Money down refundable or non-refundable?

[jk70]

First, I did search for this but most threads are based on ordering a unit. How do you transact for one on the lot? Do you put a deposit down? And, if so, is it usually refundable or non-reundable? Me says refundable but want to check here

I know not to pay the final amount prior to the PDI.

[shoeing dude]

I have put money down a couple times on different rigs only to change my mind. I always got my money back and would not do buisness with anyone that says it's nonrefundable.

[TonyMac]

No, the deposit, or earnest money, is not refundable. Have your ducks in a really tight line by then, know what you're doing, have an out-the-door price and drop some deposit on them while you get the rest of the money/financing together. Don't be wasting their time. Here's how I do it.
1. I know the market. I research what I want, how much I want to afford and how much it sells for where I'm buying it. Full timers want a washer/dryer. Weekenders, not so much. Got kids? Bunkbeds might be cool. Not me, our rig sleeps 4 and that's cool. I got this thing so the kids can't find us.
2. I find prospects. I note prices, write them in a ledger with other particulars; year, make, model, milage, likes and dislikes. Look at the tires, they need replacement at 7-10 years and they are expensive, price them too. Think about a extended warranty. Price these out for your Top 5. Mine has more than paid for itself, especially when you include the peace of mind they provide. Price varies by year, make and model, deductable and whether it's bumper 2 bumper or running gear or something inbetween.
3. Pick 3-5 favorites. Test drive these. Operate their systems. Spousal agreement on what we'll pay for each of these and which one we like better, 1-5. Develop an out the door max price on each of these, and well as your starting out the door offer. This is your margin for each.
4. Go after #1. Haggle, if you can't get it for what you want, go after #2. You can always come back. Stick to your margin. When you offer, and they accept, you have a contract. Deal in out-the-door pricing, maybe less tax title and license. No dealer prep fee, doc fee, bs fee, one out the door price. Tell them, "I'll give you 125,000 out the door less tax, title and license, with all systems operational at closing."

[Bob_C]

All that from a M/H guy.....

[Old-Biscuit]

Deposit.....
Money put down 'in earnest' to HOLD an item/REMOVE it from market
If you change mind/back out of deal you SHOULD loose deposit cause item was 'unavailable'

Do NOT ASSUME........get it in writing that deposit IS refundable when you put deposit down.
Otherwise

[TonyMac]

So, you put a refundable deposit on a rig. You come back two days later with the cash. Rig is gone, sold, outta luck. Dealer had someone come in with cash in hand, offered asking price, what do you expect the dealer to do? Are you upset or do you just take your refund and go look for another? If your deposit is to hold the rig, it should not be refundable, the dealer is taking this rig off the market in the expectation that you will buy it. If your deposit does not hold the rig, what does it do?