Online enquiries - poor dealership feedback

[donnieban]

As a prospective purchaser, I am really surprised that only one dealership out of 6 has responded to my questioning on likely discount for a no trade in type purchase.


I accept that I am tyre kicking online, evidently the dealerships don't think they need to put any effort into sales as the market is patently buoyant enough. This may be fair comment, but am I alone in thinking that this lack of customer commitment is also likely to mirror their efforts in Customer Care?

donnieban

 

[rosalan]

I think they prefer the psychological gleaning from face to face contact, for in the end you want the product for as little as you can and they want to make as much profit as they can. A letter would do little to find this balance point.

 

[Vanman]

I suspect that, in their eyes, you're asking an impossible question. The margins change on an almost daily basis depending on which make / model you're looking at and how badly they need the sale. Things like interest and exchange rates can make a difference too. The answer is probably - the lowest amount they can give you and still make a sale. They won't be able to determine that without talking to you face to face

 

[Robert Clark]

Try putting yourself in the salesmans shoes.
If you're not interested enough to pay them a visit to see the product, why waste valuable selling time replying to your email.
If your a 'serious' buyer - prove it to them.

 

[donnieban]

I think they prefer the psychological gleaning from face to face contact, for in the end you want the product for as little as you can and they want to make as much profit as they can. A letter would do little to find this balance point.

Travelled from the Highlands to Leeds after a simple negotiation over a 6 month old car in Leeds. Discount was fair and didn't have to haggle. Motorhome dealers obviously think that that their stock will sell regardless.


Credit to SMC in Newark for their IT skills and prompt response.

donnieban

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[Spidey]

I disagree with going to the dealers, some dealers are too far away and you don't want to waste your time. When we started looking I found sometimes an initial phone call to have a chat and show you are genuine and not just fishing. Then when they knew i was serious i would follow it up with questions etc. But very few wanted to put anything but the rrp in emails. Some do and that is usually when they know you are serious. In fact Highbridge said they preferred the emails as there was a trail then and everything is written down. However I did introduce my self by phone first.

 

[SteveB123]

I am surprised they haven't phoned you to see if you really are a tyre kicker or not or didn't you give your phone no.

 

[donnieban]

Try putting yourself in the salesmans shoes.
If you're not interested enough to pay them a visit to see the product, why waste valuable selling time replying to your email.
If your a 'serious' buyer - prove it to them.

I have been in to the "nearest" dealers in Perth twice in the last 6 months, their pricing is generously one sided. I have lovely blue eyes and blond hair... despite that, the best that has been offered is a reduction of £1,000. The discount is of little interest when what they sell starts of very significantly above market value to begin with. Savings do involve travel to East Midlands which unfortunately for me involves a 1000 mile trip.

Buying private more locally may be easier.

donnieban

 

[Robert Clark]

I have been in to the "nearest" dealers in Perth twice in the last 6 months, their pricing is generously one sided. I have lovely blue eyes and blond hair... despite that, the best that has been offered is a reduction of £1,000. The discount is of little interest when what they sell starts of very significantly above market value to begin with. Savings do involve travel to East Midlands which unfortunately for me involves a 1000 mile trip.

Buying private more locally may be easier.

donnieban

You don't have to visit them to be a 'serious buyer.
How about calling them first?

 

[donnieban]

I am surprised they haven't phoned you to see if you really are a tyre kicker or not or didn't you give your phone no.

Owch!! that was aimed below the belt! Yes, Iprovide my address and contact details. Perhaps the address does more harm than good.

To date the only motorhome I have gone overboard on was a lovely 2011 plate Hymer down in Nottingham. I-t ticked every box, I emailed that night phoned the next morning. The dealer explained yes, sold straight away. We never answer these type enquiries, if we did we wouldn't be able to do anything else...

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[Robert Clark]

Thinking outside the box
Have you visited mobile.de website?
Loads of Motorhomes for sale across Europe, from dealers who I've heard are a bit more responsive than English ones.

 

[donnieban]

Thinking outside the box
Have you visited mobile.de website?
Loads of Motorhomes for sale across Europe, from dealers who I've heard are a bit more responsive than English ones.

First time visitor Robert. Plenty choice if you want the steering wheel on the other side, prices look much better for buyers

 

[donnieban]

Self improvement take 2.
Phoned Amber Leisure (end of the world) about a really nice 2012 Bailey 620 se. My research was bound to impress the lovely sales lady. Sadly I fell at the first fence, our Amber warranty will involve you in taking your motorhome back to us if you experience any problems. Oh dear, could I please use a local Bailey dealership, no sorry, it has to be us.

Never did reach the what discount question.

 

[chaser]

Try putting yourself in the salesmans shoes.
If you're not interested enough to pay them a visit to see the product, why waste valuable selling time replying to your email.
If your a 'serious' buyer - prove it to them.

That was exactly the attitude at the place where I worked

 

[Robert Clark]

Self improvement take 2.
Phoned Amber Leisure (end of the world) about a really nice 2012 Bailey 620 se. My research was bound to impress the lovely sales lady. Sadly I fell at the first fence, our Amber warranty will involve you in taking your motorhome back to us if you experience any problems. Oh dear, could I please use a local Bailey dealership, no sorry, it has to be us.

Never did reach the what discount question.

Don't think you'd have the same problem if you chose a Hymer
As I understand it any dealer will support you

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[Vanman]

Self improvement take 2.
Phoned Amber Leisure (end of the world) about a really nice 2012 Bailey 620 se. My research was bound to impress the lovely sales lady. Sadly I fell at the first fence, our Amber warranty will involve you in taking your motorhome back to us if you experience any problems. Oh dear, could I please use a local Bailey dealership, no sorry, it has to be us.

Never did reach the what discount question.

This is a subject that gets a regular airing ... it seems to differ from Manufacturer to Manufacturer but revolves around the 'agreement' they set up with their Dealerships. There are a very few that agree the 'equal pain' of service and repair at any of their Dealerships (Westfalia maybe) but most of the rest put their Dealers 'over a barrel' contracting that all warrantee work has to be undertaken at 'mates rates' for the Manufacturer. Given that most Dealers can fill their workshops with paying work, why should they take on extra work when they have not benefited from the sale in the first place? I can understand why you want the best of both worlds but the harsh realities of life rarely work that way. Certainly I was told by Dicksons of Perth that if I bought one 'down South' I needn't bother taking it back to them with any issues!

 

[donnieban]

This is a subject that gets a regular airing ... it seems to differ from Manufacturer to Manufacturer but revolves around the 'agreement' they set up with their Dealerships. There are a very few that agree the 'equal pain' of service and repair at any of their Dealerships (Westfalia maybe) but most of the rest put their Dealers 'over a barrel' contracting that all warrantee work has to be undertaken at 'mates rates' for the Manufacturer. Given that most Dealers can fill their workshops with paying work, why should they take on extra work when they have not benefited from the sale in the first place? I can understand why you want the best of both worlds but the harsh realities of life rarely work that way. Certainly I was told by Dicksons of Perth that if I bought one 'down South' I needn't bother taking it back to them with any issues!

I understand the loyalty aspect but Dicksons mark up is why I need to look down south in the first place. Hopefully not all dealers in Scotland are as narrow?

 

[Vanman]

I understand the loyalty aspect but Dicksons mark up is why I need to look down south in the first place. Hopefully not all dealers in Scotland are as narrow?

The one around the corner (Scothomes?) seemed friendlier, or maybe by then I'd stopped mentioning the NEC ... lol.

 

[donnieban]

The one around the corner (Scothomes?) seemed friendlier, or maybe by then I'd stopped mentioning the NEC ... lol.

Yes, have visited Scott (Scot motor homes) several times now and he seems a very friendly guy. Just the pricing that stands between us.

 

[Vanman]

Yes, we were up there on holiday and looked at an Adria and a Vantana there. We didn't get as far as talking prices though as we were still investigating layouts. The guy at Dicksons we were very unimpressed with. I suppose if you say you'll probably buy at the NEC and they are not going, then they might be forgiven for taking the hump. Seemed a bit unprofessional though.

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[donnieban]

Its always a shame when you visit and you know more about the van than they do. A Swift Bolero 680fb had caught my eye. This is what I need, and then reality- it had had a very hard paper round in its youth