Featured Client - Affinity Group

Affinity was formed to exploit a niche in the car rental market for fully inclusive car rentals that allowed people to budget their travel expenses more accurately.

"When first starting, everything was done by hand but it soon became obvious that, to expand, some fairly sophisticated programming was needed", explains founder David Burrell. "Since having the software developed, we have grown from a single website to a group of 30 or so - most being operated by Licensees."

Burrell's top priority when implementing a software solution was not to lose the personal touch that his business was based on. This, coupled with very low rates for international car rental, would enable Affinity to provide a unique competitive yet user-friendly service.

The software began as a very simple calculator application for car rental rates on a single web site. Two years on, the sophisticated web-based system now powers nearly thirty web sites in three different languages. The program has evolved to automate or assist with virtually every task for a licensed site operator - from calculating the quote to accepting payment for an order to sending the rental voucher by email or fax.

The centralised data repository means that price list changes are effected immediately across all sites and news that certain vehicle types are fully booked can be distributed instantly so that bookings are not taken if they cannot be fulfilled. It has also allowed an affiliate scheme to be established, enabling almost any web site to offer very competitive car rental without needing to deal with the customers themselves.

Affinity Group members make heavy use of SupportByEmail.com to help answer customer questions quickly and accurately. "The most time consuming part of our business is answering repetitive questions", explains Internet Manager, Jacqui Cooper, "and SupportByEmail.com has cut out time spent on this by about 50%!".

The group is expanding and new sites offering a broader range of travel services are on the way. The first of these is a property exchange database where holiday home owners and holiday makers can meet and make bookings online.

Affinity Group Links   Affinity Car Rental The Group's flagship site offering instant quotes and secure online ordering for international car rental at discount prices.   Smart Choice Car Rental A licensee web site offering the same car rental deals as Affinity themselves, but through their own identity.   Affiliate Site The same great car rental deals available through an affiliate program that can be incorporated into any web site.