I ordered our new camper from the manufacturer Sunset Park RV in Shipshewana, Indiana. I had to order it through a dealer. There were a couple of dealers of this particular camper in Florida, but all of them were ridiculously over-priced – some by as much as 40% more than market price, and all of them charged additional prep fees north of the $2,000 mark. In fact one place in Ft. Myers Florida was charging $8,000 more for a used 1.5 year-old model than what a brand new 2022 model was going for on the market. Welcome to Florida.
Fortunately, I’m the one spending the money so I decide who gets it. That brought me to Norman Campers of Marietta Georgia. First and foremost, they had a great advertised price for a brand new model, and they had amassed a number of really sincere online reviews. I even emailed two reviewers just to hear their story personally. It was enough to make me call Norman Campers and learn more. My call was answered by Tim Elzey, who I later learned is actually the owner. Tim is a no nonsense type of guy. Polite, informative, but matter-of-fact and confident. No fluff, no embellishment. I can’t explain why, but I trusted him immediately though I never met the man nor set one foot in his business.
He explained they were a family-owned business. They didn’t charge prep fees, and they didn’t sugar coat anything. He gave me exact costs and was honest in telling me that the camper would take at least 3 months after placing the order before we’d ever see it from the factory, turns out in this shaky economy with high gas prices and a younger generation, this style of camper is much more popular than the bloated rolling palaces often associated with an older generation. I explained my interests and why I would make certain additions or changes. He offered his advice on some choices and reassured me on other choices. Even though this camper weighed 1300 lbs I chose to add electric brakes because my tow vehicle is a compact SUV; Tim felt that was a good decision. We settled on a figure, I offered a deposit. He took my credit card number but stated he would not charge a deposit to it – only have it there as a good-faith measure. I agreed. I placed the order over the telephone backed up with email.
That call finally came. The camper is now ready to be picked up. Time for a road trip to Marietta, GA.
“An absolutely amazing buying experience.
First time buying an RV and I had look at so many but wanted something small and then found it at this family own dealer with great prices and the best no dealer fees. I am in another state (Florida) and Tim (the owner) was exceptional he helped with all the process (buying and financing) over phone and via email and made me feel at ease, as I was buying an RV, that I had only seen in picture. Because of COVID-19 the delivery of my 2021 RV was delayed by a few extra days and they called to give me updates and when I went to pick it up, it was exactly the same I had seen in pictures. Tim was very knowledgeable and explained everything about the RV and answered all my questions. You leave the dealer ready to go camping, with all you need. The buying process was made easy and simple, no hidden fees, great customer service. I will highly recommend Norman Campers to everyone.”
