Affordable gas prices disappeared in the rearview mirror long ago, and businesses nationwide are offering creative promotions to entice customers who are looking to offset the price they’re paying at the pump.
Chrysler recently extended an offer to lock new customers in to $3-per-gallon gas when they purchase a vehicle, while a gas-price war between two c-stores on East Bridge Street in Brighton, Colo., is also letting motorists enjoy prices around $3 per gallon.
But a sales promotion at a car dealership in Missouri is taking an unconventional route, offering customers a choice when they buy a car: receive $250 in free gas, or receive a free semi-automatic handgun.
More than 80% of car buyers at Max Motors in Butler, Mo., are choosing the semi-automatic handguns over free gas, KMBC-TV in Kansas City reported.
"Like I say, it’s a choice — protection or gas," said Walter Moore with Max Motors, who came up with the “gas or guns” promotion.
"We got high gas prices, theft, carjackings, innocent people getting hurt," Moore told the television station, adding that the handgun is the gift of choice by a large margin.
"Right now were running 80 percent toward the gun," Moore said.
"Love guns, we all need to have guns," said Jerry Hertzog, who was buying a new truck at the dealership. "Guns or gas or fuel, I’ll take the gun anytime."
