Re: [A/S] novice

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim, 

Here's an answer to a question you didn't ask. Are all Airstream dealerships
created equal? The answer is a resounding "No!" What are some of the things
to consider? My list is only for starters.

A casual look at the proportion of Airstreams on the sales lot will tell
which brands are the dealer's bread and butter business.  Likewise, the
presence or absence of certificates on the walls inside the dealership may
reveal whether or not Airstream Inc. considers them a valued dealership and
whether or not their mechanics have taken in-service training courses.

It can be extremely helpful to buy from a dealer experienced at servicing
Airstreams.  Even better would be to notice several Airstreams receiving
service.  After all, that's where you're likely to get your service. And you
know that's where your new Airstream will be prepped for delivery to you.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go to the dealer numerous times before
committing to buying my Airstream. Ideally, one of those times will coincide
with a customer buying an Airstream or other brand of RV. That can be a
golden opportunity for observing how they are being treated.

Some dealers provide a familiarization tour of the new RV that lasts 5
minutes while others will spend as much time as needed to help the customer
master all the details. Some dealers will encourage the customer to live in
their new RV on their lot for a night or two so the dealer will be available
to explain things OR FIX things they missed which don't work correctly.

It can be revealing to visit the service department without an appointment
and without needing any service whatsoever. Schedule an hour on several
different occasions when you go there and do nothing more than:
 
1 - sit in the service waiting room talking to customers (between reading
your newspaper), 

2 - listen carefully while waiting in line behind a customer who is paying
their bill. You can always ask the cashier for change to use in the soda
machine and then go back to the waiting room.

3 - browse the parts display and notice everything. If you can see the
entire inventory in 3 seconds, that's telling you something loud and clear.

Any time I am about to spend really big bucks as well as begin a new
relationship with a business, I want to know a lot about what I'll be
getting into with them. On more than one occasion, I've walked away from a
purchase because I didn't like the feeling of what I saw occurring with
other customers. 

None of this is what you asked for, but your questions opened the door. I
hope one or two of these ideas will be useful as you get closer to buying.
Feel free to chime in again as you think of other things. None of us knows
everything, but all of us know a few good things (and some not-so-good
things). 

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net