Need Advice Please
I don't remember what the figure is, but I think it was more than 15%. What with the poor economy, I'll bet many dealers are desperate for sales. I'd try 25% or even more and see where it got me. Remember the number 1 rule in bargaining: Once you make an offer, there are only 3 acceptable responses - yes, a counter offer, or 'get out of here'. If you don't get one of the first 2 responses, WALK OUT. If they actually let you get out the door, try them again in a few days, weeks, a month (depending on how far apart the last 2 offers were). Often coming up a little bit, when they know you will actually walk, can do the trick. My trailer, they were 'below our cost' and were still 1200 over my last offer was at an impasse, and they let me walk. A month later, they had 'advertising money available from the manufacturer' and accepted a deal which was $200 over my previous offer (and $1000 under the amount they were 'losing money' on)...
And the other number 1 rule of bargaining, know how much you should pay before you even start to negotiate. And do not go over the amount under any circumstances. Remember, the people are PAID to squeeze as much money out of you as they can, and they have lots of tricks to do it. You have only resolve (and that they need you more than you need them) on your side.
If you go for last years model, you can, with sharp dealing, get it for it's used value. This years model, well expect to eat some depreciation; your goal is to keep it at a minimum.
I find that if you do all your dealing in 'out the door price', then you don't have to try to figure out how much you are spending, and, perhaps more importantly, they can't slip any additional fees in on you. The most annoying was the $89 paperwork fee I would have had to shell out if I didn't already have it included. Especially since there were typos in my information and in the trailer information (including the VIN).
Before buying at any dealer, check out their service department. No matter how good a deal you get, it they have crummy warrenty service, you will be a sad camper (or even non-camper maybe).
Perhaps any even better place to drop money is in the post sales office. There they will attempt to sell you Lo-Jack, finish packages, extended warrenties and the like at 2, 3 or more times what they are worth. Read the fine print, in many cases these are worthless. Sometimes they are worth while, but never at the price asked. Know how much each of these things are worth before you get there, and don't feel any shame on offering 50% or 65% off the asking price.
I didn't know what it was worth and so was real proud of getting Lo-Jack in my truck for only $512 (asking price $900) until I found out that Lo-Jack considers $495 to be the list price...
When you do arrive at a deal on a trailer, it is better not to pay more than a down payment until you have actually seen the trailer, in the condition you want to receive it. While you have the money, you have the power. Once they have the money, you get what they feel like giving you, when they feel like giving it to you. This is of particular importance if you are ordering something; if it is a floor model, with nothing obvious wrong with it, than you may be ok.