paying for a new RV before delivery

[SailAndPaddle]

I ordered a new travel trailer, paid $1,000 deposit, and am now being told I can't get it the day that I have to finish paying for it. They want me to come see it, pay the balance, then schedule a demonstration and pickup time. Is this arrangement common? The dealer is a big place in Orlando Florida that has been fine to work with so far. I'm not financing the Jayco that I'm buying. Thanks folks!!

[rhagfo]

DON'T SURRENDER YOUR POWER!!!!!
Yes, give them a deposit, but final payment comes after successful PDI. Successful PDI includes repair or price reduction for issues found. We bought our unit from our local CW from the used inventory at a CW 250 miles away. Local CW wanted us to sign and pay before we even saw the unit, NO WAY! We made the trip to the remote CW and did a PDI, found some items and got an additional $500 off of the price. Once we were satisfied with the unit and the deal, we signed and paid. We had a Cashier check for for the price less $1,000, we covered the remainder with a personal check.
If a new unit and repairs are required, no payment until repairs are complete and unit is ready to be picked up and 100% ready.

[goducks10]

musicman54 wrote:

goducks10 wrote:
Best deal I got was from a dealer that was 300 miles away. The whole deal was discussed over the phone. No deposit or anything, just word of mouth since we couldn't shake hands on the phone. I had a trade and when we showed up he directed us to our new 5'er that was inside the building. He showed us around the unit and pointed out what we needed to know then left us to look it over and said when we get done we could come into the office an sign the papers. After the whole deal was done I walked him thru our trade and answered his questions. It all was done on trust.

No way would I pay for something site unseen. Some of these dealers really play on peoples emotions.

what dealer was this sounds like someone i would do business with

Thunder RV in La Grande Or.

[dewey02]

Once they have your money, you cease to exist.

[musicman54]

goducks10 wrote:
Best deal I got was from a dealer that was 300 miles away. The whole deal was discussed over the phone. No deposit or anything, just word of mouth since we couldn't shake hands on the phone. I had a trade and when we showed up he directed us to our new 5'er that was inside the building. He showed us around the unit and pointed out what we needed to know then left us to look it over and said when we get done we could come into the office an sign the papers. After the whole deal was done I walked him thru our trade and answered his questions. It all was done on trust.

No way would I pay for something site unseen. Some of these dealers really play on peoples emotions.

what dealer was this sounds like someone i would do business with

[amandasgramma]

I don't buy anything that cost more than $100 without looking at it first. Would you buy a car that way??? a house????

[TXiceman]

Tell them, you will pay on a successful PDI and instruction demonstration...not before. The trailer will be 100% before you complete the deal.

Ken

[time2roll]

What does the deposit paperwork say?
Otherwise PDI first, money second.

[darsben]

No tickee no washee
NO PDIee no moneyee

[fla-gypsy]

Tell them "no deal" and "I want my deposit back" and they may rethink those demands.

[FrankShore]

NEVER PAY FOR ANY RV OR AUTOMOBILE until you have the walktrough (PDI) Pre-delivery inspection.

If that is their policy, to have you pay first, ask politely for your deposit back and take your business elsewhere.

[Water-Bug]

NEVER pay before the PDI. You loose all leverage, even if everything is as specified. We recently purchased a 34' 5th wheel with a single airconditioner. It was an abnormally hot day in northern Michigan, the day of the PDI. The 5er was parked on hot black asphalt tarmac. The dealer didn't turn on the air until we arrrived. The A/C just couldn't keep up. The dealer explained that'd we would normally have the A/C running for hours and be parked in the shade. Well, after driving all day, I didn't want to wait forever for my sleeping quarters to cool. I refused delivery. The dealer asked my what would make me happy. I told him, a second A/C at dealer cost. He agreed and then added on installation costs. I told him that was BS and started to walk out. I was quickly cornered by the sales manager, who explained that the service manager just didn't understand. I got the air at cost with a FREE install.

[midnightsadie]

its posible you misunder stood them? never heard of paying first.. might ask them. I would tell them no ,not till after the walk thru. its your money hold on to it, till your happy, or a very aggressive sales person.

[ScottG]

No way and for all the reasons others have listed.
Also, I've never had a dealer try such a thing.

[johnnyrv]

Had the same experience with that large Orlando dealer. Required a certified check before delivery. Worked out ok but had the vin number and signed contract before giving them the check.

[goducks10]

Best deal I got was from a dealer that was 300 miles away. The whole deal was discussed over the phone. No deposit or anything, just word of mouth since we couldn't shake hands on the phone. I had a trade and when we showed up he directed us to our new 5'er that was inside the building. He showed us around the unit and pointed out what we needed to know then left us to look it over and said when we get done we could come into the office an sign the papers. After the whole deal was done I walked him thru our trade and answered his questions. It all was done on trust.

No way would I pay for something site unseen. Some of these dealers really play on peoples emotions.