Dealer Discounts off MSRP

[Ken & Patti C.]

Hello:
We're looking closely at special ordering a new 33TKE. Based on your purchasing experience what should we expect in the way of a discount off MSRP on a special order, in-and-out, cash purchase. We've been quoted prices in the mid 20 percentile on other brands but received a 9 percent discount from a local Excel dealer. We really like what we've learned about Excel and just want to make an intelligent purchase without leaving too much on the table. Of course we expect the dealer to make a profit and stay in business but it behooves us to do diligence and locate the lowest purchase price we can. THANK YOU in advance for sharing your purchase experience.
Ken & Patti C.

[Ken & Patti C.]

Hello:
We're looking closely at special ordering a new 33TKE. Based on your purchasing experience what should we expect in the way of a discount off MSRP on a special order, in-and-out, cash purchase. We've been quoted prices in the mid 20 percentile on other brands but received a 9 percent discount from a local Excel dealer. We really like what we've learned about Excel and just want to make an intelligent purchase without leaving too much on the table. Of course we expect the dealer to make a profit and stay in business but it behooves us to do diligence and locate the lowest purchase price we can. THANK YOU in advance for sharing your purchase experience.
Ken & Patti C.

[evan0810]

Ken & Patti,
We ordered a new Classic 33TKE about 3 wks ago. I am hesitant to say what the discount was, but it was better than the amount you were offered. I suppose there are variables involved. For instance, we are a returning customer. I don't know your location, but the dealer in Indianapolis is the finest group of people I've ever bought an RV from. I have read that others give their dealerships high praise. PI should be very happy with the people that market their products.

[brassringer]

Hi. When we bought our 2000 rso it listed for 52000 and we paid outright 36000. I doubt that they didnt make any money on it. I had a reliable insurance man tell me that there is around a least 30% mark up in rvs, 20% in pickups and 10% on cars. Good Luck

[Ken & Patti C.]

Hello to everyone that has responded--including several PM's. THANK YOU for your suggestions and information.

It seems that the local area dealer we've been in contact with just isn't competitive. Here's what we were quoted:

$73,660. Base 33TKE Limited MSRP
$11,807. Options
$66. RVIA
$500. Dealer Prep
$1,070 Destination Charge

$87,103. MSRP, RVIA, Prep and Destination Charge
$76,995. Discounted Quote

While it may be a matter of interest, but not quite an "apples-to-apples" comparison, the NuWa HichHiker dealer in Cleburne, TX quotes 23% off MSRP for starters. And, no trade-in and no financing (just a cash in-and-out sale) gets a few more points off too. That kinda gets a Discover America or Champagne to the interesting category. Go here for details:
http://www.akrec.com/23PERCENTMSRP.HTM

No, it's not all about price to us but we're going to keep searching Excel dealers and look for a more competitive price--doing our do diligence. We believe there are Excel dealers that will be interested in a incremental sale and offer way more "incentive" than the prices we found above.

We welcome other replies and suggestions to this forum or private messages directly to us of any dealers that we should contact, contact persons, etc., and maybe pricing that we might expect.

This forum has to be a gold mine of shared information for Excel owners and if we're able to locate a sale that is right for us we'll look forward to being part of this group.

THANK YOU again,
Ken & Patti C.

[ExcelRVGuy]

Ken & Patti

I'm not going to get in the middle of dealers trying to make a profit and customers trying to get the best deal they can.

I would only like to expand on the idea that you can get a bigger markdown on a Nu*Wa product than an Excel.

Please keep in mind that every manufacturer carries what THEY believe to be a fair and reasonable mark-up from dealer cost to retail price. The higher end the product, the less the mark-up can be. For example, if Excel were to carry the same mark-up as a Keystone, Heartland, or similar product, our MSRP would be so rediculous that we'd be lucky to ever sell a trailer.

I can assure you that in the auto industry, a Lexus doesn't carry the same margin as a Buick.

I can't speak for what Nu*Wa marks up their coaches, but my point is that for prospective customers to paint the entire industry with the same paintbrush could be an exercise in frustration.

What I would request is that you evaluate each brand individually for the quality, features, and benefits that brand offers you. Then, if you feel it is a fair and equitable price, then make your buying decision on that.

Peterson Industries, as well as the dealership you are working with would be honored to have you in our Excel family..... But there is a possibility that unless you find a distressed unit that has been on a dealer's lot for quite some time, you may be hard pressed to find an Excel anywhere for the same percentage mark-down as a NU*Wa.

Just something to think about.

Bryan Tillett
President
Peterson Industries, Inc.

[Max1]

Ken, I went to the link you posted then to nuwa and I would suggest you take a look at what things are standard on a Excel versus what nuwa charges for those same items as options. Just glancing through I saw several add ons with the nuwa that are indeed standard on the Excel.
Good Luck

[vblarry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Ken & Patti, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Max1 hit one of the nails on the head. Something else I found out years ago while working in the boating industry was a term called "Floor Planning". All those new trailers you see on the lot are financed by somebody and the dealer is paying them interest on the loan. Most times if you can live with options you don't really want/need and live without ones you want, the dealers first priority is to get those new trailers off the lot.

Excel Owner till The End,
Larry B

[camperguy]

Ken & Patti

Do you have your heart set on a 33TKE? Or would getting a great deal on a similar new Excel Limited interest you? I know of a brand new '05 33RDO Limited on a dealers lot. It isn't quite like a 33TKE, but if you are looking for a REAL DEAL on a similar new unit, this may be of interest to you.
BTW...I'm not the dealer!!

[rockintom]

Hey camperguy,

By chance was this 05 33 RDO in the Portland area? We saw on there just taken in on trade and it was basically brand new. Unit was weathered a bit from sitting outside, but other than that like brand new. Still had the knobbies on the tire. Unit had disc brakes and Atwood leveling system.

I really like the 33 RDO floorplan, but it was only built for 1 year. You can walk thru this thing with the slides in. Enough for now. Tom

[camperguy]

Tom

The 33RDO Limited is at Jacks Campers in Mitchell South Dakota. It is brand new, never been sold! I really like the floorplan, but it's a bit more trailer than we need for weekend camping. According to their website, Jackscampers.com, as of Feb. 22 '08, the unit is still there.