Driving through Drive-throughs

When was the last time you test drove a car?

You want to know how it handles:

• on the highway
• in city traffic
• gas mileage

I am going to throw this out there that you were not thinking how well a car handles a drive-through window?

Well, Dunkin’ does

The coffee-and-donuts chain is teaming up with CarMax to help customers test their potential rides.

During the promotion, Dunkin’ is handing out $10 gift cards to anyone using CarMax’s 24-Hour Test Drive. (24 hour test drive? Therein lies a business lesson in and of itself)

CarMax says the “Doin’ Donuts” promotion aims to make the testing experience a little perkier and sweeter. And it gives would-be car-buyers the chance to evaluate the car’s finer points, like whether they like the cup-holders or how their dog handles a drive-through in the new ride.

“At CarMax, we believe the car-buying experience should be as enjoyable as possible while ensuring customers feel confident with their decision,” says Sarah Lane, vice president, marketing at CarMax.

“We want customers to experience a day in their life with their new ride, and since America Runs on Dunkin’, we know that includes a trip through the Dunkin’ drive-through for their favorite order.”

I have talked about cross promotion and strategic partnerships many times, providing many examples. Here is another one that works beautifully.

Who in your circle of influence (or outside of it) can you partner with to create a win-win marketing strategy?

• Carpet cleaner and auto detailer
• Plumber & Water Damage Restorer
• Home inspector and professional photographer
• Hotel and pizza delivery (I am amazed at how many hotels do NOT do this)

Not only can it be a great promotion but it gives you an opportunity to generate a press release and get some P.R.

Remember, you won’t profit unless you implement,

Vance “wish the wine store had a drive through” Morris