Factory Direct Marine & RV Reaches Customers With RVUniverse & BoatHarbor.com
In addition to selling quality used recreational vehicles and boats, Factory Direct Marine & RV also manufactures and sells its own American-made models under various house brands.
“Factory Direct is focused on delivering value-driven products while continuing to innovate in both RV and marine manufacturing,” says owner Don Littlefield. “Our goal is to make outdoor recreation more accessible to a broader range of customers.”
The dealer/manufacturer has advertised with RVUniverse for nearly five years, since July 2021. “RVUniverse has been a consistent and cost-effective platform for us,” Littlefield reports. “It delivers steady visibility and lead flow, which makes it a valuable part of our overall marketing strategy.”
Campers For Smaller Vehicles
Factory Direct Marine & RV offers new and used model sales, service, and parts at three locations in Americus, Georgia; Crossville, Tennessee; and Hudson, Florida. Its RV inventory consists mostly of travel trailers, with a few toy haulers, fifth wheels, and smaller units in stock.
“We focus heavily on lightweight and towable units that appeal to a broader market, especially customers with smaller vehicles,” Littlefield explains. “That segment continues to grow, and we’ve positioned ourselves to serve it well.”
The company is a dealer for Gulf Stream Coach, and for LIV RV, its in-house brand. “We continue to expand our product offerings, particularly on the manufacturing side with LIV RV,” says Littlefield. “We’ve introduced new models, including truck campers and toy haulers, and we’re currently developing new innovations. We also offer a wide range of used inventory from various manufacturers.”
First Campground Night Free
Factory Direct originated in 1983 as North Country Marine in New York. “Over time, it evolved into North Country Marine & RV and expanded across multiple locations,” says Littlefield. “Through continued growth, acquisitions, and strategic shifts, the business eventually became what is now Factory Direct Marine & RV, with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and modern sales channels.
“Our philosophy centers around delivering an exceptional experience, especially at delivery. We believe if the delivery process is done right, it sets the tone for long-term customer satisfaction,” Littlefield continues. “One example is offering RV customers a complimentary first night at a local campground so they can fully experience their unit and identify anything that needs attention.”
RVUniverse Generates Incoming Calls
Factory Direct runs full-page ads in the Eastern edition of RVUniverse magazine. Littlefield says customers frequently mention they saw a unit on the platform.
“We receive a substantial number of inbound calls and leads directly tied to RVUniverse. It’s been a strong contributor to our lead generation efforts, especially through phone inquiries that convert into real opportunities,” Littlefield says. “The ads have helped reinforce brand awareness and support our digital efforts. We’ve seen consistent engagement that complements our online lead generation.”
One of Factory Direct’s print ads is a full-page editorial ad with a large photo and bullet-point details about a single RV. An editorial ad comes with an online premium listing, featuring an eye-catching border and prominent placement at the top of list pages on RVUniverse.com. “That placement has performed well for visibility. The combination of strong visuals and premium positioning helps us stand out and capture attention from serious buyers.”
Setting Sail With BoatHarbor.com
Factory Direct’s boat manufacturing, sales, and service business dovetails nicely with Sandhills Global’s newest trade platform, BoatHarbor.com.
“On the marine side, we offer a range of products including pontoon boats, bowriders, fishing boats, and more,” says Littlefield. “We primarily carry our own brands, including Key Largo (center console boats), Palm Breeze (pontoons), Caravelle (bowriders), and Razor (deck boats).” He adds, “Like much of the market, we’ve seen a shift toward more value-conscious buyers, so we’ve adjusted pricing and inventory strategies accordingly to stay competitive.”
A Sandhills-Hosted Site
In addition to providing unmatched exposure for Factory Direct’s inventory, Sandhills Global also hosts the company’s website at FactoryDirectMarine.com. “It’s been a smooth experience,” says Littlefield. “The platform is easy to manage, and it supports our needs from both a functionality and visibility standpoint.”
Sandhills sales representative Tyler Jackson works closely with Factory Direct on its advertising. “He’s been great to work with,” Littlefield declares. “Very responsive and helpful throughout our partnership.”
As for what’s on the horizon for Factory Direct, stay tuned. “We are always evaluating opportunities for expansion,” says Littlefield. “We’re actively working on both expansion and new product development, but we’re keeping those plans under wraps for now.”