How to wheel and deal!

Dingo Man · Mar 31, 2012

I am wondering what the best approach is in negotiating with my dealer. Your opinions please.

I initially assumed I would barter the price on the tractor and FEL and once that was established I would then see what kinds of things I could weasel out of the dealer.

The other day I was reading another post and someone mentioned trying to get a package deal. That member suggested telling the dealer everything you are looking for ie. tractor, FEL, implements, loaded tires, bucket hook, etc. Then have the dealer work up an offer and go from there.

I believe I like the latter method better. It seems less slimy. I am not a great negotiator and I just want the dealers honest price. I think the package deal approach would give the dealer more opportunity to work with you.

What do you all think?:confused3:

ForPetesSakeFarm · Apr 1, 2012

Shop around, get prices for the package from a couple different dealers. Also note the specifics (tires/size of impliments/loaded tires etc). Get the total price and then each piece. When you get narrowed down to two dealers, then you have a solid platform of factual info to deal on. I most of the time am willing to meet in the middle of the two prices. Allows dealer to still make money and me to save some. Happy median.

Combustix · Apr 1, 2012

Walked into my Kubota dealer one morning back in 01, I knew nothing about tractors. I had him quote me a 2710 with BH, BB and brush hog. I walked out quote in hand. Came back a year later when I had the cash and sat down with him again and handed him the quote and said I'm ready to by this tractor at this price. He looked at the quote and said I can't do that this is last years price. I asked him were the expiration date was on the quote he gave me. He sold me the tractor at the quoted price.

Cat_Driver · Apr 1, 2012

More often than not it seems they won't deal. I've gone in with plenty of back up material showing lower prices and they look at me and flat out say - "then go buy it from them"

I think dealers are pretty fed up with Internet pricing.

I bought form a dealer 2000 miles away when I has a dealer 2 miles away. I saved $8,000 for the same piece or equipment and I'm sure the dealer 2000 miles made a buck or two.

I'm sure we buyer make dealers mad, but dealers also make us buyers mad.

I owned that tractor for 8 years and never so much as bought a filter from the dealer that told me to pound sand. I also never took it in for any service. The dealer lost not only the sale, but any service work and or service items.

Dealers can play hard ball all day long but they lose in the long run.

Dingo Man · Apr 1, 2012

My post here was just to hear peoples experiences and methods for negotiating. I already have a dealer, make, and model picked out.

I don't want to come across as trying to pull a fast one on the dealer especially when they are decent. If it was up to me I would like to sit down and be able to talk honest bottom dollar pricing and be done with it.

charleyfarmall · Apr 1, 2012

Find out what the list price of everything you are buying comes out to and subtract 12-18% and that is the range you should be able to get to. Tractor dealers do not deal like car dealers though and he industry isn't set up like that.

Some areas of the country are more expensive than others and you won't get as much off. In New England tractors are more expensive and dealer are closer to 12-15% max. An $8,000 difference would send me elsewhere too but for $1,000 or less I would probably keep it local. The last time I priced a new tractor the lowest internet quote delivered was almost identical to my local dealer.

Used tractors are another story. I have bought from 600 miles away and had it trucked.

MotorSeven · Apr 1, 2012

charleyfarmall said:
Find out what the list price of everything you are buying comes out to and subtract 12-18% and that is the range you should be able to get to. Tractor dealers do not deal like car dealers though and he industry isn't set up like that.

Some areas of the country are more expensive than others and you won't get as much off. In New England tractors are more expensive and dealer are closer to 12-15% max. An $8,000 difference would send me elsewhere too but for $1,000 or less I would probably keep it local. The last time I priced a new tractor the lowest internet quote delivered was almost identical to my local dealer.

Used tractors are another story. I have bought from 600 miles away and had it trucked.

I agree, and $1,000 is almost exactly what I paid more to my local dealer rather than go out of state. My dealer has been really good to me, and fair on all his service and parts prices. I have traded up and done much more business with him since then(trailers, hay equip, etc). To me, supporting the local guy is important providing he has a good reputation as a dealer.

Dingo, I say get a package price. Like you I am not a good "negotiator" and right off the bat, I say, "Listen, I hate playing the numbers games, just give me your best price that you are comfortable with and if I think it's fair, you will have a deal". Also don't forget to negotiate on the first 50 hr service....between fluids and filters I bet the cost is about $200. On both my tractors my dealer agreed to throw that in on the deal.

IndyIan · Apr 1, 2012

MotorSeven said:
I agree, and $1,000 is almost exactly what I paid more to my local dealer rather than go out of state. My dealer has been really good to me, and fair on all his service and parts prices. I have traded up and done much more business with him since then(trailers, hay equip, etc). To me, supporting the local guy is important providing he has a good reputation as a dealer.

Dingo, I say get a package price. Like you I am not a good "negotiator" and right off the bat, I say, "Listen, I hate playing the numbers games, just give me your best price that you are comfortable with and if I think it's fair, you will have a deal". Also don't forget to negotiate on the first 50 hr service....between fluids and filters I bet the cost is about $200. On both my tractors my dealer agreed to throw that in on the deal.

I thought buying local was worth some money as well, I found though even getting 15-20% off new implements wasn't really worth it, atleast for the simple stuff, like forks, box blades, rear blades. They are kind of expensive up here compared to used stuff.

yelbike · Apr 1, 2012

I don't think your pulling a fast one the dealer by educating yourself. Check around for prices, check internet dealers also. I've bought from far a save alot and I've bought local also. Once you know a fair price talk to your dealer and tell him what your willing to pay. Some will meet your price or part way and some won't. If he's a jerk, leave.

I just bought a used SUV. Dealer wanted 30K for one(XLT), I offered 23K bc I thought it was a fair price and I knew I could buy it for less yet. He laughed, I walked. I bought the a (Limited) for 18.5k 1300 miles away and got an uncle to drive it back. Same year, way nicer truck way more options.

Moral of my post educate yourself then make an educated purchase.

MikeInEburg · Apr 1, 2012

I used the following method successfully:
1. Walked into local dealer with overview of what I wanted and asked his advice
2. Waited for him to configure a package that included tractor, finish mower, loader and backhoe
3. I looked at total and asked to whom I should make the check payable
4. Been happy as a clam with both tractor and dealer ever since

My company sells and supports business technology products. Like tractor dealers, our customers compare our pricing to Internet "deals". Yes, you can get almost anything cheaper somewhere else.