Gimmicks: Don’t Fall for the 3‑Day Trap 🎣

You’ve probably seen them: flashy mailers or online ads promising a "free 3‑day vacation voucher" when you sell or trade in your car. It sounds dreamy—just hand them your old ride and jet off to paradise. But let’s get real: in the used-car and junk-car industry, this is almost always a ploy.

🧩 What’s the deal?

These ads are essentially bait—a marketing hook designed to get you to show up. Once you’re in their orbit, it’s all about upselling a car or pressuring you to trade in your vehicle. And if they really intend to deliver on that vacation? Brace for timeshare sales pitches, hidden fees, or vouchers that never arrive.

🚩 Real-world examples

On Reddit, one user spilled the real story from a car dealer scratch-off promotion:

> “All five numbers … match, but … the confirmation code determines actual prize won. Odds of winning wireless earbuds — 49,996:50,000.”

Translation: You’re far more likely to “win” earbuds than the big prize—because everyone wins, but the fine print controls what.

Another user flagged a dealer sending “winner” card mailers, only to reveal:

> “all the game cards are winners and the card code is the deciding factor … false winner card to get you through the door” .

It’s clear: the “vacation” is just a hook, not a genuine offer.

🔧 In the junk-car business

The tactics are equally shady when you’re unloading a junker. Houston Junk Car Buyer recently warned:

> “Another scam is the ‘Vacation Voucher.’ … When the company comes out to pick up your vehicle, they … tell you that they will mail coupons to you. Of course, you never receive the vouchers in the mail.”

They add that companies might offer half payment upfront—and then bail. Cheap vouchers don’t make up for real cash in hand.

⚠️ Common bait-and-switch tactics

1. Voucher never delivered – You might hear excuses like “we’re mailing them later,” but chances are you'll be waiting forever.

2. Voucher is worthless – Even if you get one, you’ll probably need to attend time-share presentations, pay fees, or stay in low-tier accommodations .

3. Price gets slashed – Dealers quote high to bring you in, then cut the value once you're committed .

4. Hidden terms – Often it’s “with approved credit,” “only valid on select models,” or “transportation not included.”

👣 How to stay smart

Ignore the voucher. Focus on real value—like a fair cash offer or trade-in.

Demand transparency. Ask: “Is this voucher real? What are the terms?” If answers are vague, walk away.

Get everything in writing. No “trust us”—insist on paper detailing quotes, fees, and what you're actually getting.

Compare offers. Talk to multiple dealerships or junk-car buyers, and check online reviews.

Know your car’s worth. Even scrapped cars have metal and parts value—don’t be fooled by inflated hail-back numbers .

✅ Final takeaway

That alluring “3‑day vacation” is almost always a marketing gimmick, not a gift. Don’t be the person who drives to a dealership only to end up pressured into a sale—or worse, left with a voucher that doesn’t exist.

Instead, equip yourself with knowledge. Insist on real, upfront value, get offers in writing, and walk away from vague “freebies.” A genuine deal shouldn’t feel like a trap.