Dealer Dealer Pains !!!

[winger]

Here's the story. Went my Indiana dealer 2 weeks ago and I fell in love with the 2410 model w/FEL w/60inMMM. I signed up also for front/rear blade and LandPride box scraper. The price fit my budget. So I put 1/2 of the 10% down-payment that day. There were 3 2410's to choose from. Anyway, we both wrote down the serial # of this unit because I really wanted this particular unit. Looked cleaner all around and had the turf tires I wanted. The new white stickers were still on the tires too! I thought awesome! So all I was waiting for was the box scraper to come in. Monday I couldn't stay away, I had to visit my baby! So I went ahead and wrote a check for the balance of 10% down and filled/signed all that paper work. Dealer called and said it would be ready Friday and want to deliever it, but I said just wait till next week because I'm going to clean out the garage this week and make dollies. So I thought I would stop by the dealer on Sat and get some of frt/rear blade measurements for the dollies. Anyway, the dealership owner said there's your tractor. And I'm like that's not my tractor doesn't even have the correct tires!! He said he's pretty sure it is. Heavy Sigh!! I left in a flurry. I'm thinking what the hell is going on here. So I went to the Demo days in a near-by town to confront the salesman and asked him what's going on. He said how's your tractor? I told him that there must be a big mistake! I told him the story and he said "Oh, there was something wrong with the axle so I switched units for you". I said, "It doesn't have the correct tires". He said we'll just swap them. I said just hold on a minute, we need to get this straightened out. Why didn't any body call me? He said "Oh nobody did". Man, I'm starting to smell something fishy. I said well I won't accept the tractor that's back at the dealership! I said I want the unit I picked out! He said he'd go back after Demo Days and look for some paper work. Yeah right! The unit in the garage they want me to have has slight wear on it and I'm thinking they just want to do the FIFO thing. (First in First out) for their tractors. Man, I'm upset. I can't believe they were gonna drop off this tractor Friday--a completely different unit and with completely different tires to boot. I will be calling them first thing Monday am!! In the mean time what do I do? Do I call the Kubota Corporate Customer Service ph#? Anybody know that phone #??? Is there a Kubota complaint dept I can call? I might consider the 2nd unit they have on the lot, but this 3rd unit they were gonna drop off I DO NOT WANT !! You would think this dealership would have the courtesy to call me about the situation. I'm angry/frustrated/piss@d Help.....please some one please help. DO I have to accept this tractor because I already filled out all the paper work! I wish I could turn back the clock one week. Sorry about the long story. HELP! HELP! HELP! Steve Carver.......any advice....??

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Sorry about your problem, but I do not think I would panic just yet. Did you write down the serial number on the bill of sale or contract? If you did then this sounds like they are not delivering the specific unit you bargained for. This was a demo unit and not a classified as new so that makes the serial number even more important.
Call the dealer and talk to the senior manager or owner of the business and tell him he is about to make a big mistake. If he gives you any trouble then escalate it to Kubota Corporate. I have heard nothing but good stories about how they treat their customers so I am sure you will ultimately get satisfaction out of the deal.
Unfortunately, as in any business, there can be dishonesty or stupidity so we always have to be careful. Just in case, however, there are also laws and an excess amount of lawyers. You do not want to go there-all you want is a tractor, and in your case, a specific tractor. Give the dealer a chance to make the deal work for you both and then, if it doesn't, escalate. But do not accept delivery of a unit you do not want to pay for-that may constitute acceptance.

 

[LGinIA]

This is your first indication of the future service that you will receive from this dealership. You have not taken delivery of your tractor. Can't speak for you, but I'd cancel the order and secure the return of my deposit. Dealer cannot hold your deposit as goods have not changed hands.

 

[rmc]

Need to read your paper work did you put the serial number on the contract or just listed a 2410. That will make a difference. If I was you I would check that first so you know where you stand. Just remeber a COOL head is better then a HOT head. If you did not put the serial number on the paper work you need to work with the dealer he has your 10%.

 

[MReeter]

winger,I would try to keep my head and have the dealer order a new unit with the tires and anything else you want.

Yes,you might have to wait a while,but at least you would know that the tractor is brand-spanking new and it would be "fresh".As others have said,unless the serial # was on the contract,trying to obtain "the" tractor you wanted might be pretty tough.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

don't worry, be happy..

 

[winger]

We'll see tomorrow! I am visiting with the dealer tomorrow on Monday! I may just order a new one. I don't know. I just have Dealer disjust now. And that's the real Bummer. I can always put a "hold" on these checks at the Credit Union! I hope....like I say we'll see. Just what a bummer. This is worse than buying a car!

 

[winger]

Thanks for replying. No I did not write the ser # on the contract because I truely believed I was getting what I wanted. I didn't think it was necessary because we both looked at the serial # and we both wrote it down on our separate pieces of paper. Just took his word he'd work honestly. What an eye-opener!! For all others reading this and are considering buying any make tractor, Please write everything you can in the bill of sale I guess. I guess I will continue to live and learn. So much for honesty and working on a handshake!

 

[winger]

What a mess. Thanks for replying. No I didn't put the ser# on the contract.....so much for honesty & doing things on a handshake, etc. And yes, I will (bite-my-teeth) and remain calm. When looking at the tractor we both wrote down the ser# on are own separate pieces of papers. Next big purchase I guess I will need to write everything in the contract. Sorry just venting.........!

 

[Titanic]

<font color=blue>He said he'd go back after Demo Days and look for some paper work.
<font color=black> Be patient and let him check it out. Even if he pulled a fast one ,he knows you will not except the other ones on the lot. My hope is he will tell you theirs been a big mix up and he will send for a new one.
I know it will hard for you to regain his trust, but lets see if he starts with a new tractor.

 

[Dozernut]

Keep in mind the Attorney Generals office in your home state might be an answer and there is no fee. They will be based in your state capital and have a consumer fraud division. Directory assistance can give you the number. The A.G.'s office usually keeps a list of businesses that people have filed complaints on. You could see if your dealer is on that list. In my state when you call them they will take your name and address and send you a complaint form to fill out and return. Something to keep in mind, this is a goverment agency, the response time might not be as fast as you would like. I would also let the dealer know that you have filed this complaint with the A.G.'s office. This will probably do you more good than anything, an honest dealer does not want his name on that particular list.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Dealer Pains !!!- & Self Control...

Don’t file any complaint against the dealer… you have no reason to at this time… you are generating this problem in your head right now and making yourself upset over nothing…

No offense… But STOP… Before you go crazy and ballistic… You have not taken delivery of anything, it isn’t paid for yet, it isn’t your tractor yet, and nobody is stealing your deposit…

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a nice breakfast, start out tomorrow morning with a clear head… bring your sheet of paper with the serial number you wrote down and visit the dealer…verify which one is your tractor… you are not their only customer, the other unit is probably being sold… but possibly to someone else…

Remember that smile on your face and your great attitude (you’ll bring with you tomorrow am). It will be long remembered by that dealer… bringing misery and a negative attitude will be remembered even longer… (whatever you do… you’re setting the tone!)

If it happens to be the wrong tractor, tell the dealer you’d want the specific serial #’d unit… if that’s gone or a problem, then you want to order a “brand new” unit only if it will arrive in a timely fashion… otherwise request a refund… and start over…

 

[Egon]

Re: Dealer Pains !!!- & Self Control...

Very good advice.

Egon

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Re: Dealer Pains !!!- & Self Control...

John,
Extremely Well Said.

 

[winger]

Thanks for the response. God this TBN has been a god-send especially since this has happened over the weekend, and that all do is think about it. Everyone has been supportive. I'll keep everyone posted. Another vacation day at my work just to get this settled. Man! Again thanks....

 

[winger]

WOW. That's something to have in my hip pocket. If a dealer is gonna be kinda strong willed........guess I gotta be that way too! I know some people say ignorance is bliss, but c'mon here. Hopefully we/I don't get that far. I'll keep everyone posted!!

 

[kokopelli2]

winger,
remember the only thing you nedd to keep in your pocket is that you are the customer......it is your dollar that is making the deal not the salesmens wit! you can always take your money elswhere.....this is only time to you but possibley the lively-hood of the dealer. just have a good aditude and roll with the punches you will make out in the end!

 

[jasonf]

Start with the Owner. Approach him in a reasonable manner, (I'm sure that you will), and explain what went on. I agree with JM III, this is a problem that can be fixed. What does the Owner say to you? If he investigates the problem and straightens things out, then this maybe miscommunication/lazy salesman. If not then calmly ask to get the deposit back and go elsewhere. It is not unreasonable for them to get you a NEW tractor with the tires that you want. (Although you already knew that). Please let us know what happens...... Jason

 

[jph_in_Bama]

If you have a Better Business Bureau in your area go ahead and go online to post a complaint with them. They will contact your dealer and tell him that a complaint has been filed and he has 30 days to resolve it. Businesses hate having unresolved complaints against them. I would do this now before going any farther with it. If you end up having to go to a lawyer then it at least looks like you gave them a fair chance to make the problem right. my .02

 

[Jeff396]

I can't stand the suspense, we're gonna have to have daily updates I think./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff