Hope for Rental Car Companies

So i know that rental car agencies are among those who are struggling the most right now with our recessed economy. And when these companies struggle, the first things to go are the auxiliary programs and the marketing budget. For instance, i recently heard from a friend who is connected to one of the larger rental car companies, and he told me that the mobility/access program is practically gone for now, with no plans to expand or grow it.

With that in mind i took another look at our Open Doors Organization (www.opendoorsnfp.org) study and sure enough found some god stats.

• 20% of adults with disabilities (6.2 million ppl) are likely to rent a car or van when they travel and spend $40 per day on average
• 50% report they would be more likely to rent a car if it were delivered to and picked up from them
• OVER a third said they would rent a GPS System
• OVER a third also said they WOULD PAY MORE MONEY to rent a car if it were delivered to and pick up from them

It seems to me that in a tight economy, that these companies would spend more marketing dollars to reach the untapped markets????

PLEASE send your thoughts to craigkennedy@ckconsultingonline.com

Basic Disability Marketing Ideas

Now that we have seen some successes in marketing to people with disabilities, let's focus on some basic strategy. Here are a couple of things you can do right now to get started.

1. Improve your overall accessibility. If your business is not accessible, then people with disabilities are less likely to patronize your business. Access starts with four main areas: accessible parking and path of travel, accessible entrance, accessible restrooms, and access to goods and services. If you need to, hire a professional to help you make the right decisions in a cost effective manner. Access does NOT have to cost a lot of money!
2. Improve your Web site. People with disabilities spend much more time and make more spending decisions online than most other demographics. Improving your Web site for people with visions and hearing impairments, and using a universal "handicap" symbol to poiint to your accessibility page are great ways to start!