Paying in full before delivery???

[Flapper]

We decided on a trailer to replace the fifth in the signature. Initial discussions were with the dealer to order in a model equipped the way we wanted. Ordering was fine, as we did not want to actually take possession of the trailer for a couple of months. The only pressure was to get the deposit down, and order in, before the end of the month, so the dealer could take advantage of (and pass along to us) the various incentives and show savings offered by the manufacturer. Of course not detailed to us, but since I was only concerned about "out the door" price, the details didn't really matter. The warning was that waiting until after the end of the month would mean a much higher price, as the dealer would not get the same incentives. Typical "decide right now" sales tactic, I assumed, but not a biggie as we were ready to commit, and ordering would meet our timeframe.

During the course of the financial paperwork signing, they suddenly "discovered" that one equipped just how we wanted had been received that day, and could be delivered any time.
The conversation and paperwork changed to straight out purchase. Thank goodness I left my checkbook at home! We left with them stressing that even with a deposit, we had to send a check for full payment ASAP.

The next morning, I sent a note informing them that I would not be fully paying for a unit we would not see (nor do a PDI on) for over two months. I would do that on the day of actual delivery.

The response has been that I could come out early to do a full PDI, pay, and they would hold it until I really wanted to pick it up. Their reasoning was that otherwise they (and I) would loose any mfg. incentives/discounts.

While I can do that - it sounds fishy. Anyone have more knowledge about how these arrangements work between dealers and mfgs? Hard to see why the mfg. might disallow a "discount" on an in stock unit, but not on one that has to be special ordered.

Yeah, standard advice is to run away..but in the end, we get what we want at a price we like, but with the inconvenience of driving a couple of hours for an additional visit.

Just a ploy for the dealer to get money in the bank right now, rather than later?

[Flapper]

Let's clarify:
The question was about what seemed to be illogical reasoning. They claimed I would loose mfg. incentives for one on the lot if I didn't fully pay before the end of Feb, but could keep the discounts for one put on order, that wasn't due for 2 months, that I didn't have to pay for until it came in.

I was wondering if mfg. rebate arrangements with a dealer can be that arcane.



If I buy the one on the lot, I am at least out the time/cost of the extra trip (a few hours of drive time) AND the insurance for the couple of months before I really want to get it, since I own it. If the PDI reveals any big items to fix, they have time to fix it, but not much incentive, because of the demand that I pay right away in order to keep the discounts.

If I order, I am in a much better position to make sure everything is fixed, before paying. And there is no hard time limit on keeping the discounts. I don't incur additional travel/insurance costs, at the least.

Just trying to assess whether there are real reasons to their logic about the disappearing discounts, and they are on the up-and-up, or if I should be more guarded in building trust in this new relationship.

[coolmom42]

westend wrote:
The intricacies of dealers and their sales tactics makes me want to pay for the trailer on the lot and I take it away from there to storage or my property. I wouldn't store a trailer, especially a model that is being sold currently, on a dealer lot. There is just too much hogwash activity going on at the lot.

This.

You don't want your unit being used for a rental or show model after you've paid for it.

[DownTheAvenue]

Grit dog wrote:

This sounds more like a fickle buyer not a shady dealer .

X2

[MURPHY55347]

For me it would depend on the dealer. Over the years I have had the opportunity to have dealings with many of the dealers here in Minnesota.
Some I would trust with this sort of arrangement others not so much. If the price is right go for it but always trust your gut instinct.

[Walaby]

Why not do the PDI now, pay and take it now if it passes PDI, or pay and take it when it does pass?

Im not sure I understand the reasoning why you want them to store it for two months, but you must have a good reason. For me personally, if it was the one I want, and it was good to go, I would not want it sitting on the lot to potentially have an issue two months from now and me have to fight with the dealership to convince them it was their problem (whatever 'it' is).

Mike

[GaryKH]

I question the statement that the dealer "just" found out they have an identical unit on their lot! That sounds fishy to me. Also, these incentives come to the dealers every month, maybe different, but still there, same as auto dealers. This just sounds like high pressure sales tactics to me.

[rhagfo]

Byrogie wrote:
If the dealer has paid for the unit, it's probably on a credit line and he wants to save interest cots. Maybe a chance to knock off a few more $$$ with paying now? Plus doing the PDI now gives them 2 months to fix stuff.

We have a local dealer that sometimes I wonder if they own their inventory.
I question as back in 2008 we were renting storage space on their back lot. I fount this handy, power was available, parts department was a 300' walk away, dump station on the lot, what else could you ask for!
Then we got "The Letter" in the mail, seems they saw the hand writing on the wall, they were dropping renting storage, as they were buying inventory like crazy. Well still go their parts dept, we have a nice storage space elsewhere and they have filled that lot ant three others in the area, and are selling like crazy.

I say they are selling like crazy, as we had one of their salesmen, come camping in the park we were hosting at and I was amazed at the number of units he said they had sold the last month.

[bigred1cav]

NO! Do not pay until you are satisfied ALL defects are resolved and the contract does not state your unit is covered under the laws of the state of its manufacture. Indiana has no LEMON LAW.

The dealer wants your business you owe him nothing. Be extreme;y critical of your unit and inspect with a magnifying glass prior to acceptance.

Getting service, reliable and timely after your purchase at best is very time consuming. NEVER accept any defect and be promised repair later. Make the dealer wait for his money and pay the floor-plan. Aint your problem, he will act much quicker if it is costing him money to sit around awaiting defect adjustments.

[rhagfo]

Let me get this straight, you sat down with the dealer and wrote an order for a unit with exactly what you wanted.

Then before the order was placed the dealer realized that they just received a unit that fit your order exactly?

This unit is sitting on their lot, ready for you to do a PDI, NOW! You would rather wait and do the PDI on that unit in two months?? Is this when you plan on using the unit? If it is what you want, and you have the cash to purchase it, I would do the PDI now, and that gives then two months to fix anything found. I would insist that all defects be fixed before payment in full is made.
I don't think it is Fishy, yes the dealer wants the sale a done deal, but don't you also? If they will hold/store for two months after the sale with out cost what are you out.

[westend]

The intricacies of dealers and their sales tactics makes me want to pay for the trailer on the lot and I take it away from there to storage or my property. I wouldn't store a trailer, especially a model that is being sold currently, on a dealer lot. There is just too much hogwash activity going on at the lot.

[mbopp]

Maybe I got lucky.....
When we purchased our last TT 5 years ago we bought it in January and the dealer held it until April with just a deposit.

[CampbellDaycrui]

I am sure that like all salespersons, the dealer is a trustworthy and honest individual with only your best interests at heart.........

What could possibly go wrong?

[Byrogie]

If the dealer has paid for the unit, it's probably on a credit line and he wants to save interest cots. Maybe a chance to knock off a few more $$$ with paying now? Plus doing the PDI now gives them 2 months to fix stuff.

[Askibum02]

If that's the deal the dealer wants, just tell him to forget it and go ahead and order a new one from the factory. PDI, pay, drive it home.

[bikendan]

We're buying a new TT.
Put a deposit on it and will pay balance AFTER the PDI and issues fixed before pickup.