Car Dealership Options

Extended warranty coverage.

Cars and trucks are built to last longer than in the past, so they'd need longer warranties, right? Actually, the basic warranties themselves are longer than past ones, so the need to buy an extended warranty isn't necessarily-well, warranted. If you feel that you absolutely require extra coverage, then buy it from an independent source when you need it. You'll definitely get a better deal than from the dealership.

Window etching.

This involves etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto you car's or truck's window. The dealership will claim that this will help to trace your car if it's stolen. First of all, that likely won't prevent thieves from stealing your car or truck. Also, you could purchase an inexpensive kit and then do the etching yourself!

Rust-proofing.

While this sounds like something to make your car or truck better, there's more to it than that. This option can cost big bucks, and basically is a redundant feature. The warranties for today's vehicles tend to cover rust protection that lasts for many years. Be particularly wary if a car or truck dealer tells you that they've already added the rust-proofing. An "option" is just that!

Paint Sealant.

The product that the dealership uses is often the same as one that you can find in your friendly neighborhood auto parts store. So instead of having the dealerships do it, it would be more logical to do it yourself.

Car Alarm.

Having a car alarm installed on your car can certainly help to lower your auto insurance rates. Also, it's indeed more convenient for an auto dealership to install the alarm, than for an outside company to do it. That said, there are a few drawbacks to that option. You could end up paying too much for a low-quality alarm.

CD Changer.

It's highly advisable to have a CD changer in your car or truck, to avoid the hassle (and danger) of manually changing CDs while on the middle of a highway. The problem with getting your CD changer from the dealership is that is that you could pay too much for an inferior quality unit. Besides that, you might determine that newer technology might suit your needs better than a CD changer does.

Fabric protection.

Fabric protection provides you with fabric protection that safeguards it from stains. This miracle substance is Scotchgard, which you could purchase and install yourself. And to top it all off, you could save yourself a few hundred dollars in the process.

Car Dealer Practices You Must Avoid

Statistics like 54,000 complaints were filed in the United States about hidden fees and shady car selling practices can scare anyone looking to buy a car. There are many things you need to be aware of when you are ready to buy a new or used car. For one, never put up with being passed along, or shuffled around and having to deal with multiple sales professionals. You should not have to talk to the sales manager, the financial consultant, the other floor manager, and then to another person. It's aimless and a tactic used to get you to agree on a price without the excess haggling. So be clear and pick just one person to deal with.

Secondly, don't give in to trading your old car for a new car. Normally, the trade-in value for your used car will be way under market value and you are certainly getting the short end of the stick. Handing over your keys, even as collateral, is not a good idea until all deals have been in place.

Third, always take your time and don't feel rushed or pressured into a deal you are not comfortable or entirely happy with. Salesmen at car dealership will throw in small stuff like a free cleaning service, "one time only deals", delivery specials yet ignore or not address the important bigger details, like the price and warranty of the new car. Do not fall for this because you will be unhappy with the impulse buy. The best way to counter this tactic is to know exactly what car you want, it's going current market price, and set a strict budget.

Final invoices and the fine print on documents are so important. Do not let this get pass you because usually you will be charged for something you did not request. Such things like alarms, extra cleaning services, fabric protection, extra paint detailing, and some common add-ons will place extra charges onto your final bill. Make sure you drop the stuff you don't need.

Pay attention to the small stuff. When dealers advertise for a particular car on paper, sometimes when you show up in person, they will show you a similar car, but with less options. You are getting shorthanded and being trapped. The classic bait and switch trick is the oldest trick in the book. Just don't waste your time and walk away.

Car Dealership Promotion - Marketing Ideas For Direct Mail Postcards

The success, though, in postcard marketing relies on how well you are executing your campaign and how enticing your prints are, especially if those are printed online. You need attractive prints to get people to read them and stir up their interest towards your products - in this case, the vehicle units that you are selling. The way you execute your postcard marketing campaign is important because this could make or break your success. You might have designed the perfect postcards but if you are sending them to the wrong people, you will not get any profit.

Ideas for Your Direct Mail Postcard Marketing

On the one side of your postcard is where you should catch people's interest. You can use a photo of a gorgeous sports car or a vehicle that will get people to save on gas and provide better mileage. Depending on your target audience and your message, you need to use the right photo. You can also catch people's attention by solving their problem (i.e. they want to save on gas, and then tell them that your car units are designed to solve just that problem). Add a unique selling proposition and an irresistible offer.

After you have stimulated the interest of your reader, the other side is where you will sell. You can put your call to action on this side. But, don't tell them to order. You can annoy your reader if they feel that you are only pressing them to buy your cars. Instead, tell them to visit your website or your showroom.

Always remember to include an offer that your clients will not resist. Free gas, percentage off of total price, free maintenance for a few years, some years warranty on parts - these are great offers. Your prospective clients will find these treats handy in the current economic problems that we have.

You will generate more leads with successful postcard marketing but only if you know how to do your marketing right. You need to start with the design of your postcards. And always remember to hand out copies only to the right people - a mailing list will be handy.