Posts Tagged ‘Lifestyle’

Where Do RV Dealer Alliances Fall?

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Some people claim RV Dealers work for the manufacturers. After all, the manufacturers supply their products and in order to maintain a good relationship with the manufacturer, RV Dealers need to sell their products. However, if an RV dealer ignores his/her alliance to the customer, ultimately they will be sinking their dealership. In an industry like RVing, customers are the bread and butter. Those that buy one RV generally buy another one in their lifetime. RVing is a lifestyle that millions of Americans enjoy, however RV enthusiasts have thousands of dealerships to choose from.

Customers drive almost every business. Customer needs drive the types of RVs and motorhomes that are made. For example, manufacturers are now designing lightweight travel trailers and more fuel-efficient models of RVs in response to customer demand. Customers have quite a bit of pull with the RV Industry whether or not they know it. Therefore, dealerships that respond only to manufacturers needs and pushing higher end sales are going to alienate the very people they need to survive.

Dealers do have a need to sell vehicles. If they don’t sell, they don’t make money and they are out of business. However, keeping customers happy keeps them coming back. Next time they may buy a more expensive model, or they may buy another new RV. If a customer wasn’t satisfied the first time, they won’t be back.

The biggest challenge for any successful dealership is understanding their consumer. They need to know how people are searching for RVs, what types of RVs are currently the most popular and how to get noticed above their competition. Once they have this figured out, success is pretty much guaranteed.

On a local level, many companies have get-togethers, informal BBQs or concerts, or even host RV shows in an attempt to stay current with their customer. Making the customer happy makes the customer return. It’s simple.

Staying in touch with buyers nationally is just as important as doing it locally. With the Internet, dealers have access to buyers across the country. By giving them the best deals, they’ve just increased the amount of units they can sell.

When the customer feels like they are the dealership’s number one priority, they will return. They will return for parts and service and they will return with new sales. Not to mention how critical positive word of mouth is to dealers. The more a person talks, the more likely other people are to get interested and bring their business to that RV.

Creating the best experience they can is going to spread the word about the dealership and soon they’ll be so busy they won’t have time to think about who they are supposed to be pleasing, they’ll be doing it automatically and creating a strong customer base for the future.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best RV Dealersin town.

What It Takes To Sell A Used RV Or Motorhome

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

With the economy staring to turn around, people are buying new and used RVs again, which is good news for anyone trying to sell a used RV. However, there are a couple of things to take heed of if you want to sell your RV for a good price in a reasonable amount of time. Whether people are upgrading a current RV or looking to be first-time owners, they are all looking for good deals. Positioning yourself at the top of the market is going to help you sell.

1. Have the RV or motorhome detailed inside and out. In order to sell, you want the RV to be in the best possible condition it can be. Major overhauls are generally not necessary. It’s the small details that need to be taken care of such as cracked windshields, rust spots, or stains on carpets or furniture. The better shape the RV is in, the less a possible purchaser can negotiate on cost.

a. Buyers like to imagine their new life in your vehicle. If they see mementos or other personal items, it may deter them from buyer your RV as their taste may not be the same as yours. By creating a neutral atmosphere inside the RV, the likelihood of a sale is greater.

2. Sell your new or used home for a fair price. If you aren’t sure what it might be worth, then go on-line and look at comparable vehicles. Another options is to go to a dealer and see what they think the RV is worth. There are a couple of reasons for doing this. What you think your vehicle is worth may not be what the rest of the world thinks it’s worth. If you try to sell at too high of a price, you risk not selling at all, or selling a year down the line while you are making payments all the while. If you don’t ask enough for the used RV or motorhome, you can probably sell it quickly but be sure any remaining payments are covered in the sale price.

3. Publicize the fact that you are selling your RV by putting for sale signs in the windows with cost and a contact number. A great way to ensure visibility is to park the RV or motorhome in an area that draws a lot of people, such as a grocery store or park area in the summer. With the internet, having an on-line presence will ensure you get a lot more attention and lets people across the country see what you have to offer.

4. Consider using a consignment dealer. Consignment dealers take a percentage of the sale in return for increased global marketing, handling test drives and phone calls and finding buyers for your used RV.

5. Tell potential buyers tales of your adventures on the road with your RV. People like the emotional aspect of where this RV has been. It may give them ideas of where they want to go and shows them the kind of lifestyle they can begin to imagine for themselves.

There is a skill to sales, which is why some people prefer working with consignment dealers. For those who enjoy talking to and meeting other RV enthusiasts, then selling your vehicle on your own might be your best option. Be prepared and have the vehicle in the best shape possible in order to increase sales potential.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Gas Prices Affecting Summer RV Travel?

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

It’s summer time! That means traveling. But with the recent oil spill many are worrying that gas prices might see a hike that will limit their ability to enjoy road trips in their RVs. Extreme fuel costs severely limit the amount of fun to be had on vacation. Currently the situation in the Gulf of Mexico does not seem to have affected the price of fuel. The price of gas has been fairly steady throughout 2010. But they have been higher in comparison to last year (2009). Experts are able to provide fairly accurate price estimates depending upon the following factors: political situations, cost per barrel, amount of consumption.

Prices at the pump do not seem to have been affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This lack of negative effect has come as a welcome relief to many summer RV travelers. While Class A and Class C recreational vehicles do have high gas consumption in comparison to other forms of transportation, the RV mode of travel is still a very affordable means of travel after factoring in the number of people accommodated by the vehicle.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) there will be an approximate 3% US real gross domestic product increase. That means that there will be an approximate $0.12/gallon price increase at the gas pumps. Gas prices always vary by state. Some states will see gas prices reaching $3.00/gallon this summer, but the national average for gas prices throughout the most popular travel season from April through September will be $2.94/gallon. For all of 2010 the average price of gas for the entire nation is $2.98 (in comparison the average for 2009 was $2.86/gallon).

The all time high national gas price average came in 2008 ($3.80/gallon). This caused a lot of vacationers to change their plans; staying closer to home and downsizing recreational vehicles used for travel. The all time high gas prices signaled the beginning of the recession and while many RVers kept their RVs just as many cut their total travel time significantly which had an overall negative effect on the RV industry (from manufacturers to dealers to campgrounds).

Gas prices will always fluctuate. But expert predictions give RVers reason to relax when thinking about planning summer travel in 2010. The prices of gas should remain steady making RV travel a fantastic choice. For those who want to fully take advantage of the economical advantage of RV travel the following should be considered: trips close to home, trips with extended stays in one spot, and lightweight RVs that can be hitched to small to midsized vehicles.

The “break” from school that comes with summer inspires many to take a “break” from work. It’s a time to relax. It’s a time to rejuvenate. It’s a time to create stronger bonds with family and friends. And there’s no better way to do any of that than taking to the open road in a recreational vehicle. It allows for spontaneity, fun, relaxation, adventure…it’s the most versatile of all traveling methods.

Gas prices don’t typically limit consumer travel until they pass $3.00/gallon. This summer RVers are planning on traveling. Some are going to enjoy short trips on their region while others are planning on nationwide or even international travel. Regardless of the amount of travel RVers should watch for summer incentives available that will decrease trip costs like the fee free weekends offered by national parks.

2010 RV travel isn’t being limited by high gas prices. RVers love the open road just as much as they always have. Class A motorhomes, Class C RVs, lightweight travel trailers…any RV can be the home away from home that makes a trip into an ultimate vacation.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Sales Holding Strong For Class A Motorhomes And Travel Trailers

Monday, June 21st, 2010

The recession isn’t over. Many believe the RV industry is an indicator for the economy at large, and while their sales numbers have increased significantly over 2009’s numbers, it’s not a given that sales will continue to grow. However, reports through the first quarter of 2009 are showing that the initial spike in sales after the new year are continuing and there is hope that the worst of the recession has passed.

The last report for March showed 24,000 RVs being sent from manufacturers to dealers, according to RVIA’s manufacturer survey. There was a significant increase over the previous month and an 87.5% rise in sales over the previous year. The trend has shown almost double the amount of sales month to month over 2009.

Lightweight trailers and towables have continued to hold their share of the market, as their popularity continues to increase. They are seen as more environmentally friendly and less expensive than their RV counterparts. Being able to transport them with smaller to mid-size cars gives them even greater appeal.

New technology has made these products more aerodynamic and increases consumer savings as they travel. With kitchenettes and bathrooms, they do almost everything a Class A RV does in less space.

Class A Motorhomes have also seen a boost in sales this year. In fact, Class A motorhomes are selling double the amount they did last year. These are the top of the line models that offer custom interiors, high-end entertainment systems, bedding, cabinetry and more. As units are starting to move again, dealers and manufacturers are feeling more confident that sales will continue to stay strong throughout the year.

Coming up, the official RV Centennial Celebration Month slated for June is expected to continue to help boost sales. Both GoRving and RVIA have invested considerable budgets in spreading the word and making Americans aware that travel close to home can be had cheaply and in style. Three states so far have passed resolutions to officially declare June the celebration month for the RV industry.

The future is looking bright for the RV Industry. As summer rolls around, the true test will begin. Summer is RV season. It’s the time when rentals increase and sales should be at an all time high. The more exposure the industry gets, the better their odds of coming out ahead.

The next couple of months will be the real proof as to how well the economy is doing. Summer is the RV Industry’s busiest time. Campgrounds are gearing up for a busy couple of months, and RV enthusiasts are dusting off their RVs and getting them ready to hit the road.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

RVers: Keeping Wild Animals Wild

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Animals come out of hibernation every spring. And they come out hungry. Humans are often living in such close proximity to wildlife (bears, fox, squirrel, etc.) and the animals often become too comfortable with the human habitat. This results in garbage raids and snatched food and cars that are broken into for edible stashes. To avoid difficulties while traveling by car or a new or used RV there are steps that should be taken. Beaudry RV suggests the following tips that keep RVers safe while allowing them to enjoy wildlife the way it was meant to be enjoyed:

Bears. Deodorant, toothpaste, French fries, and other foods can entice bears to break into vehicles. Bears have become for notorious for this behavior. It has become a regular nuisance to campers in campsites; bears charge campers for their food. They climb trees and steal unsuspecting campers’ dinner. The bear’s intense sense of smell makes it extremely important to remove all food and scented toiletries from RVs during overnight stays. They must be kept in bear-proof containers (bear boxes).

Campers can enjoy viewing bears by finding a nearby stream full of fish or a nearby bush full of berries. This is where bears will come to eat in the early morning or evening. Be careful when cubs are present. Do not get between the cubs and their mother. Females become very aggressive very quickly when cubs appear threatened in any way.

Foxes. Foxes aren’t known for attacking humans. They are scavengers. But they are known for “scavenging” small animals (including cats and dogs in campsites). So don’t entice foxes to come closer to a campsite or feel comfortable around human populated campgrounds by feeding them. This will increase the chances that they will scavenge among campsite food stores, etc. To view foxes watch for dens (in covered spaces). Common spots include water drainage pipes and culverts.

Early morning and evening is when fox cubs explore. Always keep your distance and do not feed them. These are wild animals and they must develop their natural hunting/scavenging skills in order to survive. When tourist season ends animals who have learned to depend on humans for food will die.

Squirrels. Squirrels aren’t often considered a wildlife problem. Many campers see them as adorable creatures that they can entice closer; even feeding them from their hand. But squirrels have very sharp teeth and are often transmitter of bubonic plague (carried by fleas on the animal).

Squirrels. Most people don’t consider squirrels a problem. Campers can often be found throwing breadcrumbs and/or snacks to entice the little animals closer. But squirrels often bite and they often carry diseases. Campers who get close or allow squirrels to eat out of their hands are often the victims of squirrel attacks. Squirrels have very sharp teeth and they are also often transmitters of bubonic plague which is carried through fleas. To view squirrels just watch them in their natural habitat, but keep your distance. The can be seen almost anywhere. They live in a variety of habitats. They are active throughout the day and are frisky animals that are fun to observe.

The key item in the phrase wildlife is wild. It is the camper’s responsibility to respect the “wild” around them and aid the animals in remembering their place in their natural habitat. Feeding wild animals puts both campers and animals in danger. Throughout travel campers should respect animals, but remember to keep their distance. Enjoy the beauty, but don’t disrupt it.

Looking to find the best deal on used RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.