Sunshine Coast Home Show & Caravan & Camping Expo

[krisandkev]

We went to the Sunshine Coast Home Show & Caravan & Camping Expo yesterday, held in the very nice Nambour Show Ground.  Very well set up with heaps of close free parking and with heaps of room for all of the displays, some undercover.  A very well run show. 

 Took a good look at off road capable caravans.  There seems to be a lot more coming onto the market and that is what the various sales people were telling us.  Most sales reps were very helpful, one was the exception.  Particularly when questioned about warranty on his vans.  While others spoke in years, one make was 5 years, anywhere in Australia, on or off road. (And I know you would have to actually read the fine print.)  This guy said 12 months and when asked is that for any road and for off road, he said, well that is hard to say, what is off road, is it a track with no name or what. How long is a piece of sting?  Pressured more he said he could not answer as he is not sure of the warranty wording.  What The!!!  When I said that one maker offers 5 years, he said that for an extra $500 he could also offer that.  Put us right off those vans.  (I do not recall the make as we spoke to a few and I do not want to say the incorrect one.)

On the way home we stopped at a large RV centre to look at some used vans and came across a very dodgy salesman indeed.    I mentioned to him that it seems caravan manufacturers are aiming more towards off road type caravans. He totally disagreed and said it is the opposite.  People are going away from off road vans and the same for the makers.  OK, so it must be our imagination?  He also passed his learned thoughts to us on new four wheel drives, basically that he would not take them off road, especially on a beach. What if the gear box went. Your warranty would not cover that.  We sort of said why buy one then. We did and we have taken it everywhere, that is why we bought one. Well he knew better... Went on and on.  Yep, will keep away from that dealer.
Kevin

[Hoyks]

Some salesman , it surprises me they actually sell stuff at all.

As for the show, did you see many roof top tents around? I'm in the market for one and would like to see a few next to each other to get a feel for what works and what to avoid.

[cancan]

We were heading up the coast tomorrow and was going to drop into the show, but judging by the weather might have a dry day home..

[krisandkev]

Hoyks, I did not take much notice, but there were some roof top tents  there.

cancan, I feel sorry for the exhibitors/sales people after all the work they put into setting up and then to cop rain.  But maybe on the last day they may be ready to do some good deals! 

The forecast is a bit confusing for Nambour tomorrow,



Goes from rain period to a few showers, but the pictures show part cloud and sun to all cloud and showers?    And what is the difference between rain periods and a few showers and a shower or two?

Kevin

[Hoyks]

I went up anyway.

It poured all the way there, drizzled all afternoon and poured all the way home. The poor people with displays in the middle of the ground were ankle deep in water, but it wasn't too muddy as the punters stayed away in droves. A few exhibitors had packed up as it was probably a bit of a waste of their time.

I found the tent I wanted though, and we all fitted in it. I also put in an entry to win one, so it's mine! Hands off !

[McGirr]

A good salesman would qualify a buyer as to what they are looking for, what they are looking to do and what budget they are working with and then add roughly 10 % as we all spend above our budget. This helps both parties.
Also never critisise a buyer whether they are right or wrong.
As a salesman for many years I always laugh at some so called sales people who are willing to argue with a customer.

Mark

[Squalo]

It rained heavily just prior to last years show too, then was stinking hot on the day I went. For anyone going tomorrow, suggest you wear gumboots... and be prepared for a muddy carpark if you park in the grounds i.e. if you have a 2wd with road tyres you may want to park very carefully.

Last years was first at Nambour, previously it was held at Stockland Park. The Nambour site is great and a lot of the exhibits are under cover or on firm ground, it's just the stuff on the showground that cops the soggy grass and mud. If it's at least as good as last years show - early departing exhibitors notwithstanding - then it is really worth a look, especially if you are combining home product and camping product research.