Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Topic: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...) (Read 2373 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #50 – October 27, 2014, 04:21:19 pm

I know a bit about running service operations and Foretravel needs to get it's act a little tighter. A good shop runs it's major service and minor item bookings differently. It's never a good idea to turn away smaller things by booking everything serially. Who want's to wait for a one day job for three months while they remodel coaches? That's why MOT does so well. If your demand goes up then expand your workforce and capacity. If you are having trouble selling new then you should do two things urgently. First determine why you can't sell your coaches. Secondly expand the service dept. if you can. During the turn-downs in the trucking industry service kept many dealers afloat.

The new way of doing business is no longer make 'em, put 'em on the lot and get Cashflash Bob to sell 'em. Worked well in the past. Now selling high end is a art form. You have to cultivate the customer. Listen and understand his needs. Work with him on realizing them and above all fulfill them with quality, service and support for the long run. Make him your friend, which is what Bob understands.

The high end real estate industry around here got it a while ago. Good agents make money by fitting the house to the customer not selling what they have - hence buyers agent. We have a friend who makes a lot more money as one than just as a realtor selling what she has.

How many times do you read comments that the newer coaches "look like a tart's boudoir inside"? See "Understand his needs above"!

Use all avenues from social media to this forum. It supports Foretravel far more that they seem to realize. How many people here would have purchased one if it was not for it's existence? A strong resale market sells new coaches.

It is nice to see that Foretravel is making a simpler coach but one wonders if it's Foretravel quality.

Just some random thoughts. Maybe not as coherent as I would like.

Keith

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #51 – October 27, 2014, 04:48:18 pm

Well put, Keith.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #52 – October 27, 2014, 05:50:19 pm

These statistics are not an accurate sample of ForeForums members. But, this thread has had 52 posts and 579 reads. Of the members that answered the thread question of who purchased at FOT, had service at FOT, and have been to a Motorcader event: 8 purchased their Foretravel from FOT, 23 members have had service at FOT, 23 members have been on one or more Motorcader events, and 41 are Motorcader members.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #53 – October 27, 2014, 06:14:54 pm

"How many people here would have purchased one if it was not for it's existence?" I'm one of those. Back when we were beginning the research process we decided that we would consider only brands that had active owners' forums. We weren't interested in brands whose owners just used their cell phones to call for help and their credit cards to pay for someone else taking care of problems. We wanted a brand whose owners actually got their own hands dirty fixing and upgrading their own coaches. We found what we were looking for with a Foretravel.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #54 – October 27, 2014, 07:29:55 pm

I'll keep the count going. We bought our U280 through a private sale from a long time MC'er. We have been MC members since then and, have attended a number of chapter rallies but not a GV. We've purchased parts and used FOT for service and tech support on the road.

This forum is a "must have" for me.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #55 – October 27, 2014, 08:48:42 pm

Hi All,
We bought our coach from an online add eleven years ago. Searched for two years, then negotiated with owner for about a year. Previous owner stopped in our area heading to Florida. We were able to check it out.
We have serviced at FOT, old Foretravel Tennessee, and old Foretravel Florida. Were members of the club for years. No longer members.
Never have attended a club event. Between working and health issues no time. Sure hope to do an event one day. Have met a many owners over the years. All have been great people.
I couldn't do it without this forum, and it's members. Thanks again, Steve and Michelle!
Raymond

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #56 – October 27, 2014, 08:49:51 pm

Purchased our coach privately. MC member from the start. Support but have not been on a motorcade for various reasons thus far. (3 years). Will do so next year. Not sure if that is our idea for using our coach. Life is hectic and like a lot of folks, we are pulled in many directions with limited chances.

Have not been to the factory but have purchased a lot of parts. Distance is the main obstacle for service visits.

Enjoy the forum and it's members the best.

David

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #57 – October 28, 2014, 03:47:17 am

We purchased our Foretravel from FOT.
Motorcade members -no events attended
Had remodeling work done by Dave Flanagan--Excellent Job!!
Service work done by FOT
Bought parts from FOT while in Nac.
Haven't bought or used MOT or Extreme ---yet

When looking for our motorhome the choice came down to Foretravel or Wanderlodge.
Both have very active member groups to help/answer questions-which I appreciate.

The deciding factor for us was the factory support of Foretravel if/when needed.

This Forum in my opinion is a major plus for Foretravel and I hope FOT realizes that.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #58 – October 28, 2014, 09:34:38 am

We purchased our coach from FOT in May of 2013. Have purchased parts, had service work performed and remodel work done. Have been very satisfied with sales, scheduling and service. So far have not encountered scheduling more than 4 weeks out.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #59 – October 28, 2014, 12:13:37 pm

Quote from: Keith and Joyce – October 27, 2014, 04:21:19 pm

The new way of doing business is no longer make 'em, put 'em on the lot and get Cashflash Bob to sell 'em. Worked well in the past. Now selling high end is a art form. You have to cultivate the customer. Listen and understand his needs. Work with him on realizing them and above all fulfill them with quality, service and support for the long run. Make him your friend, which is what Bob understands.
Keith

You are right about how I went about selling Foretravels. It's an art not a science. Texas had little "feel" for the art.

We talked among ourselves after every customer left the lot. What did I say wrong?What did the salesman say wrong? What went well?

Surely was not the beautiful modern motorhome in the late 80's.

Painted the entire lot with green deck epoxy paint and added glued down green astro turf sculpted to match the coaches lengths.

Added potted plants on rollers next to the coaches. Added solar panels to every coach as they would run down quickly otherwise.

Fixed every mechanical issue prior to displaying. Filled all tanks for better rides.

Scaled every coach and posted the weight slips in the coach to prove the lighter weight.

Video taped rides up the passes in the area to show the better power to weight ratios.

Used the Foretravel produced 12 minute video showing cm's grand dads wagon picture that he used to build.

Dressed to match the customer. Tie loose or open. Sleeves rolled up or fastened.

Identify customers personality type and use the correct words to match them.

Put a camera on a pole to view the parking area and painted the spaces too small. Helped identify the personality if after exiting the car they would get back in to reposition the car better in the space.

Moved my customers chairs back from my desk and would turn around my pitch book and offer to share info with the couple. The one who moved their chair up closest was in charge.

Cost me $1,100 per customer to get them on the lot. Could not afford to miss any deals.

Walk them through service.

Cm mentioned allowing a lot of demo rides so I did.

Fully optionized every coach versus show stripped models.

Custom order non sold coaches tailored to a possible customers wants.

Custom build 50-70% of the coaches. Counter depths. Exact drawer layouts. Everything.

"Built especially for you" worked well.

Made friends with the other stores guys. Send them back their shopping customers nicely.

Never answer the phones on the first ring. Not busy if you do.

Mention busy and ask for a call back number.

Do walk arounds together and go over the presentations. Product knowledge.

Finally sold 59 new in 1988. 41 used. Factory sold less.

Profits way higher. Store stopped losing money at $500k a year.

Cm had the money then to build the unihome he later told me and shook my hand.

Miss my old friends like the wells, and Cleo Dunlap and the johns and many others.

Spent $

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #60 – October 28, 2014, 12:16:31 pm

Purchased ours at Lazy Days Florida in May 2010. Have had service at FOT but not MOT yet. Have used FOT for parts when necessary. Motorcade club since purchased. Went to one fmca pre-rally in Brooksville. We felt a little out of place since we are so young compared to the others. Still had a great time. Have not attended any more due to the cost and type of functions were not appealing. I would like a club more focused on the coaches. Kind of like a car club. Used to be a member of the Mercedes Benz club of America but it turned into more of a dinner club instead of a car club. My thoughts anyways.

Mark

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #61 – October 28, 2014, 12:26:18 pm

Quote from: MAZ – October 28, 2014, 12:16:31 pm

Purchased ours at Lazy Days Florida in May 2010. Have had service at FOT but not MOT yet. Have used FOT for parts when necessary. Motorcade club since purchased. Went to one fmca pre-rally in Brooksville. We felt a little out of place since we are so young compared to the others. Still had a great time. Have not attended any more due to the cost and type of functions were not appealing. I would like a club more focused on the coaches. Kind of like a car club. Used to be a member of the Mercedes Benz club of America but it turned into more of a dinner club instead of a car club. My thoughts anyways.

Mark

A big advantage for customers in the old days were the motorcades with a service vehicle along to help.

Borrowed a 1979 35' ftx from our lot and was in Oregon traveling north and the alternator died on the dodge chassis. Hmmmm.

Looked up and saw a Foretravel sign on a tree and an arrow. Followed it to a rally.

Service guys had a alternator on the trailer and installed it then.

Hard for the customers to wander off to other brands if you took care of them.

Hence the beaver ambassadors, country coach club and the monaco club.

They served drinks. Foretravel would not as the church of the Nazarene was against it.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #62 – October 28, 2014, 12:33:42 pm

Purchased our 2007 Nimbus from MOT in May. This followed an attempt to purchase a 38 footer from FOT. Deal fell through due to seller's illness--no one's fault.

Have had a lot of service done at MOT. Planning on remods through them in near future. Those folks are fantastic. Have not had any work done at FOT.

Joined MC right away. Have attended no events. Missed out on our first Grandvention due to scheduling. Will next be looking for local chapter rallys, events.

Have not noticed any friction between MC and ForeForum. If so, I am apt to address such short sightedness aggressively with MC. Someone would have to explain to me why you would antagonize, versus mine, such and ideal source of critical information. Can't think of another company that has such an informed, experienced, and motivated group of customers (both potential and current) available for reference.

OK, rant is over. Cut short, but over.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #63 – October 28, 2014, 12:42:26 pm

Everyone else is selling pretty coaches cheaper.

"There all the same" was many uneducated customers opinions about coaches design and build quality.

Floorplans, fabrics and paint sells well to the newby's

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #64 – October 28, 2014, 01:08:40 pm

Love, love, love MOT for everything, but Flanigan will get my $$$$ (FOT) at remodeling time

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #65 – October 28, 2014, 01:34:23 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – October 28, 2014, 12:42:26 pm

Everyone else is selling pretty coaches cheaper.

"There all the same" was many uneducated customers opinions about coaches design and build quality.

Floorplans, fabrics and paint sells well to the newby's

Wow Bob, not only were your sales methods an art form, they were a science & practically a spiritual experience! Wish I'd bought my coach from you.

As for cosmetics, that was all very appealing back in the beginning but quality & mechanics are the factors most appealing after all the paper work is done. I was boggled by all that in SOB's but thankfully sobered up & decided mechanical aspects were much more important. I still think the late 90's coaches are the most beautiful & classic around, I just wish FOT or MOT or someone would offer women a way to learn more about the inner workings of these fabulous critters.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #66 – October 28, 2014, 02:17:11 pm

Miz Dani - As a side note - When we bought our coach I knew nothing about the mechanics or systems. The forum and it's members have taught me what I know. I have a long way to go yet. But the overwhelmed feeling has mostly passed. The search button is your friend as well as Beamalarm - when you have a few minutes, open and pick a topic - read and ask questions. That's what I do.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #67 – October 28, 2014, 02:23:09 pm

Miz,

There are a ton of how-to videos on YouTube. Just go there and search for the item i.e. RV water pump.

Keith

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #68 – October 28, 2014, 03:31:43 pm

"Wow Bob, not only were your sales methods an art form, they were a science & practically a spiritual experience! "

I'll say, FlashBob!! You are a salesman, for sure ... and one that respected the customer and his ability to see the value in the product. FOT could hire you to teach their guys the art ... and it IS an art!!

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #69 – October 28, 2014, 06:56:41 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – October 28, 2014, 02:17:11 pm

Miz Dani - As a side note - When we bought our coach I knew nothing about the mechanics or systems. The forum and it's members have taught me what I know. I have a long way to go yet. But the overwhelmed feeling has mostly passed. The search button is your friend as well as Beamalarm - when you have a few minutes, open and pick a topic - read and ask questions. That's what I do.

Scott, all good ideas I've taken advantage of, tho' most of my school housin' comes informally sitting at the foot of (& picking the brain of) my favorite FT guru....he's got a little "chip" buried somewhere in the back of his head for just about anything & everything! Have learned a ton already, was just pondering one day perhaps a class room type setting starting with the basics. Of course these coaches are such unique creatures, it'd have to be specific to FT. Maybe some day FOT will come up with a technical crash course for women? Wonder how many women would be interested? I sure would.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #70 – October 28, 2014, 07:16:07 pm

We have the Grandvention and had two technical talks. One with Jack Bradshaw and one with James Triana. It is open to women and they cover a range of things and each year it is a bit different.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #71 – October 28, 2014, 07:17:13 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – October 28, 2014, 03:31:43 pm

"Wow Bob, not only were your sales methods an art form, they were a science & practically a spiritual experience! "

I'll say, FlashBob!! You are a salesman, for sure ... and one that respected the customer and his ability to see the value in the product. FOT could hire you to teach their guys the art ... and it IS an art!!

Thank you. Tried the training thing and I was laughed at. They used to look over every managers shoulder and micromanage every decision.

Floyd Wilcox got paid on profits and carol white got paid on units. I gave away a few gas coaches to help carol out and the profits made Floyd smile. They left me alone after a few months. Until I stepped on political toes.

I was stupid enough to give the salesman most of the credit for the sales. I made more money than all of them but cm fore. Hurt their east Texas feelings.

A year later after I was gone carol came up to me at a FMCA rally and shook my hand and said he had made a mistake. Like Jesus coming down off the cross.

"Why didn't you tell me(us) that you personally sold 50% of the coaches?"

Not my style. Build up your salesman who were my friends also.

First thing out of my mouth when I was let go was "this will cost Foretravel a lot of money"

Real company guy. I knew I could go to the next lot in Traveland and do perfectly well but Foretravel would go right back to their old results. Which they did.

First year I spent $75k of Foretravel's money which cost me personally $10k fixing every old coaches never fixed correctly coaches sold by my store.

Repainted orange skirts.....

Every single customer bought a new coach in the next three years. All had the money just wanted the company to keep their word.

Triana knows this stuff maybe. So does grimes.

Old partners in crime as it were.

We had to plot behind some backs to sell more coaches.

Especially McKensie and the club with the texas aggie brown jackets. Ugly.

So we made up our own Foretravel club with white Martin jackets with an embroidered GVF logo on the chest for those who bought from California.

Talk about upset.

Results paid the bills and basically warren had to go along finally and change the club jackets and we put the california crest club on the back burner.

I think I still have the old Foretravel Orange jackets with the white stripe down the front and a couple of our white ones in a box somewhere.

Days of long ago. 1986-1989.

Had 115 coaches at a dodger show parking lot dry camp show rally.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #72 – October 28, 2014, 07:21:10 pm

Quote from: John S – October 28, 2014, 07:16:07 pm

We have the Grandvention and had two technical talks. One with Jack Bradshaw and one with James Triana. It is open to women and they cover a range of things and each year it is a bit different.

I beat up Triana in a nice way about the rolocks at the unihome intro in 1987. Reminded him about that this year. He remembered just like I thought he would.

I said you would add doublers someday and use huck fasteners. Which they did.

He was correct as the rolocks work great. Except for the rust jacking.....

Fun to tell the 25 year old stories...

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #73 – October 28, 2014, 07:24:36 pm

Quote from: John S – October 28, 2014, 07:16:07 pm

We have the Grandvention and had two technical talks. One with Jack Bradshaw and one with James Triana. It is open to women and they cover a range of things and each year it is a bit different.

Open, but the "women's" craft session (bring your Bedazzler and your glue gun, gals

) is held opposite JT's; as if to be a subliminal suggestion that the "womenfolk" should not worry their pretty little heads about technical things

I jest, but that's usually how it works out.

I still think there should be a men's crafts and a women's technical session at a future Grandvention

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #74 – October 28, 2014, 07:46:31 pm

Quote from: Michelle – October 28, 2014, 07:24:36 pm

Open, but the "women's" craft session (bring your Bedazzler and your glue gun, gals ) is held opposite JT's; as if to be a subliminal suggestion that the "womenfolk" should not worry their pretty little heads about technical things I jest, but that's usually how it works out.

I still think there should be a men's crafts and a women's technical session at a future Grandvention

Michelle, amen to that! Last rally I went to, I was the only female to show up for tech talk....really didn't fancy sitting around the table with all the other ladies' husbands all afternoon, so decided if no more showed up after a few minutes, I'd go have a nap...(nap was lovely, thank you.)

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