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kedanie's avatar
kedanie
Explorer II
Oct 08, 2014

Questionable Sales Tactic by Lazydays

We have been looking to upgrade to a Tiffin Phaeton for some time. Looking for a good used late model coach. I found a couple listed on the Lazydays web page and inquired. I found it odd that they were listed as "arriving soon" with some basic data.

Well, after being contacted by a sales rep from the Tampa store, we started exchanging emails and phone calls about the coach we were interested in. The sales seemed a little high pressure to the point that they were asking for a deposit on a used coach and had yet to even provide a photo of the coach. I ignored this and continued the discussion even going so far as beginning to talk about prices on their coach and our trade. Keep in mind that they are in Florida and we are in New Mexico.

After quite a bit of talk, they still had not provided any details about the coach and were still asking for a deposit. Finally, I told them that that was not going to happen. Then, today they called back and once again asked for a deposit. I, once again said that that wasn't going to happen. At this point I was told that most likely they would not be able to have anything for us as they would be sold to someone else.

Keep in mind that the deposit was supposedly 100% refundable. But, they apparently wand a deposit to stand in line for chance to buy one of their used coaches when it finally arrives.

I'm sorry, but that's not for us. I guess we'll go look elsewhere.

Keith
Class A

60 Replies

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  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Oct 08, 2014
    It's a salesperson's job to try to sell you something that you can see. :) As for being on commission...that's part of his job, too. While in training he was surely told to expect 'lookers'.

    We would never put down a deposit on something we couldn't see and not even a picture?
  • tjfogelberg's avatar
    tjfogelberg
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    I see both sides here (slick salesman vs. making sure you're serious). Here is how I do business with folks to try to avoid this conflict...

    I do most of my research online and narrow down what I am looking for. Then I contact dealers (or private individuals) and describe my criteria and explain that I am serious buyer. This approach avoids time wasted with window shoppers and minimizes the number of exposures to high pressure sales people.

    I don't think it is wise to make any deposits until a specific unit has been identified. At that point, a deposit is warranted with agreed to terms regarding getting over to inspect and test drive unit before committing.
  • Laman's avatar
    Laman
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    I personally don't see the questionable sales tactic or possible bait and switch. LD's has a high turnover in units and if you want to assure that the unit you are interested in is still available you will need to put a hold deposit until you do/don't make the deal. Are you sure he did not mention that if you are interested in this particular you would have to put the deposit down to hold it to otherwise risk the chance of traveling from New Mexico to Florida only find out the unit was gone? That is actually a pretty standard practice that I have run into at other dealers.
    I personally put a 500 deposit on a MH with LD's several years ago but after not being able to agree on a deal, my money was refunded. Two years later put another deposit to hold a unit, that was also being looked at by two other couples, then took a couple of days to inspect with the knowledge that my deposit had bought me some time.

    Now as for as him not having pictures I would guess the unit had not arrived yet, which happens quite oftern but he should have explained that.

    Remember that salesman is in competition with the other salesmen at LD's the quicker he gets a deposit and hold the better chance he has of making the sale.
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2014
    Thanks, we'll be in Phoenix for 2 months starting in Feb. Who knows, maybe something will land in our lap while down there.
  • BigBlockTank's avatar
    BigBlockTank
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    Come to Tucson, it's not that far, and we have a few dealerships. All of them are crooked, to a degree, to me. But, not too bad, and the season is just getting started.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2014
    I am not sure it is a questionable sales tactic. I can see both sides of the street here.
    You are reluctant to give a deposit sight unseen.
    The salesman ON COMMISSION ONLY is spending non-compensated time on a maybe sale from what 3000 miles away. Does not take much of a leap to wonder if the person taking up your time is serious or just gathering information and buying somewhere else. It is in my mind analogous to what independent small stores are going through with internet stores. People come in take lots of time ask lots of questions then go home and order the product for a few bucks less online. Or to put it closer to home go to Camping World and gaather information then go home and order from Amazon

    The salesman is trying to feed his family
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    Keith, since you are in the west end of the country, check out PPLmotorhomes in Houston and MOT (Motorhomes of Texas) in Nacogdoches, TX. Also, Motorhome Specialists in Alvarado. Much closer and lots and lots of coaches to pick from.

    Good luck, sorry to hear of the 'hard sales' routine.

    MM.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Oct 08, 2014
    Just one of many complaints about shady sales tactics at LazyDays. Very few of the locals, including me, will deal with them.
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2014
    That's sounds like a little bit of a bait and switch. On the deposit it probably is refundable like they say, but it's just a tactic to try and get you committed to them. They think once you send money they have the hook baited and set, and all they have to do is reel you in. I personally don't respond well to the high pressure sales tactics, and I walk away from them. I once got into a shouting match with a car salesman and a sales manager (it's a long story) and walked out of the dealership. The next day the sales manager called me to apologize and agreed to sell me the vehicle under the terms I was asking. I told him I would not take his car if he gave it to me for free! I don't do business with people who resort to those tactics.

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