Price negotiation with Sportsmobile

MAUMAU · 02-03-2013, 05:26 PM

I currently own a Roadtrek 170, and am looking into a Sportsmobile built on a Sprinter chassis as a future option.

With most purchases, negotiations are part of the purchase process, and was wondering whether Sportsmobile is willing to negotiate or not on a custom build.

If they do negotiate, what percentage below MSRP have you veterans obtained?

Thank you in advance for your assistance........................Rob

jage · 02-03-2013, 05:44 PM

You can purchase new or used and have your own van converted, and possibly save that way. But no... Sportsmobile's attitude seems to me to be "there is a customer behind you, if you're not interested, kindly step out of the way". Haha, my opinion- I've never bought new from them but I've never heard of anyone getting a discount for any reason.

Aldercrest · 02-03-2013, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

You can purchase new or used and have your own van converted, and possibly save that way. But no... Sportsmobile's attitude seems to me to be "there is a customer behind you, if you're not interested, kindly step out of the way". Haha, my opinion- I've never bought new from them but I've never heard of anyone getting a discount for any reason.

As much as that sort of attitude drives me nuts, I see the other side of it at work. As a branded product in the food industry, I see the crazy inconsistency in the discounts given to different customers and customer classes. The "discounting model" is almost like trying to get as much money out of every customer as possible while driving volume to get additional profit. The risk is that you go downward in the market to customers who aren't willing to pay for quality, so you have to cut your quality level to stay profitable, making all your customers unhappy.

Sportsmobile's approach is actually more straightforward - I know my variable cost, I know my fixed cost, I know my volume (and run a waiting list), and I know my desired margin, so here is your cost. Don't like it? Go find someone else, and I will go to the next person on the waiting list.

Ocsmb · 02-04-2013, 02:23 AM

I've dealt with them once to add features to my rig. I got the sense that discounts and free hats are not impossible, but looked upon unfavorably.

My visit their gave me the impression that they aren't hurting for business.

This is smb west I'm referring too.

EMrider · 02-04-2013, 06:46 AM

As a specialty manufacturer with a single point of sale, negotiated pricing would be a disaster for SMB.

Besides sucking up loads of time and energy from sales staff, there would quickly be a race to the bottom on pricing as customers shared pricing info on the web.

Anyone with 5min of time and the ability to use the search function could find out what Joe Price Grinder paid for his new EB-50.

Far better to not negotiate and keep pricing firm. If demand weakens, then just adjust pricing lower across the board.

R

Miykl · 02-04-2013, 07:24 AM

I personally prefer no haggle pricing. I'm always wonder if I left something on the table when negotiating. I just bought my SMB used, and when it came time talk price I asked what he wanted given what the van needed, he stated the price I was willing to pay. Done deal. We were both happy. Helps that the seller dislosed all the needs the van had before I drove down to see it too.

Now I want to make some changes (add bed delete storage in my fixed top). It's good to know what I'm looking at in pricing up front (IMO).

yvrr · 02-04-2013, 09:12 AM

The above reasoning is all logical and consistent with our experience. We bought our SMB from Fresno right after the dot.com bust and thought that we would be in a great position to negotiate. No, the prices you read in their literature are what you will need to pay.

**WVvan** · 02-04-2013, 01:15 PM

Hey MauMau,
I see your thinking of taking a walk on the Sportsmobile side. By the way. I met Gloria and helped her with her van project a couple weekends ago. She told me it was your idea for her to contact me.

MAUMAU · 02-04-2013, 06:52 PM

Thank you all for your responses. They are very much appreciated.

Having a custom build is a personal thing, but in the end, it ends up being perfect for you.

WVvan (Dave) - Thank you very much for helping Gloria! I knew if anyone could help her it would be you, and thankfully you were gracious enough to oblige. Your knowledge is phenomenal and she was a lucky girl to spend a little time with you. (and SMB would be lucky to have you as well!)

Thanks again..................Rob