Many dealership customers use customer loyalty products thanks to the savvy dealers using OPM. Though OPM from manufacturers is common, there are funds to be found through other avenues including vendors you work with every day. Partnerships to consider and contact are rental car companies, towing companies, window repair businesses, dent removal companies and cell phone companies. Pick up the phone and inquire about their co-op programs. Keep in mind, including these partners’ logos on your advertising gets 25 percent or more of your cost covered and contributes to key messaging.
Roger Cole, service director at Family Auto Center in Michigan, was able to purchase customer retention tools thanks to the cost-savings associated with OPM. He also reached out to his towing and car rental business partners.
Ironically, getting your hands on OPM is not as difficult as you may think. Each day you do business with many suppliers and business partners who are eager for additional exposure of their products and services. Before being considered as a recipient, you must meet the suppliers’ guidelines. Many of the rules are common sense, such as agreeing not to represent other companies in your advertising and marketing methods. Terms of reimbursement can differ too. You will likely need to provide the specifics of cost, schedule and size, in addition to providing a proof of what the advertisement will look like.
Get educated, do your research and find opportunities with business partners for maximizing your advertising and marketing investment. Co-op dollars can be a gold mine, but you must put forth the effort to go on the treasure hunt.
Vol 3, Issue 7