing a website, a Budget franchisee must submit a sample of the website format and information to Budget for written approval. Franchisees cannot establish a website without this prior written approval.
Budget also requires franchisees to comply with the standards and specifications for websites that Budget prescribes in writing. Budget may require franchisees to establish their website as part of Budget's website (primarily "Budget.com") and/or establish HTML or other electronic links to the Budget website.
Furthermore, any material revision to the website or the information contained within it must be submitted to Budget for prior written approval. This means that Budget maintains control over the online presence of its franchisees, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to company standards. This requirement is detailed in Article V of the Budget License Agreement.