Foretravel service

Topic: Foretravel service (Read 1840 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel service

October 23, 2011, 02:24:21 pm

I have been researching rv's for over a year and basically had settled on a tiffin, however, before pulling the trigger I wanted to take a close look at the foretravel.
So my wife and I made the 500 mile trip to nac..........(sp).
We were impressed by the coach, quality, first class. We were less than impressed by the sales staff. We timed our visit for after lunch. We were greeted by a young lady who directed us to the coaches for inspection.
Not once during our one hour tour were we greeted by anyone, we did have several workers look at us but no one offered assistance.
Upon return to show room we had two salesman walk by us without acknowledging our presence. I recognized the two gentleman as salesman by their pictures in fore travels advertisement.
We thanked the young lady as we walked out the door and again were ignored by the three other people standing by the counter.
Am I being unfair, or am I spoiled by Mr tiffin?
Is this normal treatment at foretravel? If so I will certainly take them off my short list.
Thanks for your thoughts and observations.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #1 – October 23, 2011, 02:31:14 pm

Liberty46, I am so sorry that you were ignored at FT, I would hope that this is just an aberration. The answer is to visit Motor Homes of Texas, they usually have a good inventory of used even though they would not have any new. Hopefully someone at FT will take note of this kind of behavior.
Good luck in your search.
Gary B

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #2 – October 23, 2011, 02:32:27 pm

This is not typical.

Foretravel are known for their after sales service. You can call the factory even if you own 20 year old model and they will help you. In my experience there are sales people and the rest. In the short time I have owned a Foretravel I have been impressed with the quality and, when I called for parts, have had the factory go out of their way to help. Remember that you are not buying the salesman but the coach. I think if C.W. Fore were still alive he would have been shaking a few people up after seeing your post. I have never spoken to the folks at Tiffen but I understand they have excellent customer service, but then so does Foretravel.

Talk with people on here (I am sure you will get a lot of replies) before you decide.

Keith

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #3 – October 23, 2011, 02:33:37 pm

Well, you are sure correct that Foretravels are first class. Sounds like LazyDaze.com Class C's There you can walk around the show room for hours and no one will try to sell you anything.

But I sure would not let a lack of sales folks sucking up to me to keep me from buying the best RV.

best, paul

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #4 – October 23, 2011, 02:45:18 pm

We have owned a FT for two years and bought it from FOT mainly because they had the coach we wanted. This was in spite of a comment ("Are you really interested or are you just kicking the tires?") from the senior salesperson at FOT. I guess when you sell million dollar coaches a mere $150K is not enough to get excited about. Anyway, as others have said, it is the coach you will live with and once you buy it the sales person will only be a distant memory. We have been very happy with our FT and would not consider another brand (well, maybe a Bluebird!). We also looked at MOT, and I must say the salesmen we worked with there were great, but they didn't have what we wanted. Lastly, the parts and renovation departments at FOT are first class. Service is pretty good too.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #5 – October 23, 2011, 03:13:35 pm

Liberty,

Foretravel is definitely not the typical high pressure RV dealership experience. These days, new FTs are generally custom built to order, with a few demo or spec coaches. It's a bit different than shopping for a mass market RV like Tiffin produces; the sales model for new coaches is quite a bit different between the companies. FT is very low-key, very easy-going. Even with the used coaches - no one is going to push you to buy, but if you have a coach you're interested in they will be quite helpful if you let them know.

I'm a little perplexed by your "spoiled by Mr. Tiffin" comment. Does Tiffin sell directly at the factory? I was under the impression that they are all sold by RV dealers. I do know they have a pretty large service facility at the factory in Alabama but I didn't think they also sold coaches there.

Michelle

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #6 – October 23, 2011, 03:34:19 pm

Michelle
Sorry if I gave wrong impression, no they do not sell out of Red Bay, however Mr Tiffen and his sons have a very hands on approach.
perhaps I did not give FT a proper chance, was just a little surprised when someone looks at me and ignores me.
Thanks
Liberty46

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #7 – October 23, 2011, 03:40:05 pm

Our experience with the sales staff at Motorhomes of Texas was excellent. They met us on a weekend to accommodate our schedule. We did not buy from them, but they were even helpful when we bought from an individual. The gave us an rough evaluation of the coach we were looking at, and suggested issues to inspect. They sold our previous coach on consignment in ten days at a fair price that exceeded our expectations. Other folk have reported excellent results from the service department at MOT. Our experience was not good, but it was at a time when there were some personnel changes and illnesses affecting the people in the service department.

Encore RV also sells and services used Foretravel coaches in Nacogdoches. The reports of that shop have been favorable as well.

We have had very little contact with the sales staff at the Foretravel factory. Several times I have been through the coaches for sale on the lot. Most were open, had lights on, and had HVAC systems running. If I had questions, I would have to ask. There was no one following me or offering a sales pitch.

We were very pleased with our service event there. We were pleased with the excellent service and friendliness we received from all the parts, service, and accounting folk at Foretravel of Texas. Their communication and actions exceeded our expectations. However, they are not aggressive. You should ask a few questions and explain what you want, whether for sales or service.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #8 – October 23, 2011, 03:56:20 pm

Quote from: Liberty46 – October 23, 2011, 03:34:19 pm

was just a little surprised when someone looks at me and ignores me.

Liberty46,

I would be surprised, too, especially if they didn't at least ask "how are you doing today?" just to make sure you didn't have any questions. Customers shouldn't come away feeling ignored, even if was unintentional. Perhaps they just took "let the customer have his space" a little too far that day.

Of course at least it wasn't like stopping at a car dealer or, worse yet, Best Buy. I cringe every time the blue shirted electronics sales vultures descend on us when all we want is a USB cable

Michelle

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #9 – October 23, 2011, 04:29:27 pm

I've never been to Nac, or for that matter, Red Bay. But I will say that Mr. Tiffin's availability is quite unbelievable when compared to other CEOs. You can call on the phone and he will actually talk to you no matter who you are. If he is not available, he will call you back. If he is in his office, you can walk in. And he actually does the RV shows. His reputation precedes him and it is a well known fact in the RV circles. I honestly believe he is the most available CEO in the recreation vehicle industry. He sets a good example much like Mr. Fore did. Both had big shoes to fill!

That all said, I do not like salesmen hovering over me. But I do expect one to be available if I have a question or am ready to talk about sale.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #10 – October 23, 2011, 04:44:47 pm

If you return or call ask to speak to Lance Hays or Curtis Fancher. They will be happy to help whether you mention my name or not.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #11 – October 23, 2011, 05:39:47 pm

I live in Nacogodoches and visit the Foreravel plant fairly often. I am surprised that the "young lady who directed" you to the coaches didn't alert at least one of the salesmen that you had inquired/were interested in their coaches. That is standard procedure. Most of the salesmen are good guys; low pressure, polite and accomodating. Curtis Fancher is the sales manager (moved over from MOT), Lance Hays and Tyle Fore (grandson of the founder, C.M. Fore) are good , capable people. It is very unfortunate that you were ignored, especially after driving 500 miles!!

If you ever give Foretravel another chance, it might help to call ahead and let them know that you will be coming. As others have said MotorhomesofTexas (MOT), just across the highway, provides excellent service and has a very knowledgeable salesman in Stuart Canty.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #12 – October 23, 2011, 06:01:30 pm

I think the only thing I can add is that you will live with the coach for a long time. The salesman you only deal with for a few hours. I don't think there is a Tiffin coach built or service to the owners that is comparable to any of the Foretravels. With that said, if I were going to buy a more mass produced motorhome, it would probably be a Tiffin due to Ray's reputation. I have a high regard for a man who values the foundation of any business, the customer.

I trust Foretravel will read your post and make the appropriate changes.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #13 – October 24, 2011, 07:43:28 am

Liberty46,

I want to echo Don's comments. The problem is probably showing up without an appointment. I had experiences similar to yours at both MOT and Encore. There is unlikely to be much walk-in business for this level product, so the sales people react accordingly. Not making excuses, just saying.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #14 – October 24, 2011, 09:02:06 am

Quote from: Liberty46 – October 23, 2011, 02:24:21 pm

I have been researching rv's for over a year and basically had settled on a tiffin, however, before pulling the trigger I wanted to take a close look at the foretravel.

We full timed in a Phaeton for 2 years, sold it, took a 18 month break and JUST bought a 2000 Foretravel U320. Our 1st long trip will be this weekend, but I have driven my coach a couple of 100 miles to get a feel for it, both with a toad and without. There's no comparing the Phaeton to the Foretravel - the Foretravel is a MUCH better ride.

Although I liked the Phaeton and the customer service of Tiffin (was very happy during ownership), I like my "old" Foretravel even more. As they say, "You don't know what you don't know" and I had never even looked at a Foretravel before. The Foretravel is much better built and has options that I love, i.e. NO jacks, a transmission retarder in lieu of an exhaust brake, NO air leakage through the slides because of the air bladder seal, etc. The list is long. I was leery of having one slide instead of the 4 on a Tiffin, but there's plenty of room even with one slide... and the storage is incredible. Every space has pull out drawers. My wife loves that feature

Don't let a one day bad experience from a couple of sales people sway you from considering a Foretravel!

Cheers!

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #15 – October 24, 2011, 09:09:06 am

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – October 23, 2011, 03:13:35 pm

I'm a little perplexed by your "spoiled by Mr. Tiffin" comment. Michelle

Michelle, Tiffin is well known for customer service at their factory in Red Bay, AL. You can have fogging windows ( a broken seal) on a 5 year old Tiffin RV and Tiffin will fix it. Delamination or fiberglass cracking on a 6 year old Tiffin? No problem, just bring it in and they'll fix it. That's what he meant by "being spoiled"

I think it's unique within the industry. I WAS going to buy another Tiffin, until I saw George's Foretravel! hehe

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #16 – October 24, 2011, 10:07:14 am

I for one, liked being left alone to look over the units when we shopped. Earlier this year I purchased an '07 unit and spent a great deal of time with the sales staff. We looked at multiple coaches and were very impressed by Curtis Fancher and the attention and help he provided. He made the process very enjoyable with no typical sales pressure. And the experience is much better than dealing with any "dealer" I have dealt with before. It is different at FOT because they are the Factory and not a commission based dealer. They are selling a "brand" as much as a coach. I would recommend contacting Curtis directly.

Chris

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #17 – October 24, 2011, 11:27:50 am

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. You had very insightful, thoughtful responses. I had read many posts on other forums about buying a used FT. Vs a new unit of lesser quality for the same money. I now must rethink my entire buying decision since I fell in love with the FT.
Thanks to you I know whom to call, and will certainly call in advance before my next visit.
Thanks again
Liberty

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #18 – October 24, 2011, 02:55:09 pm

I have had both coaches. 2005 Allegro Bus. Tiffin customer support is outstanding. Now own a Foretravel. Was my choice to begin with, but MDW had to have slides. Now she loves the non slide Foretravel. It simply drives better (she does most of the driving) and is very comfortable for extended stays. We fixed a few minor things that were wrong, upgraded the fridge and TV's. Beautiful coach inside and out after all this time.

Remember the sales process is a very short time in the ownership of a coach. Motor Homes of Texas is a super company as well as Foretravel. And this forum is very valuable tool free of charge.

Good luck. Whatever you buy it will be a fun way to travel.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #19 – October 25, 2011, 01:19:20 am

We bought and sold through MOT and valued their professional experience and patience, especially with us being new to any type of RV. DP's take more learning than I expected - I needed MOT's help, and Don Hay if I had known of it. Anyway, I can help you on the service after the sale. MOT could not have been better. We needed help and in all cases they tackled it with smiles and expertise. Keith even came out to the house just to help me understand how things work (e.g. valves to drain water from air systems ....that I did not even know existed, four of them!). I imagine FOT does well too, but my experience is only with MOT and recommend them without reservation. As for sales, Mr. Canty and Mr. Haskins are honest and forthright. Everyone I met there enjoys their job, supports each other and represents their company very well from the front desk to sales, to accounting to parts and service. Good luck whichever route you take. Mike

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #20 – October 25, 2011, 10:14:13 am

Liberty46,

I would like the opportunity to speak with you about your visit to Foretravel. If you would like to call me my cell is 936.552.4131.

thank you,

Curtis Fancher
Sales Manager

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #21 – October 25, 2011, 10:43:59 am

Quote from: Foretravel – October 25, 2011, 10:14:13 am

Liberty46,

I would like the opportunity to speak with you about your visit to Foretravel. If you would like to call me my cell is 936.552.4131.

thank you,

Curtis Fancher
Sales Manager

Curtis, its great to know you guys are paying attention.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #22 – October 25, 2011, 11:48:44 pm

Our experience with Foretravel Service has been great. Extreme competence, easy to talk to and explain to / get explanations from. MOT service is also excellent. We have nothing but good things to say about both service departments. Haven't bought from either sales department, but our interactions with the sales personnel at both companies have all been good.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #23 – October 26, 2011, 04:27:42 pm

We have been happy with service experiences at MOT. The guys are mechanics and not just part changers. Mike Rodgers is wonderful and called me almost daily when we were addressing a problem on the road. The service at Foretravel is excellent. I could list the names of at least 10 guys who have earned an "A" in their ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, solve mysteries, tell me what I need before I know I need it, and just love the coaches that they work on. They bend over backwards to make sure you are aware of everything that is being addressed and any surprises. The guys working on your coach are often part of the team that built it when it came off the line being built. We found that it paid us to drive from Pennsylvania to Texas for service, as the Foretravel team of mechanics could diagnose a problem in very short order, where an untrained RV mechanic would be scratching his head. If you "drink the Kool-Aid" and become a Foretravel owner, you will fall in love with Nacogdoches and Camp Foretravel ... really.

Re: Foretravel service

Reply #24 – October 27, 2011, 02:51:59 pm

I just had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Fancher of FT. Let's chalk this experience up to a lack of communication and move on.
Mr Fancher invited me on a tour of the factory which I intend to do in Dec. I will say it is very impressive that FT customers were quick to come to their defense. I thank each of you for your time and interest.

Liberty 46

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