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Originally posted by Melvin P. Thorpe
Can you work the best "deal" by ordering from the factory or by buying one in stock? With no holding costs or flooring I would expect that ordering one is best. Any ideas on the dealers with the sharpest pencil?
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You have to buy from a dealer. A/S will not sell direct. One of the reasons I ordered mine rather than buying from dealer stock was the fact that the 2001 unit on the local dealer's lot was built in July 2000 and at the time I was looking it was March 2001. Interestingly enough there was at least one change during the model year. The unit at the dealer had two front lights to each side of the front window. My new built didn't have those. The other issue was I didn't want to retrofit the fans and the spare tire mount.
From a deal standpoint the dealer is probably paying interest on the financing for stock that is sitting on his lot. It behooves him to minimize the time spent there. I probably might have gotten a better deal to take the trailer on the lot. Especially having the dealer retrofit the fans and spare tire carrier in his maintenance shop.
I shopped via the Internet for price quotes. My local dealer was about $200 higher than the best deal I had found. I bought from him since the difference in price wasn't worth the travel and my time, and I felt that if I had issues during warranty with Airstream, I'd like to have the local dealer support me.
Keep in mind that a Safari has a lower mark up than a Classic line. You should be able to get at least 18% off retail for Safari's although most rule of thumb is 25% for most SOB travel trailers and probaby for the Classic line also. Another thing to remember is that the Safari is Airstream's best selling trailer. You may not get as good a deal due to demand.
Keep in mind I have no inside information so my percentages were based on my own research. Your mileage may differ...
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jack
