Do you feel like I do? I finally made it back to my regular restaurant and really enjoyed it: Choosing any available seat, getting a menu, making my selections, paying. I substituted a different side dish at no cost, even though it wasn’t on the menu. Even when I broke a glass, there was no drama – after all, I always pay good money there. After such a long lockdown, it occurred to me that this flexibility doesn’t go without saying. At least, not as far as we are concerned in the leasing market. Certain rules are accepted unconditionally, and they don’t always make sense. Maybe an example will help.

Why do excess kilometers cost x-amount more, but unused kilometers are not reimbursed at the same rate? This makes no sense: The loss of value is highest at the beginning of the lease, so any unused kilometers should be reimbursed at a higher rate than you pay for an additional kilometer. And why are unused kilometers capped?

Why do I have to specify the term of the lease from Day 1? Naturally, you can modify contracts, but how is this adjustment calculated? Why does Car A often cost more after modifying the contract than if I had originally leased Car A for this term?

I don’t have the answer. Which is why we turned it into a game with our colleagues and carried my thoughts through to the end. So here’s a highbrow game (with a wink, of course):

If closed-end leasing were an order at the restaurant…

… you would have to determine exactly how much wine or beer and how many courses you want to order when entering the restaurant, without having seen the menu first.

… you would have to pay a surcharge on top of the regular price if you spontaneously decided to order another dessert but would have to pay the full menu price if you decided to skip a course.

… the all-you-can-eat buffet would come with a contract with fine print limiting how much and what you can eat.  And, of course, a glass of water would cost extra.

… if you wanted to order something else after the first course, out of nowhere you would receive a different menu with different prices.

… if you spilled some sauce on the tablecloth, you would have to pay for the whole tablecloth.

… and if you used a plate, you would have to pay an additional fee afterwards.  After all, using it has left scratches on it.

Of course, this list is not 100% serious. But like any good joke, it has a kernel of truth at its core. There are many restaurants that are not as flexible as my regular restaurant.  But do you like eating at them?  For us it is quite clear: We want to be your “regular” fleet partner you can talk to; one that is flexible, and whose service, fairness and quality can be highly recommended.  Put us to the test and order something from us!