Paying in full before delivery???
We decided on a trailer to replace the fifth in the signature. Initial discussions were with the dealer to order in a model equipped the way we wanted. Ordering was fine, as we did not want to actually take possession of the trailer for a couple of months. The only pressure was to get the deposit down, and order in, before the end of the month, so the dealer could take advantage of (and pass along to us) the various incentives and show savings offered by the manufacturer. Of course not detailed to us, but since I was only concerned about "out the door" price, the details didn't really matter. The warning was that waiting until after the end of the month would mean a much higher price, as the dealer would not get the same incentives. Typical "decide right now" sales tactic, I assumed, but not a biggie as we were ready to commit, and ordering would meet our timeframe.
During the course of the financial paperwork signing, they suddenly "discovered" that one equipped just how we wanted had been received that day, and could be delivered any time.
The conversation and paperwork changed to straight out purchase. Thank goodness I left my checkbook at home! We left with them stressing that even with a deposit, we had to send a check for full payment ASAP.
The next morning, I sent a note informing them that I would not be fully paying for a unit we would not see (nor do a PDI on) for over two months. I would do that on the day of actual delivery.
The response has been that I could come out early to do a full PDI, pay, and they would hold it until I really wanted to pick it up. Their reasoning was that otherwise they (and I) would loose any mfg. incentives/discounts.
While I can do that - it sounds fishy. Anyone have more knowledge about how these arrangements work between dealers and mfgs? Hard to see why the mfg. might disallow a "discount" on an in stock unit, but not on one that has to be special ordered.
Yeah, standard advice is to run away..but in the end, we get what we want at a price we like, but with the inconvenience of driving a couple of hours for an additional visit.
Just a ploy for the dealer to get money in the bank right now, rather than later?
During the course of the financial paperwork signing, they suddenly "discovered" that one equipped just how we wanted had been received that day, and could be delivered any time.
The conversation and paperwork changed to straight out purchase. Thank goodness I left my checkbook at home! We left with them stressing that even with a deposit, we had to send a check for full payment ASAP.
The next morning, I sent a note informing them that I would not be fully paying for a unit we would not see (nor do a PDI on) for over two months. I would do that on the day of actual delivery.
The response has been that I could come out early to do a full PDI, pay, and they would hold it until I really wanted to pick it up. Their reasoning was that otherwise they (and I) would loose any mfg. incentives/discounts.
While I can do that - it sounds fishy. Anyone have more knowledge about how these arrangements work between dealers and mfgs? Hard to see why the mfg. might disallow a "discount" on an in stock unit, but not on one that has to be special ordered.
Yeah, standard advice is to run away..but in the end, we get what we want at a price we like, but with the inconvenience of driving a couple of hours for an additional visit.
Just a ploy for the dealer to get money in the bank right now, rather than later?
