Special Order vs. Purchasing off the Lot

[JCGibson]

The wife and I today went to look at Tiffin Allegro Open Roads and we have decided that is what we want. In our area (within 3-5 hours), there aren't many options and the floor plan that we wanted the most, the dealer just sold it yesterday. 😞

So, we have thought we might special order a coach to get exactly what we want. When doing a special order, is it possible to get a purchase price that is comparable to one that is on the lot, or at least close? Wouldn't mind paying a bit more since we would get exactly as wanted, but don't want to pay MSRP if don't have to. Would look elsewhere if that is the case.


John

[Tntman]

You should get a dealer close to Red Bay, that way you can get the coach with less miles on it. Be sure to make watching the coach be built part of the deal. Tiffin has his own delivery people, but I want to be the first person to sleep in the bed. There is a dealer very close to Tiffin, you may be able to make the deal over the phone. Good luck and welcome to the Tiffin family.you

[hoopers]

I ordered a brand new bighorn a few years ago. Dealer here in Colorado gave me a great deal, similar to what the lot prices were. It took about 3-4 months for delivery.

I played the price off internet dealers and my local dealer. Local dealer matched the internet price and than took another 2000 dollars off.

[rickeoni]

We have a new fifth wheel on order as we could come close to what we wanted on a dealer lot but never exactly perfect. Our order is going to take 6 months but when spending $$$$ for a new unit we figure get every option and the floor plan we want of be forever wishing we would have.

[dougrainer]

Special order will not cost more. That said, there are minor variables.
1. There was a price increase from the time the stock unit was built and delivered.
2. "Most" dealers will require a non refundable depoisit depending on the options and features you order.
3. IF you have agreed to trade and you have a trade, then they usually do not require a deposit.
4. Tiffin will allow you to monitor all aspects of the production of your unit except the chassis area welding at the beginning of the production. There are quite a few Tiffin owners that take pics and are there the whole time the unit is run thru the production line. Doug

[JALLEN4]

The sale of motor homes is somewhat seasonal and therefore the dealer's desire is to stock units more heavily during the peak sales window. The manufacturers production is more straight-line. As a result, the manufacturer will often incentivize the dealer to purchase stock units earlier in the year by offering a cash incentive or floor-plan assistance programs.

In addition, manufacturers will have sales incentives during certain times of the year on stock units to either spur sales or to move inventory out of dealer hands and open space for current production. While in theory buying an ordered unit should result in the same price as a stock unit, it is not necessarily the way the process works and there can occasionally be a significant savings on the in-stock units.

[smacdiesel]

I prefer a custom order, did so with my last Winnebago. The last thing I would want is an rv that has been walked through by hundreds of people. Just my opinion.

[JCGibson]

Bob & Ann wrote:
As stated already you should not pay any more for one that you have built in fact in most cases it will cost you less. That is what we did and got exactly what we wanted. Good luck and I believe that you will be pleased with your purchase. If you do order it you can go to red Bay and watch it be built. Pretty interesting.

If we do custom order, I think we will go to the factory as long as it is during the summer. My wife is a teacher so won't be a problem doing so. I hear they are very accommodating to visitors.

[Bob___Ann]

As stated already you should not pay any more for one that you have built in fact in most cases it will cost you less. That is what we did and got exactly what we wanted. Good luck and I believe that you will be pleased with your purchase. If you do order it you can go to red Bay and watch it be built. Pretty interesting.

[Golden_HVAC]

I special ordered my motorhome, and it was ready before I was ready and had time to sell my old class C. I guess it took about 10 weeks to get from the factory.

Now I just ordered a Transit T-250 and it will take 10 long (LONG) weeks, and that is going to take FOREVER!

I needed to have one with dual A/C, blue, and a few other options. Ford did not have any blue vans locally or not. . .

The best thing is that you will get what you want, and will have 10 years to enjoy it! So I say don't settle for anything less than that!

Fred.

[wallynm]

IMHO it should be less as they do not have long wait on delivery to sale. No floor planning, no upkeep from folks tracking through the rig trying to decide what they want. IMHO Go Sherman RV in MississippiSherman

[TNRIVERSIDE]

ggardne2 wrote:
You shouldn't have to pay any more for special ordering. In theory when you order a unit the dealers costs are lower because they do not have to place the unit into inventory ... very few dealers own the units on their lots, most of them finance these units and have to pay interest on the loan until the unit is sold. When you order a unit it is sold to you within days of arriving on the lot so no inventory carrying costs. (There are exceptions, some dealers purchase their units out-right so do not have to finance them, but this is rare). I have special ordered the last four units I have purchased and have still been able to get a good price on them.

X2.
We special ordered ours at the Hershey RV show and received a better price then we were able to get at the dealer. I would not pay more to special order.

[ggardne2]

You shouldn't have to pay any more for special ordering. In theory when you order a unit the dealers costs are lower because they do not have to place the unit into inventory ... very few dealers own the units on their lots, most of them finance these units and have to pay interest on the loan until the unit is sold. When you order a unit it is sold to you within days of arriving on the lot so no inventory carrying costs. (There are exceptions, some dealers purchase their units out-right so do not have to finance them, but this is rare). I have special ordered the last four units I have purchased and have still been able to get a good price on them.