Message to Sales and Dealers

[motojavaphil]

We are slowly moving towards the purchase of a new RV, something with slides, and are leaning towards a fifth wheel configuration although nothing is ruled out. In our search I have noticed some things that would really help. I humbly make these recommendations to dealers and folks wanting to sell. If anyone would like to add to my list please feel free.

 

1. Advertise your price, not call for price. I know you want me to call but there is no way I will call, a definite turn off.

 

2. Specs, such as length, weights, slides. I cannot say how many times I have looked at something only to have more questions than answers. What is the GVWR, hitch weight?

 

3. Know your product! There is nothing worse than talking on the phone or visiting a dealership and either knowing more about the product than the sales or not getting information.

 

4. Honesty, I cannot stress this enough. People investing $1000's of dollars in a quickly depreciating asset deserve better than BS, lies or myths. Immediate reason to walk and stop all communication.

 

5. Dealers, screen your sales staff, train them about your product and insure they have the personality style to interact with people. We had a salesman upset because we came in to look, taking him out of the queue. Never will buy anything from that dealer! Professionalism comes to mind.

 

6. Advertised trucks online. I have seen dealers fail to indicate the engine, gear ratio and bed length of their supposed HD product that will be moving very heavy stuff. Certainly we can do better!

 

Just some thoughts. I recognize some are sales ploys but I'd rather deal with someone upfront who knows their product.

[Jimalberta]

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[2gypsies]

Yep...sounds like you've been looking at RVs/trucks. Good luck!!!

[mptjelgin]

The points that you make are all valid, but you are setting the bar high indeed. By the time we went shopping for our full-time rig I had decided that it was up to ME to know what I wanted, and understand which brands had those features. We were pleasantly surprised on a couple of occasions to encounter knowledgeable, honest sales people, but more commonly we encountered "salesmen" who's job was to simply take you out the the trailer and let you look around and perhaps point out a feature or two.

 

We were looking for specific brands and models to evaluate, and if we'd walked off of every lot that didn't meet your stated criteria we'd have had trouble looking at most of those brands! Ultimately we factory ordered a trailer from Nu-Wa and really just picked it up through their local dealer in Central Texas. Even during the walk-through the "technician" didn't understand some of the systems on the trailer (thought the surge protector was "probably" a solar controller) but I had spec'ed the trailer and knew exactly what each item was and how it worked.

 

Ultimately it is up to the buyer to do the homework and determine what they want. Sales people might be able to guide you along, but as you've found many aren't really qualified to assist with this important decision.

[Kirk W]

Just some thoughts. I recognize some are sales ploys but I'd rather deal with someone upfront who knows their product.

If you read your post carefully, it will go a long way toward explaining the reason that studies show time and again that in commissioned sales, nearly 80% of the sales are made by roughly 20% of the sales people. I always look for the sales people who have been in the same dealership for many years. That rarely happens unless the sales person is one who knows his products and who takes care of business by being fair to both his employer and the customer in good balance. Most advertisements are designed by marketing people, not the sales staff.

[motojavaphil]

Thanks for the replies. Kirk's seeking out the more successful sales folks is brilliant. I have met solid sales people but have also met people I would not hire in a million years trying to sell their brand. Mark, you said my standards are too high and perhaps so. A little bit of ethical behavior is not a bad thing considering they are asking for my money. That is really cool you ordered your Nuwa direct, seems to cut out a lot of the hassle.

[pugsly]

Good comments. I'll also add that my experience is that maybe 80% of the "internet sales specialists" are a complete and utter waste of time. I seem to shop for a vehicle but ultimately end up shopping for a salesperson. Once I find the right salesperson they are able to find me what I want and at the price I want to pay.

[wildmandmc]

hey pugs, i agree 100%. those internet sales ppl are a total waste, as for the sales person that been there long time, had both sides of the coin with them. of course there is always the exception. one experience i had with a long time sales person at a la mesa dealership, was he be saying one thing an when it come down to writing sales slip up. 180 degree u turn, found out later him an finance person were working together. , ya all have to make sure of what that sales person says remembering it, come time to write it up. remember bs is not just in the cow pasture .

[Chief 62]

RV sales people are bottom feeders just like car sales people.

[Second_Star]

Oh man, your post really hit home. It sounds like we are at about the same point in the purchase process and I TOTALLY agree with everything you said.

 

I'm the type that will research something to death before I walk onto a lot and I can't even begin to count the number of times I will get the deer in the headlights look from the salesperson. I now tend to avoid the salespeople if at all possible and go look for myself without them.

 

The other thing that makes me cringe are the outright lies the salespeople will tell. I've been to several RV shows where I know for a fact that I just overheard that sales guy tell a complete lie to that couple. 'Why sure your Prius can pull that 30 foot travel trailer, no problem, can we go start the paperwork now?'.

 

The other thing that always gets me is that 10 seconds before the sale they are your best buddy, 10 seconds after the sale that sales guy doesn't know you from Adam.

[SIBERNUT]

Caveat emptor

[sandsys]

One of our best RV salesman was brand new to the job. He followed us around and took notes about what we thought was worth looking at and what items we discussed between us. That guy will be a great salesman soon.

 

Linda Sand

[2gypsies]

When we bought our RVs we went to the factory and spoke at length with the Sales Manager. We went over every inch of the RV and were able to make changes or additions. We then took the specs and sent them out to approximately 20 dealers handling those RVs. The one that came back the cheapest got the sale. We didn't have to deal with any dealers. We also bought our last three vehicles this way. It was extremely easy to do with no hassles. We didn't care where we bought them as we never returned to the selling dealer. Any warranty work (very little needed) was happily done as we traveled.

[motojavaphil]

Motivated salesperson, people oriented, organized, knows product...Thanks Linda, well defined, hope folks are listening!

[bruce t]

Anyone been to Best Buys lately to buy a computer? Don't just single out RV salespersons. Lack of product knowledge is 'bad' everywhere. (18 months ago I took a laptop to the Geeks at Best Buys. They told me it was dead. I had to buy a new one. Well this here ol laptop is still working. You see they could find the on switch until I showed them where is was).

So Are RV salesmen so bad?

 

regards