Couldn't agree more and a little - developing any - relationship goes a long way.

During my ownership of [two] Acura NSX's I not only forged a strong bond (friendship) with Acura's National Marketing Director, and driving across the United States (as one of their most enthusiastic ambassadors), twice, but I organized two major events in and around NYC (one a 4-day event, including renting Bridgehampton Racetrack, and the other a 3-day extravaganza) with as many as 50 NSX owners. Oh yeah, Acura footed the bill for specially designed pullovers but several dinners too, etc....including dinner at the quintessential Four Seasons.

Don't get me wrong; I love my F-Type - period ended - but buickfunnycar makes an excellent point.

 

I got F**K-all from the dealer or the Mfg. No key chains, shirts, mugs, etc. All in all, not the elite treatment from a dealer that I've received from Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus dealers in the past.

I guess it's because their Jaguar store is a small part of a huge autocomplex ranging from Chevrolet-Chrysler-Subaru-Fiat-Jag (plus others). Jag isn't a leader for them, so they don't pay it much attention. I got the best price there though, hence my initial patronage.

 

Give me a several thousand dollar discount. You keep the tchotchkes.

 

I did the Drive Alive event 2 years ago and ever since I have been receiving trinkets and marketing materials in the mail from Jaguar. The best was a nice booklet on the XKRS and a carbon fiber pen. They should keep that up. Surprisingly though, I never received anything on the F-type even though I said I was extremely interested and was buying that year.

 

My experience as an Audi owner (previous vehicle and wife's vehicle) was completely different... Invitations to track days (for both of us), a night at live theatre, track days, a day at the tennis, more track days, celebrity chef day, flew me interstate for a weekend at the Bathurst 12 Hour. Oh, and did I mention track days! Truthfully, I'd probably be in an R8 or RS7 now if it weren't for the fact that a) dealer tried to rip me off on brake disc replacement, and b) I just fell head-over-heels in love with the F-Tyoe!

Listen up, Jaguar - forget all the other marketing junk - just give me track days!

 

My dealer send me a $100 gift card to use in their online Jaguar/Aston Martin/Bentley store. Zippo from Jaguar not even a letter thanking me for my purchase.

I dropped 350 big ones on a new McLaren and you would think a company which sells 1500 cars a year would somehow acknowledge my purchase. Not even a thank you note. I however did visit the head office and factory and they did treat me very well.

To be honest my dry cleaner treats me better than any car dealer I have purchased from with the exception of the MB dealer who goes out of their way to shower me with gifts, invitations and service.

 

Not quite sure you're following me...I'm not looking for keychains,pens or license plate frames...I can buy that stuff...nor would I expect that from JLR.

A form letter saying thanks and perhaps a little book shedding a little insight on the car and it's linage would suffice...and would be a nice touch.

 

Its no better over here guys but, because i kicked off over my handover (in the carpark, cosmetic things wrong with the car etc), when i picked the car up after everything was sorted, it was in the show room under a cover and i got a bunch of flowers for her indoors and a bottle of champers.
I was also promised a 4 ball at one of my local decent courses but as you can imagine that never happened, what a suprise lol.

 

I really am. Jaguar is not doing themselves any favors by not following through with nice touches to build long term loyalty. I get it. All I was implying is that I have never been loyal to any brand. I am loyal to specific models that push my buttons. The F-Type is one of them. In my case, the niceties would be wasted. I'd rather get an even deeper discount. I have no intention of building a relationship with manufacturer or a dealer. I buy a new car every 10 years or so. The time spent would be wasted.

 

Audi sends lots of stuff plus Audi magazine. Maserati sent welcome kit, followed by letter and their magazine. Never got anything from Mercedes except offers on their connected services.

 

I've always had a much-better-than-average experience (and relationship) with many of the car dealers I've dealt with (and, no, I am not a big fan of car dealerships in general) but that most likely has everything to do with my dealing, in most cases, with the GM or, even better, the owner.

Having a relationship - as I have had with several marques - with someone in corporate (especially marketing) has simply been the icing on the automotive cake.

 

like your wife would say, it's the thought that counts. For many customers there is brand loyalty. Between two comparable cars, a customer might pick the manufacturer that has treated them better.

 

And a little (most of the time) goes a verylong way. Simple.

The reverse (most of the time, and certainly in my opinion) is also true. If I feel "neglected" (read = unappreciated) that's surely going to reflect poorly on my overall impression. It's probably not a negative to you, or I to tell you the truth but at the same time it's also not what I would call a positive.

 

My bad,I guess I just expected more from my first luxury brand purchase,heck...I'm still getting a Ford magazine for a Focus I purchased in '07 and have since sold.

 

My dad & I both bought Ford products in 2000. His Mercury Sable came along with a roadside assistance kit. My Lincoln LS came with.... Waterford toasting flutes.


He always joked that if there was an accident, he could help out, while I'd drive by toasting the victims.

 

And a toast to you and your dad!

Look, no one here disputes that the car is first and foremost 100% (the only thing which matters ) but a little token of ones appreciation - i.e. - a gift - often goes a long way. Think of it this way, think of all the benefits (and/or good will) from giving your wife a gift...even a little one.

And with that I shall leave you to your imagination...I then rest my case.

 

In my case, that little token of their appreciation for my car purchase has usually gone a "short way" to a drawer or shelf somewhere collecting dust.

 

Interestingly, the key ring in my pocket for my Mercury Milan has a very nice leaper - 2" long, and made out of solid metal (heavier than aluminum.) That's about all I recall getting from my dealer.

 

Completely understand where you're coming from. The Mercedes and Audi dealerships that I deal with "shower" you with endless gifts. Mostly useless stuff but still a nice gesture.

 

I sell whatever tchotchkes I get on eBay.