A month ago we decided to buy a particular new trailer from a dealer, but they had to order it from the factory since the only one they had on the lot was already sold. The dealer is a long distance from us, so we did all the bickering and bantering in regards to pricing and extras via e-mail, and we gave a 5k deposit. Yesterday we got the schedule when it would leave the plant, when it would arrive, etc but they said they would want full payment before it left the plant. That was fine with us, but I said I would hold back an amount until after I did the PDI and took delivery. They agreed and sent a purchase agreement with the various items and then the final cost and we were to send a check for the amount. My wife was just about to write the check when she discovered that in their addition they made a $2000 mistake in our favor. Needless to say, I had the devil on one shoulder, and the good angel on my other shoulder The good angel won out and now we are waiting to hear back from the dealer. I just hope the trailer isn't a lemon like our last one!Jack L

Just so you know, if you pay them before the PDI, you've given up any negotiation leverage. Once you pay them, you depend on the dealer's good will to make things right, not something I would do.

NEVER EVER pay full amount before you even see the darn thing, you are left with no bargaining power.your 5K down should be more than enough. just a though ,the rv gets rolled down a hill on its way to the dealer ,your gonna wait long time for another unit ,the 2019,s will be out before you get your 2017.

I find it strange that they want full payment before delivery. I wonder how reliable this dealer is. Are they in financial trouble?

I tend to agree with above posters, however, perhaps you held out a substantial amount. Of course, you did the correct thing by notifying them of their error. I always put myself on the other end and know I'd appreciate someone letting me know. What goes around comes around.

Don't pass the 'smell test' in my view.

Sales agreement | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2017
Just so you know, if you pay them before the PDI, you've given up any negotiation leverage. Once you pay them, you depend on the dealer's good will to make things right, not something I would do.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Oct 31, 2017
NEVER EVER pay full amount before you even see the darn thing, you are left with no bargaining power.your 5K down should be more than enough. just a though ,the rv gets rolled down a hill on its way to the dealer ,your gonna wait long time for another unit ,the 2019,s will be out before you get your 2017.
stickdog
Explorer
Oct 31, 2017
I find it strange that they want full payment before delivery. I wonder how reliable this dealer is. Are they in financial trouble?
Dance_Chick
Explorer
Oct 31, 2017
I tend to agree with above posters, however, perhaps you held out a substantial amount. Of course, you did the correct thing by notifying them of their error. I always put myself on the other end and know I'd appreciate someone letting me know. What goes around comes around.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2017
Don't pass the 'smell test' in my view.
Skid_Row_Joe
Explorer
Oct 31, 2017
stickdog wrote:
I find it strange that they want full payment before delivery. I wonder how reliable this dealer is. Are they in financial trouble?
Good points.

Do not pay more than the deposit before you inspect it in person with a PDI.
rickeoni
Explorer
Oct 31, 2017
I put 3k down on a special order and there was never a demand for payment until after the trailer arrived.

Oh and good on you for doing the honest thing, there is not enough of that in today's society.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2017
Hope it all works out to your satisfaction

Personlly
$5000 down would have been it until it was on dealers lot and I was doing my PDI.

Ordered my truck and ordered my 5th wheel
Didn't put any monies down on truck and just $500 down on 5th wheel.

Hope your 'hold back' is significant
Best of luck!
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2017
stickdog wrote:
I find it strange that they want full payment before delivery. I wonder how reliable this dealer is. Are they in financial trouble?
I don't think that's strange at all, but just because they ask doesn't mean you have acquiesce. I would try to get my money up front too, just good business practice.
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 31, 2017
I would pass on the deal. It stinks of a dealer going out of bussiness and stealing your cash.
I did the exact same deal on our TT. I gave them a $2K deposit and did not pay the balance until it had arrived and I inspected it.
There's no way I would pay the whole thing in advance.

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