The Costco Connection - September/October 2009

inside costco

®

Joyride
Budget offers savings,
servıce and selection
Communication
made simple
By Stephanie E. Ponder

TO KNOW ME IS TO know that I do not like to drive. I’ve made peace with driving in and around the city where I live, but the thought of flying to a new city, renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads makes my knuckles go white.

Because taxis and airport shuttles typically aren’t the most practical form of transportation, I’ve found that choosing the right car-rental company is the best way to soothe my nerves and make getting around a new city a, ahem, walk in the park.

One car-rental company that has helped to ease my frayed nerves is Budget. Here are a few of the areas in which they prove they go the extra mile.

GPS navigation. Where2 GPS navigation units, which are available to rent from Budget, are easy to use and provide audible turn-by-turn directions to get from your starting place to your destination. Where2 units offer hands-free Bluetooth capability and can estimate your arrival time as well as mention points of interest along the way.

Speedy service. With RapidRez, Fast-
break and Rapid Return, you get in and out of
the rental location quickly. RapidRez allows
you to create an online profile so your per-
sonal data, vehicle preferences and special dis-
count information will be applied to your
rental. Fastbreak keeps your preferences and
your signature on file, which means you can
skip the checkout-counter lines altogether.
With Rapid Return you can get a return receipt
car-side, once again avoiding any lines.
Selection. Whether you’re travelling
with your family and need room for a big
group or are looking for something sporty for
yourself, Budget has a wide selection of cars.

Choose among economy, luxury, mid-and full-size cars or convertibles, vans and SUVs. If you’re moving or taking a student to university, cargo and moving trucks are also available.

Be sure to take into consideration how much luggage you have and the weather conditions at your destination before making a vehicle reservation.

Convenience. Budget offers more than 1,100 neighbourhood locations in Canada and the United States.

Added bonuses. Exclusive to Costco Executive members, Budget does not charge for one extra driver and offers a complimentary one car class upgrade (subject to availability). Also, all members can enjoy XM satellite radio for listening to their favourite music, sports, talk or news programs— available on select GM models.

Rewards. It’s never too early to start thinking about your next vacation, especially when AIR MILES Reward Miles are available on vehicle rentals in Canada.

Connecting

For more information about Costco’s

Budget car-rental program, visit Costco.ca, select “Services” and then “Car rentals,” or call 1-866-462-8348.

SMALL BUSINESSES often lack the resources, expertise or dollars to grow their business infrastructure. Primus

Business Services can help.

As Costco members themselves, the people at Primus know that members are looking for value and savings for their businesses. They also know that growing a small business into a large, successful enterprise requires strategic planning and the right support.

Primus business solutions include high-speed Internet, long distance, Web conferencing and hosted PBX, a managed phone system delivered as a monthly service. In addition, Costco members always benefit from preferred rates and exceptional customer service.

For more than five years, Primus

Business Services has delivered telecommunication products to thousands of

Costco members. For more information on how Primus can help you and your business communication, visit their Web site at www.primustel.ca/costco, or call toll-free 1-888-841-7477. C

Discounts. Costco Executive Members can earn discounts between 5 and 25 per cent on car rentals and 15 per cent on truck rentals. To get the discount, mention code number BCD A017600 when making a reservation. Gold Star and Business members can expect the same savings by mentioning discount code A017601.