How Avis Increased Rental Volume with 24/7 Key Access

Like many other car rental operators, the Avis agency in Sallanches faced a structural limitation in its operations: vehicle handovers were tightly dependent on fixed schedules and third-party availability. Because a significant portion of rentals took place at train stations, the process relied heavily on SNCF counters or on-site personnel to distribute vehicle keys. While this system functioned under normal conditions, it quickly became unreliable in real-world scenarios, especially during peak tourist seasons. When trains arrived late, customers often reached the station after the counters had closed. In these situations, even though the rental had been confirmed and the vehicle was ready, clients were unable to retrieve their keys. This created a frustrating experience for travelers, who had no control over the delay, and placed the Avis team in a difficult position. The issue was not occasional—it was recurring. Each delay represented not only a dissatisfied customer but also a missed business opportunity. Over time, these constraints limited the agency’s ability to fully capitalize on demand, particularly for late arrivals or off-hours rentals. More broadly, the team lacked flexibility. Key handovers had to be synchronized with opening hours, preventing the agency from offering a truly continuous service. This operational rigidity became a clear barrier to growth.

To overcome these operational constraints, the Avis agency in Sallanches implemented Keycafe SmartBox systems, transforming the way vehicle keys are managed and accessed. With this system in place, keys are securely deposited in advance—either during the day or even the day before the rental. Customers then receive secure access instructions, allowing them to retrieve their keys independently upon arrival, without requiring any staff presence. This shift has fundamentally changed the agency’s operating model. Key handovers are no longer tied to fixed opening hours or dependent on third-party availability. Instead, customers can access their vehicle at any time, including late at night or early in the morning. As a result, the agency is now able to operate beyond its physical opening hours, effectively offering a continuous service without extending staffing requirements. In parallel, every key transaction is automatically logged, providing full traceability and real-time visibility. The team can monitor activity, verify pickup times, and access a complete history of interactions, ensuring both control and accountability. By removing time constraints and external dependencies, this solution enables a more flexible, reliable, and scalable approach to vehicle rentals.

The transition to an automated key management system brought immediate operational flexibility to the Avis agency in Sallanches. The constraints linked to opening hours and third-party availability have been completely removed. Customers can now access their vehicle regardless of arrival time, even in the case of train delays. The agency also benefits from a clear increase in revenue opportunities. By removing time-based limitations, Avis is able to serve more customers without extending staffing hours. Rentals that would previously have been lost are now successfully completed. Operationally, the team has gained full visibility and control. With access to real-time data and history logs, they can track exactly when keys are collected and ensure that every handover is completed as expected. This has significantly reduced uncertainty and improved day-to-day management.