[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
Greetings,
Yesterday I took my 9-3 in for a minor warranty repair and noticed in the lounge area a few plaques of local football and other sports teams which were sponsored by the dealership. Coincidently, my 7 year old's Little League team had it's first practice yesterday and the coach mentioned that the team needs a sponsor. So, I thought "why not Saab of ____?" After all, I'm a Saab owner (3 currently) and the teams colors actually match that of the Saab logo.
So, I found out the contact at the dealer who handles sponsorships, the Sales Manager, and faxed him a letter presenting my idea and explainig the details. Basic sponsorship is $200, but for $300 the sponsor gets a 3'x5' banner displayed on the outfield fence for the entire season (22+ weeks)! Anyone whose ever purchased a banner or an ad knows this is great deal and a really cost effective way of advertising. Especially when you consider that this league is in a mid-upper middle class area (houses start at $500k) and that much of Saabs target market (9-5wagon) is family based. Additionally, the sponsorship is tax deductable!!! So, what is there to lose?
This morning I received a faxed response from the same sales manager stating "We are in the expansion mode for the next couple of years; therefore we are not in a position of sponsorship." i.e. thanks, but no thanks.
Now, if this were a small dealer that was rebuilding or was not competetive I would understand this reponse, although I wouldn't have asked them in the first place. But this is not the case. This dealer is a large established dealer with an upscale showroom, lounge and service center. In fact they offer a tray of tarts and pound cake through out the day, have several flavors of gourmet coffee, juices (bottled) and spring water which are free to all visitors. Bascically, what they spend on food and beverage for their "atmosphere" of courtesy in one month would pay for a whole season of little league sponsorship. Irritation, dissapointment, even resentment come to mind, but not to fear as there are a number of local stores and restaurants that I've used in the past which take pride in helping their community... especially for our kids. Kind of ironic that a mom and pop pizza or hobby shop have the funds that a multi-million dallar company does not - or
i should say will not. When you consider the tax deduction it makes no sense.
I could go on venting, but you get the idea and work awaits me. The thing is many here express concerns about Saab's image, marketing policy and appeal, yet this dealer just missed out on a way to positively accomplish all three at no cost. With that type of attitude I will be taking my business to the Saab dealer which is 50 miles away and not preoccupied with "expansion".
Oh well, life goes on. Sorry for the long post.
Nick L.
1980 900T
2 1999 9-3's
1 Sponsorless little league team :-(
posted by 66.27.1...
, Thu, 7 Feb 2002 15:54:17, Thu, 7 Feb 2002 16:08:11
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
