Dreaming of a cosy holiday home on wheels? Be warned—some caravan salesmen are using underhanded tactics to leave buyers tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.
The Bait-and-Switch Tactic
One common trick involves luring customers in with glossy brochures and promises of luxury, only to deliver a subpar product riddled with hidden costs. Buyers often discover too late that their dream caravan is anything but.
Hidden Fees and Dodgy Finance Deals
Many victims report being pressured into signing finance agreements with exorbitant interest rates, or being hit with unexpected fees for delivery, setup, and even 'mandatory' accessories that were never mentioned upfront.
Pressure Sales and False Urgency
Salesmen frequently create a false sense of urgency, claiming discounts are 'today only' or that stock is running low. This pushes buyers into rushed decisions without proper inspections or legal checks.
What Buyers Can Do
- Always inspect the caravan thoroughly before purchase
- Get an independent survey done
- Read every line of the contract—especially the small print
- Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics
- Consider paying with a credit card for extra protection
The caravan industry needs to clean up its act, but until then, buyers must stay vigilant to avoid becoming the next victims of these holiday home nightmares.
