Airstream Dealers

[luckydc]

Does anybody else think we should be posting our experiences with our dealers so that Newbies know what to expect? We certianly don't seem to mind posting about Airstream quality/service. Where is the dealer accountabilty? I certianly couldn't recommend my dealer and think Newbies should at least know what people go through with their dealers.

Airstream has been nothing but GREAT in the few requests I have had since purchasing my trailer. It is a fine product. How do they pick the dealers that sell them??????

See my post under Colonail Airstream and Hitches and Dealers.......

Am I expecting too much???

[dtbw]

While there are excellent dealers around, there are many of the shadier variety. A/S at one time had a rigid dealership program that ensured high caliber, reputable dealers, but that fell apart during the lean years. It seems that A/S accepted some less-than-ideal dealers during that period. Some have vanished, others will go by the way now that A/S is riding high and the high expectations of buyers are finally being heard and addressed by A/S. Here in N Texas we had a poor dealer situation. In talking to many who purchased at this dealer, the war stories could almost be interchanged. Not sure what happened, but A/S finally gave the dealership to someone else and the questionable dealer is no longer carrying A/S. The bad news is that it took almost 2 years after the reports into A/S regarding this situation started, before action was taken. Again, I am not sure if the word-of-mouth finally did the other dealer in and they bailed out, or A/S pulled the cord.

The important thing is to let the CEO of A/S know what is happening. There is a real change in thinking and direction at the highest level in A/S and communication lines are very open. Putting complaints on this forum is a great avenue to help newbies, but be sure to write to A/S as well. After all, the dealer experience is vital to A/S continued success and they know it.

david

[Action]

I would also like to add, that relating ACTUAL experience is the only form of response that will be acceptable!

So if you think a dealer is a __________. (Big no no) It's relating what you think that will be removed. Think is the key word. If you choose to post, only actual experience will be acceptable from anyone. What did happen! What actually was said. Beyond that will be removed.

Your opinion, thoughts, posturing will not be allowed.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Acti on

[dtbw]

Thanks Action,
Those are great ground rules as this whole subject can be ugly fast. The simple facts are usually damning enough.

david

[iowaroots]

We looked for our first RV for the past 6 months. We drove to and looked at various product dealers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri & Wisconsin. We looked at a few A/S dealers. Very disappointed in the dealerships we found, until we found Bill Thomas Camper Sales in Wentzville, Missouri (west of St. Louis). Without a doubt this group really cares and I will tell you we found them to be the dealer with the highest level of customer service, quality assurance & a knowledgable staff. I can't tell you how wonderful and trustworthy we found these people to be. Accomodating and very good at what they do. That statement carries from Bill Thomas and throughout the entire staff. I highly recommend you try them out for anything you may need. They are really good! If Airstream is looking for a "standard of excellence" to set for their dealers, they might want to look at this dealer.

http://www.btcamper.com/

Very pleased!!

Joe & Nancy.

[packdad52]

I just had my first serious AS shopping trip for my soon to be renovated 76 Caravanner. I was a little dubious going to a "dealer" knowing how I had been treated in other types of dealerships. Boy, was I surprised. I visited the Out of Doors Mart between Winston Salem and Greensboro, NC and had an outstanding experience. The parts man was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I could not believe how many things on my wish list he was able to come up with for a 30 year old trailer. And the prices were better than I had seen online and I got to take them with me. I love instant gratification. I guess that is why they have been a dealer for over 40 years. Good Job, Guys. So far I am a happy camper.

[Pahaska]

I have bought new Airstreams from both Camper Clinic in Buda, TX and Bill Thomas on Wentzville, MO; my buying experience in both cases was excellent and I would go back to either of these dealers willingly.

I had my trailer upgraded to disk brakes at Roger Williams in Weatherford, TX and I consider the excellent service there one of the highlights of my Airstream experience..