Community Forums

gingery56 · 05-12-2016, 07:49 AM

We are about to purchase first camping rig and were excited about it. The dealer wants $1,000 non-refundable deposit but says we can't see the contract until the trailer gets to the dealership from the manufacturer. Has anyone else had this experience? Seems only fair if they make the deposit non-refundable that they would be able to let you read your contract first. We're pretty amazed at this and interested in your experience.

PJStough · 05-12-2016, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingery56

We are about to purchase first camping rig and were excited about it. The dealer wants $1,000 non-refundable deposit but says we can't see the contract until the trailer gets to the dealership from the manufacturer. Has anyone else had this experience? Seems only fair if they make the deposit non-refundable that they would be able to let you read your contract first. We're pretty amazed at this and interested in your experience.

Big red flag. No way would I agree to that. Lots of RVs out there and lots of dealers.

**CLIFFTALL** · 05-12-2016, 08:02 AM

Red flag for sure. They wouldn't get my deposit.

wb7auk · 05-12-2016, 08:03 AM

Do not walk away RUN like hell.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-12-2016, 08:15 AM

Is this a special order trailer, i.e. the dealer is buying it to meet your specs? A non-refundable deposit is more-or-less normal in that case. However, I would still want to have a contract that states what my deposit is for, and what rights I have (if any) to decline to buy the RV when it comes, even if that means forfeiting the deposit. This contract may not be the final sales contract, but there should be a written agreement about what the deposit is for and each parties rights and responsibilities.

For example, suppose several months go by and still no trailer? Still non-refundable? Or the dealer says "Sorry, that model in no longer being made, so we ordered this one instead." Still no refund, even though he failed to deliver? Stuff like that happens more often than you think in the RV world

gingery56 · 05-12-2016, 08:20 AM

Thank you for your reply.

davendeb · 05-12-2016, 08:20 AM

Run!

cwk · 05-12-2016, 08:22 AM

What does your "gut" tell you?

Mine is screaming: "Run, Forrest, Run!!!!!"

Not a chance that I will agree to something without the opportunity to see the contract. Something sounds very wrong here.

As already posted by other(s), it's time to look elsewhere.

gingery56 · 05-12-2016, 08:25 AM

Yes, it is a specific order for us, but other than a few options added on, nothing unique about it from anything they would put on a dealer's lot.

gingery56 · 05-12-2016, 08:29 AM

Sadly, this camper is top quality and after looking at many other brands, they appear head and shoulders above the others. (isn't that always the case? maybe why they can do what they do)
I am passing along all of these messages to Don who is the decision-maker and the one who is unhappy to be asked for this kind of arrangement.
Thank you for your input.

rkresge · 05-12-2016, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingery56

We are about to purchase first camping rig and were excited about it. The dealer wants $1,000 non-refundable deposit but says we can't see the contract until the trailer gets to the dealership from the manufacturer. Has anyone else had this experience? Seems only fair if they make the deposit non-refundable that they would be able to let you read your contract first. We're pretty amazed at this and interested in your experience.

I'm not giving ANYONE $1000 without a written contract that spells out T's and C's. And it had better be refundable if the dealer is somehow not able to deliver. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck!

Roger

Gavenger · 05-12-2016, 08:30 AM

Like the others have said, I would walk away from this dealer and find another. However, we don't know where you are located or what brand you are looking at. It may not be feasible for you to do this, either because its the only brand dealer, or only dealer period, within a reasonable distance to you.

If that's the case, as Gary said above, try and get them to put specifics into the contract that give you outs. Also, some states prohibit this kind of contract in the name of Consumer Protection.

Hikerdogs · 05-12-2016, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingery56

Yes, it is a specific order for us, but other than a few options added on, nothing unique about it from anything they would put on a dealer's lot.

If it is a special order there is some validity in a deposit. However like Gary said there have to be limitations spelled out as to when it's refundable and when it's not. Most dealers order what they know they can sell easily. If the options and colors you ordered aren't the most popular it's going to be harder to sell if you decline it.

We "special ordered" both our motorhomes. In both cases we made a deposit that was refundable if the dealer hadn't met the time frame, the options ordered, there was damage before delivery and a host of other qualifiers. Also there was a clause that the deposit wasn't refundable if we changed our mind on options, colors, decided on a different model, or just plain got cold feet after ordering,

vsheetz · 05-12-2016, 09:34 AM

Just say no... then see if a contract is forthcoming. If not, head for the door. See if a contract appears before you get out the door. If it does, you still have to decide if you want to deal with these jokers...