I have questions concerning buying an RV by requesting quotes from dealers. Is this method of purchase done only when one will be custom ordering an RV? In other words, submitting an identical request to all the dealers for the exact year/model/options? Once you've decided to accept a bid, does the dealer expect you to place a deposit down? Should you make it clear when requesting bids that you are requesting bids for the exact model from many dealers, i.e. sending it by email and including all the other dealers in the header? Thanks

Do this when you are ready to buy and it's not a problem. I explained to each dealer that I was in contact with two others for the best price and what else they could throw in. When one couldn't match the best, I thanked them and went with the better price and ended up getting my hitch (B&W) and install included.

guidry wrote:Do this when you are ready to buy and it's not a problem. I explained to each dealer that I was in contact with two others for the best price and what else they could throw in. When one couldn't match the best, I thanked them and went with the better price and ended up getting my hitch (B&W) and install included.Did you put down a deposit? Did you still have the right of refusal if the RV was unacceptable for some reason?

Dealer refused to take a deposit and put the rv in the back lot for 3 months til I looked at it. Never did a deposit, just bought it. But this dealer is exceptional. I doubt others would do business like that. I'd say get the best price then put a deposit only if you get it back if not satisfied with the rv. Protect yourself but get the best price through Internet comparison of the same units.

You can request whatever you wish, the dealer can respond however he wishes. You make clear whatever terms you need to make clear, the dealer may or may not honor your terms. I think most dealers would prefer to sell existing stock closest to your requirements, to get stock off their floor plan loans.If you accept a bid, and the dealer must order from the factory, you will usually need to make a deposit. If you have exacting requirements, you need to make that clear. Otherwise, the dealer may not be able to meet your requirements. The factory might not even be willing to build to your requirements; this depends very much on the company and brand, some manufacturers do custom builds, others do not.You might try whatever mind games you choose for this venture, including competitor names in your solicitation if you choose, but email is not really a good way to do business for a purchase like this. Many dealers, even manufacturers, do not treat email as serious business, as there is so much fraud and spam coming in. If you are making a serious request for quotes, spell it out in a formal proposal, send it as registered mail.

tatest wrote:You can request whatever you wish, the dealer can respond however he wishes. You make clear whatever terms you need to make clear, the dealer may or may not honor your terms. I think most dealers would prefer to sell existing stock closest to your requirements, to get stock off their floor plan loans.If you accept a bid, and the dealer must order from the factory, you will usually need to make a deposit. If you have exacting requirements, you need to make that clear. Otherwise, the dealer may not be able to meet your requirements. The factory might not even be willing to build to your requirements; this depends very much on the company and brand, some manufacturers do custom builds, others do not.You might try whatever mind games you choose for this venture, including competitor names in your solicitation if you choose, but email is not really a good way to do business for a purchase like this. Many dealers, even manufacturers, do not treat email as serious business, as there is so much fraud and spam coming in. If you are making a serious request for quotes, spell it out in a formal proposal, send it as registered mail.Thanks.Would you consider an RV that was ordered with only the options specified as available by the manufacture to be custom?

Questions about requesting bids from dealers | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

guidry
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
Dealer refused to take a deposit and put the rv in the back lot for 3 months til I looked at it. Never did a deposit, just bought it. But this dealer is exceptional. I doubt others would do business like that. I'd say get the best price then put a deposit only if you get it back if not satisfied with the rv. Protect yourself but get the best price through Internet comparison of the same units.
RKW
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
guidry wrote:
Do this when you are ready to buy and it's not a problem. I explained to each dealer that I was in contact with two others for the best price and what else they could throw in. When one couldn't match the best, I thanked them and went with the better price and ended up getting my hitch (B&W) and install included.

Did you put down a deposit? Did you still have the right of refusal if the RV was unacceptable for some reason?
guidry
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
Do this when you are ready to buy and it's not a problem. I explained to each dealer that I was in contact with two others for the best price and what else they could throw in. When one couldn't match the best, I thanked them and went with the better price and ended up getting my hitch (B&W) and install included.

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Questions about requesting bids from dealers

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