TxTwo wrote: Camping World used to have some competition, but I think they drove them all out of business and now there are only some select niche players.
And they still do. You just have to look around a little.
But I think I will keep my President's Card a bit longer. Still have to make a couple big purchases when they come up on sale. Am ahead of the game on the first membership, and I've even made some purchases at the local home grown stores.
If you need something right now, go to Camping World and expect to pay "convenience store" prices. If you want to pay less and can wait a little longer, buy online at RV Wholesalers, PPL, et al.
Affinity provides this forum for us at no charge. CW Presidents club has saved us way more $ than Good Sam, we dumped GS back in the late 80's. Different viewpoint.
I agree making your intro post as a complaint against our hosts, is a bit tacky, but you will fit in!
Mom and pops are fine and get my business, if you can find them as you travel, but I shop where I can when I can.
I have no problem paying the fee for a truly lower price. I do shop around. But then I also have several campground memberships, health, auto, home insurance, lots of things that I pay a fee to save money. Don't we all now, really?
And realistically , suppose if I owned a mom $ pop RV business, I would be negative on the big boys too.
CW has become the "camping depot" of the RV supply business. Yes they are a large conglomerate but their stores provide convenient one stop shopping for RV'ers. They are the only national RV retail outlet. As far as membership goes, Sam's Club, Costco and others all charge membership fees. You need to be a member to shop there period. CW's fee is optional. Comes down to convenience and one stop shopping. CW generally has all accessories all the time. Most local places can't compete with their selection and variety. Yes you pay for convenience. Want to save a few pennies there are other cheaper suppliers. But none can offer CW's total shopping package. I do not shop at CW exclusively, But if I want convenient one stop less hassle shopping I pay the premium and shop at CW. If dollars are an issue I'll shop PPL,RVW or one of the other internet suppliers.
Well with gas prices the way they are, why not buy online at a "Mom and Pop" store. Sure there is shipping, but I bet its a lot cheaper than filling up that gas tank.
* This post was
edited 05/13/08 03:26pm by chrisnpat *
We've had our GS life membership for a long time. As for the Presidents club we renew every year and since we have a store about an hours drive from us we use it quite a bit. It provides us with a one-stop shopping experience. A couple of big item purchases have made up for the cost of membership. We have found out that their labor costs for installation of items bought there provide a big savings over other RV shops.
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We’ve also been a Life Member of Good Sam for a while. Personally I prefer to buy when possible from a Mom & Pop Supply Store. But like others have mentioned, sometimes it ends up being Camping World because of the convenience. I always say I am not going to renew my membership with Camping World, but it seems I always end up renewing.
chrisnpat wrote: Well with gad prices the way they are, why not buy online at a "Mom and Pop" store. Sure there is shipping, but I bet its a lot cheaper than filling up that gas tank.
Seems like a nice place/site. However in the end they don't have CW's selection or variety. Again I am not Mr. CW and I like to shop at places other than CW. But for selection and convenience CW sets the standard.
greenskygeoff, welcome aboard and thanks for sharing your viewpoint. I am also a life GS member and your suggestion would be great. I don't expect it and don't think it will ever happen. Don't let ant negative comments prevent you from contributing to the forum in the future.
CW/Affinity took over Stout's RV in Inday last year. Prior to the takeover, Stout's was a quality dealership with a fairly decent supply showroom. Since the takeover/buyout, CW Indy has really gone downhill. Getting service is about as pleasant as getting a tooth pulled. The RV supply showroom is about 1/2 what it was. If you ask for a catalog item.....the sales "associate" is as stumped as a newbie W-mart "associate. CW is trying to grow too big too fast! I don't mind paying the membership to CW as long as customer service doesn't pay the ultimate price which seems to be the case from what I have seen! I won't be renewing my membership!
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