Buying at an RV Show - 2 things to watch out for! From Hershey, PA
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- I was recently at the Hershey RV show in PA and was starting to notice something about the people I was interacting with. I wanted to just put out a quick "watch out for these 2 things!" at a show video, so here you are!
After attending this show, I've decided to add a whole new module (or two) to the Buyers Track about attending and buying at an RV show. Make sure to check it out at www.rvmasters.com!
This is one part of a video taken from my new RV Masters Buyers Track video series. It's all about buying an RV, which includes more info than just tank sizes and sales gimmicks!
As a former RV salesperson, and full timer, I know both sides of the industry and I can show you how the sales process works, how to best navigate it, but I also provide information to help you determine if you even want to get into RV'ing!
In all, it contains almost 7 HOURS OF CONTENT - more than any other series I've seen. It's all you need to know about buying or trading an RV! And you can learn it from not only a full timer, but a former RV salesperson!
Videos include:
1. Start this adventure with your eyes open
2. Why it's so easy to lose the RV buying game
3. Renting vs buying
4. Types of RV's - Motorized Class A, B, and C
5. What you MUST know about towing
6. Types of towed RV's - Campters and 5th wheels
7. Towable floorplans summed up
8. Motorized floorplans summed up
9. What options come with this model?
10. Ambiguous RV language: A cake is not a cake
11. New vs. Used
12. Questions you REALLY should ask before buying!
13. How to narrow down the search!
14. About RV shows
15. The "usual" RV sales process - recognize what's happening!
16. See inside a sale
17. How to buy and save thousands
18. About trades
19. The sale isn't over - about financing!
20. What you must know about Warranties and Service Contracts
21. About the walkthrough
22. More than just the RV
23. The most important thing from this series
These videos - and others - are available online at www.rvmasters.com.
Great video. I heard of a dealership who sold the same RV 3 time at one show. Told the buyers they had bought one "Like" this unit. Rule #1 research prior 60 days to see what units are selling for. #2 All RV Manufacturers have a unit number for every unit made. Make sure that number is written on all your paperwork as the one purchased. If buying a motorhome, use the vin # instead.
The thing that struck me at the show was that you had to buy that exact unit that was on floor. The one that everyone was running in and out of. Kids slamming , opening everything. Then even if you bought it they still get to have people running in and out for days. Then after it back at a dealer then you get to do a PDI. Really , not a chance in hell that would happen. I might like one at a show but we be going to dealer lot and going from there. Just my opinion. Look forward to series.
NonRev not sure that is correct , I have been too Hershey a couple of times, if you notice some of the rv’s, it shows the unit sold numerous times, they are usually buying one from factory. My wife and I found what we wanted at the show the second year , first year was to get rid of the ah factor, then negotiated with three dealers before buying.
Don Godwin I agree its a great place to look and compare. And some did say there more, same model, in their lots. But several would say the price is only for show. Didn’t believe them. And I asked a couple about a certain one I was walking through and they said that is was the one I would be buying but don’t worry we would do a walk try at the dealer for PDI. So I’m sure the answer can be different from different people and dealers. I saw a few , like the expensive 5th wheel that said sold and was locked, so you couldn’t rummage through. And some that said sold and were open. Only been to 6 shows and it seemed the same at all of those. They definitely seemed that they wanted to unload those on the floor to me. But like I started with buy going to the shows I did narrow down what I wanted to order and it will be from the factory probably because there are some certain things I want and probably don’t want. Ha...... I did meet some people that were very helpful and would like to stop by their dealer and some that I would not go near it.....Besides it’s a lot of fun to look around.... Thanks.....
Those 'show prices' are for show. You can get those same prices in February when nothing is selling.
That's what I needed to hear, thank you!
I was there Friday!!! Bought already in Jan so i was there for some of the vendors.
Awesome! What did you think of it? Did you think it was busy as usual?
First OFF: You should NEVER, REPEAT NEVER Buy at an RV SHOW! Too many people impulsively purchase at RV Shows, only to find they could have got a much better deal away from the show by doing some research! Secondly, NEVER BUY From Camping World! You will be sorry!
JS TOR totally agree about camping world or campers inn. Real bad
Should we expect heavy discounts during the upcoming show in Sept 2021? Or do you all think everything will be at msrp?
I was there Saturday as well. Was jam packed. Anyway, the deal I passed on seemed extremely good, and I probably should have went for it. I'm not sure I could still get this sort of discount... I was looking at Forrest river diesel pushers. Particular model was a 2019. msrp of around 257k. Dealers on the web have them discounted to 185k-189k. The show price on this one was a bit over 200k. So I knew they would be coming down from that... . But, what surprised me was the number we ended up at. I was asked why not make the deal right here and now, and I told them my main reason was all the 2018 leftovers (same model/options) on the internet in the $165k range. At that point he said they could sell me this coach, a 2019 model, for that price. So it would have been that exact coach at the show, but, a 2019 with an msrp of 257k for 165k which would have put it on par with the cheaper of the 2018's I've seen, and around 25k less then the other discounted 2019's. Bottom line was, I just wasn't planning on actually buying that day, so it is what it is. I'm just wondering if it's possible to get back in that $$$ range in a later deal somewhere, or was it really a majical rv show only type of deal never to be seen again.
There is actually a good chance you can get that deal again. Call the dealer and tell them you'd like to discuss buying that RV for the show price. Most dealers will honor Hershey prices through the end of the year, assuming nothing really changed since the show. So give it a shot and let us know what happens!
I would like to see you comment on the low and high retail prices on NADA and how these could be used as a guide in buying new or used. I have noticed that most class A’s are always listed with MSRP price or discounted exactly in between low and high. How often can you expect to buy at low retail or lower.
Oh I agree with you.. " show only " pricing is a myth they will call you when you walk and offer you the sane price as a show extension.. then when you still say No they keep Chopping it down. FYI I still passed and bought Local to me . They added items to the deal and get local service that have a vested interest in their customers...
We bought a 2018 Fleetwood E Pro 19FD at our dealer in Florida for the Hershey show price plus a discount for the model year and got a fantastic deal. don't know if we would ever buy from a show.
Do not some of the coach manufacturers participate in the shows and offer additional discounts to the dealers that allow the dealer to sell a unit at a lower price during the show?
Look forward to mote of you videos, thanks a bunch. Looking to retire soon and travel the country most likely in a fifth wheel. I want a short bed diesel and am studying various hitches for shortbeds. Don't know whether to buy a new RV or a newer/used rv and save $$$. I'll keep watching your bids and get to your web site, thanks.
Brian Gilberg : I am also looking at retirement. The best bit of advice I learned is to buy before you retire. It makes the financial/financing paperwork go much smoother.
HiSteve if you decide to finance, try your credit union if you have one, way lower than what the dealer will get you. My credit union was at 1.75 % compared to almost double digits with some dealers. We decided not to finance but if we had , that would have been our choice. ps and watch out for dealer extended warranty .be able to smile and walk away.
What percent discount off MSRP should a buyer shoot for and is that generally universal across manufacturers or does it vary a lot between brands?
Great question! Although many people shy away from coming up with a number, and there are a few "full timers" that "debunk" this question as a myth, I'll give you the answer a factory rep had given me: He said AT LEAST 25% - 35% off MSRP. Any less than that and I spent too much on it. For example, I bought mine for $149k, and the MSRP was $208k. Even at that price I was told I overpaid at the time - maybe by $5k - $10k. So maybe even more than 35% off. But certainly not less than 25%! Hope that helps!
Thanks for the follow up and sharing your experience. The 28% discount shows a lot more markup than in most autos. Sounds like 30% is a good starting point to get a very general idea of what to expect.
Years ago it was very uncommon to ever see a manufacturer "window sticker" MSRP price list for the unit. That has changed now and so it is easier to tell what kind a deal is being offered for the same brand but by different dealers after calculating the percent of discount off the MSRP. Anyone considering a specific unit should insist on seeing the retail invoice (MSRP) for that unit and then calculate the discount percent. That is not the end as some dealers pack the price with other items (i.e. Camping World). Insist on a written document of all prices with an out the door total so there are no last minute surprises. If there are, then walk.
One other thing to do is look for the manufacture date on the side of the unit. A dealer should be more willing to deal on a unit that has not moved for six months compared to one that has only been on the floor for a few weeks.
Oh! I thought Hershey only has the chocolate factory and it is good to know they have RV show too.
I recently discovered your videos, great content! I already have a toy hauler travel trailer but am looking to upgrade to a newer, bigger one. I'll be attending an RV show in January in Denver ( as long as it doesn't get canceled) and am curious about negotiating a price there although I want to buy local since I'll have a trade. Will manufacturers be willing to compromise on a price even if I intend to go thru my local dealer?
I guess that guy is not a basketball player 5:15
Live-Laugh-Love-Travel -AKA Ryan & Lee H Lol. I seen that too
Saturday was nuts getting in at noon time. I think it was the first nice day also. We got in around 9, but leaving around 1 the line was ridiculous. people must have waited an hour to get in at the one gate. We ended up buying a Sunset Trail Rv (Show Priced) at 27,500 for 25 even.
After a minute and a half of hearing you talk about what you are going to talk about, I moved on.
The RV business is a big consumer RIP OFF
Thanks for sharing, random UA-cam commenter.