Best day of month to buy a trailer?

[GManBart]

I know it sounds silly, but do you think there's a time when you're more likely to get a deal (thrown in spare tire, a few bucks off, whatever) when you buy a trailer?

I'm looking at dump trailers, and I'm not in a major rush, so if there's anything I can do to negotiate better, I'll consider it. When I bought my last trailer I stopped by the dealer, asked for a price and the salesman immediately quoted me something like $4200. I told him I was looking at a factory pickup of the same trailer for $3600 and if he could get close, I'd rather give him the sale. Two minutes later he came back and it all sorted out for around $3,800 with tax, tags, etc. I would have spent that much on gas, so it was a wash financially, and I had it that day. I'm just wondering how much wiggle room they have, and when it's more likely they'll work with you. I'm not looking to steal it, just get as good a deal as possible.

 

[Sysop]

Not real sure about your area, but around here the trailer dealers we have seem to cater more toward the heavier built trailers for the oil and gas guys to haul stuff on and go through a pretty good volume. They keep smaller trailers on the lots too, but the ones they go through the most of are the larger HD ones. If you are just a local resident looking to buy something for personal use they're always willing to go above and beyond it seems.

I was in the market for a small dump, but in no rush. I didn't want one that'd been on the lot long and had no idea how long they had the two that were setting there, so I watched and waited. The day after the last one left the lot I stopped in and told them I was in no hurry but wondered when they would have more in and they said "Well if you want one here's what we'll do. We're going to be ordering more in two weeks, you pay some sorta deposit so we know you're coming back and we'll order an extra for you and you can have it at cost." He went on to tell me their bread and butter is the MSRP sales and service for these guys using them to earn a living, that they generally try to give the folk needing personal trailers all the breaks they can, and even letting me have one at cost helps him because his prices are based on how many he buys over a given time.

Again, I'm not sure how the trailer market is in your area, but if it is like here your best bet is to let them know you're in no hurry as that can be a good bargaining chip by itself. Sounds like you got the same sorta deal I did.

 

[bdog]

A lot of trailers are made in east Texas. I don't know why but there are several brands made there and they are very competitive with one another. This area is not really close to me but maybe 400-500 miles away. Anyway you can find the brand you like and then get some prices from the area where it is made or maybe even direct from the dealer. Then use these prices as a bargaining chip with your local dealer. I have usually found I can get the local guy to get close enough on price that it is not worth my while to make the trip.

I don't think the day of the month matters. Some car lots have quotas and and bonus levels so you can often get deals near the end of the month but most trailer places I have seen are mom and pop shops and I doubt the day of the month makes a hill of beans for them.

 

[George2615]

I don't think the day of the month matters. In my area most trailer dealers sell them as a side line to there regular business. Most are pretty well firm in their price with very little wiggle room. When I bought my PJ tilt bed trailer there was little or no price negotiation on the phone. I was able to get a spare wheel and tire ($180 option) and an on board battery charger (100 option).
Here in the northeast trailers cost more than in southern states. On the larger trailers I seemed to find dealers have a $500 window for negotiating and don't want to go lower than that.

 

[Sysop]

A lot of trailers are made in east Texas.

We see lot from Indiana up this way too. Several big manufacturers there too.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Best prices should be had during the colder winter months. Springtime when people come out of hibernation probably the worst. You have people diving into the lawn maintenance business. When things dry up later in the summer, alot of that equipment can be bought at a good price for obvious reasons.

Also during the winter the farm show offerings are discounted but you need to know your prices to be sure you are actually getting a break.

 

[Diamondpilot]

When the dealer finds out his kid needs braces, wife's pregnant, or his transfer case just took a dump.

No really look months in advance. Write down the vin number of the unit you like. Come back and if it's still on the lot make a low ball offer. Units sitting longer they want to move.

Chris

 

[Coyote machine]

Yesterday?

 

[Stihlrunner]

I worked at an auto/RV dealership for decades and without a doubt, towards the end of the month is the best time to buy. The salesmen are hungry to meet their bonus quotes and the departments all went their end-of-month numbers bumped up to finish strong. If a price is to be cut or a deal to be made it will be then.

Go in the last week of the month. Avoid the last day or two because many times the shop is too backed up to deliver add-ons, etc.

 

[bdog]

I worked at an auto/RV dealership for decades and without a doubt, towards the end of the month is the best time to buy. The salesmen are hungry to meet their bonus quotes and the departments all went their end-of-month numbers bumped up to finish strong. If a price is to be cut or a deal to be made it will be then.

Go in the last week of the month. Avoid the last day or two because many times the shop is too backed up to deliver add-ons, etc.

At a car dealership I could believe that but here most trailer dealers are small mom and pop shops with the owner being the only salesman. In those scenarios I don't think they care when they make a sale as long as they do. If you have a huge trailer dealer with a sales team the end of the month tactic may be good.