Dissapointed with Dealer Anniversary Events?

[kwagar]

I'm curious if others are dissapointed with the number and quality of various Dealers 1st Anniversary events?

In Orlando we planned the event three months in advance as a joint venture between the local smart car club and the dealership and we tried to make it very special with Food, Music, Venders, Lunch, Door Prizes, awards for modified smarts, a unique photo opportunity and a visit by Dave Schembri. The result was a turnout of 200 smart cars and over 400 people and an event that was enjoyed by all with requests to make it an annual event.

We had hoped that we might set a standard for other dealers to match or exceed and an opportunity for dealers to show appreciation to the customers that have been the key to their success.

But as I review various dealer announcements regarding their events I get the feeling they have been quickly and possibly poorly planned with a minimum of activities more as an obligation to do something rather than a full blown attempt to hold a significant event for their customers.

There are a few exceptions. The Beverly Hills/ Smart Madness party appears to be well designed but appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

I realize that the economy is tough right now and that most dealers are seeing slow sales and a bit of a back-up of orphans. I also realize that the margins on smart cars are thin. On the otherhand most smart car dealers are doing better than the average new car dealer and can there be any better time to thank customers for their patronage than when things are tough?

With so many owners living at distances of greater than 100 miles from their dealer is it reasonable to think they will be motivated to attend a casual get together built around a contenental breakfast or a sandwich and a coke with no other planned activities?

It may be that the average smart car owner simply doesn't care about such activities and we here in Central Florida may be unique in our interest and our efforts to develop great smart car events.

Just curious how others feel or if the subject just isn't important to most of you.

[jwight]

What dealer anniversary events? Nary a peep here in Ohio.

[2smartArizona]

Chandler had their open house in December, but I did not receive even a weeks notice about it and was unable to plan to attend on such short notice.
I did not have my car yet, but might have been interested to attend if I could have scheduled it into my life.

[John_H]

It may be a different approach at different dealers. Rather than Smart Center Portland celebrating itself, it appears they're celebrating the anniversary of the owners' purchases, inviting the owners for that month from a year ago to a smaller (more frequent) celebration. It's not the mass appeal that getting *everyone* together may have but what happens at year #3? 800 cars?

[kwagar]

Originally Posted by John_H

It may be a different approach at different dealers. Rather than Smart Center Portland celebrating itself, it appears they're celebrating the anniversary of the owners' purchases, inviting the owners for that month from a year ago to a smaller (more frequent) celebration. It's not the mass appeal that getting *everyone* together may have but what happens at year #3? 800 cars?

John,
I like this approach. It's not just about the numbers it's expressing the gratitude in a significant way. Kudo's to Portland and thanks for sharing!

[2micro4u]

I have been asked to assist in the Smart Center of Buckhead meet projected to take place in April. I can assure every one that there will be various things that will keep the attention of the Smart crowd/enthusiast.
I attended the meet in Central Fl in Orlando and must say the event was perfect with lots of great organization and volunteers to keep things sweet and simple yet impactful. I think in each state the true enthusiast should volunteer too give ideas to the dealers and feedback. Also offer to assist or coordinate because the owners sometimes have greater insight than the dealer. At the same time the dealers have the power and resources to make it happen. With the enthusiast and dealers uniting together and networking ideas its a foundation for a great meet with the right ample time given for planning.

I hope in time all across the US each dealer will offer qtrly meets for smart enthusiast and after the economy improves a meet every month would be nice.

[SmartAzz]

Yesterday was my car's anniversary - haven't heard a word. We did get a message about a month ago asking us to let our friends and family know they had cars on hand to sell, so we know they haven't lost track of us a customers...

A service discount would be a great anniversary gift

[Dave777]

I stop by the dealership every now and then to get a free hot chocolate.

They treat me well. I don't need an event.

[broberts]

Originally Posted by 2micro4u

I have been asked to assist in the Smart Center of Buckhead meet projected to take place in April. I can assure every one that there will be various things that will keep the attention of the Smart crowd/enthusiast.
I attended the meet in Central Fl in Orlando and must say the event was perfect with lots of great organization and volunteers to keep things sweet and simple yet impactful. I think in each state the true enthusiast should volunteer too give ideas to the dealers and feedback. Also offer to assist or coordinate because the owners sometimes have greater insight than the dealer. At the same time the dealers have the power and resources to make it happen. With the enthusiast and dealers uniting together and networking ideas its a foundation for a great meet with the right ample time given for planning.

I hope in time all across the US each dealer will offer qtrly meets for smart enthusiast and after the economy improves a meet every month would be nice.

If 2micro4u is on the planning committe I'm sure we will have a good time!

I like my martini's on the rocks, EXTRA dry, stirred, not shaken!

Bill

[mike-in-sa]

Smart of San Antonio is having theirs next week. I think a burn-out contest is just the thing to get the party started!