Sales Promotions Companies

[GaryStrait]

Does anyone have any thoughts on these sales promotion companies that come in and set up one or two day sales? We are a single point Buick dealership and the owner is very concerned about not appearing gimmicky. I'd be interested in hearing about successful but tastefully done sales.

Thanks!

[mjones1961]

I have heard of these companies creating great sales for the 2 or 3 days they are there. Had one dealer use one in a small town in the next county use one that brought their own sales force, they over ran the salespeople and did alot of unethical things to get the deal. The dealer lost some good salespeople and had alot of unhappy customers after the sale. If your in a small town where every customer counts, I would advise against using this type of company. I suggest YOU step up and run your own store and not let these vultures in. You know your customers, you know your people, if your not getting the results you desire, then maybe a people change is in order.
Mark Jones

[bets]

I am a meduim sized dealer in a rural community. I signed on with a company to do promotional sales for us. Yes, I was knocked backwards by their hype, tactics and process. But I was also surprised by the customer's reaction to that kind of selling. They love it!! I have always been kind of a sleepy dealership, watching out for the fairness of our deals and the careful handling of our customers, most of whom are repeat. The sale mailers have consistently brought in new customers both for sales and service. The company has been very careful to include my sales staff, but I (dealer) am on hand for the entire sale to make sure things are handled the way I want. My Sales Mgr. calls all the ACVs. I don't have a dedicated F&I person so they do all the back end selling. After having this company for over a year now I have signed up for another year of quarterly sales. The grosses average $3700 front and back. My Sales staff has learned from the experience and they are now holding for more gross and more backend. And here's the kicker - if I don't sign on (this company gives a 30 mile radius for exclusive territory) my competitor will, and that's totally not acceptable!