During my lunch break, I went to the BMW dealership to look at the new X3. Why? We don't need a new vehicle -- we got both a new car and a new pick-up truck last year. I do, however, need some new sunglasses. OK. I don't really need new sunglasses, but I can use some.

A few weeks ago, I received a postcard from BMW saying that if I went to a local dealership and test drove an X3, they'd send me some fancy folding sunglasses in 4-6 weeks. Fair enough, I thought -- cost to me is a drive across town to the dealership.

When I got to the dealership, I told the first guy who approached me that I was here to get my card validated so I could get free sunglasses. He pointed me to someone else, who signed the card and put in the secret dealer code for me. She asked if I wanted to test drive it. I told her that I didn't want a test drive since I wasn't in the market for a new vehicle, but I wouldn't mind getting a brochure about it. She set me up with a brochure and I was about to go on my way when one of the people who helped us get our car last year recognized me and came to chat a bit. At first, she was concerned that I was having problems with the car or wanted to trade it in. I assured her that we still loved the car and I was just there for the free sunglasses. I'm really surprised that she still recognizes me when I stop in -- she's recognized me every time I've seen her.

I was also happy that I didn't have to waste my time or the dealer's time riding around in a vehicle that I won't be buying.