How do you answer when folks ask how much your AS cost?

[SYC2Vette]

So we have had this come up several times in the year (and 3500 miles) that we have been AS owners and just curious as how others handle this.

First off I will say that nowadays folks seem much more comfortable talking cost and other "asset" related topics than in the past. For example it used to be considered extremely rude to ask someone how big their farm was or their plot of land, but nowadays folks seem to think that is OK, so things change.

At any rate an AS is one of those things that is high enough cost I am not super comfortable talking about how much we paid for it. Often the questions are from folks who have always wanted one but have not looked in a while so they are genuinely curious.

My answer nowadays is "Airstreams are pretty pricey, but we think they are worth it in the long run, If you are looking, best thing is to go online and research the different models as there are many. If you buy new the discount you can negotiate is usually 15-20% off list so more room to negotiate than with cars and trucks". So I avoid any specific $$ amount.

Does the cost question come up often with you, and are you comfortable just sharing it right off ?

[Tincampers]

Nunya.

Or give them the list price. If you have to ask you can’t afford it.

[mkcurtiss]

Happens every time someone looks at it, or gets close to it......I just say "its outrageous, and worth every penny"!

[smithcreek]

If I don't want to answer I just say "well, it wasn't cheap, that's for sure".

[CRH]

Just tell them MSRP

[Wayne&Sam]

"A lot".

[urnmor]

If you really want to scare them add the price of a new diesel vehicle to tow it. In my case I just give what I think I paid for it

[Daquenzer]

“They are really expensive, but the quality is worth it.”

“Cheaper to buy a used one if you can find one that is well taken care of.” Have to give them a little hope

If they ask a specific number I will tell them what we paid for it. Seldom happens though. Really only tell the people that I think could afford one.

Then I explain it’s cheaper than a second home, since I live in an area with lots of second homes where the median price for a waterfront home is around $500,000 and for a non waterfront home about $250,000.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by urnmor

If you really want to scare them add the price of a new diesel vehicle to tow it. In my case I just give what I think I paid for it

Good point!!!!

[PKI]

Never had anyone ask. Lots of cost info on the Internet and lots of negotiated shaking going on. Note - you don't have to answer any question that you feel is not appropriate. Classic answer to those - "Why would you ask such a question?"

Questions that have been asked -

Are the appliances better quality than SOBs? No.

How do you like that AS? A lot.

Do they still make those? AS is building a new bigger factory. Selling all they can make. But then that may change if there is a recession.

Hope to you in a shiny down the road. Pat

[Iansk]

Back when I was in high school I worked at the local movie theater. When we’d get new employees to train, us old timers would grab a $50/$20/$10 out of the till before we’d take the newbies in to clean the theater after a show. We would then pretend to find these bills while cleaning. Best way to get someone interested in cleaning up the mess others leave was with this method.

What does this have to do with answering the question of “how much did you pay?”
Good question...

Airstreams, and vintage aluminum travel trailers in general, can easily become the popcorn on the floor after the entertainment. Folks constantly buy something they like and soon tire of it when they realize the actual work involved. When I’m asked “how much” I generally down play it so in the off chance someone won’t simply move on, but will actually revive the trailer. These things are golden examples of American ingenuity and deserve to be coaxed back to life. Us “old timers” owe it to the next generation to be a little sneaky in how we convey the cost vs value.

“How much was your trailer?”

“I got it for a song when I just happened to pull over and ask this sweet old lady what’s up with that thing?”

Ian

[skyguyscott]

I'd just grin and say, "Make me an offer!"

If they bite and offer a plywood SOB price, I'd say, nope, not interested.

If they bite and offer way more than it's worth, could be your lucky day!

[brokeboater]

In the rare instance someone asks I just tell them. I don't really see what the issue is.

[Piggy Bank]

I reply that it costs what a really nice truck costs.

A wide enough range to be true, and lets them know a starting point.

[mikeinca]

About as often than being asked how much it costs, I get comments like, "I do like Airstreams but they're too rich for my blood". Either way, if someone makes a reference to price I usually just say, "well, they aren't cheap but they really do hold their value" and let it go at that.

Much more often than questions about price, though, we just get very positive reactions and compliments on the trailer.

[vintageracer]

A Million Bucks!

That usually gits the conversation flowing!

[graysailor]

I just tell them and also say they are over priced.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I haven't been asked that for a long time. I used to tell them that I paid $50,000.00 for the Airstream hat, and the trailer was free.

[DougHart]

I guess I am not hung up on it. I just tell them how much I paid. No big deal.

[dnas]

Rarely asked, but if they do, we tell them the price of the new Tundra and the airstream combined, and they blanch. Then we add "all for the dog", because she loves travelling.