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

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?thanksSales 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.

Pricing | Good Sam Community

Markiemark32
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015
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
wing_zealot
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015
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".
PastorCharlie
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015
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.
Wiscampsin
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015
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.

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