VIP Dealer Events
Discussion
I recently got 'invited' to a special VIP event at my local Saab main dealer, presumably because I have taken the 9-3 there in the past for servicing. Apparently the dealer is closed to the public for four days and only people with passes are allowed in. Some cars may even be sold at cost price!
Now, I've had one of these invites in the past and thrown it straight into the bin as I wasn't slightly interested in changing the car and it sounded slightly weird. This time however, I am actually thinking of changing to an estate, so signed up online and have just got off the phone after booking my slot on Saturday with the intention of seeing what it's all about, seems weird having a 'VIP' event when the people invited are just regular Joes like me.
On to the point of the thread: Has anyone come across one of these types of thing? If so, what was it like, and are there really bargains to be had or is it just a way of trying to get people to buy with 'offer only available today' type things?
ETA: found this link about a previous event: http://www.vauxhalleast.co.uk/news/view/167-motori...
Now, I've had one of these invites in the past and thrown it straight into the bin as I wasn't slightly interested in changing the car and it sounded slightly weird. This time however, I am actually thinking of changing to an estate, so signed up online and have just got off the phone after booking my slot on Saturday with the intention of seeing what it's all about, seems weird having a 'VIP' event when the people invited are just regular Joes like me.
On to the point of the thread: Has anyone come across one of these types of thing? If so, what was it like, and are there really bargains to be had or is it just a way of trying to get people to buy with 'offer only available today' type things?
ETA: found this link about a previous event: http://www.vauxhalleast.co.uk/news/view/167-motori...
I had one through the door last week for a local MINI dealer...
Essentially what they do is pay an outside agency a large sum to 'run' the event. That means the showroom windows are blacked out, and the dealership is 'locked down' unless you have the special passcode. Special drinks are provided... etc etc.
It's all a load of old tosh to try and get you in through the door, and unless its being backed by the manufacturer (which most aren't), they won't be giving any bigger discounts than what they're able to give normally!
Essentially what they do is pay an outside agency a large sum to 'run' the event. That means the showroom windows are blacked out, and the dealership is 'locked down' unless you have the special passcode. Special drinks are provided... etc etc.
It's all a load of old tosh to try and get you in through the door, and unless its being backed by the manufacturer (which most aren't), they won't be giving any bigger discounts than what they're able to give normally!
Roo said:
Incidentally, what's a Saab main dealer?
A Vauxhall dealer who has two Saabs on the forecourt and 'Saab qualified technicians'.Sounds like it'll be pretty much as I expected. Still, free drinks and nosing round new cars can't be all bad...
Besides, the missus is working so I gotta keep busy somehow!
Oddly my Step Mum has just e-mailed me a VIP invite from a local VW dealer with the same spiel on it as the OP's invite.
It's all a load of rubish to try and make the invitee think that he or she is special, I'm amazed anyone actually falls for it TBH and do they really expect us to think that an uninvited "non VIP" will be turned away if they just rock up wanting to buy a car, I can hear it now, "sorry sir your name's not down, you're not coming in" yeahh whatever, no one who wants to buy a car will be turned away, that's the whole point of the "event" to generate sales!
You do get a Fortnum and Mason hamper though when you buy a new or used VW.
It's all a load of rubish to try and make the invitee think that he or she is special, I'm amazed anyone actually falls for it TBH and do they really expect us to think that an uninvited "non VIP" will be turned away if they just rock up wanting to buy a car, I can hear it now, "sorry sir your name's not down, you're not coming in" yeahh whatever, no one who wants to buy a car will be turned away, that's the whole point of the "event" to generate sales!
You do get a Fortnum and Mason hamper though when you buy a new or used VW.
Edited by HTP99 on Monday 3rd September 17:19
I guess they do it to make you feel special, in the hope you'll feel so privileged you'll want to part with some cash and buy a new car.
Go along, look at some cars, have a free drink and see how much they'll sell a car for. Then go back next week and try haggle them down.
I didn't even think Saab were still selling cars? What's their situtation these days?
Go along, look at some cars, have a free drink and see how much they'll sell a car for. Then go back next week and try haggle them down.
I didn't even think Saab were still selling cars? What's their situtation these days?
HTP99 said:
Oddly my Step Mum has just e-mailed me a VIP invite from a local VW dealer with the same spiel on it as the OP's invite.
It's all a load of rubish to try and make the invitee think that he or she is special, I'm amazed anyone actually falls for it TBH and do they really expect us to think that an uninvited "non VIP" will be turned away if they just rock up wanting to buy a car, I can hear it now, "sorry sir your name's not down, you're not coming in" yeahh whatever, no one who wants to buy a car will be turned away, that's the whole point of the "event" to generate sales!
You do get a Fortnum and Mason hamper though when you buy a new or used VW.
free hamper when you buy a vw you say ! might have to buy that polo r-line then It's all a load of rubish to try and make the invitee think that he or she is special, I'm amazed anyone actually falls for it TBH and do they really expect us to think that an uninvited "non VIP" will be turned away if they just rock up wanting to buy a car, I can hear it now, "sorry sir your name's not down, you're not coming in" yeahh whatever, no one who wants to buy a car will be turned away, that's the whole point of the "event" to generate sales!
You do get a Fortnum and Mason hamper though when you buy a new or used VW.
Edited by HTP99 on Monday 3rd September 17:19
I'm not sure, this garage is a Vauxhall Dealer who owned the Saab Dealer just down the road from them, and have now merged the two, presumably because it's pointless having two premises when one has no cars to sell! It's basically a Vauxhall dealer who are selling the last of their Saab stock and offering Saab servicing.
The Crack Fox said:
I'd be so tempted to reply and ask who the other "VIPs" are, informing them that as a VIP myself I really don't want to be mixing with the hoi polloi at such a prestigious event, and gently reminding them than if it's just some desperate saleskids who have worn the same suit for the last 14 days trying to flog me a hatchback on finance whilst I sip tepid Liebfraumilch then I can't promise not to go all 'Naomi' on their asses.
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