RV Whosalers in OHIO

'tiredTeacher wrote:

mwebber78 wrote:
I'm not a big fan of their RV sales, I've found them to be pushy about how "great" they are while they put down every dealer or brand they don't carry.

I haven't had that from my salesman. I'd repectfully have to add that, as with any organization, individuals and their personality traits can form the impression one gets of the organization as a whole. My experience is based on my dealing with Levi Oglesbee.
I sat at my computer and called RVW on the phone. Levi merely asked if I had called to get the best price I could. I, of course, said, yes. He then said he would e-mail me a quote and added, "I know you're using me to beat up on your local dealer." I said, that's also true. He sent the quote in seconds. He then added, "If you are shopping for the best price, you'll find no one can beat that quote." I told him it would cost me money to round trip it to Ohio, so the local guy didn't have to beat his quote or match it, just come close. Levi said he understood and would call back next week to follow up. He didn't have to; I called him.
Arrogance and confidence are in the ear of the listener. I heard confidence; others may hear arrogance. Bottom line is his quote was no empty boast. I'm planning a trip to Lakeview, Ohio.
Shall I keep y'all posted on the process as it goes along? As of right now, the sales agreement is signed, deposit paid. I'm waiting on the preliminary estimate of a delivery date, which is schduled to be determined in the next month. Levi said the whole process should take about 6-8 weeks.

Teach

Best of luck, mine wasn't Levi - that name I'd remember. I've been in the business world all my career - I can recognize confidence versus arrogance. In my case, the sales person made specific comments about Wana RV and Terrytown that weren't true. If you want the details, you can PM me as I don't want to hijack the thread.

Bought mine from Labadie RV in Holland Ohio, great guys to do business with.

I was not happy with the pdi if they did one. I picked it up from the driver in Omaha and not at their dealership. I had warranty issues but dealt with heartland directly.

Randu wrote:

WoodGlue wrote:
My biggest concern is that you're not working with a "sticks and bricks" RV dealership, which can he very important!
WoodGlue

I have visited many of the mentioned Whosalers and they have very nice large "Stick and brick" buildings complete with nice parts department and service bays. Terrytown in Grand Rapids MI must have 2000 rigs on their many lots around their building. Many of the wholesalers are nothing more than dealerships that have learned to embrace and focus their sales and marketing efforts towards the internet. Much better business model to move many units at X margin than 2 units at Y margin. Randu

Good to hear this! Thank you for the information!

WoodGlue wrote:
My biggest concern is that you're not working with a "sticks and bricks" RV dealership, which can he very important!
WoodGlue

I have visited many of the mentioned Whosalers and they have very nice large "Stick and brick" buildings complete with nice parts department and service bays. Terrytown in Grand Rapids MI must have 2000 rigs on their many lots around their building. Many of the wholesalers are nothing more than dealerships that have learned to embrace and focus their sales and marketing efforts towards the internet. Much better business model to move many units at X margin than 2 units at Y margin. Randu

GWolfe wrote:
Sounds to me like they are going to pick it up at the dealer and camp the first night just down the road.

Roger that. I'm retired and I'm taking an experienced camping buddy with me instead of my wife, Penny. She'll get her mitts on it when we get back and all things mechanical are tested, retested and sanitized.

Teach

Sounds to me like they are going to pick it up at the dealer and camp the first night just down the road.

My biggest concern is that you're not working with a "sticks and bricks" RV dealership, which can he very important!

The other concern is the PDI w/ the people subcontracted to haul the unit to your location. Again, another "non s&b" issue.

Should you choose to buy through a wholesaler, maybe sure you do a through Pre Devilry Inspection w/ the people who bring the RV to you.

WoodGlue

OBX-GL wrote:
Probably the best way to go if you don't mind traveling to pick it up. BTW all local dealers will use warranty and servicing scare tactics to discourage you from shopping elsewhere don't let them keep you from a good deal. Fear creates their monopoly.

Here it is, straight from Forest River (my bold):"To insure your local dealer’s personal interest in your complete satisfaction, it is recommended that all warranty service be performed by the authorized dealer from whom you purchased your unit. Following a move or as you are traveling, should warranty service become necessary, such service shall be performed by any authorized dealer in the United States or Canada."
"Recommended" and "required" are two different things.
Before contacting RVW, I sat down with my local FR dealer where I store my Sunline. He has done all my repairs to date, and I told him I wanted to buy from him if possible. We went over every unit he sells. None compared to what we wanted. His (father's) business has been there since 1948 and this wasn't the first time he'd heard this. He wished me luck and then added that he'd do the warranty work for me, as a continuing customer. In return, I will buy my extended warranty from him and continue to pay him storage fees. We both win in the end.

Teach

linnemj wrote:
When you get your unit, plan on spending the first two nights at nearby Indian Lake State Park. When you are camping, try everything in the unit. We did this and found the furnace vent was not open at the furnace so the floor vents were not getting heat. It was a quick fix when we drove back the 4-5 miles to RVW.

Ah, great minds and all that. That's the plan. Motel it the first night, take delivery then off to Indian Lake ("...is the scene you should make..." remember that song?) for at least one full day and night of road test.

Teach