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The first car dealerships in the United States date back to as early as 1898. These automotive entrepreneurs sold this enigmatic new form of transportation mostly as a novelty for the rich. They were also used by medical practitioners for the antiquated convenience of making house calls back in the wistful times when a doctor would come to you. The allure of freedom that these vehicles offered soon began to capture the eyes of the general public. By the 1920s, the advent of assembly line production made automobiles more affordable as retailers increased to over 10,000 nationwide. These horseless carriages sold steadily without the advertising advantages of todays market. The automotive boom preceeding World War I hit a serious bump in the road during the Great Depression. It wasn't till after World War II that the American appetite for owning a vehicle bordered again on insatiability. By 1949, there were over 45,000 franchised car dealerships across the country. By the 1970s, the number of new dealerships dipped to just over 30,000, and the economy would never again reach the pinnacle of post World War II prosperity. Retailers then began to devise new and interesting ways to draw prospective buyers. In the 1960s, one Connecticut dealer employed a unique marketing tactic, advertising an automobile at a price of 1,395 bananas. Though meant as a joke, one customer did come in with the requisite number of bananas and, oddly enough, the offer was honored. Still, the focus in luring patrons, then as today, revolves around pricing. Some offer rebates while others may offer no payments for up to 6 months. By 2012, new car dealerships in the US hovered around 20,000. In these wavering economic times, one Idaho truck purveyor decided, instead of price breaks, to pair his vehicles with a tantalizing freebie. Anyone buying a new truck would receive a hunting rifle at no additional charge. Some automotive retailers in China have recently pursued other avenues to increase sales. In between browsing new cars, one such business offers free massages to its customers. Another Chinese dealership is fitted with its own miniature golf course. Many sellers will offer patrons an average cup of java, but a place in Shanghai boasts a full coffee bar serving specialties like cappuccinos or lattes. Some American retailers have adopted similar methods. Starting with updating the look and signage of a store, in-house coffee bars are being employed in the States as well. Trucks and guns may make for a happy marriage but one auto dealer coupled his business with a less conventional offer. Not only can you peruse new cars, but you can get your nails done as well, as at least one establishment has its own beauty salon. As car dealerships make their steps into the 21st century, more and more advertising perks may be devised to get people through the front door. When looking for Bay City car dealerships, potential drivers try http://www.thinkthelen.com/index.htm.
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