Discounting on factory direct purchases

[William Lee]

Hello:

I'm thinking about purchasing a 17' fiber glass trailer this summer and a question came up, do the factories bargain any on their suggested retail price? In past years on conventional full size RV's I have always been able to get down to the bottom dollar of 15 to 30 % off retail with no trade in. I'm most interested in the Oliver, Casita, and a couple of other makes, and will visit the factories in May. You help is appreciated, you may E- Mail me at oneoldfox@yahoo.com if you do't want to post this in the forum. Thanks, Bill

[Darwin Maring]

As a suggestion, I would call the factories to see if they have any in stock for sale. I think the Scamps are made to order and and you have to wait until it is made.

It will be interesting and informative to see what you find out.

[Pete Dumbleton]

I don't know about recent years, but Scamp used to have times during the year when they would advertise a reduced price.

[Steve L.]

Good luck, but I'm not optimistic. Most of these makers have several month waiting lists so I don't think they're motivated to cut prices. Further, Casita and Scamp are direct sales so there's no middleman's profit to undercut. I don't know about how Big Foot sells their trailers.

I think what Darwin suggests is your best bet. Maybe you'd catch someone's trailer who had to back out for some reason. I felt I received a little break when I bought a cancellation.

Taking delivery at the factory saves transportation costs.

I, too, would be interested in what you learn.