NRVIA & RV Inspection Connection

There is a little buzz going around about the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA), and I suspect there will be more in the coming weeks and months.

 

  

We've seen a lot of our friends that have purchased used RVs and had more than their share of problems because there wasn't a thorough pre-purchase inspection.  And, in doing our seminars across the country, we are constantly asked by new RVers about sources for getting independent RV inspections. 

Background

Well, the folks behind NRVIA, Steve Anderson, owner of Workamper News, and Terry Cooper, owner of Mobile RV Academy, are attempting to create a national network of RV inspectors.  And they found that the best way to do that and to offer credibility to the process was to establish a professional association - NRVIA - that sets forth Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics for inspectors.  It also offers education and a certification process with continuing education requirements.

We first heard about this in January 2014 at the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa.  It was just getting started and there was a lot of negative reaction and skepticism in the industry and among some RVers.

Let's get two things out of the way right away.

First, many people believe that NRVIA is deliberately similar to RVIA (the RV Industry Association) in order to mislead people or give the appearance that NRVIA is associated with or endorsed by RVIA.  Well, that's not the case.  NRVIA is neither associated with RVIA nor endorsed by RVIA (at least at this time), and I believe Steve's explanation that they were aware of the potential confusion but simply couldn't come up with anything better.  It's hard to have an RV Inspectors Association without R-V-I-A in the acronym.

Second, Steve and Terry have put countless hours and a lot of money into this venture to ultimately earn a profit.  Steve is the president of the RV Inspection Connection (RVIC) which is a for-profit company that will be using contracted inspectors to conduct RV inspections across the country.  So, there are some blurred lines between NRVIA and RVIC, but that doesn't mean that an association setting forth standards and a code of conduct and a certification process is not a good idea.

They learned in their research of the home inspection industry that the lack of standards in the beginning created a nightmare across the country.  So, before developing RV Inspection Connection, they realized that a national association setting forth standards would both lend credibility to their company and be of great benefit to consumers seeking out inspectors, whether the inspectors worked with RVIC or not.

The fact NRVIA was born out of a profit motive is irrelevant to me as long as it's done right.  Of course, if we are going to be involved, Steve and Terry are going to have to put up with our opinions and suggestions along the way.  :)  

 

Our Involvement

Last September, after getting most of the groundwork built and gaining some positive momentum, Steve contacted us about helping to promote this new association.  Since we are the number one "concierge" for Workamper News, he wanted to see if we could do the same for NRVIA.

Well, you know that we only promote products and services that we've used ourselves and then only after we've gotten comfortable that the promotion won't negatively affect our reputation.  Our relationship with Workamper News wasn't enough by itself to just agree to promote NRVIA.  Now, we don't question Steve's integrity in any way, but we don't always agree with his actions, so we proceeded cautiously.

We didn't really have an interest in becoming RV inspectors, but we wanted to:

1. Verify that the certification process for inspectors would lead to quality inspections
2. Verify that the training is adequate
3. Determine for ourselves whether or not becoming an RV inspector was a viable business opportunity

And Steve agreed that it would be best for us to do all the above as well.  We were given a complimentary membership in NRVIA so that we could go through the certification process.

 

The Certification Process

Now, this is where it gets confusing, and I'll try to explain it the best I can.

You can become a "certified inspector" through a training and examination process.

There are two paths to certification.

Path 1 (For those with significant RVing experience or experience as an RV tech)

1. Become a member of NRVIA - $499/year
2. Complete online RV Inspector Basic Training through videos and quizzes testing knowledge (must pass all quizzes to access the online certification exams)
3. Successfully complete the two online certification exams:  Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics Exam and the Technical Knowledge & Skills Exam 

Path 2 (For those that are new to RVing or don't have technical backgrounds)

1. Take the Live Hands-On Five-Day Training Course - $1,644 (includes first year of NRVIA membership)
2. Successfully complete the Technical Knowledge & Skills Exam at the end of the Five-Day Training
3. Successfully complete the Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics Exam online  

The Live Hands-On Five-Day Training Course is also known as the Triad Training because it has three benefits: 1) It helps RVers learn how to troubleshoot and diagnose their own RV (some take this course solely for that reason), 2) It helps students learn how to earn money as a "Campground Maintenance Tech" (thus the third name of the course - the "RV Maintenance Technician" course which just adds to the confusion), and 3) It helps students gain the technical knowledge to become a certified RV inspector.  Terry Cooper teaches the technical aspects of the course, but it also includes small business development training from Steve Anderson. 

Again, some people take the above course with no intention of becoming RV inspectors or maintenance techs - they just want to understand RV systems and their own RVs.

And just so we are clear, because I don't think the language and promotion of the course are clear enough, the course won't make anyone a certified RV tech.  It's designed to teach people how to troubleshoot and fix many of the more common issues that arise in RVs that simply take a little knowledge and the right tools, thus the term "Maintenance Technician".

So, that's it.  Take either path and complete the certification exams and you become a "certified RV inspector".

For what it's worth, John & Kathy Huggins of Living The RV Dream took the Live Hands-On Five-Day Training Course and did a podcast about it last month:  Feb 13 - RV Inspection.  John was also a skeptic of becoming a "certified inspector" after a five-day course, but he came away with a pretty good review of the course and an understanding that there is more to it than just becoming "certified".

By the way, Kathy became seriously ill right after that and we wish them all the best during her road to recovery.

 

Our Certification Experience

We couldn't make our schedule work to take the Live Hands-On Five Day Training Course, and we thought we had enough experience to do the training online.  So, back in September, we started the online training.

In the beginning, we were very disappointed in the online "Basic Training".  We were able to pass most of the quizzes without even viewing the training videos for each section.  That either meant that they were too easy or we really have learned a lot in our nine-plus years on the road.  :)

We also thought some of multiple choice answers to the quiz questions were goofy and unprofessional.  With both of us having professional certifications, we were a little turned off and didn't think the training was serious enough.  So, we didn't complete all the quizzes and considered dropping it altogether.

Then, during our seminars at three RV shows this year, we were again reminded of the need for an RV inspection network.  So, I watched the video Steve & Terry did in February called "NRVIA State of the Union", and then I called Steve to express our concerns and discuss where all of this is going.

After that, I better understood that the certification process is just the first part of training, and the subsequent, more advanced training is where the real inspection quality comes from.  And we sort of let go of our higher expectations of professionalism with regard to the NRVIA because it's new and that will come in time.

We decided that we wanted to complete the certification process, and then attend the Advanced Inspector Training.

So, today I completed all of the online training and took the certification exams.  I had 75 minutes to complete 50 questions for the Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics Exam, and then I had 60 minutes to complete 100 questions for the Technical Knowledge & Skills Exam.  The questions for the second exam were basically the same ones from the Basic Training quizzes.

I passed the exams, so I am now a "certified" RV inspector.  But that's sort of like graduating from law school - just because you have a law degree doesn't mean you can practice law.  You still have to pass the bar.

That's where, in my opinion, there is a disconnect or confusion in the presentation of becoming a "certified RV inspector".  It's the next step that is the most important, and that's just not clear as you are trying to understand all the steps.

The certification process only certifies that you have certain knowledge, but it does not teach you how to do inspections.  For those already doing RV inspections that's okay but, for most people, advanced training is necessary.

 

Advanced Inspector Training

So, there is a Five-Day Hands-On "Learn By Doing" Advanced Inspector Training that teaches the inspection process using the software included with your membership to NRVIA.  This is the detailed training piece that really ensures quality inspections.

And it just so happens that there is an Advanced Inspector Training at Lazy Days RV in Seffner, FL down by Tampa starting on Monday.  We're signed up, and we've purchased a bunch of tools and supplies that we will need to do it right.

Notes about the Advanced Inspector Training:

• The cost is $1,145
• You have to complete the certification process (i.e. must be an NRVIA member and a Certified RV Inspector)
• It is required to access and use the inspection software provided by NRVIA
• You must be pretty serious by this point as there is a significant investment in training and tools
• Training includes hands-on inspections and use of NRVIA software
• Final "exam" includes two inspections - one motorhome and one towable
• It is required to be an independent contractor inspector for RV Inspection Connection

We still don't think we will be doing RV inspections, but you never know.  At a minimum, we should learn more about RVs than we know now, which will help us in our own educational events, and we should be able to give a solid opinion about the course.

 

Business Opportunity & Costs

So, is becoming an RV Inspector a viable business?  Well, there is certainly a demand, and I think more and more people will be taking advantage of these services as knowledge increases.

Also, surprisingly, some dealers are embracing the idea of having an independent inspection of their used units.  It helps them with their pricing, and they may be able to get more out of units that have been through a "certified" inspection.  There are discussions going on about whether or not a "certified pre-owned" program is a good idea for dealers nationwide.  That could really open things up.

Extended warranty companies and lenders are also having more inspections done to try to limit their loss exposure.

Finally, some private sellers are starting to see the benefits of having their RVs inspected.  It helps them identify issues that they didn't know about that may have prevented the sale; it helps them price the unit; it shows buyers they aren't trying to hide anything; it expedites the sale; and it helps prevent sales from falling through.

In their February "State of the Union" address about NRVIA & RVIC, Terry indicated that he "needs" 1,800 certified inspectors under NRVIA, and Steve is looking for 450 inspectors to contract with RVIC.

Of course, the business viability is all a matter of supply and demand and math.  The creation of NRVIA will help the hidden demand come to light.

If you establish your own independent inspection company, you can charge whatever you want.  You just have to understand all of your costs and the profit margin you need.

If you sign up to work with RV Inspection Connection, there are three levels of inspections ranging from about $300 to about $1,250 with the inspector earning 50% (but RVIC handles marketing, schedules appointments, takes care of billing, provides two extra levels of review, and sends out the reports).  The lower end inspections take 2 - 3 hours while the higher end inspections take 6 hours or more.  So far, their average inspection has been around $600.

The upfront costs look something like this:

• $  499 Annual NRVIA Membership 0r $1,644 initial Live Course & NRVIA Membership
• $1,145 Advanced Inspector Training
• $  825 Annual Insurance Premium ($1,000,000 general liability)
• $  300 - $800 Tools and Supplies

So, you could be in for $2,000 - $4,500 upfront plus at least $1,300 per year just for NRVIA membership and insurance.

 

Conclusion

Once we complete the Advanced Inspector Training, I'm sure we'll be promoting inspections through RV Inspection Connection. 

 

 

Their standards are high, their inspections (you can see samples of Premium inspection reports on their website) are very thorough, and we will, in good conscience, be able to recommend them. 

We will also support and promote NRVIA.  Right now, I think their annual membership fee is high, but it's not outrageous for those that are serious about having an inspection business.  And it will seem more reasonable as inspectors start getting referrals through the NRVIA website.

This is a tremendous opportunity for those that want to work, those that want to help others, those that have some business sense, and those that are looking for a satisfying way to earn income independently.

I'm not so sure it's a good idea for those that just want to dabble in the business.  It's a serious upfront investment, and you will have to do five or six inspections a year just to break even on an annual basis.

Also, there just isn't any good, reliable data as this whole process is so new.  There are RV inspectors out there, but most of them just do inspections on the side and they aren't marketing their services very much.  NRVIA can't point to any member at this point and say "Look how many inspections this inspector has done and this is how much net profit he/she made in a year". 

I don't think any of us can really predict the demand for professional, "certified" inspections right now.  Getting in at the beginning could be great or disappointing.  On one hand, being on the leading edge can be great if demand booms.  On the other hand, it may very well take a long time for this concept to take hold, and it could take awhile to even recover the upfront investment.

So, do I see opportunity?  Heck yeah, but only for the right people with the right type of mindset and the qualities of patience and perseverance.

Anyway, we just wanted to provide everyone with some details about NRVIA, the attempt to create a national association and network of RV inspectors, and our thoughts about all of it.  And I had to lay some groundwork to explain what we will be doing all next week.

I'm not sure Steve and Terry would want it presented this way, but we always try to call it like we see it, the good and the bad alike.  I'll probably be doing some detailed web pages on both RVIC and NRVIA, but if you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer them.

Hopefully, some of you found this helpful.  :) 

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Comments

[Bonnie]

I think if they could get associated with NADA or Kelly Blue Book it would give them some credibility.

[bob schmader]

You would have to be mechanically inclined to understand the systems in able to do those inspections.

[Tracy Perkins]

Hi Howard,

I am a huge fan of yours and what you are doing but have to admit this latest post concerns me. I am part of an international professional certification program for project management and my annual dues run $120 a year with $60 every three years to renew the certification. The certification test itself was a one time fee of $500. I mention this because a $499 annual fee seem extremely high. Since you stated they refer customers to people who have this certification this reoccurring cost seems to include the referral? Plus you give the, 50 percent of money earned on each inspection? My follow up question for you would be have you spoken to any of their inspector to verify they seen a return on investment?? Do they have rough numbers on what percentage of inspectors make a profit in a year? I know that is difficult but many people are searching for a way to make money on the road in order to jumpstart their dream and I would hate for anyone to think taking this course will solve their revenue problems.

Respectfully, Trace

[Julie]

I have total confidence in your recommendations but I kind of view Steve Anderson as a snake oil salesman.

[Sherry]

Very interesting and thorough as usual for you Howard. You are a wealth of information. We sure could have used an inspector when we bought our first and only used RV. A friend did a great job but he didn't notice a hydraulic line leak.

[Joe]

What is interesting is that there are brand new rigs being manufactured as fast as possible today, to keep up with the new demand, that would fail the inspection provided.

[Howard]

Trace,
I thought I made it clear that I have some concerns and that there is no reliable history just yet about the viability of RV inspection as a business on its own. There aren't enough certified inspectors with enough inspections under their belt yet.

I know we could make it work if we decided to pursue the opportunity, it's not rocket science, but I also don't want to give the impression that it's a quick revenue generator (thought I was pretty clear on that too, but maybe not).

I also made it clear that those that sign up with RVIC as contractors earn 50% of the fee, while those that have their own independent businesses can charge and keep whatever they want. It's two different options.

We're most interested in the ability of used RV purchasers to have a good resource to obtain inspections.

But there may be an opportunity for some to earn some income as well, as long as they are serious about it. I've simply tried to shed some light on parts that I think are not transparent enough. Of course, it's still up to each individual to do his/her own homework and take responsibility for successes and/or failures.

[Ken Himes]

Howard,
Great article! I too learned of NRVIA last fall and am all for it. When my wife and I bought our first (new to us) motor home, we couldn't find an inspector any where to do a thorough once over. I learned the "fix-it" process very quickly.
Being successful users and advocates of Workamper News, the more I read about the inspection program the more I knew they were going in the right direction. I couldn't start the training process quick enough.
Believing in the need for RV Inspections made it easy for us to overlook the skeptics. We saw, and still see, every step as a step forward in improving the RV life style; not only for us, but for every RV'er out there.
I have completed all three phases of the training (On-line, 5- day Triad, 5-day Advanced Inspector Training) within the last two months and am currently in the process of contracting with RVIC. Sure, I may not have needed to complete every step, but I think I am the better for it. I am confident I can now provide peace-of-mind to any new RV'er - and can't wait to do so.
However, there is one thing you didn't mention in your post: Start up business costs. This cost would need be added to someone who doesn't have an LLC or S-Corp already in place. In the long run, as a full-timer the benefits are well worth it.
Good luck to you and Linda in the AIT class.

Ken Himes
NRVIA #523

[bob schmader]

If you actually paid out over $1000 you must be either interested or involved in the inspections.