BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE, RIDICULOUS HORRIBLE AND CON. Careful when you deal with this company, they used to be good and responsible and now the place is filled with bad attitude people, con and rude. A REMINDER TO ANYONE BEFORE YOU PICK UP THE VEHICLE PLEASE CHECK 1. TIME YOU LEFT THE BUILDING Remember if you booked for 24 hours. That means 24 hours in contract. Not 20 hours or 21 hours. When I picked up the vehicle it was around 9am and I want to return the vehicle on the same day night time and they said they no longer do drop box. But I can return the car the next morning between 7-9 am But when I returned the car around 7.50 am the next morning They said I must return it at 7 am. And shouting at me saying the customer has been waiting since 7am. LoL how has this become my problem. Is clearly their system is a problem. 2. CHECK THE FUEL LEVEL , SURROUNDING VEHICLE , TAKE A PICTURE, OR VIDEO . The drama will start when you return the vehicle they will ask you to fill the fuel above the F line / over filled. If you have the picture to prove , you can argue with them that you are returning the vehicle at the same level with the initial fuel level 3 Last but not lease, TAKE A VIDEO ALL AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU RETURNING THE VEHICLE. Remember, They will hold your bond for more than 10 days. Just remember this place is filled with con artist , precaution is necessary, do not let them charge you for the things that you never did or not your fault. I have to revise my review from 5 stars to 1 now.. 0 if I have the option. Plus This will be my last time dealing with this company.

In all honesty I don't think I would use Budget again. The product was great. The truck we hired looked like it was almost new and very clean. However it seemed to take ages to get the paperwork sorted and when you're on a time line and have to move out that day you don't want to be standing waiting for someone to figure out what they need to do for 15minutes. The next day I noticed on my credit card a pending charge for Budget at Virginia Beach USA, which didn't match the amount I was told it would cost to hire the truck. It took over half an hour to get through to someone and then to be told it was a holding fee and would be returned to my account within the month. Yep, a month. Not once was this explained whilst I was waiting to take the truck. It's in the booklet they say. Well, I'd like to find one person who has time to sit and read a booklet of fine print on the day they have to move? And why on earth does it take up to a month to return the money when they took it out on the same day? And it doesn't matter whether you hire a car or a truck from Budget or anywhere else, make sure you take photos of everything they point out during the inspection and anything that you see whilst you are there, take photos and make them write it down, it's the best way to protect yourself. Because once you drive out you are liable for anything that happens.

I hired a removal truck from here twice. The second time, I aimed to support a person in financial hardship so we can avoid the big fee of the removal companies. It was a Saturday and we both went to the office to check the price and get the truck. I said that I want exactly the same truck I hired before that cost 200 something. The manager said ok and gave me the paper to sign. I didn't check the price and just signed, it turned out that it was just less than 400,because it was Saturday. We could arrange for another day if we have been informed. The manager didn't bother to explain that Saturdays are more expensive. Once I returned the vehicle, I explained the situation and asked for a discount voucher for the next time. They didn't accept their lack of informative communication and avoid me. At the same time I was waiting at the foyer to speak to someone, one of their crew was on the phone and spoke very rude to a customer and kept yelling on them. I am not sure if it was true or just a play to make me uncomfortable. In a nutshell, they have poor customer service and communication and I feel I have been defrauded.

Never rent a car from Budget, my partner and I rented a car in December for about 20 days and it was about $1800 altogether, which was already expensive for that time period but we gladly paid it, then we were charged again the same amount just after we returned the car, we were never told we will be charged twice either. The first time we were charged, the money is meant to be locked in the middle and is meant to be returned to us, but we only got back roughly $600-700 back and the rest of it is just missing in limbo. We went to the bank and we went to both Croydon and Blackburn budget and everyone's saying they hadn't no records of our transactions except for the last one and there's nothing that can be done. We just lost roughly $1100 in middle of covid might I add. This is a terrible time and we have been working so hard for this money, this is truly unfair. Don't get scammed and lose your money, rent a car from budget after they sort out how to have records of these transactions and when they learn to tell the customers things before they do it.

Hired a closed in truck from this crew, filled it with fuel as far as I could less than 2kms from their yard when returning it. When they inspected the truck which was parked on an angle with the fuel tank on the high side of the vehicle they claimed it wasn't full and put another 5 litres in for which they charged me $25 / $5 per litre. Whilst I have no issue with putting another 5 litres in if that's the standard they use for all of their vehicles being hired out $5/litre is a rip off and I don't know how I could have got more in but I should have been given the option to go and put more fuel in just around the corner for less than half the price. Questionable practice that I have no doubt they get many customers with and make a handy profit from. The customer service was appalling both on pick up and return, return took over 20 minutes and I had to ask for a receipt to see how much I was being charged which raised the amount per litre issue.

AWFUL. We went to a beach and there was little dry sand in the car. They asked to charge us 30 dollars at first, but later another guy changed to 50. What's the criteria of the cleaning fee? Did that depend on the staff rather than professional cleaning company? They said they charged us because they would send the car to cleaning company but later we cleaned that by our HANDS. Why did it need to be sent to a cleaning company even we can clean the car by ourself? We rented a car from another branch last time they didn't charge us for the cleaning. Why that's different? Our following itinerary was delayed because of that. Why did the staff say different cleaning fee? Why did the staff ask us to pay for that even we can clean the little DRY sand by ourself? Can the staff rip customers off as they please?

Wasn’t told about the deposit and estimated rental charge, when I dropped the truck off I asked for a receipt with a break down of charges, was no record of it in the receipt, checked my account and 680 had been taken for a 260 rental charge and is now “the banks problem” it’s going to take 3-5 business days to clear. This would not be a problem if I was told. I rang the office and spoke to a gentleman and i said it should be mentioned before the keys are handed for the customers sake.he unenthusiasticly mentioned he would pass on the message and try it out in the future. I have no problem with leaving a deposit I understand that, but to take a deposit and an “estimated charge” that’s more than 2x the final bill without even a mention is not ok.

Nothing specific about Budget, they rent vehicles and are good at that. This negative review is because of the manager who dealt with me in Blackburn. RUDE, uncaring, snappy, the WORST customer service you can imagine and I am not one to write these things because of nothing. January 1st 2020 you'd imagine at least a "good morning" when you walk in, come on, it is not so difficult. If I were the owner I would get rid of this person immediately. No name tag on his shirt, impossible to know who you are dealing with. Middle eastern looks, that is all I can say. There was a Sikh man who handed me the vehicle, he was a really pleasant man, he should be the manager and not that rude, obnoxious man who dealt with me.

May 19, 2022 Manager on duty was Dev. I brought in my rental car that was having issues, front desk and two other associates checked the car and concluded that there was indeed an issue. They go back into the office to inform their manager who then comes out to check it again only to inform me that there are no cars available. There were 3 white Toyota Corollas out in the front with a big RENT ME sign which apparently is already reserved, and the others were waiting for some other paper work. Dev then apologizes and mentions that we should have called ahead and we did but none of their three locations (Preston, Clayton, Blackburn) were not answer. PLEASE AVOID THESE LOCATIONS AS THEY DON'T HAVE CARS FOR RENT.

This Budget location charged me 3 times the agreed rental amount for dropping my car off 15 minutes late. No joke! Because the location was closed I called the Budget help desk to ask whether I could drop the car at Melbourne airport (the only location still open). When they agreed, I dropped the car off at that location a few hours later. A few days later, an additional $400 were charged to my credit card. They didn't only charge me a $100 drop off fee (which is exorbitant but at least somewhat understandable) but also retrospectively increased the daily rate of the rental! This is highly unethical and maybe even illegal. Please learn from my mistake and NEVER rent from this location.

Be prepared to be without that $400 hold for 7-12 business days. ************ Rented a truck through them. No complaints about the vehicle, but the hold they put on Bank Cards and the amount of time taken to return the funds can be up to 10 business days. They will advise (and it’s in their conditions) that this can vary depending on your bank. However, when I asked my bank about how long such ‘holds’ can take to be released they advised that they (the bank) don’t do holds. Budget takes the $$, then returns it in accordance with their own timeline......nothing to do with the bank!! Anyway, beware and be prepared to be without that $400 hold for 7-12 business days.

Because of this place, 1 will never rent a car again and will never let my card details be held by anyone. How dare you take money out of someone's account with prior consent! Car was taken back before due time check by a employee and given the all clear, plus the tank full of fuel as required. I had unlimited km had the car for 7 days, after returning the car two days later they took more money out. In a current dispute, Put in a complaint with my bank as this is theft! Worst of all was given a T Cross to drive, not a nice car to drive, comfortable yes, but dangerous handling on the road. Listen to other reviews keep away from the BLACKBURN BRANCH

Rented a car here after a minor accident on my motorbike. I was in a foul mood because 1 I didn't want to be driving a car and 2 because I had an accident the day before so my mood was never going to be great. The gentleman who assisted me at 2pm on 07/04/19 (apologies, I'm terrible with names), was professional the whole time despite my poor attitude and was extremely accommodating. I want to thank him for his professionalism through my bad day and for getting me back on the road. Was a pleasant experience given the circumstances and hands down one of the best experiences I've had renting a car. Thank you!

What a joke! Booked a 1 tone van 3 weeks ago, turned up Saturday morning at 10am to be told we didn't confirm 24 hours before so there was no van for us to pick up. This is ridiculous, we were moving house and had everything boxed up and ready to go. Thank Christ we rang Avis up the road and got a van on the spot. The manager there was a true gentleman, and we we're driving out of the carpark within 5 minutes. Do yourself a favour, go to Avis! Don't waste your time with this company, who apparently do this to people every single weekend because they can't run a business.

I hired a truck for the day and the company took a $400 bond against my debit card. I inquired today when the money would be back in to my account to use, only to be told it could take up to 30 days to get access to my money. I hire a lot of cars and it should not take any longer than 5 working days as a maximum. The company said Commonwealth always takes this amount of time. If this is the case, why wasn't I informed when the vehicle was reserved and also when I went to pay the deposit. Very poor customer information. Will not be using Budget again!!

Hired a truck & returned from them over a week back, I get a call from them yesterday saying there was damage on the door!!! The vehicle was taken and returned in perfect condition AND checked by them on return like normal and now they waste my time saying there is some damage.. Ridiculous.. Get your facts straight before upsetting and trying to throw blame on a customer who will not keep quiet for a mistake you have made or overlooked from someone else. They clearly need some better management at this place.. absolute ludicrous..

Pleasantly surprised after some bad past experiences with other vehicle hire operators. Staff were polite, friendly and knowledgeable. Price was reasonable and both collection and return were quick & easy. I had to alter my collection time at short notice and this was handled without fuss. The vehicle was as requested and well-presented. The only slight negatives were an empty screen-wash reservoir and moderately under-inflated tyres, both of which were simple to rectify. Would likely use again.

Never rent a car from Blackburn Office I filled the tank, drove for 5 minutes to their office and returned the car. They inspected the car and everything seemed to be fine but later on I found out by chance that they they had charged me $64 instead of $46. They claimed the fuel tank was not full which was totally wrong. The staff was very rude to me and just said bring your fuel receipt. Unbelievable!! who keeps the receipt ? Very dishonest and opportunistic

HORRIBLE customer service and management!!!!! I was charged more than the contract amount, due to I returned car one day earlier. The reason is drop-off day was public holiday.They only opened for half day. I was suggested by their staff and dropped off to their station by one day advance when I pick up the car. Later, I found they charged more, and they explained due to seven days base rate is differ from six days base rate. So It happens.

Excellent service, clean truck, online booking system easy. Fuel instructions were clear and concise and there is a clear sticker in the cab (I see a lot of bad reviews b/c of this! ). Only negative was realising so late the container has interior lights when the truck headlights are on. Could have been pointed out at pick up point. Great Flexibility allowing a 4pm return to become 8am next day at no extra cost (over weekend too) .

I rented a van from them about a year ago. I had read all the negative reviews about them beforehand but they were offering the best deal. So I decided to take my chance with them. I refueled the van in a Shell servo which was about 2 minutes driving away before returned to them. And I had no issue with them regarding the condition of the van or refueling. Friendly staff, good service...

Good customer service especially Penny who assisted me with the car that I required. Thank you for the motivation and encouragement. To the 2 guys (sorry I am terrible with names) who attended me on January 1, 2020, thank you so much for lifting up my spirit esp that it was actually my first time to drive a truck. Overall I highly recommend Budget Rental.

This car rental is absolutely ridiculous and almost like fraud!! no kidding! We rent a pickup for 3days and returned with no damages as we used to do so, but after 2months later they charged us $200 without any permission, then we've told the $200 are charged for the damage of the vehicle's windscreen. I think what they did is completely like robbers!

Disappointed. I returned the truck with a full tank of diesel as requested (needle above the line), yet they came back saying it wasn’t full. I paid extra for more diesel. On the way out I noticed why it wasn’t full. Their courtyard is on a slope and the truck was on an angle next to the pump. No wonder! That’s called cheating. Very dodgy management!

friendly and helpful. spotted problems wirh the condition report before I had to mention them. Gave me good tips on driving the van. the vehicle itself was an excellent recommendation. the paperwork was done quickly. overall an excellent experience and will be my first choice for future van rentals. Have since rented a car, similarly good experience

Always great service at Blackburn, and an upgrade this time (thanks!) - David and the crew there do a great job - quick pickup and return, vehicle was new, no hassles at all. Rented from another company recently - seemed like hard work by comparison with renting from Budget. Won't make that mistake again!! Cheers, Simon J.

Just use Uber Carshare!! They made me go back home to get my credit card and then when I got back they said I didn’t need it anyway! There is also nowhere for you to leave your car other than street parking ages away! They were also super condescending to a costumer on the phone while I was waiting! Don’t waste your time.

Booked in a tipper truck, almost a week in advance. Was called the day before to confirm I was collecting it - all systems go. Until I arrived on the morning of the booking, and they didn’t have a tipper truck. Apparently haven’t had one for a couple of months. No offer to help, no apologies. Terrible customer service

Horrible service when returning truck. had a brand new truck tailgate was faulty before taking it but assured us it would be fine Took it back with a full tank apparently this is not full enough and tried to charge us for 10 litres. Be careful renting of them. Photos are of how much diesel it was returned with

Waited for ages to pick up the van, was given a truck instead. No instruction manual provided. I asked if I could throw a few boxes from the move in their bailer, they said no and that I didn't get rid of it, they'd charge me $150. Just some of the worst customer service I've seen in a long time

Absolutely disgusting service. Took $600 deposit by card then 5 days later another $400. Nowhere on there contract does this or that it will take 10 days to get my holding deposit back. If I could give them a minus rating I would. I have used budget for year's but this franchise is a scam.

Very friendly staff! I had a need and these guys moved mountains to get the vehicle I need available at thier store and in record time! I would have been screwed if it wasn't for these guys! Prices were very fair aswell. Great job Guys keep it up and see you next time …

I will not recommend it for you to rent a truck from here. Some hidden fee happened. My family hired a truck and booked on line. We confirmed the price with them, and later they charged extra GST. It is better to ask them final price. Also,

Returned my vehicle with a full tank as required, (splashing out of tank inlet), only to be told by staff that it was not full based on the number of litres I had put in and the distance the truck had travelled. Staff would not inspect the

Great prices and service. Incredibly easy to hire a range of vehicles from here. Easy booking process online and staff are very helpful and friendly in store. We’ve recently hired a Ute, 4T truck and a 1T van. Will be coming back in future!

Pro tip: if returning a vehicle, just chuck them your keys and leave. DO NOT wait for "someone to be with you in a second". They'll just forget you returned your vehicle, say you were actually free to leave 2 hours ago, and have NO REASON

Booked a 7 seater 3 days prior the pick up and when arrived this car was not available. The manager seemed to be very confused and told me initially that the car has arrived later than expected and was being cleaned. But I found out 5min

Avoid this scam spot! The female staff AND the manager tried to scam me for fuel money. 3 minutes before returning the truck i filled up the diesel tank to be more than full to a point when the fuel was splashing out, in the gas station

I showed the manager in charge (Saproo? the Indian man) the screen shot of the quote from their website is $47 per day for a Category B's small car. He said that's website, we charge you $51 per day. When the lady staff tried to double

The team was accommodating and friendly. A little expensive (compared to less branded/smaller companies) BUT last minute, they have the fleet so you do what you have to. Truck/van was new, clean and relatively easy to drive.

Damian at Blackburn was awesome! A very busy location and he got my situation sorted willingly! Had a stuff up with my roadside assistance program booking the rental. Damian just got it done! Professional, clean, helpful.

My car was hit on one side by a budget van. I was offered a top quality hire car and My car was repaired above and beyond the damages they were liable for. Outstanding Service from Admin to the Outlet. Highly recommended

Horrible customer service and various additional charges that landed on my credit card later without invoicing or true representation of pricing at the point of sale. DO NOT TRUST THE MANAGERS

Very good. Clean new car Haval Julxxx very nice car overall. Has advanced safety features. Lane monitoring. Steers to stay in the lane on freeways. Etc. Staff quick and efficient. No problems.

Standard Budget in terms of vehicles, trucks and services, but really friendly and helpful service often under pressure. Flexible and accommodating to help the customers out.

Had a difficult time booking the Alfa Romeo Stelvio thru phone they told us only credit card can be accepted but in person it was much easier and faster to book.

Worst customer service manager “Indian 50+ yo man” in Australia. He is RUDE to customers and his own work mates. Avoid at all cost going to this car rental.

Great service, very easy to book a vehicle and quick to get on your way.

i got lower level of the car than i booked.

Got a nice new truck with lifter. Nice!!