THE WORK/

Hertz Rent to Buy

Hertz, the well-known U.S. automobile rental company wanted to connect with their customers where the customers were – on social media. They came to their strategic partner, Horizon, who in turn approached Oddly Studios with an idea to provide something truly useful in Facebook.

Something Useful in Facebook

Many Facebook applications are all style and little substance, fun but quickly forgotten. Hertz wanted something that would align more closely with their ideals of continuing value for their customers, turning them into enthusiasts.

The solution was a Facebook application that allows visitors to actually locate available vehicles within their geographic area, compare them against other vehicles, and let their friends know what they are thinking of renting. In turn, friends can chime in on the decision and pass it along to still others in their social graph.

Behind the Scenes

To make this idea a reality, we would need to work inside the Facebook API and at the same time connect the app to web-services on the Hertz side of things.

While the programmers were busy working away and coordinating with the client, the video team came in to prep and optimize the video that would go on the landing area to walk people through the experience of renting a car for the purpose of buying. And the graphic designer worked along with the creative director of Horizon to make sure the experience would be exactly what Hertz clients expect.

The end result is an app that truly contributes to the Hertz brand, providing utility to their customers in a simple, easy to understand interface. Bravo Hertz! We hope to see more apps like this in Facebook.