Pricing

I'd go for 30 - 33% off MSRP. And forget the dealer that charges you for the PDI (walkthru). Sometimes the MSRP can be different due to delivery charge distance from the factory.

PDI should be included in selling price. MSRP is merely a suggested pricing by Manuf. Final price is dependent upon negotiation and agreement between both parties. A fair price is whatever both parties are happy with.

It doesn't matter whether they charge for the PDI or not, the bottom line total out the door is all that matters. One way or the other, if you expect the dealer to do a competent job of getting the RV ready to go camping and show you how everything works, then you also have to expect that dealer has to make money or he won't be there for long. He can add on all the extras he wants, the only number you need to be concerned with is the total at the bottom. Knock off the PDI whether it's itemized or not, and you can expect to get what you pay for as far as a PDI goes - "here's your keys, see ya!" He sure ain't going to put forth anything when he's losing money doing it.

I actually paid for my PDI, but I also know exactly what I was getting for the money. I got things like 2 full propane tanks, battery, electrical extension cord, and a whole host of things operated, checked out and demonstrated. Bottom line price was what I willing to pay for exactly what I was getting. There was no surprises like "oh the battery is not included".

mr68gto wrote:
First, my apologies if this has been covered. I joined a few days ago and have never owned an RV of any kind.

I have been doing a lot of internet research and comparing pricing, etc. One thing that stands out is that no matter the type of RV it seems all dealers will list the MSRP and then another price called "internet pricing" or "show price", etc. Looking a specific brands with the same options (or apparently so) at different dealers across regions I've come to a conclusion that sometimes the MSRP is so different it appears to be fabricated. But my main question is the discounted pricing that is advertised. It is often 25% or so below MSRP. Is this discounted pricing usually a firm price or is that negotiable too. I have talked to a couple of sales people and haven't asked yet but they drop hints like that is the price they demand.

Also, I just spoke with one sales person who claims they charge 850 to do the checkout of the unit after the sale. Seems to me that should be part of doing business and not an extra cost. How would they sell something they haven't even made right if it had problems? Isn't a checkout process inherent in a sale?

thanks

Sales people in the beginning will lead you to believe a firm price, MANY stories, of individuals walking & another lower price available. So yes, prices are negotiable and part of the RV purchasing process, more so than cars. Do your homework.



Beware, some dealers, will try to get admin fees for paperwork, transportation fees for when rig delivered to them, and PDI (pre-delivery inspection)….. Some charge them, some don’t, and some try then bargain them out to make a sale.

MSRP: can be different throughout US, although fairly close, normal is to get 25-35% off MSRP. MSRP do seem sort of made up, they will say depends on how a unit is equipped, etc….

Do your homework, through the internet, you can find what a fair selling price, can be had. There are whole-sale dealers, and some dealers that advertise discounted selling price available.

Also local dealers will also, say they will work closely through any warranty issues (usually 1 year), if you purchase from them. Many dealers, will not work on units they did not sell (warranty work that is), or not quickly work on warranty work.

So get to know service options in your area, including how competent their service department is.


Many negotiate accessories also with a new purchase.

Good Luck,
Markiemark:C

Thank you all for the replies. I quickly learned that RV sales are not like a car (you can by a GMC from one dealer and have it worked on by any other GM dealer for warranty). Yes bottom line price is what counts and dealer has to make a living. The thing that got me questioning about charging for PDI is that I read on another thread that manufacturers pay the dealer to do the PDI. So I looked at it as double charging.

Local rip-off dealer tries to get $1,600 for PDI. Now that's funny!

mr68gto wrote:
Thank you all for the replies. I quickly learned that RV sales are not like a car (you can by a GMC from one dealer and have it worked on by any other GM dealer for warranty).

you'll be miles ahead of other newbies if you learn NOT to compare the RV industry to the Auto industry.
the only things they have in common, is that they both make and sell things with wheels, at dealerships.

and never believe a dealer/salesman about MSRP. they can be all over the place, for the same RV.
the best thing is to compare prices, like on RVTrader or get quotes from the big online dealers, like RVW and RVDirect and use those quotes to shop with.

Yeah, MSRP isn't worth the paper it's written on. As you have noted, prices for nearly identical RVs can be all over the place, spending time online researching will give you at least some knowledge of the price range for the rig you are interested in. RVtrader.com is a good place to get an idea of what your rig is selling for across the country. Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for at a price you can live with.

MSRP is set by the manufacturer. It's made up although I am sure some math is involved. Then there is MAP, - manufacturers advertised price. This is the lowest price a manufacturer will allow a dealer to advertise. This is why you see on web ads - "too low to show", it's below MAP. This threshold creates fair competition against other dealers with the same brands. As others have said a good deal usually lands about 25-35% below MSRP. Your best bet is to shop, shop, shop. Even if it means 10 dealers over 1,000 miles apart. Ask them for their best price and start pitting dealers against one another. Let them know the great deal you are getting at other dealers and ask them to beat it. It won't take long to get a feel for what you think the best deal is. Check RVdirect.com for the rock bottom price and work dealers to get there. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to fly one way 1,000 miles to pick up a unit if it saved me a few grand (calc the savings against the plane ticket and return trip costs). I have never had any dealer refuse to do warranty work if I didn't buy my MH there. I mean when you travel are you always next door to your dealer? Thousands of MH owners get work done on trips which is what you'll be using it for and usually they are away from home. I took it one place and it wasn't even a Thor dealer. Money is money. Any dealer that turns away warranty work because you didn't buy there is a fool and shooting himself in the foot and I wouldn't deal with them anyway. My local dealer is awesome and doesn't even sell my brand. And I would never pay for PDI - hidden or otherwise. I walked from a deal that wanted $1,600 for PDI. I told him I refused so he took it out and added $2k in "dealer fees" back in. I bought at another dealer 100 miles away for $3k less and told them that. They said "oh well". Too many dealers to be subjected with fees for things they are supposed to be doing in the first place.

Charging for a PDI is a rip off.... I imagine they use it as a bargaining tool. They probably tell people when a deal is going south, that they will waive it or something...But if you have two units that are the exact same from two different dealers and one charges for a PDI and the other doesn't, then it really boils down to the bottom line. I don't care how they brake it down or how they got to it. I care about the final number. If they feel good that they got $850 for a PDI from me, but their bottom line is less than the other dealer, then I will buy theirs. Money talks....