I'd been posting in Ready to Buy thread up to now, but now thought I'd post an update with this topic separately. We just FAX'd our contract to RV Wholesalers after several weeks of trying to get a deal done with a local dealer. In the end the local dealer's actions completely convinced me that RV Wholesalers was the better choice for me.
The sales process was a pretty stark contrast. The local guy started off strong, treating us very nicely in the show-room and being very helpful as we looked at the floorplan we wanted. However once the bargaining began it was nearly impossible to get a simple "best price" and we quickly concluded they were not even close on price and left. However we got an immediate call at home and suddenly the "impossible" price became more possible. But to get a real number we got shuffled between a salesman, a sales manager and a mysterious "approver" of the deal. E-mail and phone calls were not promptly returned and days later when I could get someone on the phone they seemed almost annoyed to be speaking to me, and annoyed that I might have any more questions.
In the end their business practices became highly questionable, and their sales tactics became bullying. I found myself wondering if they knew that exactly this post was surely going to go out on the internet, and if they even cared.
With that as my recent experience, RV Wholesalers was a breath of fresh air. The first price was their only price and it held up as the best I found. I got it e-mailed in writing with the complete details spelled out and no hassle at all. The joy of this was that with the price understood, there was just a single salesman to contact and he was more like a product expert giving me advice on what would meet my needs. All e-mail was answered promptly, often very early the next business day. We never had trouble getting them on the phone, and when we spoke he was relaxed, patient and never pushed me to sign and close. If he was not sure about something he told me he'd contact his factory rep and get back to me - which he did, usually the same day.
When I told him how much better this experience was he said, "post on RV.net if you don't mind". Which I am doing now. Clearly they understand that the forums provide a continuous stream of references for them - which is as it should be.
This is still early to say I'm completely pleased, since we need to wait while the unit is manufactured, and then pick it up. Lots can happen and we will see how it turns out. But today I am optimistic.
We are shopping for a new Jayco Fiver and were most surprised at the price difference between the local dealers and companies like RVWholesalers and in our case, RVDirect. Not only the price is different, so is the way I have been treated as a customer. I think this will be our route to a new trailer. Just tired of the old style "bait and switch". I think many RV dealers got their playbooks from car dealers of the 1970's. It is a different world today, buyers have the ability to be much more informed of the buying process. When the local rv salesman was speaking, I kept having flashbacks to paint sealant, fabric protection, and undercoating.
Capt Skup
AD1,USN Ret
Wonderful Wife and three beautiful Daughters
"Never get in a battle of wits with an unarmed man"
Capt Skup wrote: We are shopping for a new Jayco Fiver and were most surprised at the price difference between the local dealers and companies like RVWholesalers and in our case, RVDirect. Not only the price is different, so is the way I have been treated as a customer.... When the local rv salesman was speaking, I kept having flashbacks to paint sealant, fabric protection, and undercoating.
We bought our Jayco from RV-Direct and would have gladly considered doing repeat business there, but they did not carry Heartland which is the unit we'd selected. Ironically four years ago with our Jayco purchase we also made an attempt to close a deal locally (different dealership) and were not treated well by that dealer either.
I agree with your flashback... with the local guy I began to feel liked I'd signed up for the wrong thing and stumbled into a time-share sales pitch!
I do think that the RVDirect and RVWholesalers selling model is fundamentally different and allows the salespeople to treat you better. I sure prefer it.
I purchased my TT from Lakeshore RV in Michigan. Drove almost 900 miles to get it but it was well worth the trip. They were excellent to work with, when I am ready to upgrade they will get my call!
Lots of good points. There are two Sundance dealers within 120 miles of me. Both have questionable reputations. Neither wanted to deal or get anywhere within $5000 to the quote I got from Lakeshore RV in MI, INCLUDING the $3150 in shipping! Needless to say, I ordered from Lakeshore. I am fairly new to this, and I'm sure I'll be called naive, but I believe picking a manufacturer is MORE important than a local dealer. I know that Heartland will stand behind their product and work with me to fix any issues. I can't say the same thing for the local dealer. Paying them a $5000 premium is still no guarantee that I'll get good service.
The economic situation, coupled with the empowerment of the internet, means that the old way of selling RV's is no longer valid. Those dealers that come to terms with this will make it through, leaving the others by the wayside.
We bought out Wildcat from RV Wholesalers and would do it again. Everything went just as smooth as it could. They did everything they sad they would do on the phone and more what a nice surprise.
That's too bad. I always advocate for the local dealer but when you get jacked around that way then they get what they deserve. If it isn't too late I would sure try to get some kind of good service guarantee because you may run into problems. getting warranty work done. Many have no problems but many do, also.
2008 Keystone Springdale 252
2004 Chevy Silverado, 5.3 L V8
Prodigy brake control and Equal-i-zer
Retired and traveling all we can!
We are looking at Jayco Eagle(RV Direct & RV Capital Wholesalers) and Heartland Big Country ( RVW & RV Capital Wholesalers). The two local dealers for these products told me there is no way they could come close to their prices and in fact told me they were selling for less than there cost. They then used the we won't service your trailer if you buy from an out of state wholesaler and I laughed and walked out. That threat does not hold water with me. I have called and spoke to Jayco and Heartland and was assured if I bought from an online wholesaler and had a warranty issue they would help me get the work done by an authorized dealer. Once our trailer sells we will be looking to buy from one of these online wholesalers.
Earl E wrote: ... I would sure try to get some kind of good service guarantee because you may run into problems. getting warranty work done. Many have no problems but many do, also.
I did my Jayco deal with a lot of concern about warranty work. In the end it turned out to be a complete non-issue. I had a few warranty issues where I came out ahead on fuel (even back when fuel was $1.57) just buying the parts cash and doing it myself. I had one warranty issue that a local dealer did HAPPILY for me.
The RVW contract spells out their warranty policy pretty clearly and it all looks just fine to me - I really don't anticipate a problem with that aspect of the deal. As noted elsewhere, my last recourse is always a call to Heartland.
We are going Thursday to pickup our new wildcat 32qbbh.This is are 2nd time buying from rv wholesalers. Needless to say our first experence with them was great. We had one issues with our rockwood and they took care of it promptly. We tried to buy off of our local dealer both times. We were willing to pay 2K more but they wouldn't come close. It's will worth the savings for use to make the trip.
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