Lazy Local Dealers

[RichNJKubota]

Today I went to the local county Farm Fair. There were 3 equipment dealers there that displayed various name brand tractors and equipment. There were other dealers that just sell lawn mowers, etc.
I asked all 3 of them for 3 pt rototiller info. All three of them looked at me like I had 3 heads. The basic response was that "We don't carry any rototillers but I'm sure we could get one for you". This has always been the response whether I'm buying a tractor or other equipment. When and if I do get a price out of them it's always the real high "I don't want your business price".
As a result I've bought almost all my equipment from dealers that happen to be not local but DO want my business. I've never understood this attitude.
Sorry for the long post but I've been pondering this problem for many years.

Rich
NJ

 

[Highbeam]

They obviously are content without your business. Selling lawn mowers must fill their bank account just fine.

 

[beenthere]

Try either thinking of being in their shoes at the fair, or actually go to a fair and spend those days in the booth.

I think you will have a much better appreciation for the look you received as well as why you were given the price. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I don't excuse the people that are doing this, but certainly don't expect to be given a great price without more information and more sincerity that most fair-goers have on hand.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I'm fortunate that 2 of the 3 local dealers near me stock all sorts of implements, 1 of the 3 usually has a limited supply, but still has the basics.

But I've seen similar things with car dealers where some WORK for your business, others make you jump through hoops to buy something. I was talking with a Lexus dealer today, they won't bring me a car to test drive, but the Mercedes Benz/Jag/Volvo dealer is happy to do it, and I've currently got 4 cars from them. The Chrysler dealer brings me cars to try, and has been rewarded with several purchases because of it. Lexus is hyping their service, but when it comes time to sell, they choose not to?

Retail stores are very similar. There is one gourmet food store I frequent. When I buy bottles of sauces they individually wrap them. When I ask what it tastes like, they give me a sample. Compare that to asking for help at a "box" store. For the most part they have no clue what they are selling, could care less about selling it, and oh by the way, you are bothering them if you ask about it!!!

It is not just tractor dealers, working for a sale seems rare /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[seasalt]

had a dealer blow a 20+k deal that was in the bag - pricing, credit app done and all. at the 11th hour he dropped a 1% loan origination fee on me and a $100 processing fee plus some other bs $30 fee. figured he wasnt lying and the other prices were very good so I said ok but I am going to need some goodies - 2 hats 2 mugs 2 shirts and a toy for my kid to push around - (this dealer had a haven of goodies and fun stuff in his showroom).

HE SAID TWO HATS AND NOTHING MORE!!!?

I walked and found another dealer within an hour who matched the deal plus saved me $100 more between a couple of accessories all without the bogus (as I came to find out) extra fees and charges I was assuming I had to pay at the other dealer.

I figure I can buy all the goodies I want with the $400+ I saved.

how can someone be so hard headed (and just plain stupid) as to blow a deal over a couple of coffee cups and tee shirts???

dont know but thank goodness for knuckleheads like that one! saved me a wad. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DrRod]

Good for you seasalt -- I hate being treated like that.

In my recent search, I visited six dealers. The Massey dealer had just closed for the day but unlocked the door to show me around. The CaseIH guy started out fine but got tired of my questions. The NH and JD people acted like I was bothering them. The Branson guy wanted to help me but was pulled in a lot of other directions.

It seems that most of the dealers were just plain understaffed. You can't sell a $20K item without addressing a few issues and this takes time. But most all of them had to run to the phone repeatedly while I was there. I also got the sense that they didn't take me seriously.

The dealer I ended up buying from had always been a class act. I had stopped in over the past few years for chains saw parts or mower belts or something and always browsed the tractors while I was there. They always took a moment to talk with me (both sales and service people) and it made a lasting impression on me.

It demonstrates the value of taking the long view. I know its hard, but you never know who is going to come back and buy something big someday.

 

[seasalt]

Hear, hear!

Thanks, and lets keep feeding the ones we want to survive!!