How important is it to buy local?

I buy price ,and have NEVER had a service problem. they don,t have a secret mark on your rig that tells them where it was bought. here in my area we have a CW which I don,t use, and a real nice mom,pop shop ,that will do any thing you need.

My problem is...there are not many brands from which to choose in our area. Between the 3 dealerships, there might be 3 brands that carry the length that we are looking for...35' and under. Most of the used ones have been odorous...

How far away is considered "local?"

If your local RV dealership carries the RV you are looking for and they are within a few thousand dollars from other dealers, I say absolutely. But when the difference is in the 10, 15, 20 thousand range, go some place else.

As a general rule for everything, I try to buy from the local independent stores, even if it means I pay a little more. But there is no free pass, they still have to offer the product I'm looking for with great service and at least competitive on price.

My dealer has up to a 3 month wait for service. They reuse to work on pretty much anything that is not purchased from them because of how few dealers their are here. I don't really blame them, if they are so packed with work on local stuff why should they deal with any body else equipment. They gave me a decent deal and I was fine with what I paid. Not real happy with how long the service department takes but that is RV dealers in general

Chris

I do my own service and brake downs never happen when the RV is home and not in use. If I got a good price and service close to home I would buy there.

I prefer to buy close to home since many of these types of purchases take more than one trip to get it home.

When I full timed, I bought my RV in Baton Rouge, LA. and had warranty work performed in Cumming, GA. no problem.

Some RV dealers, very short sided, will not work on rigs bought from another dealer, or put those at the bottom of the list. Does that make you then want to do business with that dealer?

Of course, it is always best to support local business, but if they don't carry the brand you want, or their price is not competitive, then you should go where you get what you want at the price you are willing to pay.

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I think it's a good idea - I always get the best service at places where I tip well. Money talks. Many will disagree.