Dtank wrote:
Some EASY facts:
1. You will *never* know what an RV dealer paid for the unit/s on his lot.
1a. You *can* come close to what the dealer paid on autos and pickups. Keep in mind: For autos and pickups, MSRP (toss that one), Dealer INVOICE, and Dealer COST are the numbers you want to come "close" to. More on the last two later.
2. The guy the OP talked to - might know his "stuff" - maybe not.
3. You *can* / *will* (usually) get a better deal on an RV if you *order* it.
3a. Ordering - You *can* find the best price by shopping for exactly what you want. Always, apples to apples. More on that later also.
4. High volume dealers (think So. CA - with pretty good weather all year round) are less likely to participate in long-term negotiations for units on their lots.....the "gotta have it NOW" buyer will probably walk into the dealership the next day!
*If* you are attempting to purchase from the dealer's inventory, you *will* be involved in negotiations - and in "competition" with other buyers.
.
Great SB game.
Dallas Steve:
My method for ordering - RVs, cars & pickups. Others may disagree, or have a system they prefer.
The only "negotiations" involved are for *your* preferences as to how far you will travel for your best price/deal.
Shop across the country - both local and long distance - for the brand, floor plan, and options you are looking for. Never vary from that list! Use the internet and phone when necessary to find the best price. Get it in writing.
Then you can re-contact local dealers to see if they will match, or come close to - your "benchmark" deal/price.
You then must decide if you will travel -and how far- for the deal/price you choose.
When you make that decision - you should expect a contract with a "reasonable" (not outrageous) deposit requirement. Expect to pay a reasonable delivery fee (based on how far -miles- the dealer is from the factory). Dealers in some states may be required to charge sales tax. If so, don't forget that in your price comparisons.
Anticipate the possibility of dealers offering you something they have in their inventory. However, expect to negotiate.
Remember - when ordering, unless you fail to go through with the purchase you agreed upon - it hasn't cost the dealer anything other than some paperwork. He/she isn't paying interest on something on his sales lot.
Cars and pickups. Pretty much the same, you can (usually) find out dealer invoice. (Internet is your friend). Ignore MSRP. Actual dealer *cost* is dealer *invoice*, minus dealer holdback and any factory incentives to the dealer for volume, etc.
Note: As with RV's, you will never know the actual dealer *cost*.
Simply stated a dealer can sell you a vehicle at -or below- his *invoice* price, and still be making a profit.
For me, in Calif.....
I was ready to go to Dave Smith Motors (Dodge & GM) in Kellog Idaho for my truck - until a local dealer came within $500. of my "travel" price, (which was still under dealer invoice), so it was purchased within 100 miles of my home.
RV purchased in Montana. Enjoyable return trip with new 5th wheel.
Would I do it again - you bet, no regrets.
BTW - one last on the guy that saved 50K on his new Jayco. Haven't checked recently, but at one time Jayco was one (of a few) brands that would list prices and options prices on their web site. You knew exactly how much you saved over the list price.
However, "sometimes" -or- "on occasion" at RV shows, supposed RV prices with special "show deals" - would indicate an MSRP - which was inflated! Asked one sales person about that once, his response was, "It's probably increased since you saw it previously".
Buyer beware!
:W
