Anyone know the Trailer business?

[David Pendleton]

Hello all.



I'm in the market for an enclosed cargo trailer for my snowmobile. Something around 10', V-nose or not, with a ramp. I've been looking at the likes of Haulmark, Pace, etc.



I've been to three local dealers, and these guys are worse than car dealers. Lot's of schmooz, no flexibility on price, and the usual "I don't make much at that price... " (One guy drives a Hummer).



I don't know the business, but a little searching on the internet has turned up a wide range of prices for the same trailers.



Is there any room for a dealer to negotiate on these things, or are they just being hard-asses?



Thanks.



Dave

 

[marksmith]

I used to build horse trailers and utility trailers. Although I didn't do anything with the sales part of them I know "Wholesale" (manufacturer to distributor) price is a LOT less than you would imagine. For example a 4x8 box trailer w/ 2500# axle would run the distributor 430 bucks. They then sold it for 850-1000 bucks. One hell of a markup if you ask me! But I am not for sure how it all works so it could honestly be "I only make about ten percent on these"



Hope this gives you a little insight.



Mark Smith



PS The other trailers I built were also marked up 80% or so. (1. 00 wholesale turns into 1. 80 at the dealer)

 

[MMeier]

Screw the st***er, go straight to the manufacturer and see what kind of deal you can get, might have to drive a bit but what the heck, you have a Cummins use it!!

 

[TPCDrafting]

I have a friend that runs a horse trailer/utility trailer business. I'm not sure on the utility type trailers, but he has told me that they don't have much room at all on horse trailers. He couldn't even give me a deal when I was looking. As far as price variations, you'll find a wide variety in quality of trailer. When it comes down to it look at the fit and finsh. Are the handles easy to use? Do the doors close tightly and fit equally all the way around? Also look at the little conveniences they add on like light switches, door keepers, etc. . Then decide weather you need them or not. I also look at the way it is put together. If there are many pieces riveted/welded/glued together to form the trailer, plan on leaks, rust, seperations down the line. For me, it came down to little things like that when comparing two brands that were nearly the same in price and quality.

 

[schu777]

Well - have you checked out H&H Trailers - really nice trailers. I don't know if you would have any local dealers there or not. Bad thing for a trailer that is 5' tall inside - 12' long with a V-nose is going to run $2700. They do have used listing - might find one that way.

 

[jrandol]

I used to work for a big Colorado based dealer of Wells Cargo and Featherlite Enclosed trailers (carried lots of other types but these were our enclosed lines) Honestly, there isnt squat for markup in these, unless you consider 20% alot of money. I didnt sell for this division but at best on an enclosed you could budge maybe a few hundred dollars on say a $4,000 trailer. These guys were trained to hold their gross and if you needed to button up a deal throw in the spare tire with cover or something like that as their is mucho markup in those. BTW, the big manufacturers will not sell direct to you, very rarely do they have dealers license which are required in all states that I know of to sell such vehicles like these that are regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers act.

 

[machinemover]

try this!

Try these guys, I had a 40' gooseneck built about a year ago and was pretty happy with it. 40', triple guage skin, ribbed 16" on center, triple axel 8500 lbs. etc... ... total cost $13,500. Didn't think that was that bad, picked up in Goshin, Indiana.

http://www.trailersforless.com/