For most customers, the test drive is the tipping point. It’s where curiosity becomes consideration, and consideration turns into a decision. It’s your dealership’s chance to make a lasting impression and edge out the competition.
So how do you stay on a potential buyer’s mind after they leave the lot?
One answer: innovative, branded promotional products.
Here’s how to use test drive takeaways to close more deals and keep customers thinking about your dealership, not just the car.
What Are the Best Test Drive Promotional Products for Car Dealerships?
The best test drive promotional products are useful, high-quality items, like Safeguard’s branded phone mounts, keychains, tumblers, or car organizers that keep your dealership visible and help turn a test drive into a sale.
Why Does the Test Drive Follow-Up Matter So Much?
Test drives are emotional. Customers imagine what life would be like with the car: how it drives, how it feels, and how it looks. But once they leave the lot, that excitement fades. If they visit multiple dealerships, the details blur.
That’s where promotional products come in.
A thoughtful, branded giveaway keeps your dealership at the forefront of your customers’ minds during that crucial decision-making window. It’s a subtle reminder:
“This place made me feel valued, and I might want to buy my car here.”
According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 83% of consumers can recall an advertiser from a promotional product they received within the last two years. This is proof that tangible marketing sticks.
What Makes a Great Test Drive Giveaway?
To be effective, a promotional product should check four boxes:
- Useful: Something customers will actually keep in the car or use daily.
- Branded: Your logo should be visible but never overpowering.
- Quality: A durable, well-designed product reflects the reliability of your dealership.
- Relevant: It should relate to driving, convenience, or everyday use.
Cheap or irrelevant items can send the wrong message. Safeguard’s brand philosophy emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and consistency, which reflect trust and professionalism.
What Are the Most Effective Test Drive Promotional Product Ideas?
Here are five proven giveaways that turn quick test drives into lasting impressions:
- Branded PopGrip for Phones: This small, stylish accessory keeps your logo in sight all day long—whether your customer is driving, working, or scrolling through photos of their next car.
- Custom Novelty Keychains: Upgrade from basic plastic to keychains with built-in flashlights, tire gauges, or multitools. Added function increases perceived value.
- Reusable Car Organizers: Simple, practical, and surprisingly appreciated. These help customers stay organized and keep your brand visible.
- Sleek Branded Tumblers or Water Bottles: A go-to for commutes or long drives. Choose neutral designs that look modern and can appeal to all drivers.
- Compact Emergency Tire Pressure Gauges: These items are compact, relevant, and safety-focused, reinforcing reliability without being flashy.
- Roadside Safety Light Tool: This multifunction emergency light and safety tool is glove box-ready and always useful. It conveys care, preparedness, and professionalism—everything you want your dealership brand to represent.
Each item reinforces a key Safeguard value: building trust through professionalism and meticulous attention to detail.
How Can Promotional Products Help Close More Test Drive Sales?
Promotional products bridge the emotional gap between an incredible test drive and a purchase decision. When a customer uses a branded item at home or in their car, it brings your dealership back into focus when deciding where to buy.
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), promotional products generate more impressions per dollar than TV, radio, and digital ads combined, making them one of the most effective tools for sustained brand recall.
That’s marketing efficiency every dealership can appreciate.
When and How Should You Hand Out Test Drive Giveaways?
Timing matters as much as the product itself.
Follow these simple steps to make the moment feel genuine:
- After the test drive: Hand the item over with a warm thank you.
- Add a personal touch: Include a handwritten note or your business card.
- Keep it conversational: “Thanks for stopping by. This is just a little something to take with you.”
The goal isn’t to buy their loyalty. It is to leave a memorable, positive impression that feels natural and authentic.
How Do Test Drive Promotional Products Support Brand Consistency?
Consistent branding builds credibility. Your dealership appears professional and trustworthy when your promotional items, signage, and printed materials share the same design style and color palette.
Safeguard Advisors helps dealerships achieve consistency by acting as single-source partners for print, promo, and apparel needs. This approach streamlines production, reduces costs, and ensures that every customer touchpoint feels cohesive.
What Do Customers Really Remember?
People remember how you made them feel.
When a customer is torn between two similar cars—or two dealerships—a small act of thoughtfulness can tip the scales. Promotional products aren’t just giveaways; they’re symbols of service, attention, and care.
They remind customers that your dealership values relationships, not just transactions.
Key Takeaways: The Test Drive Takeaway
- Promotional products extend the test drive experience. They keep your dealership top of mind after customers leave the lot.
- Useful, high-quality items build trust. Choose giveaways that feel valuable, such as phone mounts, tumblers, or keychains with functions.
- Timing and personalization matter. Hand out giveaways right after the test drive with a brief, genuine thank-you.
- Consistency strengthens credibility. Align your promotional products with your dealership’s print and signage design for a professional, unified brand.
- Safeguard makes it simple. With a single-source Advisor, your print and promo stay consistent, cost-effective, and on brand.
Final Thoughts: Turning Drives into Decisions
If you’re investing time and effort to get people behind the wheel, don’t let them drive away and forget you. Equip your sales team with meaningful branded items that keep your dealership top of mind.
A test drive takeaway isn’t a gimmick. It’s a smart, lasting strategy.
Make it count, and watch your close rates climb.
Safeguard Advisors are here to help you implement this strategy now!