Dealer What a buyer needs to know

[xformer]

I might be overly picky here but that's how I roll. I've been shopping for another CUT - # 13 if I remember right - for the last 6 months or so. After viewing about a hundred TractorHouse and AuctionTime listings I've come to the conclusion that dealers might not be the best at marketing their "stuff". DEALERS PAY ATTENTION HERE:

Don't - post 72 pics (I don't need a closeup of all 4 tires)
Don't - post pics of a tractor buried in snow (somehow this is a turnoff)
Don't - post multiple pics of the tractor taken at oddball camera angles - these pics take forever to load and don't do a thing to help sell the machine
Do - post pics of the important things like hydro pedals (one or two?) if so equipped, bucket attachment (QT or pin on), where is the fuel filler?, loader controller location, show any body parts damage and paint condition
Do - include in your description year, transmission, HP, and hours (most do but a surprising # don't)
Do - include anything that will need attention soon (brakes, oil change, etc.)
Do - wash the darn thing and let it dry before taking pics
Do - include a link to TractorData (save us from copy/paste) Just a nice touch

 

[/pine]

You've owned 13 tractors? you should only need a brief description (hours, condition etc.)...you probably already know more about the tractors that are being sold than the sellers...

 

[Jstpssng]

That also looks like a good list to remember when posting any mechanical item on Craigslist.

 

[xformer]

Yep. Been buying and selling for 5 decades. My point is dealers(and private sellers) should know what is important to buyers and market accordingly. Some do but most don't.

 

[attract her]

Also worth mentioning:
Any shopper that sees an abundance from the "Don't" list, and few if any from the "Do" list, it means one of two things:

either the seller doesn't know how to sell a good machine, - O R -

The seller knows he's selling a bad machine, & is trying to cover up.

Either way it's a red flag.

 

[RickB]

I want to see ALL of your donts and half of your dos are a waste of my time.
So I guess we disagree.

 

[attract her]

OK RB,
It is subjective.
That's an indication xf has different selection criteria.
That doesn't make him evil incarnate. Experience has simply taught him different lessons. After over a dozen tractors, he's probably figured out what's important to him.

But I agree, we do it a little different in New York.

 

[xformer]

Very well said. I think RB might be a dealer.....

 

[4570Man]

I buy and trade vehicles pretty often mostly for fun and you’d be amazed at how many people don’t even list the basic details like motor, transmission type, 4x4 or not and miles. I try to write the best description possible because it saves a lot of time answering questions.

 

[aczlan]

Very well said. I think RB might be a dealer.....

IIRC, he works for a dealer (service manager?).
Personally, I want to see all 4 tires to make sure they match and that they all have similar wear patterns (new or badly worn fronts and ok rears are one sign that it might have spent a lot of time as a loader tractor on hard surfaces and if used in 4wd, there may be hidden 4wd or other front end issues).
I have no issue with extra pictures, in fact, I would rather have lots of pictures showing everything than a good description.

Aaron Z

 

[xformer]

Thanks Aaron. I get your point. I've found that the zoomed out pics of both sides of the tractor usually provide what I need to know about tires IE what type and if they are in need of replacement. I also like lots of pics as long as they show meaningful information. My statement "72 pics" was a veiled attempt at humor. To each his own.....

 

[xformer]

Hey Man.....After looking thru countless Marketbook and CL posts I'm not amazed. Good thing these folks don't produce adds for dealers cause then I might get mad - wink and a nod.

 

[4570Man]

I’d like to see pictures of the loader to verify it really does have quick attach and auxiliary hydraulics. Just saying it does in the description doesn’t mean it does.

 

[xformer]

Yep...those would qualify for necessary pics.

 

[searcyfarms]

i dont trust many these days so i ask hard questions and want straight answers, i treat others likewise - id rather know and make my own decision not wonder and then have a mess on my hands to deal with. I prefer talking vs texting/typing when it comes to decisions over 100 bucks. There are so many variables with equipment its likely if you ask enough questions and talk to enough sales people you will figure out who is lying and who is not. Your gut will steer you well most times.

 

[xformer]

Like the Code of Hammurabi these sound like good words to live by. I too don't text. After I see a tractor I might be interested in I start calling. And like you I can usually tell who is pulling my chain and who ain't.....