Continuing Kubota saga

[bunchgrass]

I've been looking at the Kubota 7040 and 8540 and have appreciated all the great input from the users here at TBN. To update, my local dealer has a 8540 w/ cab, loader, 12sp shuttle shift trans that they are really motivated to sell. I asked for a 3rd function on the joystick and a set of pallet forks for a final price of $45,000.

The salesman talked to his boss and they got the regional guy involved. Eventually it came down to Kubota "helping out" some and that required some higher up to contact the dealer. His comment to the dealer was "I'm not in the business of accessorizing tractors. I'm in the business of selling tractors. So they'll sell me the tractor for $45,000 as is. If I need a 3rd function, then I can pay for it."

Now I'm not questioning the price so much as I still think that's a pretty good deal but what kind of BS is that comment? Of course you're in the business of accessorizing tractors, at least with options that are presented by Kubota as that is how you SELL tractors. I don't know this guy from Adam but how you could make it to higher levels of sales and management with comments like that I'll never know.

So my point is this, I don't want to support a company or business that would make this policy. Am I being too "sensitive" or should I start looking at the Green Machines?:confused2:

 

[TripleR]

I wouldn't worry about what someone said as the dealer is going to be the one suffering, not the guy up the supply chain. His income isn't going to change one way or the other with this sale.

I personally wouldn't have gone that far up the chain and would be looking at building a good relationship with the dealer with an eye to futures sales and service.

I once took a really hard line with a dealer and while I got what I wanted for the price I wanted, feeling were so bad at the end I have never been back.

The price you were given sounds fair to me and since I own orange, red, green, I don't think anyone is going to treat you any differently.

Of course if you prefer a green tractor, then that's a different story.

 

[nybirdman]

The third function from Kubota is about $1,000 installed.There has been a few problems with them(mine included).If you need it,go with an after-market unit(WR Long) ect.My Kubotas have been pretty good and my dealer excellent,don't let a district rep turn you off about Kubotas.

 

[bunchgrass]

Thanks Triple R -

First, I didn't pursue this up the line, the dealer/salesman did this. All I did was ask for the tractor at the said price.

That said, I agree that this will only end up hurting the salesman but this behavior and attitude will prevail until folks (like me) start to talk with their money so to speak. Treat me bad and I'll go somewhere else.

I too have had bad relations with another dealership regarding parts and service - my local JD guys. So I use the JD guys in the next county who are more than glad to be there when I need them. I really tried to make things work with my local guys but they act as if I don't rate, and always have. Guess if you're not buying a $180,000 combine every few years ......

Still pondering ....also, salesman not thinking by telling me this as IMHO it wouldn't help the sale.

 

[bunchgrass]

The third function from Kubota is about $1,000 installed.There has been a few problems with them(mine included).If you need it,go with an after-market unit(WR Long) ect.....

What type of issues? I haven't heard this. And I've had an aftermarket 3rd function added on my current tractor (Add a Valve) and I thought it was a piece of junk (poorly constructed w/ cheap switch ...).

I'll check out the WR Long version ....

 

[TripleR]

Thanks Triple R -

First, I didn't pursue this up the line, the dealer/salesman did this. All I did was ask for the tractor at the said price.

That said, I agree that this will only end up hurting the salesman but this behavior and attitude will prevail until folks (like me) start to talk with their money so to speak. Treat me bad and I'll go somewhere else.

I too have had bad relations with another dealership regarding parts and service - my local JD guys. So I use the JD guys in the next county who are more than glad to be there when I need them. I really tried to make things work with my local guys but they act as if I don't rate, and always have. Guess if you're not buying a $180,000 combine every few years ......

Still pondering ....also, salesman not thinking by telling me this as IMHO it wouldn't help the sale.

I am kind of surprised the dealer went up the line too as the only time I have seen this done is to check to see if there are any new incentives of which the dealer is not aware.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but nothing you or I do is going to change the way a multi-billion dollar company does business.

I have a similar situation in my area as I won't step through the doors of the nearest Kubota dealership; bunch of doofuses who don't know diddly about much of anything and really could not care less if you buy from them or not. I go to another dealer over twice the distance away, 40 miles compared to 18. We also deal with a JD dealer 12 miles away for parts, but won't buy another tractor from them.

If I was looking to buy a tractor the size at which you are looking, I would take a close look at the one Linda Grey has for sale, it is a 9540, but the 9540 is the same tractor as the 8540 and the price seems really good.

If I could of found a used 8540 when we needed ours, I would have bought used, we just got caught short when our CX80 went toes up and didn't have the luxury of shopping around too much.

Just an observation, but many years ago I came to realize I am always better off keeping emotions out of any decisions like this.

I too have seen the posts on the 3rd function valve and Rockgod even traded his new Kubota off because of it and the inability of the dealership to fix it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...201267-kubota-l4240-factory-3rd-function.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/212805-grandl-buyback.html

 

[Grandad4]

+1 what TripleR says here. You are getting a good deal even without the remote thrown in. If the dealer went to corporate seeking some kind of "extra special" financial break, corporate probably did tell him just where to get off the bus... those "just for you, today only" kind of stunts belong on the used car lot. Then the dealer, who already seems to have "wheeler-dealer" tattoo'ed on his forehead, is dense enough to gossip back to you about what the corporate guy supposedly said. Unless the corporate guy got in your face personally, I wouldn't take this dealer's account of the conversation too seriously.

You made a hardball offer - good for you - and the dealer is trying to avoid directly saying "No" by pawning it off on corporate. A real stand-up kind of guy. Corporate is most likely just trying to tell him to man up, earn his markup and take care of his customer.

Your problem is with the dealer, not the brand. You're getting 15% off, you asked for 18% and got turned down. Get over it. 15% is still a good deal.

 

[bunchgrass]

Well I just got back from the dealership (closed on the weekends) and perused the tractor again to see if I could "rekindle the flames" and get past the finger in my eye stuff.

Some things I noticed that had not caught my eye last time I was there (primarily because I was not even contemplating the 8540 at the time) - this unit has an 84" QA bucket, 2 sets of remotes, cast rear wheels w/ 30x18.5 R1s and 12 speed trans - although it is minus the radio in the cab and my "beloved" but now questionable 3rd function setup. I'm still unclear whether the QA pallet forks are in the deal or not but likely not.

I never got to check the hours on this unit but the seat still has plastic on it although the shuttle shift and other control knobs have grubby marks on them. So how many hours on a machine takes it from new to used and what's reasonable?

@Grandad4 - I agree that the dealer (actually the salesman at the dealership - been there 1 month) was stupid for telling me what corporate said if indeed they did. And if they didn't, even more stupid. But I also consider corporate pretty low for making a statement like that. To me it just says they think we're here to provide them with an income and just sign the check already. Last time I checked, I personally don't have a "service" department. Also, used cars, new cars, tractors - selling is selling. They protect their interest and it's up to me to fight for and protect mine. Otherwise, pay MSRP - that's a nice markup for 'em.

 

[creekbend]

We all try our best to get a good deal on any product we buy, whether it is a tractor or some other item. I bought a new L4400 several months ago from a local Kubota dealer. He and I worked out an amicable deal satisfactory to the both of us. He readily answers any questions that I may have and the service and parts department are very knowledgeable and professional. He has been at the same location for 29 years. But have you taken these factors into consideration? Yes, the salesman will probably receive a commission, but all the other various employees on the payroll from mechanics, parts, etc., are paid by the profits that the dealer makes. That is if there are any substantial profits left after property taxes, State and Federal taxes, occupational tax, workman's comp., advertising, insurance;etc are paid. By reading the previous posts, I have ascertained that the quote that was given to you is a fair price. The final decision will ultimately be yours to make. Even though we all would love to get something for nothing, the fact remains that in any market place, a profit must be obtained in order for any business to remain a viable success and not fail.

 

[bunchgrass]

Whoa - easy now creekbend. Dealerships don't do repairs for free nor are their parts available to you and me at their cost. Tractor and equipment sales are not subsidizing service nor parts.
Second - if we all feel responsibilities for helping out the hapless dealers, we are surely the fools. Dealers/salesmen do this negotiation/bargaining everyday for a living. Most of us do it a few times in our lives. So I have to believe that the buyer is truly at the disadvantage in that scenario.
My local dealership (42 miles away) has only been there for less than 10 yrs. Next closest one is 120 miles ..... welcome to the intermountain west.
Granted, i do think the price is fair and certainly as good as I might expect on this tractor. Need to think about my finances now.

 

[creekbend]

Whoa - easy now creekbend. Dealerships don't do repairs for free nor are their parts available to you and me at their cost. Tractor and equipment sales are not subsidizing service nor parts.
Second - if we all feel responsibilities for helping out the hapless dealers, we are surely the fools. Dealers/salesmen do this negotiation/bargaining everyday for a living. Most of us do it a few times in our lives. So I have to believe that the buyer is truly at the disadvantage in that scenario.
My local dealership (42 miles away) has only been there for less than 10 yrs. Next closest one is 120 miles ..... welcome to the intermountain west.
Granted, i do think the price is fair and certainly as good as I might expect on this tractor. Need to think about my finances now.

Perhaps you misconstrued the intent or contents of my post. I did not in any way advocate that any buyer should not barter for the best price. I was only addressing the economic issues in regards to Corporations, Dealers, and Buyers. The matter regarding profits included the overall accumulations from all services.Best of luck in your endeavor.

 

[bunchgrass]

Sorry creekbend. No offense and my misread. Thanks for your support - like much of TBN! Great place.

 

[creekbend]

Sorry creekbend. No offense and my misread. Thanks for your support - like much of TBN! Great place.

The best of luck, and hopefully you will find the right model and make that fulfills your needs. Enjoy your Seat Time and be sure to keep us informed of the results.

 

[MarkV]

I don't know, the salesman's story just doesn't add up to me. The owner of the dealership decides if he can cut his profit to move a tractor not the corporate office. Why would Kubota corporation get involved in dickering over $1500 worth of accessories on a $45k tractor. If that were standard practice can you imagine how many calls a day they would get. Just doesn't add up in my book and I can't ever remember anyone relating a similar story here on the forum.

MarkV

 

[creekbend]

I don't know, the salesman's story just doesn't add up to me. The owner of the dealership decides if he can cut his profit to move a tractor not the corporate office. Why would Kubota corporation get involved in dickering over $1500 worth of accessories on a $45k tractor. If that were standard practice can you imagine how many calls a day they would get. Just doesn't add up in my book and I can't ever remember anyone relating a similar story here on the forum.

MarkV

I agree. Perhaps the salesman was new. It sounds like he was unsure of the selling practices or procedures involved regarding the chain of command. When I bought my tractor, I worked out the deal with the dealer personally. He was the owner and had been in business at the same location for many years.

 

[bigbull338]

ok i to cut my dealers profit to the bone.an heres why,they talked me into financing though kubota for 0 down 0 intrest 60 months.well i was turned down because didnt have a credit rating.well they knew that made us madd,but it wasnt the dealers falt.so i called my banker told them what i was going todo an they said do it.so i called the dealer an made a cash offer.they said we have to call kub reg manager an see what they say.so they said yes under the 1st time buyer rule.the salesmen knew they would lose the sale if they didnt say yes.

 

[TripleR]

Sometimes you can get a dealer to "cut to the bone" and sometimes you can't. Sometimes it will also depend on the model. I get good deals on my tractors, but my dealers sells everything that comes on his lot and sometimes runs out of models, so if one person doesn't buy it, someone else will.

I also look at more than the initial cost. My dealer has dropped parts and supplies off at my house, measured my tractor for hoses, gave me a set of free chain guards for my rotary cutter and offered to send someone down to do the 50 HR service on our 8540 for a very reasonable fee. They are also helping us sell a planter sans commission. The list goes on and we aren't big customers either, they treat everyone like that.

 

[Jon Chanoski]

I've been looking at the Kubota 7040 and 8540 and have appreciated all the great input from the users here at TBN. To update, my local dealer has a 8540 w/ cab, loader, 12sp shuttle shift trans that they are really motivated to sell. I asked for a 3rd function on the joystick and a set of pallet forks for a final price of $45,000.

The salesman talked to his boss and they got the regional guy involved. Eventually it came down to Kubota "helping out" some and that required some higher up to contact the dealer. His comment to the dealer was "I'm not in the business of accessorizing tractors. I'm in the business of selling tractors. So they'll sell me the tractor for $45,000 as is. If I need a 3rd function, then I can pay for it."

Now I'm not questioning the price so much as I still think that's a pretty good deal but what kind of BS is that comment? Of course you're in the business of accessorizing tractors, at least with options that are presented by Kubota as that is how you SELL tractors. I don't know this guy from Adam but how you could make it to higher levels of sales and management with comments like that I'll never know.

So my point is this, I don't want to support a company or business that would make this policy. Am I being too "sensitive" or should I start looking at the Green Machines?:confused2:

Why don't you look at some green tractors you might like them better. I know I did after comparing the Kubota M7040 the NewHolland workmaster 75 and the John Deere 5075E Deere had the best and heavyest tractor for the price that met my needs. And if not it lets you compair price with your Kubota dealer.

 

[TripleR]

Why don't you look at some green tractors you might like them better. I know I did after comparing the Kubota M7040 the NewHolland workmaster 75 and the John Deere 5075E Deere had the best and heavyest tractor for the price that met my needs. And if not it lets you compair price with your Kubota dealer.

I think he has considered green:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-buying-pricing/223160-jd-5083e-opinions.html

 

[bunchgrass]

I know the story of the dealer/corporate thing sounds fishy but he was dropping names etc. The salesman is new but the dealership manager is right there all through this thing. Also, the corporate guy wasn't just the regional rep but somebody a level beyond that. The manager and the regional rep both "allowed" the salesman to try to work at the next level. They seemed to think that Kubota might be able to "help them out" (read kick in some cash) to sell this tractor.

I don't know how long this machine has been on the lot but the ~120HP unit next to it sold the day I was visiting. We're in post-harvest/pre-tax season so there are plenty of pickups and other equipment being sold right now.

Beginning to wonder if my salesman (new) is a former car sales guy as he definitely has the "selling" thing down although his knowledge of the Kubota product line is poor (I know more from doing my little research - and visiting TBN!). Maybe this corporate thing happens w/ cars and he thought he'd try it w/ Kubota?

I hate when they try to calculate how much more your monthly payment will be if you accept the higher cost. "It's only $26 more per month. Less than $1 per day." I always want to say that if it's only that much more, why won't the company eat it? They're bigger than I am and wouldn't likely even notice another $1/day! .... But that's not part of the dance so I keep quiet.

I mentioned earlier that my heart went pitter-pad when I looked this unit over again yesterday :drool: Uh-oh.

One last thought - Any chance some of these current on the lot machines get the price dropped due to the Tier4 thing kicking in 2012? I'm pretty sure this one is a Tier3 emissions rig. Just wondering how they phase in a Tier.