Motorhome shows have become very popular in the last few years and there are now at least 20 events up and down the UK every year. They essentially fall into two categories: large indoor events for new motorhomes and caravans, and outdoor (usually) Motorhome shows held at various locations, with dealers selling new and used campers from their own stands.
Motorhome shows are an excellent way of defining your shortlist of motorhomes or getting a super deal, but there are provisos which we will identify.
The larger indoor events, such as the shows in October and February at the NEC Birmingham, are the best opportunities to see the latest new models from British and European manufacturers, in brightly lit, warm surroundings. The stands and motorhomes are prepared to a high standard, including ‘dressing’ the campers to make them as attractive as possible. In addition to the vehicle displays, all manner of associated businesses will be offering their wares, from clubs and associations, to accessory traders, motorhome insurance companies and holiday parks, so you are guaranteed a good variety of things to see.
At outdoor events, there will be a wide selection of used motorhomes and campers on display as well as new ones. Again, there will be accessory traders and other associated businesses present. Outdoor Motorhome shows are usually spread over a wide area, possibly with some indoor displays as well, so take comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared for a fair bit of walking – if you have a mobility scooter make sure it’s fully charged. Check the weather forecast carefully and if it has rained at least two days before, or is imminent, take your wellies.
As you may have found, Motorhome dealers tend to be more than a few miles apart. Motorhome shows are attractive because you can visit dealers nationwide at one venue, getting a ‘feel’ for how they handle your enquiries and attempt to win your business.
If you are looking for your first Motorhome, a show is a great way to meet other motorhomers, most of whom will be more than happy to pass on their own hints and tips about what aspects they looked for when they bought theirs, and just as importantly, where to holiday when you get your camper. Motorhomers are very sociable and many of them meet up at shows as much for a social gathering as looking around at what’s new. It is amazing what you can learn from them by just chatting!
Many ‘show offers’ are genuine; it’s worth remembering that it costs manufacturers and dealers thousands of pounds to attend these events. Stand space, electricity, staffing, transport etc can rack up some scary numbers, especially at venues such as the NEC. The Show Organisers’ job is to motivate people through advertising to come to the event, providing the opportunities for business. For dealers, it’s a double edged sword, because whilst there could be alot of potential business, as a dealer, your competitors are only a few feet away, and that competition is fierce.
Sometimes you will even find different Motorhome dealers selling the same product on the same stand – this is most likely at large indoor events and you should be careful that you know who you are doing business with; be aware that if a dealer beats anyone else by a few hundred pounds but is 300 miles away, not only will you probably need to collect your new camper from them, but other, more local dealers for the same brand may not be obliged to look after any warranty issues, so it could cost you alot more if there are problems.
The top tips for Motorhome Shows:
Be sure of your reasons for going to the show – are you browsing, shortlisting or buying?
Do some research beforehand about the Motorhomes and layouts you are interested in – if you already have a relationship with a dealer you are going to meet at the show, ask him if he has any tickets;
Be prepared for a long day, check the weather forecast, traffic and/or trains. Seating can be limited at indoor events during busy times;
When one Motorhome looks like another after several hours of browsing, its time to go home. Don’t let your guard down at the end of the day and buy the wrong camper just because its a fantastic deal;
Professional sales people know that a relationship has to be established through understanding customer’s needs and offering suitable choices, before customers part with significant cash. Don’t waste time with aggressive selling by people without any product knowledge, as you will be almost guaranteed poor service, however good the deal;
If you do find the right motorhome, get the best possible deal you can – if you are ready to buy, say so, making clear that you have other deals to consider, which wouldn’t be a lie (there will be offers advertised all around the show). A good dealer/salesperson will expect this and know that they will have to work hard to win your business;
Whilst you may have rapport with the salesperson (that’s their job), if you have not been to the dealers’ premises, check where they are and what facilities they have before putting pen to paper. What evidence is there that they look after their customers once they have signed up? Is everything tidy and well presented, do the staff look professional and happy, are they relaxed chatting with customers? Have they picked up any awards lately?
Finally, enjoy it ! If you are browsing, don’t be surprised to be a bit confused at the end of a long day. Just sift through the info later on and eliminate motorhomes that don’t suit. Shortlists can become long lists when there is a lot of product to see, so keep your core criteria in mind and remind yourself what the Motorhome has to do to meet it. And if you do a deal, relax, raise a glass and realise that the searching is over.
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