Use this program to:

Use the links below to jump directly to the following sections of this chapter:

Definitions:

Basic Rental Charges: These are the basic items that are typical for most RAs:

Option Items are additional items that may be required such as surcharges and fees, or may be optional such as coverages, child restraint seats or other equipment, additional driver fees, airport fees, etc.

Both basic rental charges and optional items must be entered in two Control Files:

1. Edit Optional Items

This file is used to create codes for all basic charges and options that will be used by any location on your system. The "type" of item is specified (tax, coverage, upsell, fuel, time, drop, etc.) as well as the General Ledger account number used for revenue earned by that item.

2. Edit Option Rates

This file is used to specify which of the Option Codes apply to each location. Among other things specified are: the calculation method (daily charge, flat fee, percentage, or calendar day), the rate, whether or not the charge should be automatically applied, date that the rate becomes effective, maximum number of days the charge can be effect, whether or not a privilege code is involved, and whether of not the price is editable.

Automatically applied charges:

Any item can be configured so that it is automatically applied to every contract. In addition, the following optional charges can be set up so that they are automatically applied to appropriate RAs when certain conditions are met:


CALCULATION METHODS

Optional items can have their charges calculated in one of many different ways. These include a daily charge, a percent, a one time flat fee plus several others. See a detailed explanation of all calculation methods available under the discussion of the field CL MT (Calculation Method) on Page 1.

Optional charges are usually added to a RA at the time of Open through the use of the Shift/F5 pop-up window. They can also be added to Reservations in the same manner (using the Shift/F5 pop-up window). Additionally, they can be added to a RA after it is opened (by recalling the RA to the Open screen), and they can be added on the RA Close screen by invoking the Shift/F5 pop-up window from the Option Charges subwindow (subwindow C) or from the Main Option field if the system is configured to do so.

Miscellaneous type options can be added to a RA from the RA Open or RA Close screen by using the Shift/F5 feature from the Misc. Charges field.

Examples of options are:

Child Restraining Seats

GST

Location Sensitive Surcharges or taxes

Street Maps

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Airport Access Fees

Hand Trucks

Additional Driver Surcharge

Out-of State Surcharge

Ski Racks

Underage Driver Surcharge

Delivery Charge

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

Vehicle Damage

Penalty for non-return of equipment


Prices for an option can vary by:

Location

Rates for sales tax, airport fees, LDW or other items may vary by location

Corporate Privilege

Unique rates may be offered for LDW, additional driver or other options for corporate accounts

Pricing Code

Option rates may vary by pricing code. Pricing Codes are assigned to vehicles. For example, LDW for an economy car may be a different price than LDW for a sport utility or luxury car.

Pricing codes can also be assigned to rental rates. LDW or additional driver rates may be different for government renters, retail renters, and insurance replacement rentals. By assigning a pricing code to the rental rate, the rates of options can vary according to the rate product used.

Pricing codes can also be assigned to Privilege Codes which are part of the corporate account logic.

Date

Every option rate has an effective date which means multiple records can be set up for a single option. For example, several weeks in advance a notice may be published that an airport concession fee or sales tax rate will change. By entering a new record for the option with the future effective date, reservation estimates are accurate and the transition from one rate to the next is easily accomplished.

NOTE: Because so many things can influence the price of an Option, a special chapter of the manual is devoted to this topic: Overview - How Option Prices Are Selected.


COVERAGES

Rate products can be defined as including certain coverages at no charge. This is indicated on the Rate/Rules record in the fields marked as CVG1, CVG2, CVG3, CVG4 with a “Y” or “N” as appropriate.

CVG2 - CVG4: Since an unlimited number of coverages can be set up in the Options File, it is necessary to designate which 3 coverages (other than LDW) might be given to a renter at no charge. (“CVG1” [Coverage 1] is assumed to be the LDW type coverage.) Therefore, the coverages to be included must be set up under the reserved Option Codes of CVG2, CGV3, and CVG4. For instance, if PAI is set up as CVG2, a rate could be defined as giving CVG2 at no charge.

In order to define rates as coverage inclusive in this manner, or to be able to offer a discounted coverage package, the Option Codes “CVG2”, “CVG3”, and “CVG4” must be used to define them.

User tip: Remember it is normally the "Short Description" that will print on the contract; not the Option Code itself. Also, it is the short description that appears in the Option Pop-Up window. Thus, it is possible to use option code "CVG2", for example, and enter a short description of "PAI".

If Option Sets are going to be used for inclusive rates rather than the fields in the Rate/Rules record, and a discounted coverage package will not be offered, the reserved codes do not need to be used.

ZERO RATE TAXES

In some areas, taxes may apply to corporate rentals but not to rentals by individuals. When this is the case, the tax option can be set up with a privilege code for the corporate rentals. However, for the individual, when there is no sales tax on their RA, the RA Open program will require a tax exempt number.

To avoid this situation, a tax type option can be set up with a zero rate. That way, all non-corporate rentals will have the tax option applied (at a zero rate), and the tax exempt number will not be required in the RA Open process.

DISCOUNTED OPTION RATES

The rates entered here are the normal retail rates for the options offered. CARS+ does support the ability to discount theses rates if multiple options are sold. This optional "quantity discount" logic is set up through a separate program, Edit Qty Discount Codes.


To access this program:To access the Edit Optional Rates program, type EDTOPTRT (RET) at any menu "OPTION:" field or the appropriate line number on the Option Control menu.The screen will then display the first page:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE

To enter data using this screen press (RET) to move the cursor to the first column on Line 1. Pressing (RET) moves the cursor to the right column by column and eventually onto the next page.

NOTE: Unlike most other programs in CARS+, each time (RET) is used, the cursor advances along the row scrolling from page 1, page 2, page 3, etc. and eventually back to the next row on page 1. As long as all required fields have been entered, the row of data is automatically saved even though F1 was not used to save it!

Displaying previously stored records:

To display previously stored records:

1. From the "OPTION" field, press (RET) which will drop the cursor down to line one. From that position press the F8 "Retrieve" key. The following message will display:

Display only current records?Y/N

Answering "Y" will display those records currently in effect for all Locations and all Option Codes. Expired records and records with effective dates in the future will not be displayed.

Answering "N"will display all records for all Locations and all Option Codes whether or not they are currently in effect.

2. Entering a Location Code and then pressing F8 will display all option records for only that location.

3. Skipping the Location Column and entering an Option Code then pressing F8 will display the records for only that option for all locations.

4. Entering a Location Code and an Option Code and then pressing F8 will display the record for only that option at that location.

Entering and Viewing Optional Charges:

Enter data as follows for optional charges. (Directions for the 9 basic rental charges follow this section.)

LOC CODE

(Location Code)

Some Optional Charges may apply to all locations, while other Optional Charges may be location sensitive.

Options can be set up to apply to:

  • All locations
  • Most Locations
  • One or more specific locations

All locations: If the Option and its corresponding rate should apply globally to all locations, leave this field blank.

Most locations: If the Option and its corresponding rate should apply to most locations, leave this field blank. The "Itm Avl" (Item Available) field on page 4 can be used to exempt particular locations from a global option.

One location: If the option and/or rate are specific to a particular location, enter up to 6 alphanumeric characters to indicate the location desired. This provides for location differences on the same option.

A Group of Locations: Group Codes defined for Options can be used. A field in the Edit Group Names program turns on this feature. The Group Name must have a type of "O" to be used in this field.

Hierarchy:

Records with a specific Location Code are used first.

Next, records with a Location Group Name are used.

Finally, records without a Location Code are used.

Therefore, if an Option is entered without a location, and then entered again with a location, the one with the location will take precedence.

For example, assume an operation has 5 locations: 4 in the city and 1 serving an airport. The additional driver fee is $8.00 a day at the city locations and $10.00 a day at the airport.

Solution: Set up the additional driver option with a blank location with a rate of $8.00. Set up another record for the additional driver option for the airport location with the $10.00 rate. The option record with the location code will take precedence for the airport location over the one without a location code.

EXAMPLE: Type LAX (RET)

User tip: When an option is saved with the Location Field blank, the following question will display:

ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO APPLY THIS RATE TO ALL LOCATIONS?

Answering N (no) aborts the save so that the record can be corrected.

Answering Y (yes) continues the saving process.

OPTION CODE

Enter up to 5 alphanumeric characters for an existing Option Code. If this code does not already exist in the Edit Option Codes File, the following message will display:

CODE xxx DOES NOT EXIST. DO YOU WANT TO CREATE IT? Y/N

(where xxxis the Option Code entered.)

Y = Yes, this option needs to be created.The Edit Optional Items program will be called and will display on the screen to allow set up of the new Optional Item. After pressing F1 to save the data, the Edit Optional Items program will be cleared from the screen data entry can resume.

N =No, the option entered was a mistake. The Option Code will be cleared from the field.

RESERVED CODES

The following codes have predetermined meanings to CARS+ (they are called "reserved words)"and will cause a charge to be automatically applied to a rental under specific conditions.

CODE
DEFINITION AND CONDITION THAT CAUSES THE CHARGE
DRIVR
Additional Driver Surcharge. This is applied for each additional driver (up to a maximum of 4) entered into the Multi-Driver subwindow on the RA Open screen. The user selects whether or not to apply the charge to each driver.
NYDVR
This code is used by operations in the State of New York where the state has mandated how additional driver charges are to be levied. If an additional driver is added to an RA, the system will attempt to add both the DRIVR and NYDVR to the contract. At close, the program puts one day's charge against the DRIVR rate and up to 2 additional days at the NYDVR rate. For New York operators, both of these options must be defined as time sensitive charges.
AGEnn
Underage Driver Surcharge. This code is made up of the word "AGE" followed by the maximum age that is subject to an age surcharge. As an example, the code "AGE24" would mean that all drivers (both primary and additional) who are 24 years and younger will have the Underage Driver Surcharge applied to their RAs.

Note: More than one Underage Surcharge code can be used. For example:
AGE22 charge applied to renters between the minimum age and age 22.
AGE24 charge applied to renters 23 and 24 years of age.
GST
Federal Goods and Service Tax. This must be defined as a percentage based charge (see "CLC MTH" Field). Currently, CARS+ supports the GST formulas for Canada and Australia. This code is not conditionally applied so it must be flagged for automatic application.
TFFC
Canadian Tax For Fuel Conservation. This option is automatically added to a contract if:
1. The code TFFC has been defined in this file.
2. And the Surcharge field in the file Model Codes is not blank.
If the above two conditions exist, the code is automatically added to a contract using the rate defined in the Model Codes record.
Because the rate will be taken from the Model Codes table, the rate entered on this screen will be ignored. But because the rate field is required in order to set up a option code, enter any amount in the daily rate column.
APTAX
Airport Tax. This code is used for operations which may pass on the airport authority commission/concession recovery fee to renters as a separate line item on the rental contract. An alternative code for this may be defined in the Edit Miscellaneous Control Fields screen. However, if that field is left blank, the Option Code "APTAX" defaults as the airport fee option. (If local residents should be exempt from the airport fee, contact Thermeon's Customer Support Dept. A file can be set up for the local zip codes or postal codes. Customer records with the designated codes are exempt from the airport fee.) Airport locations are defined in Edit Cash Drawers or in Edit Locations.
VLF
This code is used to pass on to the renter a standard daily charge to recover the cost of licensing the vehicle. By flagging this charge as one to be automatically applied, it will apply to every rental agreement. The price is normally the same for all vehicles, but it can vary by Pricing Code. In addition, this code is sensitive to CDP exclusions and rate exemptions. (Certain CDP accounts and Rate Codes will cause RAs to be exempt from this fee.) Refer to the Edit Privilege Codes chapter and Edit Rental Rules/Rates chapter.

User tip: There is a feature in Edit Class Codes which will take precedence over what is listed here when the VLF fee may differ for a specific car class.
VLFEE
This code is used to pass on to the renter a prorated charge based on the annual Pre-Paid Fee (license or registration) which is loaded into the vehicle record. See the note on this feature in the chapter on the Edit Miscellaneous Control Fields. (Field #6, Page 2)
DELCO
Delivery or Collection Fee. This fee is applied if an entry is made in either the Delivery or Collection window on the Reservation or RA Open screen and the user enters a charge in the appropriate field.

User tip: Separate options for Delivery and Collection can be set up. There are two fields in the Edit Miscellaneous Control File to define which option codes they are.
PHONE
This charge is applied if the Vehicle Inventory record indicates a phone is permanently installed in the vehicle being rented on the RA Open screen.
FFTAX
This charge is applied if a Frequent Flyer number is entered on the contract.
UPPER
This charge is applied to older aged renters. An older age at which a surcharge will be imposed can be entered in the Location File.
CVG2
CVG3
CVG4
An unlimited number of coverages can be set up in the Options File. However, in addition to LDW, only 3 can be designated as "given at no charge" on a rate product. The coverages to be included must be set up under the reserved Option Codes of CVG2, CGV3, and CVG4.
TWW
This is a coverage similar to LDW except that is covers only tire, window and windshield damage. TWW is set up as a "C" (coverage) type option. It is a reserved word for Hertz Canada corporate locations. If there is a damage report when both LDW and TWW are on the same RA, the damage entry program is affected.
GASSR
This code is used to apply a charge at Close using the total elapsed miles/kms as the quantity. For example, if the option was set up at .05 per mile and the RA has 300 elapsed miles, the charge would be $15.00 (.05 x 300). The option must be set up as type flag B in Option Codes
PRKFE
Reserved for an automatically applied parking fee for certain Hertz Canada corporate locations. Requires a GVT record also.
ENFEE
Energy Surcharge. Used by Hertz Canada corporation operations for an automatically applied option for an additional energy surcharge. On ghost tours if the IT record shows VLF as exempt, the rental will also be exempt from ENFEE. GL account must be 3755.

EXAMPLE:Type DRIVR (RET)

PRV

(Privilege Code)

Special rates for an option can be set up for "privileged" customers. For example, IBM may negotiate a special price for the Additional Driver charge for their employees. This column is used for activating this feature.

Leave this field blank:

1. If there are no privileged prices for this option (that is, all customers must pay a single price).

2. If there are privileged prices for the option and entry is being made for the price that all non-privileged renters must pay.

For privileged prices, enter a two or three character alphanumeric Privilege Code. To activate the privilege, the code entered must be set up in Edit Privilege Codes and then added to the Privilege Codes entered on the Edit Corporate Contracts screen.

EXAMPLE:Type 4D (RET).

For example, if the Privilege Code for the discounted additional driver option is "4D", that code would be entered into this column and entered into all Corporate Contract records to which it applies as illustrated below.

User tip: Privilege Codes cannot be used to restrict the auto-apply logic (see Auto Apply field page 2). They can only be used to re-price an auto-applied option once it has been applied to the transaction.

OPTION: __ EDIT CORPORATE CONTRACTS

1 Contract No. 12
2 Rate Plan AAM2
3 Alternate Plan VALUE
4 Rate Codes 1A5V2F4D
5 Daily Disc. 10
6 Wkly Disc. 15
Modified date 05-15-07

1SAVE 2NEXT 3ERASE 4DELETE 5BACKUP 6 7HELP 8

User tip: When privilege code prices are in effect, they are displayed in the Option Pop-Up window with a caret symbol ( ^ ) next to them.


PRC

(Pricing Code)

The rate for an option can vary by the type of vehicle. For example, the rate to rent a ski rack for a passenger car may be different than the rate of a larger rack for a van. In this case, it would be necessary to enter two records for the ski racks: one for the cars and one for the vans. On the code for the cars, this column would be left blank. On the code for the vans (assuming that Pricing Code "V" had been created and assigned to the van classes), entering a "V" in this column would allow a separate price for the van ski racks.

To make prices vary by type of vehicle, enter a Pricing Code that has been assigned to the vehicle classes that are priced uniquely.

Pricing Codes can also be assigned to Rate Products. Thus the rate for coverages and options can vary depending on the rental rate on the RA.

Pricing Codes can also be assigned to Corporate Accounts via a Privilege Code. This allows rates for coverages and options to vary by corporate customer.

Depending on a setting in the field "Validate Pricing Codes" in Edit Misc. Control Fields, this code may need to have already been created using the Edit Pricing Code program.

Since Pricing Codes can be applied to transactions from a variety of places, for details refer to the chapter Overview - How Option Prices Are Selected.

Leave this field blank if the price does not vary by class of vehicle, rate product, or corporate account.

EXAMPLE: Type V (RET).

CU

(Currency Code)

This field is used to designate option rates that are entered in a currency other than the native currency.

For example, if the Mexican Peso is the native currency, but some options or coverage rates are quoted in US Dollars, enter the currency code for US Dollars to indicate that the rate being quoted is in USD rather than Pesos. Upon opening the RA, the USD rate will be converted to Pesos using the exchange rate in effect at that time.

Note: Coverage responsibility amounts on page 2 are not converted using the exchange rate. Therefore, responsibility amounts should be entered in your native currency.

SETUP WARNINGS:

  1. Currency Code cannot be placed on options that are calculated using percentage based method. Percentages do not vary based on the renter's preferred currency.
  2. For options that are automatically applied to all rentals there MUST be a rate record WITHOUT a Currency Code set up first. This is true even if all options are meant to have a Currency Code. Automatically applied options are often added to a transaction before the currency is established. This program enforces this set up sequence.
NOTE: That when offering options on a reservation, that the only options that will be offered are options with the same currency code as the rate product being offered.

User tip: Changing the rates

Edits to the rates in the next 5 fields (Primary, Weekly, Monthly, Xday, Hourly) are only allowed on records with an effective date in the future. To change the rate on a record that is currently in use, use F2 to clone the record. Enter the date that the new rate will go into effect in the “Eff Date” (Effective Date) field; then enter the new rate. Note that it is not necessary to enter an expiration date for the old record.
EFF DATE

(Effective date)

Using the selected date format, enter the date on which the rate for this option will become effective.

Through this field, future price changes can be pre-loaded in the file. For example, an upcoming change in the airport concession fee can be loaded ahead of time in order for the transition to flow smoothly and go into effect as warranted.

Note that options cannot be applied to RAs and Reservations with opening dates earlier than the option's effective date.

EXAMPLE: Type 020107 (RET)

CL MT

(Calculation Method)

Enter 1 alpha character to indicate the calculation method of this option. possibilities are:

D = Elapsed Days. The primary rate on page 1 (or weekly, monthly or Tier rate) is charged for each rental day. If no hourly rate is entered, partial day charges are based on the how the rounding flag on page 1 of the Edit Misc. Control Fields screen is set.

NOTE: Options with calc Method "D" will use the Hotel Calculation method when they appear on a rental with a Hotel Calc rental rate.

C = Calendar Day. The primary rate on page 1 is charged for each calendar day that the rental agreement spans. There are no "partial days" or hourly rates under this method because as soon as a rental enters a new calendar day, the option charge will be charged for that day.

F = Flat Charge. The primary rate on page 1 is used. If quantity is allowed for the option (as defined in the Edit Optional Items file) the rate is multiplied by the quantity field which is manually entered either at the time of Open or Close. (Note: For a particular CARS+ user, even though the Gas Surcharge GASSR is calculated based on miles driven, "F" should be used in this column.)

P = Percentage Charge. The primary rate is a percentage that is calculated at the time of Close. The items that this percentage charge is applied to are controlled by a corresponding record in the Percent Matrix File. Items that are defined as being calculated as a percentage CANNOT be assigned a Currency Code on Page 1.

X = Credit Card Fee. If a percentage, use "X" as the calculation method to charge a credit card processing fee charged to customers using credit cards. If the Credit Card Fee is a flat charge, use calculation method "F". Refer to the chapter of the manual titled Overview - Credit Card Processing Fee for details on how to set up and use this feature.

T = Modified Tier Logic. At least two tiers must be defined in the "Tier Days" fields on page 5 of this program. The rate entered in the Primary Rate field on page 1 will be charged as a one-time flat rate for the number of days defined in Tier 1. The rates entered into the Week, Month and Xday fields of page 1 will be charged as a per-day rate for the number of days defined for the respective Tiers 2 - 4 on page 5. The following example illustrates how an option using this calculation method would be charged on a rental agreement:

T1 Days is set to 10. Primary Rate is set to 25.00
T2 Days is set to 99. Week Rate is set to 5.00

This option on a 15 day rental would be charged at $50.00 ((1 x 25) + (5 x 5))

M = Mileage Charge. The Primary Rate will be charged for every mile/km driven on the rental. This charge will be over and above any mileage charge applied by the rate. This charge does not consider any free mileage allowed by the rate. Notes:

    1. This is not the calculation method to be used for the "MILE" option used to calculate the mileage charge on the rate.

G and R = Tiered Mileage Charge. This method is an alternate way of calculating the Delivery and Collection charge based on the actual distance the delivery and/or collection site is from the rental counter. The difference between the two is that G is based on the driving distance as calculated by Google Maps while R is a set distance (usually a straight line between two points "as the crow flies"). The set up for G and R rates is radically different from the other methods listed above. As a result, a separate section of set up instructions are included at the end of this chapter.

V = Vehicle Mileage. Charge per km/mile for the distance a vehicle travels on the rental. Option must be entered on the Vehicle Inventory Record, page 2, Field 9 "Option Code". For example, charge should apply to vehicles using diesel fuel but not gasoline. If the rental has an exchange, only the diesel vehicle miles will be charged.

EXAMPLE:Type D (RET)

User Tip: For recreational Vehicle installations, the Option for charging for the generator hours must be defined using the "F" (Flat Charge) calculation method. The per hour charge should be entered as the Primary Rate. The logic in CARS+ assumes generator hours are charged at a hourly rate, not a Flat Charge.

PRIMARY RATE

This field is for the rate of the option. The nature of this rate depends on how the flag in the calculation method column is set.

1. For options calculated on a time sensitive (daily or calendar day) basis, enter the daily rate.

EXAMPLE: Type 10.00 (RET)

2. For time sensitive options using a tiered rate structure, enter the rate for Tier 1. (The number of days in each Tier is defined in fields on page 5 of this record.)

3. For time sensitive options using calculation method "T", enter the rate for Tier 1. This will be a flat rate for the number of days defined for Tier 1. The number of days in each Tier is defined in fields on page 5 of this record.

4. For options calculated on a fixed charge (one-time, flat fee) basis, enter the rate. Note unless the Option is defined to be day of the week sensitive (Page 5 on Edit Optional Items) this is the only rate entered for this type of calculation (the Weekly, Monthly, and Xday columns are meaningless of this type of option calculation). For flat fee options that are defined as day of the week sensitive, enter the first flat fee rate.

5. For options calculated on a percentage basis, enter the percentage amount. Percentage amounts can use up to 3 digits to the right of the decimal point. As an example, a 7% rate and a 6.325% rate would be entered as follows:

EXAMPLE:Type 7.00 (RET)

EXAMPLE:Type 6.325 (RET)

6. For options calculated on mileage (Calc Method "M"), enter the charge per mile/KM driven.

EXAMPLE: Type .03 (RET) for three cents per mile driven

User tips:

1. Although this field accepts 3 digits to the right of the decimal point, the full 3 digits can be used only for percentage rates. All options that are calculated using any method may use only 2 digits to the right of the decimal point.

2. When tax rates change, see the section at the end of Page 1 for instructions on handling changes to percentage based options.

Note: Tax type options may be entered with a zero rate. Refer to the discussion on Zero Rate Taxes earlier in this chapter for more information.

Note: If the rate for an option is less (discounted) if the option is reserved rather than added at the time of RA Open, enter the full retail rate here and in the other price fields on this page, then enter the reservation discount percent in a field on Page 6.

WEEKLY RATE

1. For options calculated on a time sensitive basis, this field can be used for the weekly rate if it is different from 7 times the daily rate entered in the previous field.

2. For time sensitive options using a tiered rate structure (including calculation method "T"), enter the rate for Tier 2. The number of days in each Tier is defined in fields on page 5 of this record .)

3. For options calculated on a fixed charge (one-time, flat fee) basis and which are defined to be day of the week sensitive (Page 5 on Edit Optional Items), enter the second flat fee rate.

EXAMPLE: Type 60.00 (RET)

MONTHLY RATE

1. For options calculated on a time sensitive basis, this field can be used for the monthly rate.

2. For time sensitive options using a tiered rate structure (including calculation method "T"), enter the rate for Tier 3. The number of days in each Tier is defined in fields on page 5 of this record .)

3. For options calculated on a fixed charge (one-time, flat fee) basis and which are defined to be day of the week sensitive (Page 5 on Edit Optional Items), enter the third flat fee rate, if any.

EXAMPLE: Type 235.00 (RET)

User tip: The number of days that constitute one month is set in Edit Misc. Control Fields on page 1, "Days Per month".

XDAY RATE

This field can be used as follows:

1. For options calculated on a time sensitive basis, this field can be used for the "extra day" rate; that is, the per day rate for days following a weekly charge if different from the Primary Rate.

2. For time sensitive options using a tiered rate structure (including calculation method "T"), enter the rate for Tier 4. The number of days in each Tier is defined in fields on page 5 of this record .)

3. When the rate product rules indicate that the rental rate is a weekend rate, a weekend daily rate for the option can be entered in this field. (The option must have a daily calculation method.) This causes the weekend option rate (amount in the XDAY Rate field) to be used for the weekend rental days, and the rate in the Primary rate field to be used for any days outside of the weekend.

4. For options calculated on a fixed charge (one-time, flat fee) basis and which are defined to be day of the week sensitive (Page 5 on Edit Optional Items), enter the fourth flat fee rate, if any.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET


CHANGING THE RATE ON PERCENTAGE OPTIONS

The standard default logic within CARS+ is that the rate for an Option or even for Time and Mileage that was effective as of the date and time the rental contract was opened applies to the life of the rental. For example; if the rate for the Option, LDW was $9.95 per day on 11/15/11, that is the rate that will be used when the contract closes on 11/20/11 even though the price for LDW has changed twice since the 15th. This standard logic may be wrong for percentage based options such as Sales Tax.

For most taxing authorities, the rate in effect at the time the revenue is recognized or when the invoice is raised is the correct effective date for taxes. In car rental terms that is the close date, not the open date. To change the default logic for percentage based options so that the close date is used, set the "Eff Typ" field (Effective Date Type) on Page 5 to "C". Note that in the case of a sales tax rate change between the open and close date, this will cause the tax percent used at close to be different than the rate that was quoted on the printed rental agreement at the time of open.

If a tax rate changes and the "Eff Typ" field has not been previously used, and the new rate is to be applied to all RAs that either open or close after the effective date, do the following:
1. Set up a new option rate record for the new tax rate as of the effective date; set the "Eff Type" field to "C
2. Change the Eff Typ field on the currently effective tax rate record also to "C".
The first step will cause all newly opened RAs to use the new tax rate. The second step will cause all RAs that were opened prior to the tax rate change to close with the new rate. Failure to do this second step will result in RAs closing with the rate that was effective as of their opening date.

A related problem arises when a new tax goes into effect and must be applied to all open RAs which opened prior to the existence of the new tax. This cannot be handled just by the Eff Typ field. Instead see the instructions for the program Add New Option to Rentals for the solution.


For a more detailed presentation of the various methods available for making system adjustments for tax rate changes see the chapter Overview - Tax Rate and Other Percent Rate Changes.



A sample screen with multiple options will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 DRIVR 02-01-07 D 8.00
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07 D 10.00 60.00 225.00
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07 D 6.00
04 SEAT 02-01-07 D 5.00 30.00
05 STDEP 02-01-07 F 50.00
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07 P 6.25
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07 P 7.50
08 LDW 02-01-07 D 12.99
09 LDW L 02-01-07 D 15.99
10 LDW V 02-01-07 D 18.99
11 LDW I 02-01-07 C 9.99
12 CVG2 02-01-07 D 5.00
13 AGE24 02-01-07 D 12.00
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07 D 2.50
15 RRACK V 02-01-07 D 6.00 36.00 5.50
16 CLEAN 02-01-07 F
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07 P 5.00
18 BUYDW 04-01-07 D 5.95
19 THEFT 04-01-07 D 9.95
20 GASSR 04-01-07 F .05
21 GPS 04-01-07 D 12.00 11.00 10.00 8.00
22 FSC 05-01-08 F 7.00

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE

NOTE: In order to provide examples of various options, the sample screen shown has more lines than the actual 19 lines that display when using this program.

This completes the first page of the record.


Comments on the above illustrated options:

  1. The screen above is an example of how it might look when first entering these options. Once they are entered and saved, they are listed alphabetically when retrieved.
  2. Notice that the first additional driver fee (DRIVR) is $8.00 per day (Calculation method "D") for all locations other than LAX. For the LAX location, the rate is $10.00 a day and $60 per week. But for renters with a Corporate ID having Privilege Code 4D, the rate is $6.00 per day regardless of the location.
  3. The child seat (SEAT) rate is $5.00 per day and $30 per week. There is a $50 deposit (STDEP) when renting a child seat that is a flat charge. Because it is set up in Edit Optional Items with a "close echo", it is easy to refund the deposit on the RA Close screen. This rate applies to all locations (the Location field is blank.)
  4. The airport concession fee (APCON) for LAX in effect is 6.25 percent (calc. method "P"). Notice that the airport fee is scheduled to increase to 7.5 percent on July 1.
  5. LDW is listed 4 times: the first one at $12.99 per day has no pricing code and no location, so it applies to all locations. The second LDW is priced for luxury cars (Pricing Code "L") at the rate of $15.99. The third LDW is priced for vans (Pricing Code "V") at the rate of $18.99. The fourth one is for insurance rentals (Pricing Code "I") at the rate of $9.99 and is tied to insurance replacement Rate Products so the calc. method is "C" for calendar day. Therefore, the LDW rate of $12.99 applies to all rentals except when Pricing Codes V, L, or I are in effect on the RA.
  6. PAI (CVG2) is offered at $5.00 per day at all locations.
  7. Drivers age 24 and under (AGE24) will be charged $12.00 a day.
  8. A city convention tax of 2.5% (CNVTX) for the LAX location goes into effect as of March 15.
  9. The roof rack (RRACK) is available only with vans (Pricing Code "V"). When opening a RA with any other Pricing Code in effect, the roof rack would not appear in the Shift/F5 Option Window.
  10. The cleaning (CLEAN) is set up aS a flat charge but without a rate. Miscellaneous type charges may be set up without a rate (the appropriate rate is entered on each RA) or a default rate may be entered and set up as editable so that the charge may be adjusted as needed.
  11. A tourist tax (TRTAX) applies only to the Tustin location.
  12. The GPS units listed on Line 21 are using a Tiered rate structure. The number of days in each tier is defined on page 5. The longer the rental runs, the lower the per day rate for the GPS unit.
  13. Option FSC (Fuel Service Charge) is a one-time fee that is charged at the time of RA Close when the customer did not accept the prepaid fuel option and returns the vehicle with less than a full tank. This Option Code must be set up as dependently applied. It also must be entered in the Fuel Rate record in order for it to apply when appropriate.

With the cursor at the "OPTION:" press the "F8" key to go to the second page.

Page 2 screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 2/7
# *Loc *Option Hourly Tx At Tr TM Mx Pct Cvg Min
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Rate Fg Ap On Ds Dy Bas Resp Age

01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07
22 FSC 05-01-08

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Enter data as follows:

HOURLY RATE

On those options charged on either a Daily or Calendar day method, enter the hourly rate that should be charged for this option for additional chargeable hours on the contract.

If this field is blank, the renter may be charged an additional day for any additional chargeable hours that they had the vehicle. (This depends upon how the rounding flag field in Edit Misc. Control Fields is set.)

The rate entered here will be used for each chargeable hour until the hourly charges exceed the daily rate in the previous field. At that point, the charge will round up to an additional daily charge.

EXAMPLE: Type 2.50 (RET)

TX FG

(Tax Flag)

With release 12.9 dated 11-17-09 or later, this field is obsolete.

Refer to the chapter of this manual titled Edit Percentage Matrix, for instructions on how to use the Edit Percentage Matrix program to define percentage calculations.

AT AP

(Automatically Apply)

Enter:

Y = Yes, this option should be automatically applied to Reservations and RAs for the location(s) specified.

O = This option is automatically applied when opening a RA, but it is not applied to reservations.

N = No, this option is not automatically applied to all RAs. To add this option to a contract, the rental agent must manually select it on the Option Window from the RA Open screen.

D = Dependent. This option will sometimes be applied automatically to RAs - it is dependent upon certain conditions being met.

The dependent logic can apply to some of the reserved codes that are listed earlier in this chapter or any option that is dependent on others. For example, the under age charge (AGE24) falls into this category. If the Option was flagged as automatically applied in this field, the charge would be added to all contracts regardless of the driver's age. Flagging it with a "D" in this column will cause the charge to be automatically added to only those RAs where the driver is age 24 or younger.

R = Reservation only. This option should be applied automatically to all reservations.

A = Age dependent. This option will be applied automatically to all reservations and RAs when the renter is younger than or equal to the age entered in the “Max Age” field on page 5. For example, if drivers under age 25 are required to take LDW, enter “A” in this field and “24” in the Max Age field.

V = Voucher Only. This option is automatically applied to all vouchers as an add-on charge or discount.


EXAMPLE: Type D (RET)

User tip: There are ways within CARS+ to exempt certain RAs from automatically applied charges. For example:

Rates can be set up to be exempt from the airport surcharge, location surcharge, underage fee, and/or VLF (vehicle license fee), or any other fee by using an excluded Option Set.

Corporate accounts can be exempt from automatically applied options by Privilege Codes which exempt the account from the airport surcharge, VLF, and/or another automatically applied option such as the automatic reservation fee.

Customers can be set up to be exempt from sales tax and/or the airport surcharge through settings in their customer record.

Set Up Error: If option rates are set up with Currency Codes, options that are either automatically assigned or dependently assigned MUST have a rate record without a Currency Code set up first before records can be defined with a Currency Code. This program enforces this rule.

User tip: If it is necessary to have different rules for the same option code, they must ALL be set to "Y" auto apply or they must ALL be set to "N" to Not auto apply.

TR ON

(Tour Only)

Enter:

Y = Yes, this option is available only on those reservations and RAs that have a wholesale voucher attached to them. It can be sold as either part of the voucher or as an out of voucher charge. On all other RAs, it will not appear in the Option Pop-Up window.

E = Exempt, this option is not available on tour rentals. It is only available on non-tour rentals.

V = This option will only be available to be sold as part of a tour voucher. It cannot be sold as an out of voucher item nor can it be sold on retail rentals. This setting should not be used for coverages and specifically must NOT be used on "L" type coverages. (Using this on a coverage would mean that the renter is only convered during the voucher period and cannot be covered for any out of voucher days.)

T = Tour only (like V above) except that a retail out of voucher rate will apply for days beyond the voucher period.

R = This items will only be offered to clients as an out of voucher charge on tour rentals.

X = This option is not available for vouchers. However, it is available on tour rentals as an out of voucher option. It is also available on non-tour rentals. This value is not supported by Hertz Ghost voucher rentals. If the option defined as Tour Only "X" is a percentage based charge the out of voucher charge will be calculated on both the voucher and the other out of voucher charges.

N ( or blank) = No, this option is not restricted. It should appear in the Option Pop-Up window on all RAs as well as be available for vouchers.

EXAMPLE: Type N (RET)

The table below is a further explanation of the ways this setting affects transactions.


Setting
Tour
Rental

Can Sell
on Voucher

Can Sell
out of Voucher

Retail
Rental
Charge item for
out of voucher time
Comments
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
Voucher or out of voucher.
If sold, applies to any out of voucher days.
Not listed for retail transactions.
E
N
n/a
n/a
Y
n/a
Retail transactions only.
Not listed for tour rentals.
V
Y
Y
N
N
N
Voucher only.
Does not apply to out of voucher days.
T
Y
Y
N*
N
Y
Voucher only.
* Although it cannot be sold as an out of voucher item, when included in a voucher a retail Rate does apply to any out of voucher days. Not listed for retail transactions.
R
Y
N
Y
N
n/a
Cannot be on voucher.
On tour transactions can be sold only as out of voucher.
X
Y
N
Y
Y
n/a
On tour transactions can be sold only as out of voucher.
Also can be sold on retail transactions.
N (or blank)
Y
Y
Y
Y
n/a
No restrictions.


TM DS

(Time & Mileage Discount)

This field controls the following:

1. Discounts

a. If there is no record in the Percent Matrix for how a discount is applied, a 'Y' in field causes a discount to be applied to this item as well as the Time charge. Enter:

Y = Yes, this option should be subject to the same discount that is applied to Time.

N = No. Any discount applied to Time should not apply to this option.

User tip: If your operation is authorized to charge GARS on government rentals, enter "Y" in this column for that option.

b. If there is a Percent Matrix record set up for the discount, the Percent Matrix record controls which items are subject to the discount.

2. Revenue Splits on RAs with foreign vehicles:

This field also controls how revenue splits are calculated when renting foreign vehicles. Placing a 'Y' in this field causes the item to be included in the revenue split calculation at the same percentage that applies to Time and Mileage. For example, if the Upgrade option should be included in the revenue split, enter a 'Y' in this column on the row for the Upgrade option.

MX DY

(Maximum Days)

This field is used to limit the number of days an option can be charged. The meaning of the field differs based on the method of calculation. If there is no maximum imposed, leave this field blank.

Options using Calculation Method "D" (charged on a per day basis) or "C" (calendar day basis):

Enter the maximum number of days (up to 99) this option can be charged. For example, entering '14' in this field will cause this option to be charged for 14 days on a 20 day rental.

EXAMPLE: Type 14 (RET)

User tip: The "Chg UnMx" field on page 4 allows charges defined with maximum days to be eliminated from RAs that run longer than the maximum days entered here. For example, on a 20 day rental where this field is set to '14' and the 'Chg UnMx' field is set to 'N', the charge would be dropped from the RA. See the section on the column labeled "Chg UnMx" later on in this chapter for more information.

Options using Calculation Method "P" (percent):

Enter the maximum number of days that the percentage option can be charged. When the days on the RA exceed this number, the charge will be dropped from the RA. (The 'Chg UnMx' field on page 4 has no bearing on percentage calculated options.)

User tip: Another way to limit a charge is by using the field for Maximum Amount located on the next page. It can be used to set a limit for the total amount charged for an option.

The Maximum days and Maximum Amount display in the Option subwindow of RA Open. If an option has both limitations, the Maximum Days display.

PCT BAS

(Percent Base)

With Release 12.9 dated 11-17-09, this field has become obsolete. Percentage base items must have a record in Percentage Matrix file. Refer to the chapter of this manual titled Edit Percentage Matrix, for instructions on how to use the Edit Percentage Matrix program to define percentage calculations.

CVG RESP

(Coverage Responsibility)

For those optional charges that represent "L" type coverages such as Loss Damage Waiver, Collision Damage Waiver, or Windshield and Tire Coverage, enter the customer's maximum responsibility amount for damage to the rented vehicle at this coverage level. Leave this field blank if the customer's responsibility level is zero.

Another field on page 5 can be used to express the customer's responsibility amount as a percentage of the vehicle's replacement cost rather than a fixed amount. Data can be entered in this field OR in the "Resp Pct" (Responsibility Percent) field on page 5, but not both.

This field can also be used to define an additional responsibility amount based on age. For items such as AGE24, entering an amount in this field causes the amount to be added to the customer's responsibility level whether LDW is accepted, declined, or included in the rate. Refer to the illustration below and item # 6 of the discussion that follows it.

EXAMPLE: Type500 (RET)

User Tip: When a renter does not take the Loss Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Wavier, their maximum liability amount for damage to the rented vehicle can be defined in the "No LDW Resp" field, on page 3 of the Edit Location record.

User tip: Many things can influence the customer's responsibility level such as:

  • Age
  • Type of vehicle
  • CDPID privilege codes
  • inclusive rates
  • buy down products
  • level of LDW purchased

For more information on this topic, refer to the chapter Overview - LDW Customer Responsibility Amount.

MIN AGE

(Minimum Age)

If a minimum age is required in order to qualify for a particular option, enter the minimum age here. Leave this field blank if age is not a criteria.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

User tip: Leave this field blank for "AGEnn" options (underage or overage driver fees. The age logic is already part of those options.

The screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 2/7
# *Loc *Option Hourly Tx At Tr TM Mx Pct Cvg Min
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Rate Fg Ap On Ds Dy Bas Resp Age
01 DRIVR 02-01-07 2.50 Y D
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07 Y D
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07 Y D
04 SEAT 02-01-07 Y N
05 STDEP 02-01-07 N N
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07 N Y
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07 N Y
08 LDW 02-01-07 Y N 500
09 LDW L 02-01-07 Y N
10 LDW V 02-01-07 Y N 25
11 LDW I 02-01-07 Y N 500
12 CVG2 02-01-07 Y N
13 AGE24 02-01-07 Y D 1000
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07 N Y 20
15 RRACK V 02-01-07 Y N
16 CLEAN 02-01-07 Y N
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07 N Y
18 BUYDW 04-01-07 Y N 50 25
19 THEFT 04-01-07 Y N 100 25
20 GASSR 04-01-07 Y Y
21 GPS 04-01-07 Y N
22 FSC 05-01-08 N D

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE



From the "OPTION:" field, press F8, or from one of the data lines, press Enter to go to page3. The screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 3/7
# *Loc *Option Edit daily Weekly Max Prem Expire
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Flg Disc Disc Amt Pct Date
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07
22 FSC 05-01-08

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EDIT FLG

For optional items that are types:

O = Option

L = LDW

C = Coverage

U = Upsell

Enter 1 alpha character to indicate whether or not the price of the option can be edited in Option Pop-up Window.

Y=Yes, this option's rate is editable in the Option Pop-Up Window.

N=No, this option's rate is not editable.

EXAMPLE: Type Y (RET)

For optional item type T (Tax) this field works with a field in the Edit User Access File to determine whether or not the user is allowed to delete or edit the tax field in the Main Window of the RA Close screen.

The chart below shows the relationship between these 2 fields.




Edit User

Access File

Delete Taxes Field

Edit Option Rates

Edit Field

Can UserEdit

Tax Type

Option?

Can User Delete

Tax Type Option?

Tax Field Edits -

Main Window of RA Close

N

Y

Yes

No

User can edit the tax amount to any value but zero.User cannot use F3 to delete the tax charge.

N

N

No

No

User cannot edit the tax amount nor use F3 to delete the tax charge.

Y

Y

Yes

Yes

User can edit the tax amount to any value including zero or can use F3 to delete the tax charge.

Y

N

No

Yes

User cannot edit the tax amount.User can use F3 to delete the tax charge.

E

Y

Yes

Yes

User can edit the tax amount to any value including zero or can use F3 to delete the tax charge.

E

N

Yes

Yes

User can edit the tax amount to any value including zero or can use F3 to delete the tax charge.

DAILY DISC

(Daily Discount)
Option discounts can be offered in multiple ways:

Package discounts defined in the Location record:

Coverages that are offered with LDW at the discounted package price are designated on the third page of Location record on the Edit Locations screen.

If a discount is offered when another coverage is bought as a "package" with LDW, enter the amount of the discount that should be applied to the LDW price.

As an example, assume the regular prices for LDW and PAI (CVG2)are $19.00 and $7.00 a day respectively. However, if purchased as a package, the rate is $22.00. This means that there is a $4.00 per day discount for on LDW when the package is purchased.

The LDW discount is entered in the "Discount" fields on page 3 of the Edit Option Rates record.


Option Bundle:

In this method, an unlimited number of options can be offered in a bundle, and they are not restricted to only coverages as the Location method is. For details on this feature, refer to the chapter Overview - Option Discounts, Bundles, and Packages.

EXAMPLE: Type 2.00 (RET)

WEEKLY DISC

(Weekly Discount)

Similar to the previous column, enter a weekly discount that is granted for a coverage package price.

EXAMPLE: Type 12.00 (RET)

MAX AMT

(Maximum Amount)

This field allows a limit to be placed on the amount that can be charged for an option. Enter the maximum amount in this field. If there is no limit, leave this field blank.

User tip: The field "Override Max Amt" in the User Access File record provides a way for certain users to bypass the limit in this field. If the amount entered on the RA is greater than limit imposed here and user does not have the override privilege, an override prompt is displayed. In order for the amount to be accepted, a user with the override privilege must enter their usercode and password.

User tip: An alternate field, Maximum Days, (on the previous page) can be used to limit the charge to a particular number of days.

The Maximum days and Maximum Amount displays in the Option subwindow of RA Open.If an option has both limitations, the Maximum Days displays.

Note: When setting up foreign currency rates, this amount must be expressed in Local Currency.(It is not converted via the exchange rate.)

EXAMPLE: Type 5.85 (RET)

PREM PCT

(Premium Percent)

In certain tax jurisdictions, only a portion of the charge for a coverage (that amount above the premium cost) is taxable. For those operators subject to this type of taxation rule, enter the percent of the price charged for the coverage that goes towards paying the premium cost. The balance is the profit on the coverage.

As an example, if the premium cost for PAI is $3.00 and you charge the renter a rate of $5.00, the premium percentage is 60 percent.($3.00 / $5.00 = 60 %).

EXAMPLE: Type 60 (RET)

EXPIRE DATE

Enter the date when the rate for the option will expire. The record will remain effective through 11:59 pm of the day before this date. An option without a non-expired rate cannot be used. Therefore, as of the date entered, the option will cease to exist. DO NOT use this field to expire a rate that will be replaced with a more current price record. The mere creation of a new Option rate record with a more current effective date will cause all previous record to expire.

Reservations created prior to entering the expire date which have a pickup date later than the expire date and which had this option applied will cause the option to be applied when the reservation is used to open a rental agreement. In this case, the option must be manually removed from the RA. The "Effective Type" field (see page 5 below) has no bearing on this behavior.

For example, assume that on May 1, an automatically applied option is expired. (Expire date of May 1 is entered.) Reservations created before May 1 will have this option on them. When those reservations are used to open RAs from May 1 onward ( later in May, June, July, etc.), the option will be applied to the RAs.

Note: Be aware of the behavior of options when multiple records with different effective dates exist for the same option. If the most current record is expired, it terminates the option for on-line RAs. If a previous record is not expired, however, batch entry will be allowed until the expired date.

The screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 3/7
# *Loc *Option Edit daily Weekly Max Prem Expire
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Flg Disc Disc Amt Pct Date
01 DRIVR 02-01-07 N
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07 N
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07 N
04 SEAT 02-01-07 Y
05 STDEP 02-01-07 Y
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07 N
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07 N 150.00
08 LDW 02-01-07 N 2.50
09 LDW L 02-01-07 N
10 LDW V 02-01-07 N
11 LDW I 02-01-07 Y
12 CVG2 02-01-07 N
13 AGE24 02-01-07 N
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07 N 03-14-08
15 RRACK V 02-01-07 Y
16 CLEAN 02-01-07 Y
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07 n
18 BUYDW 04-01-07 N
19 THEFT 04-01-07 N
20 GASSR 04-01-07 N
21 GPS 04-01-07 N
22 FSC 05-01-08 Y

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE


NOTE: In order to provide examples of various options, the sample screen shown has more lines than the actual 19 lines that display when using this program.

Comments on the above illustrated options:

  1. Notice that the Airport Concession Fee that goes into effect July 1 is limited to a maximum amount of $150 per RA.
  2. A package discount of $2.50 a day applies to LDW when purchased as a package with CVG2. Either 1 or 2 coverages (other than LDW) that make up the package are designated in the Location record.
  3. The Convention Center Tax that goes into effect March 15 is in effect for 1 year with an expiration date of March 14 of the following year.

This completes the third page of the record. With the cursor at the "OPTION:", press the "F8" key to go to the fourth page.

Page 4 screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 4/7
# *Loc *Option Decl Incl Dep LDW Chg Itm Mlt
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Resp Resp LDW Rule UnMx Avl RA
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07
22 FSC 05-01-08

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

Enter data as follows:

DECL RESP

(Decline Responsibility)

For LDW and other coverages (Option types L and C), enter the customer's responsibility amount if they decline the coverage.

EXAMPLE: Type 9999 (RET)

User tip: Additional fields in the Edit Pricing Codes program can be used to define alternative responsibility levels when LDW is declined. They take precedence over the default amount set in this field. In addition, the fields in Edit Pricing Codes also provide for decline LDW levels that vary in accordance to the renter's age.

INCL RESP

(Included responsibiilty)

For coverages other than "L" type (LDW), enter the customer's responsibility amount if the coverage is included in the rate.

EXAMPLE: Type 500 (RET)

DEP LDW

(Dependent LDW)

Some options can be offered only when LDW is already on the RA. LDW can be on a RA as a result of any of the following ways:

  • The customer can purchase LDW
  • LDW can be included in the rate through either an Option set or the Included flags on the rules for the Rate Product
  • LDW can be included at no charge through a privilege code that applies to a CDPID
  • LDW can be included on a tour voucher.

Buy down logic: In some cases when LDW is already on the RA, the customer wants to "buy down" the LDW responsibility amount. For example, a tour voucher may include LDW with the customer's responsibility level being $1000. In order to reduce the responsibility level to $250, a "buy down" option can be offered to the customer outside of the voucher. The buy down option would carry a responsibility level of $250 in the "CVG RESP" field on page 2 of this record. Note that the next field, LDW Rule" is related to the buy down logic.

Another example is offering theft coverage to only those customers that have LDW coverage.

For options that are restricted to tour only RAs (refer to the "TR ON" column addressed earlier in this chapter), a "Y" entry here means that the item cannot be selected unless a LDW inclusive voucher has been added to the RA.

Indicate whether or not this option is dependent upon the sale of LDW. That is, this option can be offered to the customer only if LDW coverage is already on the RA.

Enter:

Y= Yes, this option can be added to a contract only if LDW applies to the RA.

I = This option can be added to a contract only if LDW with a deductible value is:

    • included in the rate, or
    • included at no charge through a privilege code that applies to a CDPID, or
    • included on a tour voucher

N (or blank) =No, this option is not dependent upon LDW.

EXAMPLE: Type Y (RET)

User tip: Options of this type must be set up in the Optional Items File as a type C (Coverage) option. Since they are dependent upon the sale of LDW, it is recommended that they should not be set up as one of the first 4 coverages for which there are fields in the Customer Record (Customer File Update, Page 1, Fields 22-25) where the customer's preference for coverages can be entered. If that is done, avoid entering "Y" for the dependent option and "N" for LDW.

LDW RULE

Enter:

R = The responsibility amount entered for this option replaces the LDW responsibility amount. (This applies when the customer "buys down" to an alternate LDW responsibility amount.)

Blank = This option's responsibility amount is unrelated to the LDW responsibility amount.

EXAMPLE: Type R (RET)

CHG UNMX

(Remove option when RA is longer than Max Days)

This field is used to exempt long-term rentals from certain options by working in conjunction with the "Mx Dy" field on page 2 of this program. When an option (daily or calendar day calculation) is added to a contract and the expected length of the contract is greater than the number of days entered in the maximum day field, the RA can be exempt from the charge entirely by making an entry in this field.

For example, the LAX convention tax is $2.50 a day and "20" in the Max Day field. A contract opens July 1 with a return date of July 25. If this field is left blank, the charge will be assessed for 20 days on the RA. If, however, a "N" is entered in this field, the RA would be exempt from the charge. All RAs more than 20 days long would be exempt. RAs up to 20 days would have the surcharge applied.

Enter:

N = For options with a number of Max Days defined, do not apply the charge if the RA runs longer than the number of Max Days.

Y (or blank) = Options with a number of Max Days defined are applied up to the number of days defined and RAs running longer than that are not exempt.

EXAMPLE: Type N (RET)

ITM AVL

(Item not available at a location.)

This field has 2 functions:

1. Item not available at a location

When an Option Rate record is set up with a blank Location Code, it applies globally to all locations. This field can be used to indicate that a particular location does NOT participate in a global option. To do this, make a separate entry for the exempt Location and the Option Code. Then in this field enter:

N =This globally applied option does not apply to this location.

2. Item not available from the Reservations or RA Open programs; can only be added to a reservation through a reservation merge program. Enter:

M = This item can be added to a reservation prior to it being merged through a reservation interface program. It will not appear in the option pop-up window in CARS+.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

See Line 21 of the illustration below for an example of this feature.

NOTE: CASS, which is the program that interfaces with the web services such as webRES and webXML, does not consider this setting.

MLT RA

(Multiple RA logic)

Some options are defined with a maximum number of days for which they can be charged on a RA. For long term rentals where the multiple invoiced rental logic (also referred to as multi-month logic) is used, RAs are closed after a set period of time. The data is cloned and a new RA is opened. This field is used to define:

A. How options with a maximum number of days should be charged

B. How flat fee options should be charged.


A. Options with maximum days

The following example illustrates this concept. Assume that a rental is scheduled to run for 90 days. The first RA is set up with the multi-month logic so that it will close the first RA after 30 days, clone the information, and open another RA. Subsequently the second RA will close after another 30 days and a third RA will open.

Example 1: Assume there is a surcharge defined with a maximum charge of 20 days. This field determines whether the 20-day surcharge should apply to the first RA only, or whether it should apply to all RAs in the sequence -- in this case, 3 RAs. Enter:

Y = Yes. On multi-month RAs when an option has a maximum days limit, clone the option to each RA in the series so that it is charged to the maximum day limit on each contract.

N (or blank) =No. On multi-month RAs when an option has a maximum days limit, it applies only once up to the maximum number of days and thereafter is not cloned to a new RA.

Example 2: Now, assume that the surcharge is defined with a maximum charge of 40 days.

Entering “Y” would cause the option to be charged for all 30 days on each RA. (The maximum number of days was never met.)

Entering “N” would cause the option to be charged for 30 days on the first RA. Then it would be cloned to the second RA and be charged for 10 days (total of 40 days). Since the maximum number had been reached, it would not be clone to the next RA.

EXAMPLE: Type N (RET)


B. Flat fee options

This field defines whether a flat fee option is charged on every RA in the series or if it is charged only on the first RA. Enter:

Y = Yes. On multi-month RAs when an option is flat fee, clone the option to each RA in the series.

N (or blank) =No. On multi-month RAs when an option is flat fee, it applies only to the first RA and is not cloned to a new RA.


The screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 4/7
# *Loc *Option Decl Incl Dep LDW Chg Itm Mlt
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Resp Resp LDW Rule UnMx Avl RA
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 GPS 02-01-07
05 SEAT 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07 Y R
19 THEFT 04-01-07 99999 500 Y
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 TUS GPS 04-01-07 N
22 TUS SEAT 05-01-08 M

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

NOTE: In order to provide examples of various options, the sample screen shown has more lines than the actual 19 lines that display when using this program.

Comments on the above illustrated options:

  1. The "buy down" (Line 18) is dependent on LDW applying to the RA. (The customer can choose to accept LDW, the rate can include LDW, or a CDPID privilege can apply that includes LDW at no charge.) If taken, its responsibility amount of $50 from page 2 replaces the LDW responsibility amount.
  2. Theft coverage (Line 19) is offered. If taken, responsibility level is $100 as seen on page 2. If declined, the customer is responsible for the full value of the vehicle (represented as "99999" above). If theft coverage is included in the rate, the customer's responsibility is $500. Theft is offered only if the LDW applies to the RA (accepted by the customer or included in the rate.) Theft coverage does not change the customer's LDW responsibility.
  3. GPS devices (Line 4) are available at all locations starting 2/01/07. But two months later on line 21 the location TUS is no longer renting GPS devices ("N" in Itm Avl column) while all other locations are continuing renting the devices.
  4. Starting on 5/01/08 (Line 22) infant seats cannot be added to local reservations nor added to walk-up rentals that start at location TUS. They can only be added to a transaction at this location via a reservation merged in from a national reservation center ("M" in Itm Avl column).

This completes the fourth page of the record. With the cursor at the "OPTION:", press the "F8" key to go to the fifth page.

Page 5 screen will then display:


OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 5/7
# *Loc *Option Min Max Rpt T1 T2 T3 T4 Eff Resp
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Days Age Max Dys Dys Dys Dys Typ Pct
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07
22 FSC 05-01-08

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

NOTE: In order to provide examples of various options, the sample screenshown has more lines than the actual 19 lines that display when using this program.

Enter data as follows:

MIN DAYS

(Minimum Days)

By entering a number of minimum days in this column, the number of days will be charged for the option as a minimum charge-- even when the rental is for fewer days.

For example, if "4" is entered in this column for a particular option that was placed on a RA, and the RA had only 2 chargeable days on it, the charge for this option would be 4 days.

Obviously, this field applies only to those options that have the daily calculation method.

If an option should have a minimum number of days, enter up to 2 numeric characters to specify the number of days. If there is no minimum, leave this field blank.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

MAX AGE

(Maximum Age)

If an option should not be offered to renters over a particular age, enter a maximum age in this column.

For example, assume a location offers two SLI products:

"SLI24" for renters under age 25
"SLI" for renters age 25 and over.

For the SLI24 product, entering a Max Age of "24" in this field means that only “SLI” will be offered to renters 25 and over.“SLI24” will not appear in the Option Pop-up window for anyone who is 25 or older.

EXAMPLE: Type 24(RET)

Age dependent options: When an option has been designated as “age dependent” (see the Auto Apply field, screen 2), it means that the option will be applied automatically to all reservations and RAs when the renter is younger than or equal to the age entered in the “Max Age” field.

For example, if drivers under age 25 are required to take LDW, entering “A” in the Auto Apply field and “24” in this field will cause the LDW product to be automatically added to all RAs where the renter is under 25. Because it is automatically applied, the option does not appear in the Option Pop-up window in the RA Open screen.

User tip: Leave this field blank for "AGEnn" options (underage or overage driver fees. The age logic is already part of those options.

RPT MAX

(Repeat Charge for Maximum Days)

Some options are set up so that the charge for them is limited to a maximum number of days. (The field for “Mx Dy” is on a previous page.) Additionally, a field in the Edit Miscellaneous Control Record defines how many days make up a “month”. When the number of days on a RA is long enough so that it crosses over into multiple months, in some cases the option that was limited to a maximum number of days should be charged again in each new month.

Therefore, for rentals that are longer than a month, this field is used to indicate that an option should repeat for the maximum number of days in the Max Day field every month.

For example, assume the following:

An option is set up to charge for a maximum of 10 days.

The “days per month” in Edit Miscellaneous is defined as 30 days.

A RA is opened for a 65-day period.

With a “Y” in this field, the option would be charged for 25 days on the 65-day rental (10 days for the first 30 days; 10 days for the second 30 days; 5 days for the last period.)

With a “N” in this field (or if the field is blank), the option would be charged for only 10 days on the 65-day rental.

Enter:

Y = For RAs that run longer than a month, apply the option charge up to the maximum days defined to each monthly period.

N (or blank) = For RAs that run longer than a month, apply the option charge up to the maximum days defined only once.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

T1

T2

T3

T4

(Tier Days)

Instead of charging for Options using the daily, weekly, monthly, and extra day logic, Options can be charged using a “tiered” structure where the daily rate applied is dependent upon the length of RA. The T1, T2, T3, and T4 columns are used to define the maximum number of days in each tier. It is not necessary to use all 4 tiers.

To illustrate, assume that the rate for a GPS unit is as follows:

$7 a day for rentals up to 3 days

$6 a day for rentals that are 4 to 6 days in length

$5 a day for rentals that are 7 to 12 days in length

$4 a day for rentals that are 13 or more days in length.

Therefore, the charge for a 2 day rental would be $14 ($7 a day x 2 days.)
The charge for a 10-day rental would be $50. ($5 a day x 10 days.)

The days would be entered as:

Tier 1 = 3

Tier 2 = 6

Tier 3 = 12

Tier 4 = 99


(An illustration showing how to set up the Tier Days for the example above is shown below.)

Note that the Tier 4 days = 99. The last tier should always have 99 days to represent any number of days greater than the previous tier.

When the Tier day fields are used, the rate fields on page 1 of the record are used as follows:

Primary (Day) column is used for Tier 1 rate

Week column is used for Tier 2 rate

Month column is used for Tier 3 rate

Xday column is used for Tier 4 rate

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

Tier structures can vary by Option. That is, the tier structure for an option is independent of the tier structure for another option.

An illustration of the set up for pages 1 and 5 is shown below:

OPTION: __ Edit Option Rates Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 TUS GPS 03-27-08 D 7.000 6.00 5.00 4.00

OPTION: __ Edit Option Rates Page 5/7
# *Loc *Option Min Max Rpt T1 T2 T3 T4 Eff
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Days Age Max Dys Dys Dys Dys Typ
01 TUS GPS 03-27-08 3 6 12 99


NOTE: When calculation method "T" is used, a flat rate will be charged for the number of days in Tier 1. A per-day rate will be charged the the number of days defined in Tiers 2 through 4. A detailed description of this calculation method can be found in the introduction and discussion of the rate fields on page 1 and the discussion of the Calculation Method field on page 1 above.

EFF TYP

(Effective Date Type)

The default settings for this field come from the Effective Type field settings in the Edit Optional Items file. When entries are made in both files (Edit Optional Items and Edit Optional Rates) the setting in Edit Optional Rates takes precedence.

User tip: It is the Option Rate record currently in use on the transaction (reservation or rental) that determines the logic of what rate is applied. Therefore, it is the "old" record -- the one that is to be expired or superseded by a "new" record -- that must be edited with the Effective Date Type.

Use this field to define what date (reservation, opening or closing date) should be used to determine the rate for an option.

Enter:

R (or blank) =

For reservations, the rate in effect for the option as of the reservation’s pickup date is used.

For RAs with a reservation, the rate quoted on the reservation is used. If the item was not quoted on the reservation, the opening date of the RA is used.

For RAs without a reservation, the rate in effect as of the opening date of the RA is used.

Z =

For reservations, the rate in effect for the option as of the reservation’s pickup date is used.

For RAs with a reservation, the rate quoted on the reservation is used. If the item was not quoted on the reservation, the reservation's create date is used to determine the option's rate.

For RAs without a reservation, the rate in effect as of the opening date of the RA is used.

User tip: This is for rate only, the coverage and declined responsibility are from the current record

O =

For reservations, the option's rate in effect as of the reservation’s pickup date is used.

For RAs with a reservation, the rate in effect as of the opening date of the RA is used. That is, the rate will be requoted at Open from what it was at the time of the reservation. (See User Tip below for an example.)

For RAs without a reservation, the rate in effect as of the opening date of the RA is used.

C =

For reservations, the option's rate in effect as of the return date is used.

When opening a RA with a reservation, the option rate in effect as of the return date of the RA is used. That is, the rate will be requoted at Open from what it was at the time of the reservation.

When opening a RA without a reservation, the option rate in effect as of the return date is used.

When closing a RA, the option rate will be requoted using the return date.


Additional notes:

When a dependent option is added at Close, for codes R or O (or blank) the rate in effect as of the opening date of the RA is used. For code C, the closing date is used.

When an option is manually added to a RA at Close, the rate in effect as of the return date is used regardless of the value in the Effective Type field.


Example for using Effective Type O:

Assume that on December 15 a notice is received that the current tax rate of 10% will change to 12% effective January 1. Therefore, on December 15 a new Option Rate record is created with an effective date of January 1 at the rate of 12%.

Assume that the new 12% rate should apply to anything opened as of January 1 or later. RAs opened prior to January 1 are to remain at the 10% rate.

Problem: Reservations for January or later that were made prior to December 15 have the tax rate of 10%. The tax rate of 12% should apply to these rentals.

Solution:

On BOTH the new Option Rate record for Tax (effective January 1) at the rate of 12% and the old record for 10%, set "EFF TYP" field to "O".

User tip: It is the Option Rate record in use on the reservation that determines the logic of what rate is applied. Therefore, the old record with the 10% tax rate must be edited with the Effective Date Type set to "O". This will cause the tax rate to change from 10% to 12% when a RA is opened using a reservation with the old (10%) tax rate.


Example for using Effective Type C:

In this example, assume that the new 12% rate should apply to all RAs closing January 1 or later.

Problem: RAs that opened prior to December 15 have the 10% rate. But if they close in January they will need to have the 12% rate applied at the time of Close.

Solution:

On BOTH the new Option Rate record for Tax (effective January 1) at the rate of 12% and the old record for 10%, set "EFF TYP" field to "C".


EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

User tip: It should be noted that this field does NOT control the effective date for an option being applied to a rental. It does control which date is used to obtain the option rate.

RESP PCT

(Responsibility Percentage)
In some areas when accepting LDW or other "L" type coverages, the customer's responsibility is expressed as a percentage of the vehicle's replacement cost or capitalized cost rather than a fixed amount. The Vehicle Inventory record has fields for both the Replacement Cost and the Capitalized Cost. If the Replacement Cost field is blank, the Capitalized Cost is used.

For example, for a vehicle with a with a replacement cost of $20,000, if 10% is entered in this field, the customer's responsbility will be calculated at $2,000.

For this type of LDW configuration, enter a percentage that will represent the customer's responsibility level for the LDW product. Data can be entered in this field OR in the "Cvg Resp" field on page 2, but not both.

Note: RA Print programs will need to be enhanced to take advantage of this feature.

Note: There are GVT records that can be used to apply this logic to all vehicles at all or some locations. Ask Thermeon's Customer Support Dept. to set up GVT record(s) LDWDMG% and or LDWLOST% for your operation.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 5/7
# *Loc *Option Min Max Rpt T1 T2 T3 T4 Eff Resp
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Days Age Max Dys Dys Dys Dys Typ Pct
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07 3 6 12 99
22 FSC 05-01-08

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

This completes the fifth page of the record. With the cursor at the "OPTION:", press the "F8" key to go to the sixth page.
Page 6 screen will then display:

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 6/7
# *Loc *Option Min Asset Res Req End Bk Echo
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Hrs ByUnt Disc Opt Date Sale
01 DRIVR 02-01-07
02 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07
03 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07
04 SEAT 02-01-07
05 STDEP 02-01-07
06 LAX APCON 02-01-07
07 LAX APCON 07-01-07
08 LDW 02-01-07
09 LDW L 02-01-07
10 LDW V 02-01-07
11 LDW I 02-01-07
12 CVG2 02-01-07
13 AGE24 02-01-07
14 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07
15 RRACK V 02-01-07
16 CLEAN 02-01-07
17 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07
18 BUYDW 04-01-07
19 THEFT 04-01-07
20 GASSR 04-01-07
21 GPS 04-01-07
22 GPSIN 05-01-08 GPS

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

Enter data as follows:


MIN HRS

(Minimum Hours)
This field is used to exempt short term rentals (just a few hours) from certain surcharges or fees. By entering a number of hours, RAs will exempt from the charge if they are less than the number specified here.

EXAMPLE: Type 8 (RET)

User tip: Note that this setting does not prevent a fee from being added to a RA at Open. Instead, it removes the charge at Close if the rental is less than the hours specified. Once the charge is removed; the system will not apply it again -- even if the length of the RA exceeds the minimum number of hours.

ASSET BYUNT

(Asset By Unit)
When renting inventoried assets other than vehicles, certain items such as handheld GPS units should be returned to the rental counter when the RA is closed. Typically, when closing the RA, entry of the unit number is required. Other types of equipment, such as childseats or luggage racks, should remain with the vehicle and entry of their unit number is not required. This field provides the ability to flag certain assets so that the entry of the unit number will be required when closing the RA, and like other option rate records, can be location sensitive. A similar field in the Edit Optional Items file is a global field and when set applies to all locations. Enter:
Y = For assets of this type, the unit number must be entered when closing the RA.
N (or blank) = The unit number is not required when closing the RA.
EXAMPLE: Press (RET)
RES DISC

(Reservation Discount)
This field allows the price of the option to be discounted when sold on a reservation. The discount does not apply when the option is sold on a RA.

The discount is entered as a percent with up to two characters before the decimal point and up to two characters after. This discount is only applied to options added to a reservation through the CARS+ Reservation program.

The discount is NOT applied if the option comes in via a reservation interface program.

EXAMPLE: Type 5.25 (RET)

REQ OPT

(Required Option)

This field provides the requirement that the option whose rates are being defined can only be sold if the Option entered into this field is sold first. For example, GPS Insurance can only be sold if the renter has first rented a GPS device. The concept is similar to LDW deduction buy down, except LDW buy down is unique and set up using other fields in this record.

Enter the Option Code that must be selected first in order to select this option on a reservation or rental agreement.

EXAMPLE: Type GPS (RET)

USER NOTE: With dependent options defined in this field, if the option which must be sold first is removed from a transaction, its dependent option is automatically removed as well. So if a client requests both a GPS and the additional insurance on the GPS (the dependent option), if the GPS is later removed, the insurance option will be removed as well.
END BK DATE

(End Booking Date)

This field is used to set a reservation booking expiration date on this option rate.

Option rates have an "Effective Date" (page 1) which refers to the earliest pick-up date of the rental. That is, no matter when a reservation is booked or a walk up RA is being opened, as long as the rate is in effect as of the start of the rental it can be used.

Option rates also have an "Expire Date" (page 3) which refers to the last pick-up date for the rental. The options will not be available for any pick up date after the 'expire date'.

This field, "End Book Date", refers to the date when the reservation is created. The option will not be available for reservations that are created after the End Booking Date.

A combined rule might be that option is available only if the reservation is booked in April for a pick up during July. In this case the dates would be set as follows:
  • Effective date: July 1 (starting pick up date)
  • Expire date: July 31 (ending pick up date)
  • End booking date: April 30 (last day the reservation can be created)
Therefore the option will not be available for reservations made in May for a July pick up.

Note that the option can also be a set up as a negative option (discount) on a voucher to encourage tour operators to book reservations well in advance. See the chart below for an illustration as to how to set up an advance booking discount and how this field interacts with other date fields in the Option Rate record.
ECHO SALE

(Echo Sale at Open)

This field causes a message concerning the option to display on the Open screen at F1/Save. The message is:
DID YOU TRY TO SELL 'option name'? (Y/N)
The user's response to this question controls whether or not the RA can be saved.

Y= RA will be saved.
N= RA will not be saved and the user will have the opportunity to offer the option.

To prompt for this message, enter:
Y = Yes display a prompt for this message at F1/save.

N (or blank) = No prompt message is required for this option at the time of Open.

EXAMPLE: TYPE Y (RET)


First, create a negative option for a discount (Option Type = "N") in Edit Optional Items.
In Edit Option Rates, set up the option so that it is automatically applied to voucher reservations if the reservation is booked early:

Option Code
Page 1
Effective Date
Page 1
Calc Method
Page 1
Primary Rate
Page 1
Auto Apply
Page 2
Tour
Only
Page 2
Expire Date
Page 3
End Booking Date
Page 6
NOTE
ADVBK

(Summer Advanced Discount)

04-01-16


P

10.00

V

Y

10/31/16

2/29/16
For the summer season of 2016 (pickup dates 4/1/16 thru 10/31/16): if a voucher reservation is booked before 2/29/16, automatically receive a 10% discount off the voucher charges.
WADVB

(Winter Advance Discount)

11-01-16


P

15.00

V

Y

03/31/17

9/30/16
For the winter season of 2016 (pickup dates 11/1/16 thru 3/31/17): If a voucher reservation is booked before 9/30/16, automatically receive a 15% discount off the voucher charges.
ADVBK



04-01-17

P

10.00

V

Y

10/31/17

2/28/17
For the summer season of 2017 (pickup dates 4/1/17 thru 10/31/17): If a voucher reservation is booked before 2/29/17, automatically receive a 10% discount off the voucher charges.




Page 7:

This page displays the date, time and employee code for when the record was created and last modified.


Upon pressing “F1” to save the new records, the following prompt at the bottom of the screen:

DO YOU WISH TO UPDATE THE PERCENT MATRIX NOW?

Entering “Y” will cause an automatic switch to the Edit Percent Matrix program. Update each percentage record accordingly in reference to the new option(s) added.

Enter “N” will simply return the cursor to the Location Code field after clearing the screen.


THE BASIC RENTAL CHARGES

The basic rental charges will already be setup for a new system. With the exception of TAX, the rates for these items will not come from this screen, so the primary rate field is left blank. The calculation method cannot be changed.

The Location field is blank (except if TAX is location sensitive.)

TAX: The rate for TAX must be entered. If TAX is the same for all locations, just one record can be entered leaving the Location field blank. If TAX varies by location, enter a separate TAX record for each location or location group.

FUEL: If a daily charge for fuel will be offered, the daily rate must be entered in the Primary Rate field and the calculation method must be set to "D". The system will charge the lesser of the daily rate or the prepaid fuel rate for a full tank.

If the fuel rate is NOT a daily charge, the primary rate field must be left blank. Fuel rates based on tank capacity and distance driven are entered in Edit Fuel Rates.

Use the screen illustration below as guide.

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL CHG CODES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 TIME 02-01-07 D
02 MILE 02-01-07 F
03 FUEL 02-01-07 F
04 DROP 02-01-07 F
05 MISC 02-01-07 F
06 DISC 02-01-07 F
07 CSADJ 02-01-07 F
08 PROMO 02-01-07 F
09 TUS TAX 02-01-07 P 7.50
10 TAX 02-01-07 P 6.00
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE


CLONING OPTION RECORDS

In order to enter data for Options records more efficiently, two types of cloning for Options are available in CARS+:

1. Clone all of one location's Option Rates to another location

Use the Clone Locationsprogram (Location Control Files Menu) to clone ALL of the Option Rates from one Location to another Location.

2. Clone one record at a time.

Option rate records can be cloned one at a time. For example, use it to change only the rate and effective date of an option (such as a Surcharge or Airport Fee) and make no changes to any other settings (calculation method, editable flag, etc.) To clone a record, follow these steps:

3. Cloning to create multiple records.

Cloning more than one record, such as adding a new option to several locations, is done in a similar manner to cloning one record at a time. However, cloning multiple times produces a unique behavior.

Begin in the same way as directed for cloning one record at a time:


SETTING UP THE UPSELL MATRIX CODE

A full description of the steps necessary to set up the Rate Upsell Matrix is provided in the chapter Overview - Upsells. The following briefly describes how the upsell option should be set up on the Edit Option Rates screen in order to turn on this feature.

An example is shown below and comments follow it.

Set up a record for the Option, which in this case is "UPGRD". An example is shown below and comments follow it.
OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate

01 UPGRD 01-01-18 D
02
03

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 2/7
# *Loc *Option Hourly Tx At Tr TM Mx Pct Cvg Min
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Rate Fg Ap On Ds Dy Bas Resp Age
0
01 UPGRD 01-01-18 N
02
03


OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 3/7
# *Loc *Option Edit daily Weekly Max Prem Expire
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Eff Date *Curr Flg Disc Disc Amt Pct Date
01 UPGRD 01-01-18 Y
02
03

If the upsell matrix will apply to all locations, leave the Location Field blank. If it will apply to only certain locations, create an upsell record for each location.

EFF DATE

Enter the date that this record takes effect. (The actual effective date for the upsell rates will come from the Upsell Matrix records.)

EXAMPLE:Type 010118 (RET)

CL MT

Enter the appropriate code to indicate how the charge is to be calculated.

EXAMPLE: Type D (for daily)

PRIMARY RATE

The actual Upsell charge will be taken from the Upsell Matrix. This field should be left blank.

AT AP

There is a subtle difference in the way the Upsell option is treated depending on whether a "D" (dependent) or a "N" (not automatically applied) is entered in this field. This field and the Upsell field in Edit Locations interact.

N = When added to a RA, the upsell option will appear in the "D" (Options) sub-window of RA Open. If the upsell option is set up as 'editable' (see the "Edit Flag" on page 3), the choice that was made in the Edit Locations (page 2, Field #4) regarding increasing and/or decreasing the upsell charge will govern how upsell edits work.

D = When added to a RA, the upsell option will appear in the "T" (Mandatory Charges) subwindow. If the upsell option is set up as 'editable', the rate from the upsell matrix may be edited by increasing OR decreasing the amount. This is true regardless of what was entered in the upsell field in the Edit Locations.

EXAMPLE:Type N (RET).

User tip: The field in Edit Locations applies to Upsell only when the upsell option is marked as "N", not automatically applied.

MX DY

Leave this column blank unless the upsell charge should be limited to a certain number of days.

EXAMPLE: Press (RET)

EDIT FLG

Indicate if the upsell charge should be editable.

Y =Users are restricted in editing the upsell charge as set in other places.

N =The upsell charge from the upsell matrix cannot be edited at all.

EXAMPLE: Type Y (RET)


Return the cursor to the "OPTION:" field and press "F1" to save the data.


RETRIEVING OPTIONAL CHARGE CODE RECORDS:

1. Display all records for all locations: From the "OPTION" field, press (RET) to drop the cursor down to line one. From that position press the F8 "Retrieve" key. The following message will display:

Display only current records?Y/N

Answering "Y" will display those records currently in effect for all Locations and all Option Codes. Expired records and records with effective dates in the future will not be displayed.

Answering "N" will display all records for all Locations and all Option Codes whether or not they are currently in effect.

2. Display all records for one location: Entering a Location Code and then pressing F8 will display all option records for only that location.

3. Display one option for all locations: Skipping the Location Column and entering a Option Code then pressing F8 will display the records for only that option for all locations.

4. Display one option for one location: Entering a Location Code and an Option Code and then pressing F8 will display the record for only that option at that location.

After all the optional charges, the basic rental charges and the upsell option have been added, retrieving options will display in a similar manner as that as shown below. Because there are more than 19 items, it is necessary to scroll down in the display to the next 18 lines (using F2). Line 19 on one page is displayed as the first line on the next display when scrolling down. F4 is used to back up to the previous 18 lines. Notice that the options are listed alphabetically.

OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 AGE24 02-01-07 D 12.00
02 LAX APCON 02-01-07 P 6.25
03 LAX APCON 07-01-07 P 7.50
04 LAX CNVTX 03-15-07 D 2.50
05 CSADJ 02-01-07 F
06 CVG2 02-01-07 D 5.00
07 DISC 02-01-07 F
08 DRIVR 02-01-07 D 8.00
09 LAX DRIVR 02-01-07 D 10.00 60.00 225.00
10 DRIVR 4D 02-01-07 D 6.00
11 DROP 02-01-07 F
12 FUEL 02-01-07 F
13 LDW 02-01-07 D 12.99
14 LDW L 02-01-07 D 15.99
15 LDW V 02-01-07 D 18.99
16 LDW I 02-01-07 D 9.99
17 MILE 02-01-07 F
18 MISC 02-01-07 F
19 PROMO 02-01-07 F
1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE



OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 PROMO 02-01-07 F
02 RRACK V 02-01-07 D 6.00 36.00 5.50
03 SEAT 02-01-07 D 5.00 30.00
04 STDEP 02-01-07 F 50.00
05 TAX 02-01-07 P 7.50
06 TIME 02-01-07 F
07 TUS TRTAX 02-01-07 P 5.00
08 UPGRD 02-01-07 D 1.00
09

HIERARCHY OF OPTIONS OFFERED

With options having so many variables that can influence them, a hierarchy has been established for which items take precedence over the others. This hierarchy is used to determine if an option is offered. And if it is offered, what rate is applicable when accessing the Option Pop-Up window from Reservations, RA Open, or RA Close.

The first test performed determines if a currency code is on the transaction. If so, only those Option Rate records with a matching currency code are available.

After the currency code test is met, the hierarchy from highest to lowest regarding Location, Privilege Code and Pricing Code is as follows:

A. If all three (Location, Privilege Code and Pricing Code) match the data from the transaction, that Option Rate record will be used. If a match isn't found, then

B. A record with a blank Location, but with a Privilege Code and Pricing Code that match the data from the transaction will be used . If a match isn't found, then

C. A record with a Location and a Privilege Code and but with a blank Pricing Code that match the data from the transaction will be used. If a match isn't found, then

D. A record with a blank Location but with a Privilege Code and with a blank Pricing Code that match the data from the transaction will be used. If a match isn't found, then

E. A record with a Location and a blank Privilege Code but with a Pricing code that match the data from the transaction will be used. If a match isn't found, then

F. A record with a blank Location, a blank Privilege Code but with a Pricing code that match the data from the transaction will be used. If a match isn't found, then

G. A record with a Location but with a blank Privilege Code and a blank Pricing code that match the data from the transaction will be used. If a match isn't found, then

H. A record where all three fields are blank will be used.


PRICING CODE HIERARCHY

In addition to the above hierarchy which involves Location, there is also a hierarchy within Pricing Code that can influence the options in effect on any given RA. The hierarchy from lowest to highest is:

By Vehicle Class Code
By Vehicle
By Rate Class *
By Rate Product
By CDPID
By Upsell

By Vehicle Class: The lowest level in the hierarchy is the pricing code assigned to the Class Code record. This code is used when coverages and possibly other options are sold on a reservation and on "Wait RAs" (no vehicle assigned.) Any other items in the hierarchy may take precedence over the use of the Vehicle Class pricing code.

By Vehicle: Each individual vehicle in the Vehicle Inventory File has a Pricing Code assigned to it. If that code is different from that assigned in the Class Code file, then the vehicle's pricing code takes precedence. It may however, be superseded by the following items in the hierarchy.

*By Rate Class: If a vehicle is being rented at a rate class that does not agree with the actual class of the vehicle, then the pricing code associated with the rate class takes precedence over the vehicle's pricing code. This allows CARS+ to handle forced upgrades. For example, assume the class reserved was an economy car, but none were available when the customer arrived. So, a compact car was given at the price of the economy.I n this case, the Pricing Code would be determined from the economy Class Code record (the class of the rate being charged). In this instance, the Pricing Code on the vehicle record is superseded. (This logic has been removed.)

By Rate Product: On page 4 of the Rate/Rules Record, a pricing code can be linked to certain classes in the rate product. If that Pricing Code is different from any of the above, it will take precedence over them.

By CDP: Corporate contracts can be set up wherein the customer has certain privileges. One of the privileges might be a special Pricing Code for options and/or LDW responsibility level. A CDP Pricing Code privilege takes precedence over all other cases listed above.

Upsells: Finally, if the Upsell subwindow is used to do an upsell, the vehicle class on the rental will not be the same as the rate class. The Pricing Code on the vehicle class record of the vehicle being rented has the highest precedence.

To illustrate this point, assume that a reservation is made for a compact car where the rate class is also a compact. However, a midsize is rented and an upsell is done through the Upsell subwindow. The pricing code used in this situation would be the one associated with the vehicle class - which is the midsize.

On the other hand, assume that the compact reservation is used to open the RA and, again, a midsize is rented. However, on this RA there is not an upsell option (it was a forced upgrade due to the fact that no compact vehicle was available). The pricing code used in this situation would be the one associated with the rate class - which is the compact.


CHANGING THE ORDER IN WHICH OPTIONS ARE LISTED


A pop-up window is used in the Reservations, RA Open and RA Close screens to present the possible options that can be selected for sale to the renter. Options are displayed in four possible sorts:

These four default sorts can be customized by using the program Edit Option Sort Order.


DAMAGE RESPONSIBILITY LEVELS

The customer's responsibility level for damage may be controlled by several factors. These include:

For a detailed discusson on this topic, refer to the chapter Overview - LDW Customer Responsibility Amount.


G AND R CALCULATION METHODS FOR DELIVERY AND COLLECTION CHARGES

User Note: The G and R calculation methods are dependent on a potential web based application that is being considered by the Thermeon Dvelopment team. This application will pass back to CARS+ the distance between any address and a rental location. Until this application is completed, these methods can be used by manually entering the distance between the location and the delivery or collection site.

The standard way to charge an extra fee for either delivering a vehicle to a renter at an off-site location or picking a vehicle that was left at a pre-arranged off-site location is via a flat fee Option Code. But obviously, the further away the delivery site is from the rental location, the more expensive the delivery is. The G and R Calculation Methods are design to address this expense difference.

USER TIP: To use this logic, separate options must be set up for Delivery and Collection. The Option Codes must be entered in the Edit Misc Control Fields, page 4, Fields "Delivery Opt" and "Collection Opt".

To understand this charge method, picture three concentric circles with the rental location at the very center. The three circles represent three set distances from the rental location. For illustration, assume the distances in the sections are 5 miles, 10 miles and 25 miles. A different charge is levied for each distance, such as:

These calculation methods are set up using the rate fields on page 1 and the tier fields on page 5.

Use the first three of the tier fields on page 5 to enter the distance in miles or kilometers for up to three distances away from the rental locations. By definition, the fourth tier MUST remain blank. The following screen shot shows the set up described above Delivery (Option Code "DEL".) Collection is set up with 2 tiers instead of 3.


OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 5/7
# *Loc *Option Min Max Rpt T1 T2 T3 T4 Eff Resp
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Days Age Max Dys Dys Dys Dys Typ Pct
01 DEL 07-01-15 5 10 25
02 COL 07-01-15 10 20
03
04

1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8NEXT PAGE

The rates on page 1 are entered as follows:

The following screen shot shows the rates for the two options illustrated above. Note that Collection has 2 tiers: Collections beyond 20 miles are charged at the 20 mile fee of $30.00 plus $1.00 for each additional mile beyond 20 miles. A Collection that is 37 miles would be charged at $30.00 + (17 miles X $1.00/mile) = $47.00.


OPTION: __ EDIT OPTIONAL RATES Page 1/7
# *Loc *Option Cl Primary Weekly Monthly Xday
# *Code *Code *Prv *Prc *Cu *Eff Date Mt Rate Rate Rate Rate
01 DEL 07-01-15 F 10.00 20.00 30.00 1.00
02 COL 07-01-15 F 20.00 30.00 1.00
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1SAVE 2LINES +183ERASE 4LINES -185 6 7HELP 8RETRIEVE

Set up rules:

USER TIP: To use this logic, separate options must be set up for Delivery and Collection. The Option Codes must be entered in the Edit Misc Control Fields, page 4, Fields "Delivery Opt" and "Collection Opt".


User tip: The distance calculations for delivery and collection are not recognized by the insurance replacement logic and, therefore, cannot be included in an insurance voucher. (The flat-fee calculation method for delivery and collection can be included in an insurance voucher.)