Posted 2009-01-02 7:41 PM (#96831) Subject: dealer markup on new trailers?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: St. Louis, MO.
I was wondering about two things. In these hard times, is there any flex in the asking price for new trailers? And, is there a horse-trailer version of the sort of service/information Consumer Reports provides for new car buyers? For a small fee, they'll tell you the dealer's cost (invoice price?) for the specific model you seek. With new horse trailers, is there a practice of making lower offers? Is there any way to estimate a dealer's profit margin on a trailer in the $10-12k range, or does that vary greatly by trailer brand, dealer location, etc. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Posted 2009-01-02 8:11 PM (#96832 - in reply to #96831) Subject: RE: dealer markup on new trailers?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Trailers are not regulated like Automobiles. There is no dealer sticker Prices reflect what that manufacture and that dealer think is a fair price.
Unlike Cars there are not just 3 dominate manufactures. There are MANY manufactures. From Mom & Pop manufactures that make 20 trailers a year to the big boys who probably make 20 a day.
Posted 2009-01-02 10:41 PM (#96838 - in reply to #96831) Subject: RE: dealer markup on new trailers?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
As painted horse said,
In the 10 to 12-k range trailer there is not going to be near the mark up there is in a 40 to 50-k trailer. A few years back a buyer would have a little better luck going to a larger dealer or a dealer with a larger selection of trailers to buy from just because the larger dealer may have ordered more of a certain style trailer.
Location does matter as well. This shows in the pricing on this website. Look up trailer mfg's and dealers that are located around Madill, Ok and Ok City,OK. The find a dealer of the same trailer up north or out west and you will see the price difference.
As far as "practice of making lower offers" I guess you are asking if you could make a lower offer? SURE go for it! I am in the used car business and listen to offers all the time, thats just part of doing business. Sure they are going to tell you this is the pirce, but if they wan to sell a trailer they will work with you!
Posted 2009-01-03 10:42 AM (#96853 - in reply to #96831) Subject: RE: dealer markup on new trailers?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Dealer's profit varies from dealer to dealer. Some make a little off each one, some make a little on some, and knock another person's head off when given the chance. There is no set correlation between list & selling price. On that question about cheaper in OK- you ever hear of freight?? At over a $1. a mile, it adds up to get a trailer to the NE or NW in a hurry. That's why your lower cost steel trailers lend themselves to being from small regionally located manufacturers.
dealer markup on new trailers?
