RV dealers are largely optimistic in their outlook for this year, based upon RV PRO’s third annual dealer survey, conducted in January.
The survey results were published in the March issue of RV PRO, which can be accessed here, regarding how dealers rated RV manufacturers on product quality, warranty policies, the ability to secure replacement parts, best PDI and best resale value.
Dealer Sales
Regarding their outlook on the year ahead, 31 percent of RV dealers told RV PRO they will sell even more RVs this year versus last year, while about 54 percent of dealers say they will sell roughly the same number of RVs this year as 2021. Only 15 percent of dealers expect their RV sales will be down this year compared to 2021.
Dealer Concerns
However, dealers also gave voice to some concerns in the reader survey. Notably, 57 percent of dealers surveyed said their current RV inventory levels are 50 percent or less of what they were compared to pre-COVID pandemic levels. An additional 25.5 percent of dealers said their inventory levels stand between roughly half and three-quarters of what they were compared to pre-COVID levels.
Whether RV manufacturers can keep dealers sufficiently supplied as the busy summer selling season kicks off remains to be seen. However, if OEMs fall short, it won’t be for a lack of trying. Unemployment in Elkhart, Ind., is the lowest in the nation at 1.9 percent, as companies scramble for talent.
Top Dealer Concerns
Asked in the survey to rank their top three concerns, RV dealers cited supply chain issues, at 61.4 percent, inventory at 52.3 percent and labor at 51.3 percent. Inflation came in a close fourth at 40.1 percent.
Social Media and Other Communication Outlets
RV PRO’s dealer survey also offered some insights regarding the tools dealers use to communicate with customers and fellow industry professionals.
By far, Facebook was the most common social media used by dealers, garnering 68 percent of the total. Instagram came in a distant second, at 3.5 percent, while LinkedIn came in third at 3 percent. Twitter and TikTok registered less than 1 percent each.
Notably, 24 percent of dealers say they don’t use social media at all to communicate with customers.
When it comes to communicating with their fellow industry professionals, Facebook and LinkedIn garnered the largest numbers by far, with 39 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Less than 10 percent of dealers said they use Instagram, while 7 percent say they use Twitter and just 2 percent say they use TikTok.
Forty-four percent of dealers say they don’t use social media to communicate with their fellow industry professionals.
