Question on the sales process

jackmetal · 05-20-2005, 10:25 AM

After a number of years of research, my wife and I are getting prepared to purchase our first RV and go full-time. I'm putting together a list of items for a very thorough PDI but since I haven't been through the RV purchase process I wanted to get some ideas from the seasoned pros out there.

Initially I was thinking about ordering my coach, but the dealer has a 2005 on the lot and will give me a really good deal on it. Which brings me to my question: If I've settled on this one, do I do an inspection now (before I've started the paperwork process) or do I wait until the PDI? I'm guessing that the PDI comes after the paperwork, but I imagine I would prefer to make sure that everything is taken care of "before" I sign.? Is that how the process typically goes for an RV sale?

Thank You very much for any information.

jackmetal · 05-20-2005, 10:25 AM

After a number of years of research, my wife and I are getting prepared to purchase our first RV and go full-time. I'm putting together a list of items for a very thorough PDI but since I haven't been through the RV purchase process I wanted to get some ideas from the seasoned pros out there.

Initially I was thinking about ordering my coach, but the dealer has a 2005 on the lot and will give me a really good deal on it. Which brings me to my question: If I've settled on this one, do I do an inspection now (before I've started the paperwork process) or do I wait until the PDI? I'm guessing that the PDI comes after the paperwork, but I imagine I would prefer to make sure that everything is taken care of "before" I sign.? Is that how the process typically goes for an RV sale?

Thank You very much for any information.

Captain Bud · 05-20-2005, 10:49 AM

I perform PDIs at a dealership and usually what happens is the customer inspects the unit, and notes anything wrong with the salesperson and then gives a down payment. The unit is then prepped and anything wrong is taken care of and any extras that the customer wants is installed. On the day of delivery the unit is presented in a delivery area and I go though all the systems, operate all the systems and it is again inspected by the customer to make sure what defects that were first discovered were repaired. If anything else is found that is a defect, it is repaired immediately by a service tech.If there is a major malfunction and it cannot be repaired the closing is held up for a future date. If the defect is minor it is added to a defect sheet that will be taken care of when the parts (if required) come in, or the customer takes the unit and after shaking it down , schedules a service visit.
Remember to take your time, ask questions and please limit the number of people present during the PDI. It can get very crowded and confusing if there is a group of peopletouching switches ,opening and closing drawers and in general disrupting the PDI. (If possible do not bring any small children along,as they get bored easily and then things get overlooked.)
Another thing to remember is to take notes, videotape, or any other method to remember what was said and demonstrated. I'm not bragging but I have done about 100 PDIs and have had no complaints. Remember that this is a happy time and everyone should walk away happy. If there is anything else I can help you with please ask..

jackmetal · 05-20-2005, 11:05 AM

Thank you very much for the information.

I am looking forward to purchasing and moving into our new "home on wheels".. ;-)

I've been reading all of the forums and trying to come up with a good PDI checklist on my own. Do you happen to know if there is a template PDI checklist anywhere to download/print?

Thanks again, I appreciate the information!

rehcuobbob · 05-20-2005, 11:15 AM

Go to Ken Lenger site and print the 11 page inspection article he has there. It's for a trailer but most of it will apply to your unit as well. It's at: HTTP://klenger.net click on RV Web Page, then Pre-Delivery inspection.

]Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.

Bob