BUDGET is following its rivals with the summer launch of an enhanced UK club for frequent renters designed to ‘lock in’ customer loyalty.
Called Fastbreak, it will be introduced from the US, where it was launched last summer and has gained 520,000 members.
The company said this figure includes new customers and frequent renters from its Budget Express scheme, which Fastbreak replaced.
Budget Express will also disappear in the UK when Fastbreak is launched here.
The main difference between the two clubs is that frequent renters using Fastbreak sign a master rental agreement, whereas Budget Express members have had to sign a contract for each rental.
The master agreement details clients’ preferred car type and insurance, and is valid indefinitely under Fastbreak membership, which is free.
“Instead of extending Budget Express, we decided to mark the launch of an improved product by rebranding it,” said international vice-president, sales and marketing, Roeland Moens.
“By signing a master agreement, customers are precluded from signing any rental agreements in the future. They really do experience a paperless transaction, which was not the case with Budget Express.”
Once it is launched, Fastbreak will be offered at all major European locations in one of two ways.
Fastbreak Counter is a collection desk where members present their licence and pick up their keys. This will be the most widely available.
The alternative is Fastbreak Choice, which will be at European airports where clients are transferred to the Budget office. Clients confirm their reservation on a monitor and then choose a car from various models within their group. They only need to show their driver’s licence and vehicle tag to the attendant as they leave the parking lot.
n All Fastbreak members will be able to use the existing Rapid Return service, where a Budget agent prints a receipt on the spot without the need to return to the service desk.