Can Dollar Rent A Car modify the Operations Guide, and if so, what is the franchisee's obligation?
Dollar_Rent_A_Car Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall comply with all terms, conditions and agreements relating to operational requirements set forth in the Franchise Agreements and the Operations Guides. These standards will be published in the applicable Operations Guides by Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty shall have the right to unilaterally modify or change the Operations Guides and any operating requirements related to the multiple-brand franchise granted herein at any time in order to change operating procedures, maintain the goodwill associated with the Hertz Marks, the Dollar Marks and Thrifty Marks, meet customer satisfaction demands and/or meet competition. Without limiting the foregoing, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar shall have the right, in their sole discretion, during the term of the Franchise Agreements and this Addendum, to limit Franchisee's access to proprietary and confidential information of other Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty franchisees, including, without limitation, attendance at Hertz, Thrifty or Dollar franchisee meetings.
11. Compliance with Franchise Agreements.
Franchisee shall comply with all terms, conditions, covenants and agreements set forth in the Franchise Agreements and the Operations Guides, unless specifically modified or amended by this Addendum.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 102–301)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dollar Rent A Car's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Dollar Rent A Car (along with Hertz and Thrifty) has the right to unilaterally modify or change the Operations Guides at any time. These modifications can address changes in operating procedures, maintain the goodwill associated with the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty marks, meet customer satisfaction demands, and/or respond to competition. This means that Dollar Rent A Car franchisees must stay informed of any changes to the Operations Guides.
The franchisee's obligation is to comply with all terms, conditions, and agreements relating to operational requirements as outlined in both the Franchise Agreements and the Operations Guides. This compliance is mandatory unless specifically modified or amended by an addendum. The Operations Guides set the standards that franchisees must adhere to, and these standards are published by Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.
This unilateral change clause is a fairly standard practice in franchising, allowing franchisors to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain brand consistency. However, it also places a responsibility on the franchisee to remain up-to-date with any changes and to implement them effectively. For a prospective Dollar Rent A Car franchisee, this underscores the importance of carefully reviewing the Operations Guides and any subsequent updates to fully understand the operational requirements and standards of the franchise system.