bdemattia
Full Timer - Florida right now
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Joined: 12/08/2005
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While we were shopping for a new RV we went through most makes and models before settling on Monaco and DeMartini. After the same frustrating responses from several different dealers and sales people at shows and at their facility I took a little different approach to sort of weed out the less than desirable ones. I made it a point to talk to sales people by first thing telling them I was NOT buying today. Secondly I made it a point to dress my way - jeans, T shirt, sneakers - I'm retired Navy so my beard comes with me  It was amazing on how I was greated and treated at several locations. My favorite was at McGeorge in Virginia. I had to wait about 15 minutes to even get a salesman to help me and they weren't busy. Actually 2 customers came in and were taken care of before me (guess they looked like money). They wanted to "pre-qualify me" before we even got to look at anything. Didn't play that game but finally got to look at a couple of coaches - the sales person hurried me through each one and when back at the office got the same pressure "What can we do so you buy today?" Repeated that I told them I wasn't buying but the next step was the sales manager to come and "work" with me. I was even told that maybe I needed to look more at a travel trailer that didn't cost so much - almost started laughing at these guys. Any way we did purchase a new Monaco Diplomat from DeMartini in Indiana and the experience was nothing short of fabulous. I stopped back at McGregor's coming back from a weekend adventure with the new coach (they do have a fair parts store and it was on the way) - Obviously the guy that helped me didn't see me park my coach in the lot and came up to me in the store and sort of remembered me. He even started off - want to look at some of the travel trailers? I said how about if I show you a coach? Almost wet me pants looking at the expression on his face - wish I had time to do this for a living. 
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Dog Trainer
Richmond Mi.
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Joined: 08/17/2006
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"I don't think "Bob" is going to do a thing as long as they continue to move product, but you can go ahead an "tell on them" if you feel the need. My thought is you simply don't buy from them. "Bob" will definitely hear that."
Sounds kinda like the approach that the big 3 and other US companies took doesn't it. Kind of amazing how sometimes we think that sales no matter what the means is everything. That philosophy has proven to be short sighted in the past.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow (fur Bearing Children)
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JALLEN4
OHIO
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Joined: 10/02/2003
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HeresLucy wrote:JALLEN4 wrote:Most people seem to have a low opinion of LaMesa and that hasn't changed in the almost thirty years I have known of them and or dealt with them. They are though generally Tiffin's number one or two dealer in volume year in and year out. So successful that Tiffin was supplying them a custom MSRP sticker that had more markup than standard. I think that speaks volumes about La Mesa's approach, Tiffin, and the buyers who purchase there. How that is interpreted would be a matter of conjecture.
Wow - If you intend to bring this MSRP issue (of over a year ago) into the discussion of today - please offer some updated facts.
Lucy
It happened. It was wrong on Tiffin's part and I would think they would agree, after it was widely reported. The "update" would be that La Mesa is still a dealer. Someone actually dealing with them would have to tell us if the practice still exists.
It is one thing when a dealer creates his own MSRP sheet and attaches it. It is an entirely different thing when the manufacturer conspires with a dealer to intentionally mislead the consumer. It simply points out that Mr. Tiffin is a businessman, not perfect, and capable of errors in judgment. He doesn't live in a vacuum and certainly has the resources to have full knowledge of La Mesa's sales practices. He obviously agrees with them, or looks the other way.
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OntMontana
Guelph, Ontario
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Joined: 02/16/2006
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The latest issue of Roughing It Smoothly (Tiffin's magazine for owners) contains a feature profile of Jim Kimbrell, owner of La Mesa. It is full of praise, superlatives, and reciprocal platitudes. Someone must be buying from La Mesa. Among other things, the article indicates that Mr. Kimbrell has a private jet (Bombardier Challenger 300 that seats 10) on order and vacations in "a favorite spot in Hawaii". In the end, it is all about money. I suspect Mr. Tiffin has done the math and has concluded that the costs of keeping La Mesa as a Tiffin dealer (I find it hard to believe he is unaware of La Mesa's less than sterling reputation) are exceeded by the benefits.
Bill
Bill & Ann
2007 Tiffin Phaeton 40QDH
2007 Jeep Liberty
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Savannahsv
Lakeland, FL
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Joined: 10/27/2002
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Lug_Nut wrote:Don, I agree that such behavior from sales people is really not acceptable, however, this may not represent Tiffin or the dealer. Sales people, particularly at large RV shows, get bombarded by non-quified buyers. Many of these people just tour the vehicles to pass the day, without intention or interest in purchasing. Perhaps in their frustration, "you want to buy today" may be the fastest and most direct question they could ask to determine that person's actual intent.
All Sales reps need to take a page out of the Rolls Royce sales handbook. The least likely looking person may become your best customer. Crowds or no, there is no excuse for the "Bums Rush".
Matt.
2000 American Tradition 40 TVS
'07 Saturn Outlook, Toad .
'96 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
'06 Chevy Equinox
Good Sam
RRV
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and three Pups!
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Twomed
On the road USA
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Joined: 06/02/2004
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Link sent... let's see if Ol' Bob really listens
Happy Trails
06 Monaco Dynasty
07 Hummer H3
FMCA 279843
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toban
Canada
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Joined: 10/31/2003
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Was in LaMesa's location in Mesa Az. The salesman was off handed, rude, and gave you a care less attitude. This was the first time I was in there. I owned a company who was in sales with a sales force. After talking to him for a while I realized this guy was a deadbeat. I told the salesman if he worked for my company he would be on the street right now. He just laughed at me and walked away smirking. How can you expect anyone to consider buying from you when the person has a real attitude problem. All the salesmen were sitting on plastic chairs outside and looked like a bunch of losers. Doesn't work for me. I really don't know who would want to buy from them and their reputation
By the way, he told me they sell Newmar Essex only. He said to me since I was talking to him why not buy an Essex to make it worth his while and have a hotdog over at the tent.
Toban
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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Short-term greed drives many things. The sub-prime mortgage mess is a current example. However, sooner or later, a price gets paid.
The day will come, despite the current $ coming out of La Mesa, that Mr. Tiffin will regret having a sleaze-ball for a dealer.
Meanwhile, it's places like this forum (and talks around the "campfire"), that spread the word and hasten the demise of dealers like this (and possibly Tiffin). Keep it up!!
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
ReadyBrute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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I met the owner of La Mesa a few years ago and sat in on a business meeting with him. Every other word was an explative and he dressed like a slob. Not very impressed, private jet or not. I also know a man that has gone to work for La mesa and knowing the values of this person, I can't help to think that he has comprimised these values by going to work for such a company. Very sad indeed.
Doesn't the saying go that the fish starts rotting at the head?
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
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"Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
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HeresLucy
Southeast FL
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Joined: 03/11/2004
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Well you realize that LaMesa also sells for Winnebago and Newmar so if it is Bad Company there are several big players who keep it.
The only way LaMesa will change is if they get caught in some big financial debacle - like the Enron thing.
Lucy
2006 Allegro Bus 40' DP
2005 Grand Cherokee
Visit Here's Lucy for CG reviews, trip experiences, etc.
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