4 Traits That Make Thrifty Car Rental a Success
Thrifty Car Rental has been renting out cars to busy travelers for more than 50 years. In the ever-changing car rental business simply surviving this long means that the company is doing something right. While other rental companies have come and gone, or have been merged into a completely new entity, Thrifty has maintained its name brand and image since its founding in 1958.
The company’s longevity can probably be attributed to great management. In 1990 it was purchased by the Chrysler Corporation, which provided stability in Thrifty’s overall operations. There are several traits that Thrifty displays that allow it to continue being a strong player in the car rental market.
Globally Recognized Brand
Pretty much everywhere that Thrifty has a rental location they also have in place a thorough advertising campaign. It is quite common to see ads for Thrifty rental service on TV, print ads, billboards, and of course, the internet. Over the years, Thrifty has expanded its domestic reach and established locations in many overseas countries. This kind of far-reaching brand recognition ensures that the company is always one of the top choices when someone needs to rent a car for part of their trip.
Budget Friendly
Many consumers and businesses are seeking to cut corners on travel spending wherever they can. A big advantage that Thrifty has is their name. When someone is actively taking steps to avoid spending too much money, they are being thrifty. Right from the start, the company set out to win over these consumers that needed a relatively inexpensive car rental option.
The company has done their research and knows exactly what their target customer wants and expects when they use their services. Thrifty provides clean, functional cars at a budget-friendly price.
Accessible Website
The car rental market is extremely competitive. In order to attract customers around the clock, Thrifty has a website that caters to their customer’s needs. When a consumer visits the site right away they are able to type in their desired rental dates and times. They also can select the type of car they desire to drive. The customer can then see an estimate of the daily rental cost, as well as, the stylish cars within their chosen category.
This sense of immediate gratification provides the customer the information they are seeking. Once a person actively engages in this process, they will often continue right on to secure the rental online.
Strong Support for Franchises
A core strength of Thrifty’s continued success lies within the operations of its numerous franchisees. The company considers their franchise owners to also be their customers. Thrifty puts a lot of time and effort into providing top quality operational training and marketing support for franchisees. Running a successful franchise organization means that each owner, in every location, must understand and follow company guidelines. This includes providing consumers with excellent customer service.
Future Growth
In 2012, Hertz, another big player in the car rental industry, acquired Thrifty. Thrifty is ensured to continue expanding worldwide. This is a strategic partnership that should benefit both brands. A good example of the power of the Thrifty brand would be the recent announcement by Thrifty Car Rental of UAE. The United Arab Emirates is bustling with tourism and this partnership is opening up a new location. Sleek Ford mustangs will be among the choices available to travelers seeking a cool ride. Being thrifty while offering current American car models is smart business.
