Shopping RV Shows? How to get a great deal!

Lets talk RV shows and purchasing units while at show. After having spent hundreds of days working RV shows as a sales proffesional I believe this is a great chance for customers to purchase RV's with discounts and better than average service to follow! Lets talk about why. First of all your chance to compare units with same features and floorplans in one spot is amazing. You can find two you like and go back and forth. Ask dealer staff for a brochure on a unit you like and ask him to give you a "walk around" of the unit your in love with. Take that brochure and go to the next dealer and show him the exact unit you just looked at and ask him to show you what you have thats like it. He will then show you his comparable product. Get the numbers and the interest rates.

Lets also talk about NOT goin into Every UNIT! This will crush your ability to be subjective on units. So..IF your looking for a cheaper travel trailer.. Just look at a few of them. Ask the salesperson where the units that your interested in ARE. Don't just keep meandering through until they all look the same. It will happen.

Now after arguing with your spouse over a bad 8 dollar hot dog with soggy fries for an hour about the design of the couch, go to the dealer who is WITHIN driving distance to your home. Take them the brochures, quotes, and rates you have filled your little plastic bag with and say to the salesman..."I know what unit I want and I want the best rate possible, and If you dont have it in stock lets order one and Ill give you a deposit!

This is how you get the best deal, and ...the BEST service after purchase.

Your gonna get the best deal because all RV sales proffesionals wanna sell at the show for a number of reasons, Bonuses and Ego are the two main factors. Nobody wants to go to the sales meeting on Monday after a show and sell just one unit and only get 2 leads? You can get a great deal here. The key words are."I would like to atleast get a deposit on something today". You can always get your deposit back within a couple days if you find out your salesperson is a dud. You can expect more interaction with an RV sales professional than with most others salespeople. So level with them, talk to them about your stance on credit vs. cash and incentives. I always gave customers who bought at shows jackets and such with thier campers logo on them at delivery. Just a nice jesture. They Like it!

Lets talk about after the sale service. If your planning on buying your unit and getting great service at a dealership where you DIDN'T purchase the unit, its gonna be tough. Dealerships are always gonna take care of thier own customers first. Its just a fact! So try and buy from your local dealer. So dont drive to Florida to save 4 thousand on a unit and bring it home and expect to get great service. Just the facts people.

I guess the bottom line is, be aggressive and compile a list of what you do and dont want in a unit and go with a salesperson you automatically trust and like. Make sure the sales proffesional also knows his stuff about the unit. Construction, weights, and RV systems are important. If everytime you ask a question the salesperson grabs a brochure or yells for a buddy for the answer, he's probably not the guy your looking for. Also at the show dont be afraid to ask if the Dealership owner is present, If they ARE thats a good sign that they care! Just an opinion of course. OH, and don't forget that most shows have the factory reps there that can help you out with a little bump discount if the salesperson needs it. Be sure to ask! Make sure you stop by your local campground and get the new brochures for the year. I always make sure I hit the Granite Hill Camping Resort booth when I am at a Show.

Finally,

If your in the market for an RV and totally confused and need some guidance just shoot me an email at Camp w/Chris and I would be more than happy to answer any questions on just about anything RV related. Even though I have moved on to Operations Manager for a Camping Resort I still stay up to date on most units, makes, and models. You will be surprised on what I might be able to help you with.

Have a great RV Show Season

Chris