'No worries' caravan buyer deposit guarantees announced
Two big Melbourne manufacturers promise to cover buyer deposits if a dealer goes bustWith consumer confidence at a low, after a series of high-profile caravan collapses that has seen hundreds of buyers face losses of tens of millions of dollars after paying deposits and progress payments on undelivered 'vans, some major RV brands have decided to introduce dealer deposit-protection policies to reassure buyers.
Melbourne's Crusader Caravans has just launched a new 'Crusader Deposit Promise' that will see the local manufacturer cover deposits of up to 10 per cent of the price of the 'van, if a dealer goes bust and leaves buyers in the lurch.
Crusader says its new Deposit Promise scheme applies to all eligible orders placed with an authorised Crusader dealer, and ensures a customer's place in the Crusader production schedule remains secure.
If for any reason the dealer is unable to fulfil the order, Crusader says it will transfer the order to another authorised dealer and honour up to 10% of the total order value toward the caravan build.
The Crusader Deposit Promise also applies to its Dreamhaven sub-brand.
'Here for the long haul'
Crusader Caravans CEO Serge Valentino said the big-selling 24-year old manufacturer is "here for the long haul" and the promise reflects Crusader's reputation as one of Australia's most trusted caravan builders.
“The Deposit Promise is simply another way we're standing behind our customers when it matters most. Buying a caravan is a significant investment, and people deserve confidence from the moment they place their order," he said.
Meanwhile, Melbourne's Urban Group which builds Urban, Platinum and Vivid caravans, also announced in early July a similar 'Factory Backed Deposits' guarantee.
"Even though the deposits are held by the individual dealerships, Urban Group will guarantee your deposit. Put simply, if you put your deposit down your van will arrive," Urban Caravans Director Steven Trajcevski announced in a Facebook post as well as advertising at shows.
"Nobody wins when a manufacturer fails. It hurts the whole industry... So if you're feeling uneasy right now, I get it. You should be able to buy a caravan with excitement, not anxiety."
The road ahead
Crusader's newest customer assurance policy only applies to new Crusader or Dreamhaven 'vans purchased and registered with authorised dealers, from August 1.
It also only applies to factory orders and excludes existing floor stock. Full terms and conditions are available here.
Urban's deposit guarantee applies to both company run and independent dealers that stock the Urban Group range, across Australia and New Zealand.
Both Crusader and Urban are also leading the way with industry compliance, as two of six RV brands that currently boast RV Master accreditation.
Related: Why you should pay more for an Australian-built caravan
Related: More caravan company collapses predicted
Related: New Urban Group flexes its caravan muscles
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