Buying a new or used RV can be an adventure, as buyers may dream of all the trips they will take and memories they will make. However, pressure from salespersons can be a complicated issue to deal with when purchasing an RV. The customer may feel overwhelmed by the enormous size of the purchase, the potential cost, and the complexity of the features and options. Additionally, the salesperson may not be familiar with the customer‘s specific needs and preferences and may be trying to upsell them on features they do not need or want. The customer may also feel pressured to decide quickly, which can lead to a rushed and unsatisfactory purchase.
Understanding the Pressure
Pressure to buy an RV can come in different forms. Some forms of pressure can include tactics such as limited time offers, high–pressure sales tactics, and other methods. Limited time offers are only available for a certain amount of time, usually a few days or weeks, and are used to encourage customers to make an immediate purchase. Most often customers will encounter the use of this tactic when attending an RV show. The salesperson will assure you that the only way to get the price they are offering is to buy the RV while at the show. Because once the show is over the price will go away. High pressure sales tactics are used to push customers to make a purchase, often by making them feel like they are missing a terrific opportunity or by employing scare tactics to make them think the offer won’t be available much longer.
When our family was shopping for an RV, we personally experienced this tactic. On one occasion I was at an RV dealer looking at a model we were potentially interested in purchasing. After walking through the model and others the salesperson wanted me to meet the sales manager. The sales manager asked what was stopping me from buying the RV that day. I explained my wife was not with me and I would not purchase without her having a chance to look at the RV. They wanted me to call her and have her come over, not caring she was currently located over two hours away. They then wanted me to call my wife on the phone and do a video chat so she could see the RV. Because as they put it, there was no guarantee the RV would be available tomorrow. What we experienced dealer could also be termed Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). This is a type of pressure sales tactic whereby the salesperson makes a customer feel like they need to act quickly, or they will miss a great opportunity. Guilt tripping customers is another tactic used by salespeople to try to get them to make a purchase. This involves making them feel bad about not taking advantage of a great offer or making them feel like they are letting their loved ones down by not buying a product.
Do Your Research
Researching different RVs and dealerships before making a purchase is important for several reasons. First, shoppers can compare different models, features, and prices to find the best deal and RV for their needs. This can be especially helpful whether shopping for a new or used RV. Additionally, researching different dealerships can help shoppers identify trustworthy dealerships with positive customer reviews and a good reputation. Knowing the dealer’s reputation and customer service can help buyers feel more confident in their purchase, as they know that they are buying from a reputable and reliable source. Further, it is important to research the service department. One major difference in the RV community comes from service after the sale. When we bought our RV, we were halfway across the country and needed service when our converter had an electrical short and almost caught fire. We called the nearest dealer for the RV manufacturer and were told that since we had not purchased the RV from them, they would take care of their clients first and work us in when they had an opening. Fortunately, the situation worked itself out and the dealer was able to quickly get us in for repairs. However, we learned that unlike buying a vehicle, RV dealers are not always required to do warranty work if you did not purchase the RV from them.
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Set Your Budget
Before setting a budget, make sure to consider all your other financial commitments. Consider your income, expenses, and any debt you may have. It’s important to be realistic and practical when setting a budget. To ensure that you stick to your budget, track your spending. This can be done by writing down everything you spend money on and noting how much you spent. This will help you better understand where your money is going and where you are overspending. Set a limit for yourself and make sure to stay within that limit. When it comes to salespeople, it can be easy to get persuaded to spend more than you had planned. Especially, when shopping for an RV. When we were looking to purchase our RV, we had an idea of the kind of RV we wanted. One salesperson was nice to show us what we “needed.” He then told us he was going to show us what we “really needed.” Of course, there was a significant difference in the price of the two RVs. To avoid this, set a limit for yourself and make sure to stick to it. Impulse purchases can be one of the biggest budget-breakers. To avoid making impulse purchases, create a list of items you need and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and unnecessary purchases. Purchasing a RV is a big decision and buying one on impulse can be a disastrous decision if you do not know your financial limits.
Take Your Time
It is important to take your time when making decisions because rushing into something can lead to regret and dissatisfaction. Making decisions quickly can lead to poor choices that may not be in your best interest and can have long-term consequences. Taking your time and being thoughtful allows you to make decisions based on careful research and consideration. Additionally, taking your time allows you to make decisions that you are more likely to feel comfortable with. Rushing into decisions can also lead to making decisions that you may later regret, as you may not have had the time to consider all the facts and implications of the decision. Taking your time when making decisions can help you to make better and more informed decisions. Having an independent RV inspection is a great way to help with taking your time. The inspection will force you to slow down and not make a rushed decision based on pressure from the salesperson. Further, the information you receive from the inspection will certainly help you decide if purchasing the RV is a good decision and not a decision based on any of the fear and pressure tactics from the salesperson.
Yes, buying and owning an RV is fun and can lead to great adventures. However, the process of buying an RV can often be confusing and frustrating. Certain RV dealers are known for using lots of pressure and tactics to get you to buy without careful consideration of the decision. Using the information, we discussed in this article can help you not feel confident in the decision whether to purchase an RV.