Buying a ex demonstration tent..... would you?

[DaveS]

As we have quite a few new people to camping it seemed worthwhile debating this question.

I've been asked numerous times by friends looking to buy tents whether they should buy the ex demo tents that are on display. They always seem to be permanently for sale, and on talking to one of the guys running an exhibition this is because they get so much wear in such a short space of time.
Personally seeing the state of demo tents I'd never buy one, especially as the prices the charge don't seem that good.

Am I wrong?
Have you bought an ex demo tent and thought it was a bargain? Or have you been disappointed?

So let's have a poll. Question being would you buy and ex demo tent that's been on display?

[Jenna]

voted yes...but!

think it depends on what your buying, I would guess larger family tents get traipsed through by loads people and kids at the shows and the damage and wear would be high, the smaller backpacking/technical tents though people seam to 'peer in' so they tend to be ok. ( I know of one guy that bought a trade show demo tent for less than i can buy it with a company discount! )

I know of people who have bought other stuff from expo's (expedition gear) and been really happy as they felt they saved some money for a product that was as good as new one would be after they had used it the first time.

[DaveS]

Yes you make a good point and did think about this when viewing the exhibition down at Sanders Garden World near to us.
Taunton Leisure had a good selection there and the smaller ones that people weren't able to get in to easily looked in much better nick than the bigger tents, which in some cases looked wrecked.

[LaughingHeart]

An ex demo tent may well be damaged or have a bit missing! My ploy is to wait until a particular model tent is 'discontinued' and greatly reduced in price, Argos for example! Then jump on it! You have a brand new tent at a lesser cost than an ex demo! I have made the mistake of buying the wrong tent, by not researching first and to buy an ex demo, because 'it looked good at the time', can be just that mistake! however, there may be a time when an ex demo is just what you are looking for and it may be in good order, but don't forget to try to get a better deal than the one offered. You just might be the only person interested!
Last year I purchased a 6 man, multi-screen tent from Argos at the full price of 249 quid with the intention of using it as a charity stall and for sleeping etc at shows and events. I then got my camper on the road and have a frame tent annex, so big tent not used! still in its packing. Now up for sale for 100 quid! 'Thinking ahead' is the way to go !
Paol...HTH.

[tankosl]

I must admit, with most things I haven't got a problem with buying ex-demos etc, but after spending a while looking around Go Outdoors I don't think I'll be getting a tent this way.....

Tents were ripped, zips were broke and they'd certainly had a hard life in the display yard. I saw people tripping over guy's, yanking on doors etc.

It's not a poor reflection on the tents, it's just that most people wandering about had little respect for the equipment

[DaveS]

I must admit, with most things I haven't got a problem with buying ex-demos etc, but after spending a while looking around Go Outdoors I don't think I'll be getting a tent this way.....

Tents were ripped, zips were broke and they'd certainly had a hard life in the display yard. I saw people tripping over guy's, yanking on doors etc.

It's not a poor reflection on the tents, it's just that most people wandering about had little respect for the equipment

Yeh I think this was my experience too. At the bigger shops they get a really hard life.
One of the blokes at one event was saying that they need to cycle the polyester tents every couple of months as they get so bad.

[FinFerNan]

Generally I think that tents represent really good value in anycase. They are certainly cheaper than the used to be.

Given the relatively low numbers involved, I don't think there's much in real terms to be saved by buying an ex demo. From what I've seen there's plenty of deals around most of the time in anycase.

Also 2nd hand tents often have little use and can represent really good value as the "bits" are often thrown in with the deal (Carpet/Template etc)

However, as others have said some demo tents are as good as new and each deal should be treated on it's own merits.

[Beth]

In the past I have seen poor ex-display models for sale, but more recently when looking for a replacement, the display's I've seen are fairly good. A friend purchased one from Camping World, and aside from worn guys, there was nothing beyond cosmetic damage. He was advised that the company regularly rotate the display models, and mark the price down dependant on the wear-and-tear suffered, anything upwards of 20% off

I'm looking more into buying one myself; but that's students for 'yah.

[tankosl]

Beth,
Good luck with finding a bargain!!!!!

[Beth]

Thank you! I plan to head over to some show-rooms in the next two weeks!