Avoiding Pricing Games: How to Spot Honest RV Dealers and Why Butler RV Center Stands Out

Published on Dec 31, 2024 Blog Image

Purchasing an RV is an exciting journey, but it’s also a significant investment. For many buyers, finding the right RV at the right price is critical. Unfortunately, not all RV dealers play fair. Some use pricing games and hidden fees to make their offers seem more attractive upfront, only to hit you with extra costs later. At Butler RV Center, serving the Pittsburgh area since 1992, we believe in transparency and fairness. Here’s how to recognize the tricks some dealers play and why we’re different.

Common Pricing Games Untrustworthy Dealers Play

1. The Add-On Fee Ambush

You find an RV that fits your dream and budget, only to discover additional charges during the final paperwork. Dealers might tack on:

  • Destination Fees: Extra charges for transporting the RV to the dealer.
  • Freight Fees: Even though transportation from the manufacturer should be baked into the price.
  • Prep Fees: For "getting the RV ready" for you, which should already be part of the price.
  • Orientation Fees: For showing you how to use your RV. It's very important to learn the ins and outs but you shouldn't be charged for it.
  • Non-Financing Fees: If you decide not to finance through the dealer.

These fees are often presented as "industry standard" or "normal," but they’re not. They’re tactics used to squeeze more money out of buyers after they’ve committed to a purchase.

2. Bait-and-Switch Pricing

Some dealers advertise unrealistically low prices to lure you in, only to reveal that the advertised price doesn’t include essential features, the hidden fees, or a different price for not using their financing. This strategy leaves you feeling tricked and under pressure to spend more than you initially planned.

3. Opaque Pricing Structures

Dealers who hide their true prices behind vague or confusing pricing structures make it difficult for buyers to know the actual cost of the RV. These dealers might insist that you can’t know the final price until you’re in the finance office.

How Butler RV Center Does Business Differently

At Butler RV Center, we’re committed to providing an honest, straightforward buying experience. Here’s what makes us stand out:

1. Our Price is The Price

The price you see is the price you pay—no games, no surprises. We don’t tack on extra fees like destination, prep, or orientation charges.

2. Transparency from the Start

We believe you deserve to know the true cost of your RV before you step into our showroom. While we’re required to display the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) online, our actual selling price is always lower. To stay within manufacturer guidelines, we provide our discounted price when you speak with one of our RV Specialists online, over the phone, or in person.

3. Honest About State and County Fees

Some fees, like taxes and registration, are required by state or county laws and vary based on your location. We can calculate these fees for you so you know exactly what your "out-the-door" price will be. Just give us a shout with your county and state and we'll get back to you with tax and state/county fees.

4. No Pressure to Finance

Unlike other dealers, we’ll never penalize you for paying cash or securing your own financing. Our focus is on helping you find the perfect RV, not on locking you into a financing deal that benefits us.

Protect Yourself When Buying an RV

No matter where you shop, here are a few tips to avoid getting caught by pricing games:

  1. Ask for a Complete List of Fees: Before committing to any RV, request a detailed breakdown of all fees included in the final price.
  2. Verify the Out-the-Door Price: Ensure the dealer includes all taxes, registration fees, and other costs in their quoted price.
  3. Look for Transparent Policies: Avoid dealers who are vague about their pricing or refuse to provide clear answers about additional fees.

Experience the Butler RV Center Difference

At Butler RV Center, we’ve been building trust with the Pittsburgh community since 1992 by focusing on fairness and transparency. We understand that purchasing an RV should be an enjoyable experience—not one filled with stress and surprises.

When you’re ready to make your RV dreams a reality, contact one of our RV Specialists. We’ll work with you to calculate your final out-the-door price with no hidden fees or gimmicks. Let us show you why so many local buyers choose Butler RV Center for their RV adventures. 

All of our New RV Purchases Include:

  • Pre delivery inspection
  • Certified tech led walkthrough
  • RV battery & Box
  • Propane system check (if applicable)
  • Propane fill (if applicable)
  • $65 accessory store credit
  • PA State inspection
  • manufacturer delivery fees
  • same pricing for cash or financing

Visit us today or call to learn more about our inventory and straightforward pricing.

With Butler RV Center, you can shop with confidence, knowing you're working with a dealership that values honesty and integrity. Don’t settle for anything less!