Paying in full before delivery???
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 actua...
Forum Discussion
Flapper wrote:
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.
As a retired dealer, I can assure you that yes the rebates can work that way. For units already on the lot, the rebate can have a finite expiration date. It may or may not then be replaced with a better or worse rebate. Often, the manufacturer will extend the rebate to ordered units. This simply allows them to gain additional business. You would also be eligible for any newer and better rebates when the unit came in if you knew about them. On the other hand, if the manufacturer allowed rebates to be paid on in-stock units months down the road, it would have the effect of simply extending the rebates without a finite ending date thus negating the purpose of rebates to spur immediate business.
