Motorhome Depot commission.

[sydnsue]

I posted questions in October about Motorhome Depot and my motorhome has now been with them a few weeks. They asked me what I expected for the vehicle and I said 39k minimum as I have seen them selling for over 40k. The broker then stated their commission was 4k, making the selling price 43k which is overpriced. I've seen a couple go for around 41k. In the weeks it has been advertised, there has been only one serious enquiry which does not surprise me. 10% seems steep to me considering what the broker is doing. There is no forecourt to pay for as it is on my drive. They took photos and a video and it is advertised on 3 online sales sites including Autotrader. If and when they get someone who wants to see it, they then escort the potential buyer and arrange the finances. £4,000 seems a high price to pay for that. I'm on a 90 day contract and if it has not sold, I shall probably try selling it myself which will be a lower price than they have advertised it for. I know some of you have used them but what commission was charged?

 

[Burge]

VERY NEW to the Motorhome Scene we purchased a Van from a Franchise for MHD in July what a nightmare we had with things wrong with it (side lights coming on by themselves Fuel Gauge not working) long story , we were very new & hadn't a clue, asked for money back cut losses lost 2K. I wouldn't go near again ....bought Our Eldiss Accordo 105 from Spinney in Cheshire proper Dealer had probs that were put right straight away lesson learnt. Sorry it doesn't help with your sale but I think I would go the Private Sales route or Local Stealer but they do have overheads so will have to take commission. Chris.

 

[Scotia]

If you agreed your minimum what does it matter what they try to sell it for ? They are asking a higher price which gives them a bit of wiggle room. This time of year will be slow unless you have someone looking for exactly what you are selling.
MHD will go through a check list with the potential buyer and have them check along with the salesman which he will then ask you to sign that you are happy with everything.
Personally I can't be doing with tyre kickers and was more than happy to have the sales person ( just in case ) to flush them out and only bring true potential buyers, fortunately in my case he had two people looking for the model of motorhome I was selling.
Your 90 day contract gives them a chance to sell remember they pay a fee to advertise, they are a franchise not sure if the top of the tree gets a percentage as well.
I gave fleabay gumtree and autotrader a try myself both fleabay and autotrader cost money.
I had one guy state I can't ask the price I was asking as it was almost as much as the traders were selling them for, my reply was why not go to the trader then ? His reply was yours has new tyres alloy wheels less mileage and a far higher spec ! how do you reply to that ? He then asked does it have pop out sides ? I told him he had not a clue what he was purchasing and would be better just hanging up, that was enough for me so asked MHD to take over the sale.
As for the percentage they marked mine up I paid no attention to that nor did I ask what the final price he got for it, I got what price I asked for so was happy. If you have the time or patience to put up with time bandits give it a go.

 

[sydnsue]

If you agreed your minimum what does it matter what they try to sell it for ? They are asking a higher price which gives them a bit of wiggle room. This time of year will be slow unless you have someone looking for exactly what you are selling.
MHD will go through a check list with the potential buyer and have them check along with the salesman which he will then ask you to sign that you are happy with everything.
Personally I can't be doing with tyre kickers and was more than happy to have the sales person ( just in case ) to flush them out and only bring true potential buyers, fortunately in my case he had two people looking for the model of motorhome I was selling.
Your 90 day contract gives them a chance to sell remember they pay a fee to advertise, they are a franchise not sure if the top of the tree gets a percentage as well.
I gave fleabay gumtree and autotrader a try myself both fleabay and autotrader cost money.
I had one guy state I can't ask the price I was asking as it was almost as much as the traders were selling them for, my reply was why not go to the trader then ? His reply was yours has new tyres alloy wheels less mileage and a far higher spec ! how do you reply to that ? He then asked does it have pop out sides ? I told him he had not a clue what he was purchasing and would be better just hanging up, that was enough for me so asked MHD to take over the sale.
As for the percentage they marked mine up I paid no attention to that nor did I ask what the final price he got for it, I got what price I asked for so was happy. If you have the time or patience to put up with time bandits give it a go.

The price does matter as it will stop potential buyers if it is too high, which it is. The first agent MHD tried to put me with was 42 miles away and they wanted to keep it on their forecourt, which is not what they advertise. At least here at home, we can still use it. That dealer only wanted £3,000 so each broker obviously sets their own commission, hence my question to find out what other brokers were demanding.

 

[Scotia]

What buyer accepts the price on the tag ? There usually is room to haggle, I think you would be better contacting the agent and voice your concerns with him. The guy that sold mine did say what he was going to advertise it at but I did not ask what he finally got. Did you take into consideration the time of year that you are selling it ?

 

[maingate]

MHD wanted £3K commission for selling my van. They asked a (to me) very high price for the van but it sold to the first to view it, who haggled £1K off the asking price.
I still got quite a lot more than I would have asked if I sold it privately and I did not have to deal with timewasters and tyre kickers who want a huge discount off the asking price.

 

[jagmanx]

They are a business they have to make money.
Yes at your expense but they are providing a service.
As you suggest maybe ditch them .
Ahead we will be selling but how ?
Will you have to pay anything if you dump them ?
Pm if you prefer.
Every agency needs a rake off yes 10% is a lot on 40k
But what would a dealer offer ?
Autotrader would be my choice but be prepared for scammers and time wasters.
In effect get a script.
No (minimal) negotiation.
Bank transfer.
Consider how and where they might view. ( Not necessarily your house....theft)
Have a friend with you.
Not easy !

 

[sydnsue]

What buyer accepts the price on the tag ? There usually is room to haggle, I think you would be better contacting the agent and voice your concerns with him. The guy that sold mine did say what he was going to advertise it at but I did not ask what he finally got. Did you take into consideration the time of year that you are selling it ?

I discussed the commission but didn't know how he compared to others. It now seems he is higher than others. I started the sale in October but only one enquiry which I believe is due to the inflated price. Not expecting much activity now until maybe Feb.

 

[sydnsue]

MHD wanted £3K commission for selling my van. They asked a (to me) very high price for the van but it sold to the first to view it, who haggled £1K off the asking price.
I still got quite a lot more than I would have asked if I sold it privately and I did not have to deal with timewasters and tyre kickers who want a huge discount off the asking price.

Thanks maingate. That's what our first broker was charging so it does seem 4k is high.

 

[sydnsue]

They are a business they have to make money.
Yes at your expense but they are providing a service.
As you suggest maybe ditch them .
Ahead we will be selling but how ?
Will you have to pay anything if you dump them ?
Pm if you prefer.
Every agency needs a rake off yes 10% is a lot on 40k
But what would a dealer offer ?
Autotrader would be my choice but be prepared for scammers and time wasters.
In effect get a script.
No (minimal) negotiation.
Bank transfer.
Consider how and where they might view. ( Not necessarily your house....theft)
Have a friend with you.
Not easy !

Thanks jagmanx. Haven't tried dealers or private yet. MHD seemed worth a try but not much happening since October which I'm sure is due to the high price. 90 day contract so may reconsider then.

 

[marchie]

I posted previously about another Forum that has a large M/Home Dealer as a member. The Dealer defended the £8,000 margin [mid 2021] as needing to finance the provision of main Dealer facilities, earning enough to stay in business [and be able to provide a quality service], paying sensible staff and sales rep salaries to avoid pressure selling and consequent damage to the Dealer's reputation, and needing around £2,000 to service and repair damaged/failed/failing components. Cant't quote verbatim now, but he did add something along the lines of, 'You'd be surprised how many customers decide to Part Ex their M/Home just as the engine/gearbox/clutch/suspension is about to fail. One of life's strange coincidences ...'

Steve

 

[wildebus]

I posted previously about another Forum that has a large M/Home Dealer as a member. The Dealer defended the £8,000 margin [mid 2021] as needing to finance the provision of main Dealer facilities, earning enough to stay in business [and be able to provide a quality service], paying sensible staff and sales rep salaries to avoid pressure selling and consequent damage to the Dealer's reputation, and needing around £2,000 to service and repair damaged/failed/failing components. Cant't quote verbatim now, but he did add something along the lines of, 'You'd be surprised how many customers decide to Part Ex their M/Home just as the engine/gearbox/clutch/suspension is about to fail. One of life's strange coincidences ...'

Steve

Gearbox goes ....
Private Seller - "whoops. that was bad luck, wasn't it"
Dealer - "bugger. Oh well, I gave you a warranty as part of the deal, so we will fix it"

IIRC, A member of this forum bought his Motorhome through MHD and it had some undisclosed rotton wood underneath (I saw it when I was underneath the van). I am not sure but I think he had some redress as it was via MHD, but as a straight private sale he would have been on his own without a doubt.
Is £4k commision OTT? Actually, I don't think it is. It is a the higher end of acceptable, but it is still acceptable (IMO) and has to cover costs of sales (I would not be surprised if VAT has to be paid on their service, so that is an instant potential cost of upto £800 out the £4,000 they don't get to keep), negotiated discount, maybe cost of a warranty that a MHD sale comes with, maybe? etc, etc.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

It's a way for those who are worried about selling to avoid it, but you pay a high price for it in that it takes a lot longer to sell it, they take the hit for any repairs and that's it, we have bought from them and got a good discount, which the seller had to stand, but only sold once, a nightmare, they ask what you want then they put £3k on top of that, then the potential buyer want to negotiate, so you either do that or stick to your guns, as the price is so inflated you don't get many buyers, I'd never sell with them again, handy too if the van you're selling is a bit iffy and a lot we looked at were, but if it a good van jsut do it yourself you know the van better than anyone, and MHD salemen seem quite thick about the various vans that we have spoken to, be honest makes sure they have funds, and make sure you have real funds in the bank via bank transfer before letting it go.

 

[sydnsue]

It's a way for those who are worried about selling to avoid it, but you pay a high price for it in that it takes a lot longer to sell it, they take the hit for any repairs and that's it, we have bought from them and got a good discount, which the seller had to stand, but only sold once, a nightmare, they ask what you want then they put £3k on top of that, then the potential buyer want to negotiate, so you either do that or stick to your guns, as the price is so inflated you don't get many buyers, I'd never sell with them again, handy too if the van you're selling is a bit iffy and a lot we looked at were, but if it a good van jsut do it yourself you know the van better than anyone, and MHD salemen seem quite thick about the various vans that we have spoken to, be honest makes sure they have funds, and make sure you have real funds in the bank via bank transfer before letting it go.

Thanks Pudsey. They don't cover repairs. There is no warranty from them unless the buyer purchases one. It's interesting that any discount is from the seller. All this is why I question their commission. They don't seem to do a lot for 4,000 quid. At least your broker was only £3,000. Our van is in tip top condition so we don't need to hide behind a dealer so we will be quite happy to sell privately if required. As I stated, the commission has bumped our price up unacceptably high, same as yours. It's good to hear from someone who has used them.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I'd call it a rip off but they are very up front with it, I saw a Bessacar E745 up in Stranraer, it lnooked spot on, so I arranged a viewing and we to see it, it's a fairly rare van so viewing was essential, it was owned by a lovely old couple and they felt they'd been suckered into using MHD turns out it'd been on their books for over a year, dogs had been living in it, and it was filthy, it was green mouldy on one side, and some of the windows were open too, obviously I was very pissed off, the agent had been told that it was in bad condition and it needed to be re photographed and re described they wanted to take less for it than I'd been told so it was a total feck and I was really angry as the agent should have told me about all this, as it happened I knew Richard the owner of MHD, (I was trying to get a tie in with Motorhomeowners forum) he's based at their branch near Mansfield, he sorted out the old couple, sacked the agent and gave them something in compensation for the treatment they had been getting.that

They're not all like that of course but they are all franchised except his branch where they are all emplyed by him and this is where I bought the van I had issues with and also why it was fixed, but it still had more problems and I ended up getting rid of it.

Buyer and seller beware.

 

[Scotia]

Can only say I had nothing but good results, the sales guy had two people on his books looking for a 747-2 first opted out as his mother in law died the following day after the viewing two days later the second person purchased it, not all vans sold through MHD are dodgy. I tried auto trader had one guy put a deposit down then said give me a couple of weeks to get things sorted. Several weeks later he changed his mind and asked for his deposit back he was told to take a walk as I had lost out on another potential sale then lost out on the Laika we were going to purchase.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Can only say I had nothing but good results, the sales guy had two people on his books looking for a 747-2 first opted out as his mother in law died the following day after the viewing two days later the second person purchased it, not all vans sold through MHD are dodgy. I tried auto trader had one guy put a deposit down then said give me a couple of weeks to get things sorted. Several weeks later he changed his mind and asked for his deposit back he was told to take a walk as I had lost out on another potential sale then lost out on the Laika we were going to purchase.

Absolutely right, the franchises should all be the same but some have more than one our nearest has three branches and some employ salesmen too, the vans will vary, and like every thing the more you have to spend your chances of a good van improve.

 

[CCSW]

Happy to help. If anyone is in the southwest and looking to sell. Happy to offer any advise on brokerage or general motorhome/caravan information.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Happy to help. If anyone is in the southwest and looking to sell. Happy to offer any advise on brokerage or general motorhome/caravan information.

Out of curiosity how much do you charge for brokerage?

 

[CCSW]

The service is Free to all sellers.