I think the issue is that, times are tough, and these are businesses that employ people, who rely upon management to keep them afloat, and these dealers obviously feel the need to try something to entice custom through the door as their current market isn’t working.
Not my sort of thing TBH, I am more into a tactically strike than carpet bombing, as I feel it’s more relevant and personal to the people you are interested in talking to.
10 out of 10 for effort though
yep you are bang on there. being in the motorcycle trade we are in a similar situation, I still get angry though when these marketing sorts make out like its us that aren't thinking creatively enough. Here in Yorkshire we have a more simple, honest approach to business and I think that works better than any marketing bullshit. People are too smart nowadays to fall for the "exclusive event" crap that's banded around.
Agreed, I personally believe that marketing is the route of all evil, but we are stuck with it.
However I also believe that if we are stuck with it, you should at least put the effort as you have said. but let’s not forget that good old fashion service is the way forward in my eyes. Something I think that gets lost when the marketing people get involved IMO