A few years back, dealers everywhere built kids play areas to make their stores friendlier. It was a great idea but it didn't go far enough. What about the adults? What about making the store fun for everyone? Years ago I started a bingo game at 10am and 2pm in our customer lounge. We had bingo cards and one of those rotating balls that drops the numbers out and the winner would win a free oil change certificate or a detail or a $25 gift card for service. We played two games each session and rotated employees from different departments to run the game.

Do you think bingo is only for older people? Go on a cruise ship! This little bingo game helped pass time for customers, made our store fun, and gave something for everybody to talk about. On several occasions, customers would bring friends in to play. Part of the game involved a salesperson handing out brochures for new cars and a top five list of used car deals. Get creative and make service fun. Try it! You’ll like it!

Joshua Hays is the marketing director for Car People Marketing, Inc. Visit www.CarPeopleMarketing.com or call 866-227-7337 for more information.