Does buying accessories at Caravan Shows save?

[Crew family]

Hi all,

We sold our 2007 Outback Eagle earlier and are eagerly awaiting delivery of our new 14.44-4 Outback Expanda at the end of September. We gave away a fair few accessories with the Eagle such as ground mat, carpet tiles, hanging storage, caravan cover etc so need to replace. Was going to buy them through Parts and Accessories, but there's a Melb Caravan Show on the weekend after we pick it up, so wonder if it's worthwhile waiting to see if we can pick up some bargains. Any thoughts/experience on this?

 

[dagree]

Make sure you shop around for prices on things you want to get before going to the show. Then compare and decide while there as we have found that there are not a lot of savings to be found and even some things more expensive at the show (Well at our local Perth show!!!)

The only things that we have saved on recently were the shade wall for the awning and some stereo speakers. Take your own food and drinks unless you have a fat wallet

 

[pauljygrant]

My limited experience is that it can be cheaper at a show - otherwise I have purchased most parts online. Caravan specific items from Caravanplus, Canberra and more basic 12v parts direct from China via eBay.
Buying at a show avoids freight costs so suggest screen shot on your phone what it would cost online then take with you and compare prices.

 

[bigcol]

yeppers, as @dagree and @pauljygrant said - research research research

once you know exactly what you want
and the price you want to pay - then show whatever salesman - if he can match it - great
if he cannot - buy from your best priced supplier

dont forget to allow postage & time when ordering online though, factor these into your equation

 

[Vere]

@bigcol is spot on. You need to know what you want and what is will cost you outside of the sale. You can get stuff cheap but many times I have seen it no cheaper, as they are trying to make you think it is cheap and a once off opportunity. Best part is being able to walk around getting yourself new things to play with.
.

 

[davemc]

sometimes there cheaper sometimes not.. Normally look on my phone when deciding.
Ebay/Gumtree not bad for some second hand stuff if you want to wait.
Are you talking about the show in Wodonga this weekend? We might go for a drive I do like shows

 

[bigcol]

just a quick look see on a web site...........
Cgear multimat 5.2 x 2.4 (17' x 8')

Australian Direct

Ebay

Camec

all the same size............. but different prices....................

 

[chartrock]

As has been suggested, research beforehand so you know what you can buy something for, but check with your dealer as they usually offer a discount on accessories when you buy a new van and the discount may make purchase cheaper from them than elsewhere. A call to the dealer first is always a good option.

 

[Drover]

Went to the Melb show last year and we had been looking at vans for awhile before hand and we found the vans generally were not cheaper at the show, except for some that were fitted out and you could buy at the show with delivery after the show, the put an order in sales not so.........the accessories I found were about the same price as elsewhere with the odd special so you need to know prices to get a bargain..........still a great day out.

 

[bigcol]

yeah true, a good day out to wander around and get ideas
take water & food for yourselves, otherwise you will spend big $$$$ and have nothing to show for it

they tend to "suckker" you in with some crap thats cheap as........ then they up sell you

have a list of things you want to look at
and go look at them
you can always ask if the show special will still be available next week, as your not paid until next week......... that sort of dodgy........

last year in Perth, the "rage" was a collapsible kettle for the fire....... made out of silicone
I think they were $10 or something, sold like hot cakes
never seen any being used before or after..........

 

[Bluey]

You have to pay to get in then pay a price you get outside the show but a good day out to help you plan to spend more on things you didnt realize you need or want lol lol