Editor's note: Mercedes-Benz of Draper sells about 800 new and used vehicles per year. The figure was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.
It's fairly common to spot Ray Gunn, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Draper, in Utah, tucking his business cards under the windshield wipers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles he sees in parking lots around Salt Lake City.
Gunn jots notes on the cards, dangling the idea of a VIP card that offers free services and an invitation to call him. And the strangers often call, he said.
"It happens a lot," said Gunn. "They are now my customers."
The free services that come with Mercedes-Benz of Draper's VIP Service Rewards card include flat-tire repair, windshield-chip repair, battery test, fluid top-off, car wash, shuttle service, a state emission inspection and on-the-spot renewal, which means the dealership can renew a vehicle registration through the state, saving the customer a visit to a Utah Division of Motor Vehicles office.
"We want to do whatever we can to be competitive with the independent shops," said Gunn. "Part of the VIP card is that you're going to get things for free along with your paid service."