Camping World Shenanigans - scam?

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by GolfingDave

Walmart does this but they do say on their website that the price may be different in the store.

I was buying an Instant Pot a while back that happened to be on sale. Since I was going past the store anyway I stopped in(I don't make useless trips for things that can wait). I think there was a $15 difference in price. Had my phone with me and double checked, definitely two prices.

So when I got home I bought it using my laptop(no financials done on my phone) for the reduced price and free delivery. Got it the next day. I don't understand the free delivery as I think I have bought a few things from them online for no delivery charge. Not a member of anything either. Not via a commercial carrier either, dropped with by folks in cars.

When I run into this, I often just show the store clerk the online price. I can't remember a case where I didn't get it.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

When I run into this, I often just show the store clerk the online price. I can't remember a case where I didn't get it.

I don't know why I didn't. Probably because of the statement on the site about prices being different that would be their disclaimer. And you know how their checkouts are. I am not much of a Walmart shopper.

I do recall though that while I was there I checked their coffee since they carry Eight O'Clock. They were having a closeout on their whole bean dark blend. 30 ounce bag for $7, unfortunately there was only one bag left. At least I walked out with a good deal.

[elshout]

Due to my recent experience with a TT purchase, I would avoid purchasing from Camping World. Full of gimmicks and bait and switch tactics. I played hardball with them, so my deal worked out ok for me. But I will NEVER do business with them again.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by elshout

Due to my recent experience with a TT purchase, I would avoid purchasing from Camping World. Full of gimmicks and bait and switch tactics. I played hardball with them, so my deal worked out ok for me. But I will NEVER do business with them again.

That's how I feel about nearly every dealer I have purchased from. RV and auto!
You definitely have to do your homework and pay attention to avoid dealer shenanigans.
I have had RV dealers switch tires and rims on me after the purchase but before delivery. This taught me to take pictures! So this enabled me to catch one switching the mattress and another switching the recliners! I got several great add-ons from the dealership management when showing them the pictures and asking for my money back....
And none of these were CW

[ejl923]

i got bad vibes the first and only time i visited. For one, i hate the sign your peace and quiet away when you show up. you cant just walk out to search the lot, everything is locked down until you "pay" with communications. Then, they were very sketchy on the fees, which amounted to $3000. That low price they advertised on the site just went up 3K. The woman i worked with walking around the lot was nice enough, but inexperienced and i could see the squirm when i pressed for what their fee's were, was tough to pull out the truth.

[rvsalespro]

Originally Posted by KB1

Best way to tell if a CW salesperson is lying? His lips are moving.

I have worked in a variety of dealerships from small mom and pop places to Camping World. Camping World is just a different animal, especially from the salesperson's point of view. I had 5 years of experience in RV's when I took a job there. No other sales person had ANY (it was a fairly new CW). I couldn't take it...and was out of there in about 10 months. The sales person has no authority to do anything. Heck, at times there weren't prices in the units and we weren't supposed to even give out a price....even though it was on the website. The job was to get you to find the camper you liked....then it basically got turned over to the sales manager & finance team. The goal was to get you to sit down at the desk so the sales manager could put an offer in front of you.....then work from there. It was the most painful experience I have ever had in 20 years in the industry.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by rvsalespro

I have worked in a variety of dealerships from small mom and pop places to Camping World. Camping World is just a different animal, especially from the salesperson's point of view. I had 5 years of experience in RV's when I took a job there. No other sales person had ANY (it was a fairly new CW). I couldn't take it...and was out of there in about 10 months. The sales person has no authority to do anything. Heck, at times there weren't prices in the units and we weren't supposed to even give out a price....even though it was on the website. The job was to get you to find the camper you liked....then it basically got turned over to the sales manager & finance team. The goal was to get you to sit down at the desk so the sales manager could put an offer in front of you.....then work from there. It was the most painful experience I have ever had in 20 years in the industry.

Thanks for the insight from the other side of the table.

[sherman12]

I did not read all the posts, don't have to. I would never never even think of buying a camper at Camping World.

[Nick Danger]

Literally went to Camping World last Saturday to look at a Cougar Half Ton 5th Wheel just because I wanted to see if the layout was "substantially" bigger than my current TT. We specifically stated that we already have a camper and just wanted to see the new model layout for that specific 5er.

My wife has received no less that 3 emails/texts and 2 phone calls everyday since. See's a lot nicer than I am.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by sherman12

I did not read all the posts, don't have to. I would never never even think of buying a camper at Camping World.

Me either!

[kayakist]

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

Literally went to Camping World last Saturday to look at a Cougar Half Ton 5th Wheel just because I wanted to see if the layout was "substantially" bigger than my current TT. We specifically stated that we already have a camper and just wanted to see the new model layout for that specific 5er.

My wife has received no less that 3 emails/texts and 2 phone calls everyday since. See's a lot nicer than I am.

I went to the Camping World show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA yesterday. It was free admittance. At the entrance was asked if I had a ticket. Answering no, I was then sent to a desk where a person with a tablet starting asking for my phone number and email address. I refused and was then allowed to enter.


Interestingly, after I looked at a few units, suddenly staff starting taking the price and discount placards off all the rv's. Very strange.


Prices have soared since we bought in 2020. Don't think I could afford a new Class A now.

[RamManMN]

Originally Posted by Lubehead

Why would you go visit? Your gut is telling you something's not right and a poster states they have a reputation. I wouldn't waste any time on BS'ers.

I'd do it because Camping World happens to be the dealer nearest my home and if they have the brand and model I'm considering, it's a way to actua.ly go and see it. That doesn't mean I have to buy it there. My reccomendatons would be as follows:

1. Don't give them your information i.e. don fill out their online contact or quote request forms or provide any other information unless you get serious about buying from them.

2. Don't make an appointment. If their web site says they have it, just show up.

3. Don't talk to a salesman or anyone else. At the one near me at least, you can walk through the store and out onto the lot unaccompanied.

4. Try to go at a time like a Saturday afternoon when they might be busiest so they will be less likely to have time to follow you around the lot.

Then, when you figure out if you even like it, go shop around. There are many other dealers. I have generally found them to be higher priced than our local non-national chain dealers. But there lot has been a good place to wander around and look since they generally have a larger inventory (probably part of why the prices are high) and many different brands.

[Forester Fred]

We're considering a new Class C and we were in Myrtle Beach. Stopped in at CW there as they had a large number of C's on their lot. The gatekeeper at the front desk wouldn't let us talk to a salesperson unless we gave them a driver's license to copy "for insurance purposes to let us walk on the lot". Ummm, no. We walked out and went to 3 other area dealers, NONE of whom asked for a driver's license. I watched this video so CW won't be getting my business. https://youtu.be/6wrsMU7WMuQ?si=zSSLM-NUKSIUqv0f

[Smokewagonokc]

Back in 2019 me and my wife got up and walked out laughing after they jacked price up $5K. We went down the road a bought from competitor and got it cheaper.

[gw1800]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

Ummm..

If you visit a SALES yard/department ..... don't get offended if they try and sell you something. They and their children gotta eat.


If you want education... join a RV school or something.


Camping world is no different than any other business... they provide you one stop locations BUT each department in the store has goals they must meet.
If the sales people don't sell then that department may just close then all you're left with is a service shop



Tried being a salesman once ... It was too hard for me!

Service shop at Camping World? Really!!!

[dmelby]

I can give you many reasons to be weary of camping world. They are snakes.

I have many examples of their shady dealings. I give a few here. The information I have is from the many dealerships I have visited, camping shows I have attended and articles I have read. Local dealers typically don't talk bad about other dealers, but many are very open about their angst for Camping world.

1) I've been to their place a few times and when I want to look at a camper (I know which ones I want to look at), I have to sit down with someone first, fill out paperwork and they decide which campers I can look at. Then I can't leave until I have talked to the sales manager. They literally say they will get in trouble if I don't first talk to the sales manager before leaving

2) They buy up competitors and put them out of business. We had a family run RV business in this area (Noble RV) that had 4 dealerships within a 60 mile radius. CW bought them all up and within a couple of years had closed all but one of them. This leaves less places for us camping enthusiasts to shop and displaced a lot of workers.

3) They cut other dealers out through monopolistic practices. For several decades we have had all dealers around the state represented at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which is the biggest camping and RV show in this area. A few years back, Good Sam (who owns CW) started sponsoring the Camping show. Last year, they decided to only let CW at the show and now the other dealers in the state can only go to smaller shows.

4) Their prices are incredibly high and they have lots of add ons. For instance every other dealer I have visited, provides propane tanks when you buy a camper. The the CW stores I visited charged extra for them. I looked at a comparable camper at CW to my Rookwood 2706 (different brand, but similar layout and finishings). their camper was priced 5K more then where I bought mine and was missing a few grand of upgrades that I got standard on my Rockwood. On top of that, their camper was missing an outdoor kitchen. So their pricing could of easily been 25% more with similar options.

You may be able to find a good deal through them, but I would recommend buying from a dealer with more reputable business practices.

[RamManMN]

Originally Posted by dmelby

I can give you many reasons to be weary of camping world. They are snakes.

I have many examples of their shady dealings. I give a few here. The information I have is from the many dealerships I have visited, camping shows I have attended and articles I have read. Local dealers typically don't talk bad about other dealers, but many are very open about their angst for Camping world.

1) I've been to their place a few times and when I want to look at a camper (I know which ones I want to look at), I have to sit down with someone first, fill out paperwork and they decide which campers I can look at. Then I can't leave until I have talked to the sales manager. They literally say they will get in trouble if I don't first talk to the sales manager before leaving

2) They buy up competitors and put them out of business. We had a family run RV business in this area (Noble RV) that had 4 dealerships within a 60 mile radius. CW bought them all up and within a couple of years had closed all but one of them. This leaves less places for us camping enthusiasts to shop and displaced a lot of workers.

3) They cut other dealers out through monopolistic practices. For several decades we have had all dealers around the state represented at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which is the biggest camping and RV show in this area. A few years back, Good Sam (who owns CW) started sponsoring the Camping show. Last year, they decided to only let CW at the show and now the other dealers in the state can only go to smaller shows.

4) Their prices are incredibly high and they have lots of add ons. For instance every other dealer I have visited, provides propane tanks when you buy a camper. The the CW stores I visited charged extra for them. I looked at a comparable camper at CW to my Rookwood 2706 (different brand, but similar layout and finishings). their camper was priced 5K more then where I bought mine and was missing a few grand of upgrades that I got standard on my Rockwood. On top of that, their camper was missing an outdoor kitchen. So their pricing could of easily been 25% more with similar options.

You may be able to find a good deal through them, but I would recommend buying from a dealer with more reputable business practices.

I'm not a camping world fan, but what you describe hasn't been my experience at the Camping World in Monticello (I live in Wright County). I haven't been in there since the last time we were in the market in the fall of 21, UT we were able to just walk in and wander around the lot.

As for shows in Minneapolis, this is the one you want: https://metrorvdealers.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7lXwaMR DgCRDrbn9vAFnrrewkooC57haWwzvb4B5-UE3U8eX6aSUidRoCqXIQAvD_BwE

This one is all local, MN dealers. One of them is Niemeyers in Albertville, from whom we have bought two Rockwoods and highly reccomend. Teds RV Land in Paynesville is an other good place to look. Their RVs are open during business hours and you can just walk around. We have found this to be true of most cealers in the area. We have relatives who have bought several at Pleasureland, St Cloud and say good things about them...also at the show in the link. Honestly there seem to be a zillion RV dealers in this area...so much so that i can't see how they all stay in business. There are plenty of places to shop around.

[gw1800]

Originally Posted by dmelby

I can give you many reasons to be weary of camping world. They are snakes.

I have many examples of their shady dealings. I give a few here. The information I have is from the many dealerships I have visited, camping shows I have attended and articles I have read. Local dealers typically don't talk bad about other dealers, but many are very open about their angst for Camping world.

1) I've been to their place a few times and when I want to look at a camper (I know which ones I want to look at), I have to sit down with someone first, fill out paperwork and they decide which campers I can look at. Then I can't leave until I have talked to the sales manager. They literally say they will get in trouble if I don't first talk to the sales manager before leaving

2) They buy up competitors and put them out of business. We had a family run RV business in this area (Noble RV) that had 4 dealerships within a 60 mile radius. CW bought them all up and within a couple of years had closed all but one of them. This leaves less places for us camping enthusiasts to shop and displaced a lot of workers.

3) They cut other dealers out through monopolistic practices. For several decades we have had all dealers around the state represented at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which is the biggest camping and RV show in this area. A few years back, Good Sam (who owns CW) started sponsoring the Camping show. Last year, they decided to only let CW at the show and now the other dealers in the state can only go to smaller shows.

4) Their prices are incredibly high and they have lots of add ons. For instance every other dealer I have visited, provides propane tanks when you buy a camper. The the CW stores I visited charged extra for them. I looked at a comparable camper at CW to my Rookwood 2706 (different brand, but similar layout and finishings). their camper was priced 5K more then where I bought mine and was missing a few grand of upgrades that I got standard on my Rockwood. On top of that, their camper was missing an outdoor kitchen. So their pricing could of easily been 25% more with similar options.

You may be able to find a good deal through them, but I would recommend buying from a dealer with more reputable business practices.

Yes, after they quote you the price, they add on all the extras. Transportation charges, PDI's, setup etc.

As far as the propane tanks, they are shipped with the trailer. Batteries are added by the dealer.

My dealer installed the battery, included in the quoted price, and filled both propane tanks. I did not pay extra for either one.

It may have been included in the initial price but not ADDED. They also adjusted my existing WDH for the new trailer.

[zanoffmj]

Bought a Keystone Cougar fifth wheel in 2017. We picked out one that had 2 air conditioners. They came and got us to do the walk thru. It was not the same unit we picked out and it did not have 2 air conditioners, They called the salesman. and he came over and said we would have to pay an extra $600.00 for the second ac. Needless to say after my wife went off on him they brought around the unit that we purchased. Then we went to the financing dept and there were all kinds off fees. We started to walk out and all of a sudden the fees disappeared. We got a great deal on the FW but there were troubles with the slides and other things, traded for a Rockwood 2650WS fifth wheel. Never again will I step on a camping world lot again.

[MichaelBarb]

Similar story to others. We found one we liked on the web. Worked out the price via e-mail. Listed at $120K, we negotiated to $100K. Went to look at it and spent 2 hours going over it. Surprisingly everything worked. We had printouts of e-mail and the listing from the web. Went to do the paperwork and the price was $130K. Got some BS about it being a different model than in the listing even though it had the same stock number. Something about numbers being the same for all similar models. Mileage in the listing and the unit even matched. We said no thank you. We were almost at our car when someone claiming to be the manager came running out and said they would honor our $100K.