Caravan sales, caravan chat back

Another vlog on the last vlog of caravan dealerships shutting down, checked out Atlantic Caravans video - yep stocking plans etc and crisis - well the industry has seen that many times over its history. Also model years - Bailey operate on a update when needed idea - which ABI back in 87 introduced naming ranges such as Ace MK1 / 2 and so on but buyers often got confused buying a new model year only to find that a few months later it was replaced with an updated range at start of new season. When ABI hit problems in 96/7 it was reputed they changed bits on stocked unsold vans to make into a new range for following year - it didnt work. No doubt chat will be around service/after sales parts and prices and will we see much change for 2025/

[@conrad8906]

Great vlog Andy again. Definitely agree more advertising and promotion of the industry is required, no excuse really with the amount of social media these days. Conrad.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thanks Conrad - yes more promotion is needed using both media and paper content too -

[@dougle03]

The industry really needs campsite prices to return to sensible levels; but greed prevails....

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

we wont see that again - but things need to level on site prices I agree-thank you

[@dougle03]

@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk Just like we'll see dealers go pop, I think we'll also see campsites go under; especially those that set up to capitalise on the boom Covid gave. Just last week the CAMC was sending out 'marketing' emails trying to encourage people to book sites. I can't remember them doing this in previous years, especially in the middle of the summer season! equally, their pitch fees, even for members are sky high and people are voting with their feet. Sure they will blame the deposit scheme they brought in a couple of years ago, but the trend is down, so much so their Chairman is writing emails to boost sales... The whole camping game has become far too expensive for most people now, and those that can afford it are more and more choosing to go abroad and ditch their tiny house on wheels... It's all related to high prices and yes, greed. Atlantic caravans chap said the other day, he made a fortune out of the Covid rush, but prices have remained stubbornly high in a shrinking market... It will correct itself eventually as we're starting to see, but there will be casualties..! The sooner the better really to get back to normal... Perhaps the CAMC should starting using some of their over £100m in cash reserves for their members, can't imagine what they are hoarding it for, although I'm sure all the non-profit directors and senior managers are very well paid.... There is more than one way to get money out of a non-profit...! (Source: Companies house accounts publication).

[@jimbofreg]

Looking to buy a caravan for 1st time .... love listening to the passion you have for the industry. Trying to read your mind about what way to go - used or new - high end or budget. Ill keep listening/watching/reading Thank you sir 👏

[@kevinflood8212]

Great Vlog Andy, I agree with you in this age of squeezed finances value for money is high on people's shopping list. Manufacturers have forgotten the importance of customer service and keeping people happy to do business again. Yes a good documentary on caravaning would be great but in general advertising is non existent. I think the used market is holding up because of affordability but that's going to dry up soon if new sales don't pick up.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Hi Kevin - yes need to be affordable new family models and thats why used market is mostly okay too but some price slashing on less popular models used is going on - thanks as always Kevin for the positive comments

[@Senna-xi1gr]

You’re right there Andy, had my swift icon up for sale for 3 months & nothing. I have even reduced the price 4 times but nothing. Dead in the water at moment. Hopefully it picks up soon. I don’t understand really as going abroad is now very expensive like most things.

[@richardtraut1431]

Thanks, Andy a great insight, social media can help you keep ahead of the game if you advertise correctly see what the opposition has and don't worry about all the products, focus on what your customer wants and needs, I'm in retail and this helps me manage the store so much better no tv ads either, one day I will save and perhaps get a nice coachman 4 berths with a fixed bed at the back and bathroom in the centre or a make similar and decent reviews thanks again .

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you Richard good to hear from you and interesting insight

[@margaretbegley9201]

Good vlog. Money is now so tight for the younger 24:25 average Joe/Joanne. The current new caravans are too expensive, manufacturers have had previous good years, but as you say they are no longer making budget value family vans, they have to wake up to reality, younger generations have been continually squeezed dry financially, and the caravan industry still wants easy money. The easy money tap is now dry. Produce a budget value family caravan, similiar to a Iceland/Aldi price tag, and give first 12 months payments interest free like DFS sofas, and include free towbar, and free solar panel. They need to make the activity attractive for younger generations, who will be helped to start the adventure and once they get the bug, look to help sustain the future of caravans. Pressures from manufacturers onto dealers needs to stop, in the meantime they could assist the industry, by getting the marketing of such caravans put into the 21st century, beaches and country parks are ideal for promoting the big outdoors. Cheers.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Firstly thank you for your comments and for liking the vlog. - i was 29 when I got my first new tourer - loved it but some affordable tourers and as you say incentives to. The caravanning get up and go adds were great in their time to promote caravanning to the public. Great to hear your opinion thank you for watching too

[@boombox2661]

Good afternoon. Thank you for your honesty and passion 👍🏻. You said on a previous video that a new Sprite minor in 1948 was about £278. If you go onto the Bank of England inflation calculator website the price it would be in 2024 is £8,472.82 The car manufacturers call the UK treasure island.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Yes interesting isnt it - the first pre Sprite was £600 and Sam Alper hardely sold any so asked dealers what would and they said a good cheap durable basic caravan - hence the Sprite - think Sam Alper would spin in his grave if he knew the cheapest Sprite in 2024 was around £23k!! - thank you for watching and your kind words

[@paulbower5274]

great info again thankyou

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you Paul as ever

[@andyzee3956]

Great vlog Andy 😊 I know I always go on about family vans and the lack thereof… I mentioned last week we’d traded our 2017 Pursuit 570/6. Well it lasted just four days on our dealer’s website before being marked as sold. It was on for £2k less than we paid new. Now tell me why the manufacturers keep launching yet more high priced end bedroom twin axle vans. Like you say, increase volume with some lower priced vans and get some new customers to get skin in the game.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thats interesting I have done a review on a used Pursuit 560/5 not yet loaded - that was up for short of 14 k a 2017 model. - I spoke with Swift about this last year on stripping a Basecamp down to a more basic spec and exterior but was told it wasnt cost effective. ABI used to do a good range of tourers from the budget lightweight Sprinter to their luxury Award. But would love to see some new proper value lightweight family tourers - thanks for your update Andy

[@brianpaige4884]

The campsites have got ridiculous in the prices....they are now ripping the public off....all because of the COVID crap.....

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Well their costs have gone up but the clubs are feeling it I am sure - back in 1987 we paid £12 a night including electrics - great days!!

[@dougle03]

Also, Coachman are not selling any better than the others; Loads of new sitting on dealers yards. Looked at a 2024 Lusso II last week manufacturer date Oct 23, still for sale and now discounted in Jun 24... Something is not right for sure...

[@dougle03]

Is it not also time for the big parts makers closed shop to the dissolved; thinking Truma/Alde, Dometic etc... £1,500 for a dual fridge fridge is no longer justifiable...

[@user-ro4gb6wk7r]

Do you remember the Craftsman caravans.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

I do Eddie Hatter - Elddis look alikes - I went to the factory at Annie Reed rd a new unit - Beverley, Miracle and Superior - I got thrown off their stand at the NEC show in 94 because I asked to many questions! Coachman gave me a brew and a sandwich after i was thrown off ha ha - memories

[@user-ro4gb6wk7r]

@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk You must remember Upminster Caravans. Rainham Essex Brought up all the end of season caravans from Abi mid eighty’s early nineties Then started Craftsman Yes Elddis look alikes. Had some good times working there started 1984 to 1995 till it closed down. He passed away. Really nice bloke

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

@@user-ro4gb6wk7r Big ABI dealer stacked them high - Silverline were originally going to make the Craftsmen but Hatter built the factory which is a builders supplies I think now. - great to hear your worked there - they were big dealers at the time.