Message Forums

Hi

We bought once at show paid a small deposit with credit card and paid rest when we went to collect as someone says i wouldn't pay a large deposit or pay by debit card just incase compant aint there by time you get the van.

Remeber to try and get a discount we bought ours 1/2 before show ended and managed to get a few extras thrown in that he wouldnt do day before.

Gerry

As a rule, shows are not the place to "buy" anything. The atmosphere is entirely false, bright lights, warm, cosy. Much better to see what you are buying in it's natural habiitat on a cold wet day in west Yorkshire.

It's very easy to fall into the euphoria of "must buy now". Remember, the salesman is seeing maybe 20 people an hr , at the end of the show, there will be any number of people who have "ordered " at the show, and will give back word a week later. This is from a salesman.

If you need a van now, much better to follow the advice of David above, go to the show, see what you want to see, and then find a local dealer who isn't at the show, and do your dealing. You will be on a level playground, they are not paying out a fortune to be at Bghm, and will be happy to get their orders in before the dust settles from the show. 

AJ

Quote: Originally posted by ayjay on 08/10/2009

---

As a rule, shows are not the place to "buy" anything. The atmosphere is entirely false, bright lights, warm, cosy. Much better to see what you are buying in it's natural habiitat on a cold wet day in west Yorkshire.

It's very easy to fall into the euphoria of "must buy now". Remember, the salesman is seeing maybe 20 people an hr , at the end of the show, there will be any number of people who have "ordered " at the show, and will give back word a week later. This is from a salesman.

If you need a van now, much better to follow the advice of David above, go to the show, see what you want to see, and then find a local dealer who isn't at the show, and do your dealing. You will be on a level playground, they are not paying out a fortune to be at Bghm, and will be happy to get their orders in before the dust settles from the show. 

AJ

---

I prefer to buy from a local dealer, one I can reach with ease should I need warranty work or servicing carried out. A neighbour of ours bought a new carvan from a dealer about 35 miles away, he has to leave it there for a week to have it serviced. It ties up two of his saturdays to take & collect it. We're so very different, our dealer is 5 minutes walk away, I can drop our van in during my lunch break & collect it on my way home. So much easier.

If you're intending buying at the NEC, I'd advise finding out how much a local dealer would quote you for a chosen caravan then go to the NEC & see what saving if any there is to be made.

There is a long thread on here where a member left a £500 deposit with a "friendly" dealer at last years show. The member lost their money.

It'll be interesting to follow this thread & see how you get on at the show, I hope you enjoy it.

BB

To jaiash

Good on ya. -----The key phrase is "As a rule",  ie If you are suited, do it, but for many, a show is a big temptation, and it takes a strong will to resist.

When you think that the big stands at Bmghm cost between £500,000 to £1 m pounds for space, manning, expenses of staff etc.and an enormous amount of hassle for the company, It's a bit hard to see why suppliers would then be "giving the stuff away"

A show is a glorious way to see what you want, and to compare without driving miles, and a nice day out. Any good rep will know his product and the opposition, so talk to the rep openly, and tell them what you are looking for, you may learn something you never thought about.. After the doors close, they all talk to each other anyway.

At the moment there seems to be a shortage of 2 nd hand vans for new entry caravanners due to the credit crunch etc., which would suggest anyone prepared to invest in a higher spec model new, should be looking for a good deal.

My technique when buying is to decide precisely what I want, and telephone round all the suppliers in an area.  No debate, best price required. That works for me.

AJ

Quote: Originally posted by ayjay on 09/10/2009

---

My technique when buying is to decide precisely what I want, and telephone round all the suppliers in an area.  No debate, best price required. That works for me.

AJ

---