Do Airstream dealers have a sweatbox?

[WherryWillie]

I just bought my tow vehicle, first car buy in awhile, and I was reminded of what I refer to as the "sweatbox". The salesman turned me over to the business manager where I had sales forms two-feet long and a high-pressure choice on such as extended warranty, rust-proofing, tire-rupture insurance.

Here is my question to the veterans. I have essentially bought a new Airstream via mail from Desert Autoplex, in Mesa, AZ. They have cashed my check, I'm insuring it on the dealer's lot. I'm driving down from Wisconsin to get it.

Will I be confronted with something like the auto-dealers sweatbox of "just a few more things" and if so, what are they?
Thanks,

[Hittenstiehl]

If you have your hitch and sway figured out and bring it with you hopefully the only sweatbox you'll expetience is our 105 degrees temperature.

[AWCHIEF]

Seems a little late to be worrying about your dealers ethics. I would of been asking questions before writing the check.

[PKI]

Yes, but just say no thank you. When they discount the offer, just say no thank you.

Normally they will suggest a surface coating and an extended warranty. It's part of the profit margin. Or not, depending on your approach to purchasing capital assets.

Our experience was not a sweat box. My son's recent Nissan purchase was a sweat box. Depends on the dealer and the product.

But you will sign off on lots of disclaimer and info acknowledgments. CA has a bit more of this, but it's part of the deal most places.

Good Luck! Pat

[dkottum]

I think you can count on it, they have them to generate lots more easy money from the sale, and you get almost nothing. At least nothing worthwhile. Extended warranties, theft deterrent and recovery plans, special treatments and coatings, roadside service and towing plan, what will they come up with next.

Tell him not to waste your time and he will tell you his boss makes him offer this to you, and then ask you to initial and sign a bunch of forms refusing it. They will try to make you feel like a jerk and a fool for refusing it. All part of the sales pitch.

It's disgusting to say the least.

[SeaLevel]

None of that happened when we bought our AS last December at Colonial.

[wbrisett]

When we first went into CamperClinicII, we knew very little about Airstreams. But we absolutely had a good buying experience. But they offer a lifetime warranty as part of the deal (it's fairly useless in the sense that you aren't paying for it up front, but if you want to keep it up-to-date, you have to get yearly inspections which is where they make their money). We weren't pressured into any additional things. I think just about every dealer runs you through the parts area where they do try to sell you things (but having already owned a camper, we didn't need anything).

The online reviews of Desert Autoplex seem to be fine. Is there something in particular that worries you?

[paiceman]

We purchased from Colonial and a former dealer -- Airstream of Western PA (twice). Neither time were we pushed on anything, in fact both times if anything the reverse. "no you really don't need that, but we can sell it to you".

[ArkFortyCal]

Here is an awesome couple #TheMoreWeExplore that recently purchased a used trailer at Desert Autoplex and videoed their experience.

Sounds like Denny is the man but you should allow most the day if this is your first Airstream.

We enjoyed the whole video but jump to 3:30 when they get to the dealership to just see their experience there.

http://youtu.be/mszsvyW7QI8

[55AS]

My used purchase at Desert Autoplex was very pleasant and totally lacking in sales pressure. No experience buying new so YMMV.

[moosetags]

We have purchased three Airstreams over the last ten years. All three were purchased from Airstream dealers. Two were new and one was used. Two of the dealers were in different parts of Florida and one was in Mississippi. None of these Airstream dealer had any kind of "sweatbox" tactics. At two of these dealers, I reinstalled my Hensley hitch on their lot as part of the deal.

All three of these Airstream dealers were professional with none of that car dealer crap.

Brian

[Bob662]

My experience at Southaven RV (MS) couldn't have been better. Absolutely no "sweatbox" tactics. An extended warranty and other add-on products or services weren't even mentioned, nor were there any forms to be signed acknowledging that such services were available but refused ...and my usual No. 1 complaint with car dealers that wasn't present here...no "doc. fee."

[khollister]

Very casual, low pressure closing with Ron at Foley RV in Gulfport, MS here. In my experience, most Airstream dealers are not big enough to have the bureaucracy and procedures common at most auto dealerships. Even there, just politely saying no speeds that right along.


Keith
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[efaehw]

I worked with Desert and Denny there this winter and was confident doing so. Good team. Ended up buying Tucson because they had what I wanted and a better price. No pressure either place. Do insist on a full and detailed delivery in reviewing all aspects.

[TomKirk]

"Sweat Box" = In the real world of car business, they call this the "bump system." That's where they "bump" you from one person to another, up the chain of command.

Tom

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by ArkFortyCal

Here is an awesome couple #TheMoreWeExplore that recently purchased a used trailer at Desert Autoplex and videoed their experience.

Sounds like Denny is the man but you should allow most the day if this is your first Airstream.

We enjoyed the whole video but jump to 3:30 when they get to the dealership to just see their experience there.

http://youtu.be/mszsvyW7QI8

The trailer wasn't ready. That resembles my experience.
The dealer had the check.
The dealer knew I was coming Friday morning to get the trailer.
They had Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to get the trailer ready.
Oh no!
Original wheels!
Does that mean it has Goodyear Marathons?
I will say that this dealer is thorough and does a good job.

[Ed Brownfield]

I have not read the post to your question about "sweatbox" treatment however I can offer "first hand" experience in dealing with Desert Autoplex. I spend part of the year in AZ and Desert Autoplex has performed work on my trailer on several occasions. Their service has been excellent. Of course I do not know with whom at Desert Autoplex you are working but if when you get there they are not satisfactory ask to speak with Denny Donaldson. Denny is the manager of Desert Autoplex and he is honest, and will not high pressure sell you. He owns an Airstream Trailer himself and enjoys the lifestyle and believes in the product. In my experience in dealing with him, he has been a first class individual. I don't know a lot about the dealership but I trust Denny and would recommend him without hesitation. Good luck and I hope that you enjoy your new Airstream.

[m.hony]

Denny is the man recommended in the YouTube video.

[PecanMan5]

They are known as the kook in the corner. Anytime you pay a doc fee or prep fee, you got ripped off.

[glenrms]

Originally Posted by wbrisett

When we first went into CamperClinicII, we knew very little about Airstreams. But we absolutely had a good buying experience. But they offer a lifetime warranty as part of the deal (it's fairly useless in the sense that you aren't paying for it up front, but if you want to keep it up-to-date, you have to get yearly inspections which is where they make their money). We weren't pressured into any additional things. I think just about every dealer runs you through the parts area where they do try to sell you things (but having already owned a camper, we didn't need anything).

The online reviews of Desert Autoplex seem to be fine. Is there something in particular that worries you?

I don't have any experience with sales from Camper Clinic II but I have had an experience with the Service Department. I'll not comment but be sure to read their reviews for the service department before taking your AS back to that facility for service.