So you have decided that the RV lifestyle is for you and now you have begun researching the perfect RV for your needs. A lot of buyers think the research process ends when you find the perfect RV, but there is another important step that many people forget… finding the perfect RV dealer to work with. Buyers will want to invest just as much time if not more, in researching RV dealers to make sure they find a reputable dealer to work with.
“There is another important step that many people forget… finding the perfect RV dealer to work with.”
Let’s face it, there are a lot of lousy RV dealerships out there. Unfortunately, in the race to find the lowest possible rig price, many people choose to buy from dealers who do not have a track record of great customer service and outstanding RV repair. Know in advance that the lowest price is not usually synonymous with the best reputation. We listed some questions you may want to answer before you agree to purchase an RV from a dealer.
What do their online reviews say?
In the past, buyers had to rely on word-of-mouth to learn whether or not an RV dealer is reputable. Now with Google Reviews, Facebook, Yelp and more customers can read about other customer’s experiences with the dealer. You will want to make sure to read third-party reviews like the ones on Facebook and Google because dealers are not able to remove negative reviews like reviews featured on their sites. We have seen larger “super-store” type dealers remove reviews from their Facebook page so potential buyers can’t read what their customers are saying about them.
Is their online inventory, resources and information complete and accurate?
When you look at a potential dealers’ website are the inventory listings complete and accurate? Do they have photos along with listings so you can see exactly what is in the coach? Working with a dealer that has inaccurate information on their inventory pages should be a red flag, it may mean they are not knowledgeable about the RV you are interested in buying or worse they could be misleading you about the features included in the RV.
At Lichtsinn RV, we include detailed photos, videos and more about our inventory units and our professionally trained sales consultants are more than willing to answer any of your questions.
Do they have a modern, fully-staffed service center?
RVs require service and maintenance and it is imperative that buyers find a dealer that will support them for the life of their vehicle and not leave them high and dry when it comes to servicing it in the future. You may find a fly-by-night dealer with a low price tag on an RV, in an old building with one or two service bays and techs, and no way of servicing your RV in the future.
In 2014, Lichtsinn RV built a new, state-of-the-art RV dealership and has continued expanding in the last few years. Our dealership boasts 8 RV service bays, a large indoor RV parts and camping accessories store, a spacious service check-in area, a video production studio, indoor delivery and service drive area, and a guest lounge equipped with the latest technology. Lichtsinn RV also offers dealership guests complimentary electrical hookups while visiting for RV delivery or service.
Do they have accreditation from the RV Manufacturers they sell?
RV manufacturers typically present their top-performing and highest quality dealers with an award so consumers know who are reputable dealers. Winnebago’s version of this award is the Flying W Award. Circle of Excellence award. The Flying W Award is given to dealerships who have demonstrated exemplary performance in the areas of sales, service and customer satisfaction. Lichtsinn RV has received the Circle of Excellence Award from Winnebago every year for over 27 years. We have also been named the largest volume RV dealer in North America for the last 5 years.
Do they have a well trained sales and service staff?
You will want to work with a professional and knowledgeable sales person when you are purchasing an RV. With all the features and components included in RVs you will want to work with a sales consultant who has in-depth, product specific knowledge. You will also want to know if your service technicians are certified to work on your RV. The RV Dealer’s Association (RVDA) offers service tech certification programs that provides you with the assurance that a tech has the expertise to work on your unit.
Professional development is key at Lichtsinn RV. Our Winnebago Factory Trained Professional Sales Consultants receive daily professional development so they can keep up on the latest products and features available in Winnebago’s products. Our service team also receives regular training on servicing products and features from Winnebago and each of our RV service technicians is a RVDA Master Certified Technician.
What does their delivery process look like?
At Lichtsinn RV, you will receive a complimentary ½ day orientation where every single feature, switch, maintenance and warranty item is covered. In your half day educational orientation, you will learn about every switch and feature, what to do and not to do in with your new RV, maintenance tips and warranty items. In this orientation, feel free to ask any questions you have, and your advisor will happily answer them. We also recommend that you stay for at least one night during your delivery so if any additional questions or concerns arise you can speak with your service advisor, sales consultant or business manager right away.
The RV buying process is a lengthy, but exciting process and finding the perfect dealer to work with makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
Experience the Best℠ at Lichtsinn RV, the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America for the last four consecutive years. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of Winnebago Industries in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect no delivery miles on new RVs, a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.