How to negotiate

Awesome- thanks for the advice. We are looking towards the floor plan of the Bullet 272BHS. It seems to be quite the common floor plan so negotiating should work well. I'll give it a shot. We have plenty of time. We plan to hit the RV show on the 18th strictly for informational. I'm not looking to buy at a show...

homedad wrote:
Be prepared to walk away if you don't get your realistic price. There is always another one to look at.

X1000!!!!

Don't be insulting but if you can walk away, you have them by the... There is always another dealer and even if you go back a week later, they will still be happy to sell to you.

Now if you go to 3-4 dealers and they all bottom out around the same price, that's a good sign that you have found the bottom of their price range.

I personally prefer used as they often don't have a true bottom since they aren't looking at a true profit and loss. There are a lot of nice rigs out there, you just have to do a little digging. A popular method I have used is something along the lines of:

"I really like the rig and it looks like you've taken great care of her. I would love to make an offer but I dont' want to insult you since I was only planning to spend $XXXX."

Reality is you just made an offer but he can't be offended by your low ball offer, since you didn't make an offer. It's especially effective when the rig has been on the market a while and the guy is struggling with what he wants vs what it's worth. He can save face by accepting and saying its because he likes you (or maybe gives a counter offer).

It takes some effort and can be a bit stressful but you can save a ton of money negotiating.

By the way, we've done the employee discount on cars and if you have a trade in, there very much is still room to negotiate.

valhalla360 wrote:

homedad wrote:
Be prepared to walk away if you don't get your realistic price. There is always another one to look at.

X1000!!!!

Don't be insulting but if you can walk away, you have them by the... There is always another dealer and even if you go back a week later, they will still be happy to sell to you.

Now if you go to 3-4 dealers and they all bottom out around the same price, that's a good sign that you have found the bottom of their price range.

I personally prefer used as they often don't have a true bottom since they aren't looking at a true profit and loss. There are a lot of nice rigs out there, you just have to do a little digging. A popular method I have used is something along the lines of:

"I really like the rig and it looks like you've taken great care of her. I would love to make an offer but I dont' want to insult you since I was only planning to spend $XXXX."

Reality is you just made an offer but he can't be offended by your low ball offer, since you didn't make an offer. It's especially effective when the rig has been on the market a while and the guy is struggling with what he wants vs what it's worth. He can save face by accepting and saying its because he likes you (or maybe gives a counter offer).

It takes some effort and can be a bit stressful but you can save a ton of money negotiating.

By the way, we've done the employee discount on cars and if you have a trade in, there very much is still room to negotiate.

On the car thing- yeah we've done a trade but I usually send DH in and tell him they give you $XX or you leave. He plays the wife is in charge card and I don't have to step a foot in the dealership.

I have no problem with the concept of negotiating and I'm definitely going to take your ideas. I'm going in with as much info as possible! I'm nervous haha. I don't have my heart set on a brand but I do prefer the floor plan- it seems quite common though!

your best bet is take some one who has done this ,learn as you go.. rule #1 the sales person is NOT YOUR FRIEND. they get paid by the HIGHER PRICE they sell you.

I have bough 2 brand new RV's and 4 used. If you are negotiating to save money. Have a little fun and take a good look at the newer used. You will save a fortune. Some people buy and use a RV a couple times and then find out it isn't for them. I will not buy new again unless I hit the lottery. That being said if you are set on new then start real low. Leave the lot and leave your number. You may be surprised at how many call you back. JMHO

Negotiate an all inclusive out the door price - include tax, tag, hitch, and any extras you think you might want. This way there are no hidden fees or add-ons you can get stuck with. This is how I buy cars, RV, boats, etc

kiwiiam wrote:
We usually walk away the first round, let them call you back. It sets the message that you are not emotionally attached to it and are willing to walk away.

If they let you off the lot. The last time I bought a car, I tried to drive away, but I would have run over the sales person and his "manager".

Other then the hitch, what extras are there?

Before I ordered my Gulf Stream, I had found floor plans that I liked and looked at what I could on dealer lots.I sat down with three different dealers to begin spec'ing out what I would order and what they would give me for my trade in. I took my time, did my research, and ultimately got the camper I wanted at a price about $1,500 lower than what I was expecting to pay.

I disagree with dtaylor. Making things all inclusive give the dealer to much cover to over charge for the extras. Determine a price you can live with for the unit you want,and stick to it. Remember,you are buying a mass produced product,if you found that one another exists.
"Argue" between the two of you about another unit you saw at a different dealer. Make it believable, have some real knowledge about the other unit. The guy in front of you really does not want you to walk away.
Make it a good offer also do not waste is time or yours with an unworkable figure.

Just as an example, we bought ours at a show, the big yellow sign said
23 something
First thing out of the salesmans mouth brought it to 21000
We offered 16800 trailer alone which set off a period of him and another guy scurrying around,making phone calls and two counter offers both of which were refused
we ended up out the door for 17300 all inclusive,including hitch tag and registration.
Did we get a good deal? I don't know. We were happy!