While summer is commonly recognized as peak RV season, sales can continue into early fall, and even the off-season, when competition is lower and buyers are more serious.
With vibrant scenery and fewer crowds, fall is one of the best seasons for RVing and camping. Last year alone, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported that 79% of RVers planned fall road trips. And this year, 7.4 million Americans intend to go RVing over Labor Day weekend.
Using the right approach, your dealership can use this upcoming season to connect with customers, drive off-season revenue, and build long-term loyalty. Here are four ways to make the most of this underrated season:
Fall road trips and long weekends like Labor Day are a prime time to highlight your services that keep vehicles adventure-ready. Seasonal service offerings not only meet customer needs, but drive additional revenue before winter arrives. Offer targeted packages such as:
To create urgency, promote limited-time offers such as “Labor Day Travel Special” or “Pre-Winter Readiness Package.” Time-sensitive promotions encourage customers to book early and get them thinking of how they can prep before the colder months.
Position your dealership as a trusted resource by sharing helpful travel content. Provide fall travel guides on social media or a newsletter article highlighting top fall destinations, scenic byways, and under-the-radar campgrounds. Encourage safe and enjoyable trips by offering seasonal camping tips and ideas for outdoor activities.
For inspiration, you can use Go RVing’s recently released six-month RV road trip itinerary, which highlights stunning destinations and attractions across the U.S. by region. To catch peak autumn colors, encourage your customers to start in the northern regions during September and head south by November.
Prepare your customers to hit the road by offering weather-specific recommendations, like insulation upgrades, tire checks, and heating system adjustments.
Reach out to customers using emails and social media. To catch their attention online about seasonal opportunities, consider:
Interactive content like polls, trip photo contests, or online fall destination guides can also enhance visibility and keep your dealership top of mind.
To embrace the spirit of the season and make the most of unique marketing opportunities, consider hosting an autumn activity for your community. Whether it’s a tailgate or a hayride, a wholesome fall event is a great way to engage customers, get people talking, generate foot traffic, and spotlight new inventory.
As the season changes from summer to fall, think of how you can connect with customers in a different way. With smart seasonal promotions, timely service offerings, and strategic engagement, fall can be a highly productive and profitable time for your dealership.