KMP @ Costco?

[John McMahon]

who cares if its a cult...if I can save a thousand bucks on an Sony LCD TV there with a lifetime warranty, they are my friend forever.

...or until they screw me.

[CSX 4039]

Originally Posted by Flyin_Freddie

I, too....er..."WE" are happy Costco customers, as well. But, did you ever notice how Costco seems to be bordering on "cultish" behavior...? I mean in one visit to my local Costco...after first proving I'm a "cult" member...I can buy batteries, digital cameras, TV's, get my film developed, buy kitchenware, buy printer cartridges, tools, motor oil, car care supplies, crab legs, pastries, bread, meats - prepared and fresh cut, produce, any kind of drink - including beers, both import and domestic, furniture, lawn equipment, books, frozen food - of any kind, dishwashing soap, coffee, tea, milk, cleaning products for the home, kitchen, and bathroom, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, toothpicks, napkins, t-shirts, toys, bicycles, basketballs, golf clubs, hats, blue jeans, shoes, socks, belts, underwear, dress shirts, coats and sweaters, flip-flops, snack foods, prescriptions, OTC drugs, deodorant, shampoo, cigarettes, cigars, and too many other things I know I've missed....

Then....on the way out you can refinance your house, order a car, buy some tires, make a home loan (first or second mortage, thank you), buy storm windows, siding, or a roof, arrange a cruise, make travel arrangements to any country, buy insurance...home, health, life, and auto, get investment advice, and get a hotdog, Polish sausage, pizza, soft pretzel, ice cream or a smoothie.

Finally, after you've returned to your car from your safari through the Costco jungle, on your way out of the parking lot you can fill up your car, or get your oil changed.

DAAA-YUM...if this isn't a "cult" what is...? What's next...medical and dental care?

They don't have the medical care yet. You'd have to go to 'Sam's Cult' for that. http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/31/news...1706/index.htm

[big-boss]

THat is pretty smart! One of these days there just may be merit in having an "original early" Kirkham verse the COSTCO edition or worse yet the "Walmart" edition. Why can't there be a "COACH" edition or Louey VI.....n edition? I Love Costco-I do most of my dating there. Free food, shopping, entertainment-get lucky almost evertime but getting a Kirkham there-just ain't right.

[rsimoes]

Here are the extra pictures:

http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/promo/ultimate.html

It's in the fine print, when you scroll down the Costco page. . .

[David Kirkham]

SOLD

Less than 24 hours on their site.

David

[Excaliber]

A Kirkland Kirkham? Smooth move David, I'm still chuckling over a magnificent piece of marketing.

Did they approach you or you them or what (if it's not to personal a question to ask)?

I've seen before that COSTCO is indeed more and more marketing some very upscale products in limited or exclusive numbers. Fine art is another example. Something about improving the brand image no doubt.

[big-boss]

I heard Shelby guys bought- so "Kirkham" would be off the site. Damn those guys are bad.

[Murphy]

David, good marketing work. If more people knew of your cars you would sell more. FYI, had I not seen your cars on ebay a year ago I would have never known about them and would have not bought the two cars. PS gauges work great. Look into advertising in the Dupont Registry. I have absolutly nothing to do with them but know it is a place I also would have become interested in Kirkham cars.
Mike Murphy

[RaceDeck]

It was great to see that the Package went in less than 18 hours...Great job and not a bad way to get 22 million households to see your product. Costco...Now that is smart!

As for the Sam's Club post about " trying to one up Costco " That would be interesting as they most always take a great product from the USA, go to China and make a copy in thier factories ( If they were thier own country, they would be the 5th largest importer from china in the world)...I can see it now A plastic body with a aluminum graphic wrap, Halibrand Hubcaps, Genuine 'leather look' Vynil seats, BadYear tires...all for $8,893.93

[David Kirkham]

Dan,

Costco has been moving into higher and higher quality products over time. We are very happy to have sold one of our 427 KMS/SC's with them. They are very nice people to work with.

Computerworks,

Haven't thought of a special emblem. Sounds like a good idea!

Ernie,

Costco is definitely moving up-scale with limited-offer products and fine art. I just think our fine art has 4 wheels!

As for who, where, why, etc...

I'm just happy it happened!

Murphy,

We are always looking for better ways to do things--engineering, manufacturing and marketing.

RaceDeck,

LOL

I think someone would be very hard pressed to knock this off in China. It takes highly skilled labor and a very large administrative commitment--not to mention the problem of actually getting product out that you have paid for. Wal-mart is one thing--they have the pull at a governmental level to make sure things get done and shipped. As a "little" guy, who is to say a slick salesman in China just won't take your money and run...let's just say...I have sad experience.

David

[Dan Stryffeler]

What can I say - I'm glad the sale worked out well for Kirkham and it probably did bring more attention to both Kirkham and Costco.

Costco has always positioned themselves as catering to a higher-end customer than Sams Club;

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortu...3755/index.htm

I'm no marketing expert, (can't even claim to be a marketing novice), but it just seems like the brand can be diluted in this type of transaction.

Again, just my opinion...

Thanks,

Dan

[Poolw]

so the conversation goes like this - - Nice Car! Where did you get it? Costco.

[Excaliber]

I gave up my Costco card about a year ago. Single guy, don't buy much, the 'bulk' thing just doesn't work for me.

[RedBarchetta]

I can almost guarantee that if a Kirkham was parked in front of the Yorba Linda/Anaheim Hills Costco with a sign on it that said, "You can buy THIS CAR from this store!" that someone would buy it within 30-60 days. There's a lot of money in the parking lot (Mercedes, H2s, etc.) and enough merchandise flying out of there (that's why I call it the "$300 store"...you can't walk out without spending $300) to prove that big money does shop there consistently.

Savvy marketing and no real brand dilution. But if my last name was Ferrari or Rolex (i.e. two examples of internationally recognized brands that are largely associated with wealth), I'd probably fire my marketing person if they suggested Costco.

-Dean

[David Kirkham]

Dean,

Funny, in our family we say $200/visit! California must be EXPENSIVE!

The kids die to go there for the pizza, strawberry smoothies, hot dogs, salads, and chicken thingys so they don't mind shopping with mom. My wife likes it because it is clean and merchandise isn't all over the place, on the floor, and in the isles all messed up. Frankly, there are some stores that I just don't like being in, regardless of how cheap they are. I don't like rooting through the piles.

As for one of our cars sitting outside of Costco...

Seriously, I think you are off by a factor of 10. I bet you if it were parked outside of a Costco in Yorba Linda it would be sold in 3-6 days. California is where we sell 70% of our cars.

David

[Gatorac]

Reading this thread makes me wonder if Costco wanted to get a KMP in front of Costco customers or if they wanted to get Costco in front of KMP customers.....

[HI Cobra]

If Costco had a deal like that one here in Hawaii I think I would be moving
my time frame up and jumping on it now! (Hope my wife doesn't see this!)

[Igofastr]

No kidding, Costco had a 911 for sale out in front of ours just a month or two ago. I've seen smaller Mercedes there also.

[Excaliber]

Brand dilution? I can see the thinking there, but Costco IS making great strides to better their image, and I gotta tell you, I think it's working! Another killer move by Costco and for Kirkham, no worries!

[RaceDeck]

I completely agree with Excaliber; The Costco image in the marketplace and within their specific industry is of superior customer service, great products at a great value.
The other thing to keep in mind is that Costco was running an ULTIMATE CAR GUYS GARAGE promotion and only 1 of these very special items was available. If I were the Kirkhams, I would be very proud that the only car they ever considered was their fantastic handcrafted roadster. I think the fact that a replicar ( no engine / no trans ) sold for $80k in less than 18 hours is very positive for the entire industry. As a Kirkham owner myself, I am very happy to see such a response