I need some purchasing tips.

patperry2766 wrote:
If you are in the car business, then you know that there are always unrealistic customers wanting a price or something thrown in that isn't a financially sounds decision for the dealership. When I was a sales manager, we had many, many, many customers walk because they were wanting me to sell a car to them that would loose thousands of dollars.

Since you didn't give us the MSRP and the last asking price on the respective trailers, both of there dealers might be giving you outstanding deals and they're at the point that they're not gonna loose money at the beginning of camping season just to sell a unit.

When I bought my camper last year, I was $700 away on price and she wouldn't come off her price anymore. I could either go down in camper of come up with more $$ out of my pocket....that camper is sitting in my driveway right now.

Thanks for all the responses.
I know where im at with Tacoma RV. I want them to give me more money for my trade, and i know they can, and they know they can. So they will loose the deal over 1000. They havent done anything to get my business.

The 2nd shop is a different story. I know where they are now. I do feel confident that im at their lowest selling point. So i made the decision to buy it this weekend. Well, while making that decision i found ANOTHER trailer in my price range and in my area we are looking at tomorrow. Might have to start over.
Cyclone 3800. Beside it being a fat heavy pig, it has everything we want. 2 couches, 2 bathrooms, and 12 feet garage.

I will keep you all up to date. Thanks again for the long thought out posts. Pics to come.

If you are in the car business, then you know that there are always unrealistic customers wanting a price or something thrown in that isn't a financially sounds decision for the dealership. When I was a sales manager, we had many, many, many customers walk because they were wanting me to sell a car to them that would loose thousands of dollars.

Since you didn't give us the MSRP and the last asking price on the respective trailers, both of there dealers might be giving you outstanding deals and they're at the point that they're not gonna loose money at the beginning of camping season just to sell a unit.

When I bought my camper last year, I was $700 away on price and she wouldn't come off her price anymore. I could either go down in camper of come up with more $$ out of my pocket....that camper is sitting in my driveway right now.

Knowing (or finding out) prices for Cars/trucks -vs- trailers (or RVs) are *worlds* apart.

You (or I, or anybody - even "Beaker") can find dealer *cost* (which is less than dealer invoice) of a car or truck pretty easily.
(Dealer invoice, minus dealer holdback. Doesn't include factory incentives to the dealer - which we won't know.)

Not so for RVs.
None of the above - except for a few mfgrs who *do* list MSRP on their (not the dealers) websites.

Also for cars & trucks there's WAY more inventory immediately available, and dealers will trade new vehicles (between dealers).

*If* you want a "deal" on a trailer you'll have to order it.
Decide exactly what you want, shop it around (apples for apples) via the internet - and you *will* find the lowest price.
Then you will have to decide how far you are willing to travel for your best price. (30% off MSRP is the norm - assuming the MSRP hasn't been "juggled")

If you're buying from a dealer's stock (on the lot - or at an RV show), you are in competition with all the "gotta have it now" emotional buyers.
Dealer has what you/they want - and a limited supply of same.

The dealer has NO incentive to cut you any slack, jack!..:S

Happy negotiating!

~

I know cars. I know the mark up in cars. I have no idea on trailers. I was almost sure they would have a ton of overhead in their trailer. I was almost positive they would be able to drop a hitch in the package or take another 1000 off.

I don't know the markup on cars, nor do I care.
I don't know the markup on trailers, nor do I care.
I don't know the markup on a sweater not Walmart, nor do I care.

I do know how to shop for price.

My only point was, even if you are in service, you still know how sales go down.

If they want the sale, they will call you. If not you now know their price.

As others have pointed out, you must also know when you have a deal you can live with, regardless of price.

Hope you get a great deal on what you're after!

Sometimes, with these kinds of negotiations, the buyer is getting a good deal, and leaving the seller at little room to breath ...

It can't always be about 'How low can I get him to sell it."

It should be sometimes how much is it worth to me, or are you going to get so much off that you have a not-so-good service relationship later, or warranty.

We often get caught up in our wallets and skip the practical side of a purchase. Nice to save dollars, but if you squeeze every single nickel, and spend your time with that in mind, you won't have much time left for camping, or fishing, or biking - or laying in the shade ...

Lyrikz wrote:

Mich F wrote:
For someone that's willing to go 3,000 miles (as in crossing the country) to get the lowest price possible, why are you so concerned with how low these two dealers will go? It sounds like both have reached their bottom line already. Surely there are other dealers out there that will match or beat the prices of these two, or have you already tried others ? :h

Im not willing to go 3000 miles.

There arent many of these rigs.
We had 3 we truely liked
XLR
Road warrior
Raptor
XLR is out of the question now, but the other two are on the table.

Road warrior company has taken a lot off, i can understand why they havent moved. But Tacoma RV hasnt taken anything off. I could get that same unit for that price, there just is no one in the my state that has that particular rv.

I will figure it out. $1000 isnt the end of the world, i just need a deal of some kind. LOL.

Never mind :S I mistook your 3,000 and 1,000 for miles and not dollars. :o

Mich F wrote:
For someone that's willing to go 3,000 miles (as in crossing the country) to get the lowest price possible, why are you so concerned with how low these two dealers will go? It sounds like both have reached their bottom line already. Surely there are other dealers out there that will match or beat the prices of these two, or have you already tried others ? :h

Im not willing to go 3000 miles.

There arent many of these rigs.
We had 3 we truely liked
XLR
Road warrior
Raptor
XLR is out of the question now, but the other two are on the table.

Road warrior company has taken a lot off, i can understand why they havent moved. But Tacoma RV hasnt taken anything off. I could get that same unit for that price, there just is no one in the my state that has that particular rv.

I will figure it out. $1000 isnt the end of the world, i just need a deal of some kind. LOL.

For someone that's willing to go 3,000 miles (as in crossing the country) to get the lowest price possible, why are you so concerned with how low these two dealers will go? It sounds like both have reached their bottom line already. Surely there are other dealers out there that will match or beat the prices of these two, or have you already tried others ? :h

Beaker wrote:

Its the principal of it. I have worked for a car dealer for 20 years.

And you need tips from us?

Service area.

I know cars. I know the mark up in cars. I have no idea on trailers. I was almost sure they would have a ton of overhead in their trailer. I was almost positive they would be able to drop a hitch in the package or take another 1000 off.

We will see... He is pretty set on the price.

Beaker wrote:

Its the principal of it. I have worked for a car dealer for 20 years.

And you need tips from us?

That was my thought also.