Customer story - Mr & Mrs Bartley

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Mr & Mrs Bartley have been caravanning for 32 years and have always bought from Winchester Caravans. They say the customer service is second-to-none and wouldn’t go anywhere else!

WHAT’S YOUR HISTORY WITH WINCHESTER CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES?

I've always caravanned throughout my life. I used to caravan with my parents when I was a child and always enjoyed it, so when we had our own children we decided to carry on the tradition. That was 1991 and as Winchester Caravans (or the Winchester branch of Chichester Caravans as it was then) was the closest dealership, we went there, spoke to James Southwood (the now Managing Director) who was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the rest is history!

Back then we both had colour in our hair - I was in my 30s and I guess James was in his 20s so it really has been a life-long business relationship! All in all we’ve bought eight caravans from James, as well as numerous awnings and countless accessories! Our most recent purchase was a Bailey Unicorn Cabrera Series 5, which we picked up in November and are thrilled with.

The entire team is so helpful and friendly, they really can’t do enough for you. James remembers everyone’s names, no matter how long it has been since your last visit. It’s a personal experience when you go in there, you feel truly valued as a customer which is rare these days.

DO YOU USE THE WORKSHOP AND ACCESSORY SHOP?

Yes, our caravans always go to the workshop for their annual services and anything else that needs doing. Every time we take the caravan in, my wife always seems to find something else to buy in the shop! It’s well-stocked and we always find something useful. We’ve also bought all our awnings from there as well as a few canopies over the years. We like the shop as you’re able to physically browse and look at the items, rather than scrolling online. And they’ll even price-match if you’ve seen it cheaper elsewhere, which is great!

IS THERE A PARTICULAR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE THAT STICKS OUT IN YOUR MIND?

Buying this caravan was a particularly positive experience. We came and looked at it a couple of times - James is very helpful and he probably knew we were going to have it, but also that we like to discuss things before deciding, so it’s great that he allows us to do that without any pressure. We always enjoy the ease of dealing with James and the rest of the team, they’re all great!

We encountered a few issues when we collected the caravan, but they ensured they were sorted immediately, without fuss. Zoe looked after us during our previous purchase, carrying out the handover thoroughly and putting us at ease. Steve in the shop is very helpful and it’s always nice to see Trevor in the workshop - a familiar face that has been there many years and knows us!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT CARAVANNING?

I love the freedom to go somewhere new and explore, somewhere we haven't been before. We mostly stick to the UK, although we have been abroad on occasion. We often go away for two, three or four weeks at a time and really explore an area. We’ll choose an area to visit and then go to a few locations within that area. We use the caravan all year round; it’s lovely and toasty in the winter with the heating on! We’ve even been away for two or three Christmases too which was a nice change!

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR? 

To continue touring the country. We’re considering Yorkshire, Northumberland or maybe even Scotland next year as we’ve never done those areas. The journey will be an adventure too as we’ll break up the drive by stopping over somewhere, which will be another location ticked off the list!

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WINCHESTER CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES?

The dealership has a real family feel to it. You always feel that you’re important and valued, and that makes you want to go back time and time again! You feel like they want to see you, whether you’ve bought something recently or not!

Pop in and see us to experience our exceptional customer service for yourself! You can also browse our range of new and pre-owned caravans online, as well as our new and pre-owned motorhome and campervan selection! Get in touch or give us a call on 01962 714 844 with any questions.

 

The Bartley's most recent purchase!

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