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Getaways · 04-18-2011, 01:59 PM

Just curious can you buy direct from Airstream to avoid middleman upcharges and or negotiation headaches?

I tried to do a search and it gave me hundreds of posts but after the first 10 none had anything I was looking for.... of course I may have submitted a bad search criteria....

NEVER MIND DID A BETTER SEARCH AND GO MY ANSWER.

Ahab · 04-18-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaways

Just curious can you buy direct from Airstream to avoid middleman upcharges and or negotiation headaches?

I tried to do a search and it gave me hundreds of posts but after the first 10 none had anything I was looking for.... of course I may have submitted a bad search criteria....

NEVER MIND DID A BETTER SEARCH AND GO MY ANSWER.

Can you buy a car direct from GM?

Condoluminum · 04-18-2011, 02:28 PM

Airstream goes to great lengths to try and provide opportunities for their dealers to stay in business.. There are several in US that specialize in low-hassle internet sales and pricing, if that is your preference.. All must "honor" warranty, but some honor it more enthusiastically than others if they were uninvolved in sales...

Comment about GM relevant... ONce a manufacturer sets up dealer or distribution network of independent business owners, they are unlikely to undercut that network by selling around them...

Riverrat6270 · 04-18-2011, 03:08 PM

Probably never happen unless the factory makes a mistake, and I would seriously doubt that. I have been buying parts from Inland RV in California. Have had absolutely great service and parts availability. Usually deal with Kathy on the phone but have talked to Andy who owns the place a couple of times. Great with suggestions and knowledge. Might cost a couple of extra bucks but well worth every cent.

DougZ · 04-18-2011, 03:19 PM

It never ceases to amaze me how some people feel the need to "game the system" and deprive other people out of making an honest living.

**moosetags** · 04-18-2011, 03:30 PM

This brings to mind another question that I have had. Can you special order a new Airstream through an authorized dealer, and have him arrange for factory pick up by the customer?

Brian

Al - K4GLU · 04-18-2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

This brings to mind another question that I have had. Can you special order a new Airstream through an authorized dealer, and have him arrange for factory pick up by the customer?

Brian

Although I can't swear to this my understanding is no.

Inland RV Center, In · 04-18-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

This brings to mind another question that I have had. Can you special order a new Airstream through an authorized dealer, and have him arrange for factory pick up by the customer?

Brian

Yes, as that's done many times every year.

But, first the dealer will have to confirm with the factory, that indeed, the coach is paid for, some how, some way.

Andy

dznf0g · 04-18-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Condoluminum

Airstream goes to great lengths to try and provide opportunities for their dealers to stay in business.. There are several in US that specialize in low-hassle internet sales and pricing, if that is your preference.. All must "honor" warranty, but some honor it more enthusiastically than others if they were uninvolved in sales...

Comment about GM relevant... ONce a manufacturer sets up dealer or distribution network of independent business owners, they are unlikely to undercut that network by selling around them...

There are also franchise laws in every state, which vary in strength state by state, which protect franchised dealers on many issues like this.

Aage · 04-18-2011, 08:41 PM

By that I mean parts. The only catch?

You need to be at the plant. Although they occasionally sell things on the internet.

CanoeStream · 04-18-2011, 08:57 PM

They are very well set up for the Service Center to work with you on major repairs, modifications or upgrades. They'll welcome your call to reserve a date. You show up at the Terraport just east of the factory; camp there overnight. (the south sites are quieter during deliveries at 4:00AM). They pick up your 'stream at 7:00AM and return your coach to the Terraport at the end of every work day if they need more time to work on it. Take a factory tour while your coach is being worked on. There's a lot to be said about their customer orientation!

Airstream, Inc :: Service Center

Getaways · 04-19-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougZ

It never ceases to amaze me how some people feel the need to "game the system" and deprive other people out of making an honest living.

Thanks for making that assumption. Did it ever occur to you that in this horrible economy I was treated like an idiot by a salesman at one dealer. And don't want to do business with that dealer after that. And yes I know one employee does not a company make.... but nonetheless at this time I refuse to deal with them. And if I have to go out elsewhere I'd just as soon go to the factory.... But no, it has to be me trying to game the system....

Sorry if I sound acerbic, but you jumped to a conclusion with not even asking why?

justretired · 04-19-2011, 03:19 PM

Just send Colonial Airstream an email. Very easy to deal with. I was not happy with the dealership in my area, went to Colonial. Waiting for my new AS, expect delivery in May. End of story

Inland RV Center, In · 04-19-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaways

Thanks for making that assumption. Did it ever occur to you that in this horrible economy I was treated like an idiot by a salesman at one dealer. And don't want to do business with that dealer after that. And yes I know one employee does not a company make.... but nonetheless at this time I refuse to deal with them. And if I have to go out elsewhere I'd just as soon go to the factory.... But no, it has to be me trying to game the system....

Sorry if I sound acerbic, but you jumped to a conclusion with not even asking why?

Airstream, by contractual agreement with all it's dealers, prohibit them from selling any coach direct to the public.

That would be undermining all dealers and a violation of the agreement.

Finding another dealer, that will make you happy and smile, is not difficult.

Sometimes, personalities clash.

Andy

Gene · 04-19-2011, 03:31 PM

You have to buy from a dealer. You can buy some parts at the administration and service center building and fewer online. You can call them and ask about other things and maybe they will ship them, but I haven't tried that. Generally you have to buy parts through a dealer or look online. Some dealers may sell online.

It true there are big differences between dealers and you can look at trailers at bad ones, make a decision and then call good ones and negotiate a deal. You can special order modifications on some things, but the factory can be difficult on others. At one time I think you could buy a shell, but I don't think they do that anymore. Many decades ago before there were dealers, you had to buy at the factory, but those days are long gone.

If you want to pick it up at the factory, shipping to the dealer should be subtracted from the price and after you have negotiated a price then ask about pick up at the factory for a further discount. Airstream pays the dealers to check out everything and that would be done at either the service center (good) or the factory (not so good). Clarify that too. I don't know what shipping costs, but it's probably more than for a car because it's done piecemeal. After picking up at the factory, stay at the Terraport for a few days to check out everything so it can be fixed before you leave. Then tow it not too far to see what other problems there may be.

Gene

DougZ · 04-19-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaways

Thanks for making that assumption. Did it ever occur to you that in this horrible economy I was treated like an idiot by a salesman at one dealer. And don't want to do business with that dealer after that. And yes I know one employee does not a company make.... but nonetheless at this time I refuse to deal with them. And if I have to go out elsewhere I'd just as soon go to the factory.... But no, it has to be me trying to game the system....

Sorry if I sound acerbic, but you jumped to a conclusion with not even asking why?

I hate to break it to you, but these guys are in the same economy as you. Things are just as tough on their side. The bad saleman sounds like a cop out to me.

Boondocker · 04-19-2011, 03:51 PM

Since when does he owe salesmen a living?

xrvr · 04-19-2011, 03:57 PM

Ther are other dealers and perhaps other salesmen at that dealership. zz

Foiled Again · 04-19-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaways

Thanks for making that assumption. Did it ever occur to you that in this horrible economy I was treated like an idiot by a salesman at one dealer. And don't want to do business with that dealer after that. And yes I know one employee does not a company make.... but nonetheless at this time I refuse to deal with them. And if I have to go out elsewhere I'd just as soon go to the factory.... But no, it has to be me trying to game the system....

Sorry if I sound acerbic, but you jumped to a conclusion with not even asking why?

So... you weren't thrilled by Safford? Join the crowd. Try Out of Doors Mart in NC. Very nice folks.

Paula

trapperman33 · 04-19-2011, 04:32 PM

I tried to get parts through my local dealer and got nowhere, I called the factory and they said I could buy direct, but no shipping. I went down and got what needed with no hassle. I just paid what they asked, I did not ask for any discount. Very nice people to deal with, it was a several drive from n.e. ohio, but worth it. Good luck.