Husqvarna Dealer Policy

[BXRICK]

Has Husqvarna changed their dealer policy again? Just an idle question.

A few years ago, they cracked down on internet "superstores" and catalog sellers, presumably in an attempt to protect their local dealerships. This caused places such as Bailey's and Northern Tool to stop carrying Husqvarna saws.

Now, those places are selling them again.
Are those places only selling certain saws and not the whole line?
How have they resolved the service question, which is often at the heart of these issues (same with tractors).

Just kinda wondering if anyone knows what's up.

 

[CBW1999]

If you care to spend the time, look closely at the models available. There is a difference, even if subtle- between a model available through the net, in a "box store" and at an "authorized dealer".

A lot of big brands do this to 'protect" each seller. Try cross referencing models to compare prices and it quickly becomes difficult. When you see the sign "only available at..." is a big clue.

I don't think there is truly much difference in each model, but just enough.

Not sure what their marketing strategy is, but in the last 6 months- I have seen a local 'authorized' dealer expand their line and, less than a mile away- a hardware store set up a display with chainsaws. All of that with a TSC within driving distance that carries them as well.

Why can't it be "One product, One price" no matter who is selling it?

 

[Western]

Out side of chains and bars, I have to order anything else from the net anyhoo..

Several stores here sell the various saws and honestly I can't tell the difference between same models at the various stores. I do notice very few of them carry much in the way of maintenance/ repair items. Such as sprockets, bearings ect tra. One more thing I have found recently is the quality of the Husky branded chains has gone to $%&. Stretch worse than an old pair of undies.

 

[CBW1999]

In theory, If I cannot tear it down and repair/rebuild- I want to buy it from someone who can.

A lot of things you purchase now come with the request (from the manufacturer)- to call their "hot line", do not take it back to the store if you have problems. That in of itself causes more problems.

Sometimes easier to just go back and get a refund or replacement rather than get tied up calling and waiting etc. But on the other hand, if they are experiencing so many returns that they think the problem can be solved over the phone......

 

[RobKinNH]

I bought a 460 Rancher from my dealer last yr and love it. I've cut 30-40 cord worth of logs and have had no problems. My neighbor bought a 455 rancher from the local box store a yr and a half ago and it blew up, bad enough that it would cost more to fix than a new one. They are basically the same saw with different motors, but the 460 seams to be a little better quality. I've been told that the box store line of saws are cheaper quality and are non adjustable to meet cali emissions.

 

[CBW1999]

Husqvarna is a good name, would only consider purchasing one from a dealership....

I would suspect just about everyone (manufacturers) is doing the same thing that has multiple retail aspects. A 'box store" model is produced with the occasional user in mind, whereas- if you are an arborist or timber cuter- then you would opt to go elsewhere.

The only one's I can think of that you cannot get outside of a dealership is Stihl and Johnsred.

Incidentally- my wife's sewing machine is a Husqvarna:thumbsup:

 

[KentT]

Something must've changed. Northern Tool is offering both the consumer level and professional level Husqvarna chain saws now in their latest master catalog...

But, they're not on the Northern website.

I think they're only prohibiting internet sales, not catalog sales.

 

[rjkobbeman]

Why is it so bothersome that some manufacturers sell to businesses that are not "dealers"? Sounds like a good way to reach more customers.

 

[mikefromnh]

Why is it so bothersome that some manufacturers sell to businesses that are not "dealers"? Sounds like a good way to reach more customers.

Bc of the walmart mentality -- got to keep prices low, so cheaper parts are used.

 

[rjkobbeman]

Bc of the walmart mentality -- got to keep prices low, so cheaper parts are used.

But nobody is making you buy from the "non dealers". From what I have read, there is the "walmart" version and the "dealer" version.

I understand the value of the dealer and have changed my buying habits over the years for some items, however I don't think it is bad to have "walmart" versions also.

Some consumers don't need the "better" version.