Cash Price ? Any Difference ?

[Dog Gone It]

I plan on going to a dealer within the next few weeks. He carries several different riding lawnmower brands. The one Im interested in is a Cub Cadet. I know all dealers are different in how they price their equip however my question is there normally any wiggle room on the prices ? Would I be out of line to offer cash for a 3500.00 lawnmower if they would cover taxes ? This is just a close example of what Im asking in this price range.
Thanks

 

[Dog Gone It]

I plan on going to a dealer within the next few weeks. He carries several different riding lawnmower brands. The one Im interested in is a Cub Cadet. I know all dealers are different in how they price their equip however my question is there normally any wiggle room on the prices ? Would I be out of line to offer cash for a 3500.00 lawnmower if they would cover taxes ? This is just a close example of what Im asking in this price range.
Thanks

Did I say the wrong thing ?
Is this a disrespectful idea ?

 

[bp fick]

Sure, you can always ask if they'd take an "offer" for cash, as such-a-such money.
It's not a crime to ask, but if you get shot down quick, don't take any offense. Find out where the agreeable price is and then? That's that.

 

[kcflhrc]

Nothing wrong with haggling on price. But I wouldn't approach it by asking them to cover the taxes. That can get them in trouble.

 

[Dog Gone It]

Sure, you can always ask if they'd take an "offer" for cash, as such-a-such money.
It's not a crime to ask, but if you get shot down quick, don't take any offense. Find out where the agreeable price is and then? That's that.

Thanks kcflhrc. I wont be offended. I know that I can ask and then I would get my answer. Ive never bought a brand new mower before and I thought there would be someone on here with some dealer buying/selling experience that could tell me what to expect.

 

[kcflhrc]

I bought my new Toro Zero Turn On Line at Wise Sales. No sales tax and free shipping. The no sales tax is because I live outside of the state where they do business. You might call it a tax loop hole. But it's quite legal. There are several on line mower sites. Even a Cub Cadet one if that's what you really want.

 

[Dog Gone It]

Nothing wrong with haggling on price. But I wouldn't approach it by asking them to cover the taxes. That can get them in trouble.

Thanks kcflhrc. Sounds like a good idea.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[KiwiBro]

Just check the warranty terms and whether the original dealer has to be the one to work on it or if you have a local dealer nearby who despite not making the sale, is going to be OK with working on it without getting his/her nose out of joint.

We come across this all the time in NZ. Often, other markets have the same items far cheaper than here, even when all shipping and landing costs are counted, but unless there is a global warranty, we are stuffed if anything goes wrong. It would have to be a major cost difference to be worth taking the risk.

 

[George2615]

Usually a dealer is willing to negotiate if he knows it's going to be a cash deal and not financed. Even if you negotiate a better price for cash you still have to pay the sales tax. If you buy out of state you would not have to pay sales tax technically, but when you fill out your state income tax forms at the end of the year one of the questions asked on the form is "Did you purchase anything online from out of state and not pay sales tax". Then you are supposed to claim what the price you paid so your state can get the tax.
Fortunately your buying a lawn tractor and not something that has to be registered with DMV. I went through this a few years ago when I bought a trailer out of state. I did not pay sales tax to the state where I bought it but I did have to pay sales tax on the trailer to my state when I registered it.

 

[KennyG]

The idea of "no tax" is just another way to put something on sale. If it's taxable, the tax will get paid based on the actual selling price. I would ask what discount is available and ask for more. If it's a model that has a large inventory or a large margin, you should get a lot more discount than the tax.

 

[Fallon]

You'd be better of phrasing it like "ill take it right now if I can write a check for $3,500", or something like that. Speaking in term of the final out the door price will be clearer to everybody. Well, math and a calculator might be needed, but it leaves things kosher & legal.

Also technically you should be paying taxes for online purchases. You are legally obligated to, but there are limited technical enforcement options (for now, its changing & Amazon among others are supporting it).

 

[jaydee325]

The no sales tax is because I live outside of the state where they do business. You might call it a tax loop hole. But it's quite legal.

Not legal in every state, you need to be careful and understand your local tax code. Could get you in trouble.:2cents:

 

[ultrarunner]

Grew up around the car business and it's rare when someone comes in and says write it up, I will take it.

I've found being a qualified buyer in the eyes of a seller to be the first step. No sense wasting time if you are not a willing and able buyer.

Second is know exactly what you want going in...

Third is not to be a jerk.

Fourth it never hurts to ask if there are any specials, promotions, last year's model, demo, etc available.

One manufacturer was offering a new Husky chain saw and my friend also needed a saw... Dealer told him to come back in a couple of days the price of the mower would include a saw...

Realize, no two Dealers will be the same... brother wanted a loaded Honda Van and they were way over sticker around here... got on the phone and called a Dealer 150 miles away that had no market for a top of the line van and was forced by Honda to take at least one... he got a killer deal because Dealer was basically stuck in that market.

As a fallback, you can always ask if you buy... will the dealer throw in an extra set of blades, or whatever.

It's all about negotiating...

 

[ultrarunner]

As to tax... the only way we could sell a vehicle at retail was to charge tax or deliver the vehicle out of State... now, some States like WA will let Oregon residents buy without sales tax if you live in Oregon... Oregon has no sales tax...

 

[Dog Gone It]

All great advice.
Thanks again for all the help.
Every little bit helps.

 

[kcflhrc]

Not legal in every state, you need to be careful and understand your local tax code. Could get you in trouble.:2cents:

Doubtful, but noted.

 

[whizdbiz2]

You'd be better of phrasing it like "ill take it right now if I can write a check for $3,500", or something like that. Speaking in term of the final out the door price will be clearer to everybody. Well, math and a calculator might be needed, but it leaves things kosher & legal.

We were looking for a small truck several years ago (1996) and found a '94 Ford Ranger lease return with the V6, automatic, XLT trim and Super Cab. They of course had a price on it, we looked, drove it, and before I could get a word out the wife blurted out a price $2,000 under the listed price. The sales guy said just a minute, talked the manager and they took it, and included tax, title, and temp. license in that price she spouted! I was a little stunned. So, it never hurts to do what Fallon said.

 

[orezok]

Unless you are bartering pigs for that mower, every sale a dealer makes is "cash". He really doesn't care if you have money in your pocket or intend to finance.