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dtshasty · 11-11-2015, 05:22 AM

Switz,

You are correct about not all dealers will remember. We do put our promises in writing, and we usually spend a great deal of time with you trying to find what is best for you before we ever go out on the lot. Sometimes it is the guest who hurries the process and then misunderstandings can happen. The sales person may short cut the process also with the same result. You need to take your time get to know your sales person, discuss exactly what you are expecting, get a good presentation, and then you can make a qualified decision without any pressure. If all of this happens he will remember your name I promise. Believe it or not that is the way most dealers like to do business.

**Rocinante** · 11-11-2015, 09:51 AM

Oh, our dealer's service department knows us and greets us by name, etc. We've been back so many times for warranty work over the last couple of years that anything else would be a shame.

For us, there are three key issues for every RV purchase:
(1) The buying experience. Are we treated with respect? Are their dealings fair? Do they actually listen to us? Do they negotiate in good faith and close the deal cleanly with no surprises?
(2) The acceptance walkthrough when picking up a new RV. This is *way* more important than a first time buyer (as we were) realizes it is. More thoughts on that experience here: http://www.casarocinante.com/Blog/Sp...-a-new-trailer.
(3) The quality of the service department and their ability to negotiate with Airstream on our behalf if things get tough (e.g. expensive unless Airstream steps up). Do they listen and treat us with respect? Do they deliver quality workmanship? When it comes to ensuring our satisfaction, how far will they go, esp. if Airstream says it's not a warranty issue and we know very well that it must be? How good are they at helping us help them when it comes to diagnosing and/or describing tricky issues so the service techs can find/fix them?

dtshasty · 11-12-2015, 05:27 AM

You are so correct. Those three points should happen in every sale. To me the walkthrough may be the most important. You just pick up your camper from a "RV in a box" dealer. Get a 10 min. walkthrough if that, then get home or in the campground and find out you do not know how something works or you do something wrong and break something and back to the dealer you go. Many of us have got to the dealership and made to look foolish because we did not know something. It was not us to blame but the dealership. Some dealers sell at such a low price that they cannot provide the services you pointed out. A good buying experience costs money, must have quality sales people who are not starving and have a wealth of product knowledge and not a wealth of closing techniques. A good walk through man and pre delivery inspections cost money. Must have someone with a lot of camping experience who knows the ins and outs of camping and certified technicians with the same knowledge. Good service requires a good service manager, again this costs money. And he must have good technicians with experience. They also cost money. To keep a great technician, he must be paid enough not to leave and go elsewhere or open his own business. So next time you are shopping and looking across the country for the "cheapest price" please keep this in mind.

RicnDebi · 11-12-2015, 07:52 AM

I wish to thank everyone for their very informative remarks. As Debbie and I get ready to embark on pursuing "The Dream," we feel fortunate to have a place (this forum) where we can get so much great information from so many friendly people. Thanks to you all!!

kfrere · 11-13-2015, 06:32 AM

I'd like to offer a suggestion to dealers which may be impractical for their bottom line but sure would make the purchase experience a lot better. When we bought our Interstate this past summer Arbogast did a terrific job of providing a detailed, lengthy walkthrough. We didn't feel rushed. The problem was that prior to purchase we ignorantly assumed that since we already had an AS trailer that we were seasoned campers. We had no idea how different a motorhome would be. So, at the time the walkthrough seemed sufficient. Would I would like to see is a follow up walkthrough - to be scheduled after we have camped a couple of times and tried to figure out things for which we soon realized we needed guidance. I haven't actually called Arbogast; they may say sure, come back up and we'll go over a few things again. But I would have liked a follow up to have been offered to us.

kb0zke · 11-13-2015, 11:32 AM

When we bought our mpg trailer the dealer went through everything as best he could, then took us next door to the campground and got us set up. We had to leave early the next morning because of other obligations, but a week or so later we got a phone call from the dealership asking if we had any questions. It really didn't cost them anything since they could make the phone call at a time when they weren't busy with other things.

Some dealerships DO try to watch out for their customers.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-13-2015, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb0zke

When we bought our mpg trailer the dealer went through everything as best he could, then took us next door to the campground and got us set up. We had to leave early the next morning because of other obligations, but a week or so later we got a phone call from the dealership asking if we had any questions. It really didn't cost them anything since they could make the phone call at a time when they weren't busy with other things.

Some dealerships DO try to watch out for their customers.

Very true.

Support the dealers that support their customers.

Same goes for parts dealers.

If they offer on line assistance as to how, why, and how come, support them, as they support owners.

Andy

dtshasty · 11-14-2015, 05:55 AM

We always offer a free night at the campground so you can "shake down" the RV. We even suggest that they do that rather soon after purchase so they can get a feel with all the systems, novice or experienced. We also offer walkthroughs any time you want. Two, three or more, ever how many times it takes to make you comfortable. Also sent out with a dvd on how RV's work. We understand people have many different levels of experience and want every body to have pleasant experiences. We can't survive if most people only buy one RV in their lives. Of course, back to the subject matter of this blog, we will not be the cheapest dealer when you start your purchasing investigation. As I said earlier, make sure you know up front what type of service you wish to receive and be prepared for a higher quote on your RV. Shop around just to make sure you are not being cheated, but do inquire as to what you will receive for your money.