Local dealer dropped ball -- forget buying a Massey?

[BlessedMess]

Salesman at local dealer (non-owner) initially quoted a figure $3,200 + tax over my best quote delivered from an out of state dealer on a 2706e. Began to mention their competitor's pricing (with the intention of offering "if you can get within ~$1k of their price would be glad to do business") and he abruptly cut me off and said, "We wouldn't service it." Repeated back what I heard and he said "Yep." Thanked him for his time and immediately left. Really like this Massey model best but want trustworthy, responsive dealer(s) nearby even more. Would you write off Massey Ferguson altogether? Deere, Kubota, and Mahindra are the only local choices left, and they all cost significantly more and have demerits like DPFs, plastic bodies (Deere), extra cost rear remotes, etc.

Background: After a month of looking, thought the 2706e was "the one." Overwhelmingly positive reviews about that model, and it was my top choice during brief test drives. Started with a few quotes from out of state dealers (tractorhouse advertisers) just to see if it was possible to get into a comfortable price range. Hoped to build a business relationship with the closest and preferred M-F dealer, a long-time maw and paw type dealer that admittedly doesn't move many units judging by their lot stock. Have also briefly visited the alternative M-F dealers recently -- all 2+ hours each way, didn't talk numbers -- and it would be a real hassle/expense to tow there for warranty issues/repairs, or to make urgent parts purchases. Same with Kioti, probably my second top choice.

An aside -- have been following the "Will some tractor makers not survive?" thread (http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/370386-will-some-tractor-makers-not.html) with interest. Conclusion is that some dealers won't and therefore it doesn't matter if the brand survives if customers don't have reasonable access to a good dealer... and in the end these manufacturer will bear the brunt of their dealers' failures to their detriment.

 

[Catman8]

I believe all manufacturers need to have a fixed price on all machinery so the customer does not have to put up with this kind of childish game dealing with these salesmen, why should one person have to pay thousand of dollars more for the same tractor than the next guy, it just puts a bad taste in everyone's mouth and really ruins the fun of shopping for a tractor when the dealer says he won't service your unit if you buy it somewhere else. If I knew that a tractor manufacturer had set prices for everyone you bet your life I would give them my business in a heart beat then have to deal with these salesmen.

 

[roadhunter]

I hate that they took that position as opposed to trying to work with you. Unfortunately it's probably best to move on and find someone else to do business with. If this is how they act before the sale imagine afterwards.

 

[ultrarunner]

Service is different than warranty... at least the local Ford Dealer was told that by corporate.

No idea how much pull corporate has with local Dealers... guess it is how much they need each other.

It would frost me too... just for the fun of it I could see myself contacting corporate for "Clarification"

Not that it would change much unless the owner stepped up and apologized for the his salesperson...

 

[PatrickS2222]

I would suggest meeting and talking to their Service Manager and gaining his confidence. I reckon he will want all the business he can get - if not, why not? It would also be interesting to chat with the General Manager to find out whether it is in fact their policy, and if correct .... why they wouldn't service machines they didn't originally sell.

Please keep us informed!

 

[Ford850]

As Patrick said, talk to their Service MGR. I doubt that a salesman determines what they will or will not work on or warranty.

 

[CCWKen]

Most mom and pop dealers don't have a service manager. My local NH dealer is run by the parts counter guy. He also oversees work in the shop, sells tractors, sweeps the floors and turns out the lights when it's time to close. Find a large dealer with tractors on the "floor". They're large because they do a better job.

 

[BlessedMess]

Thanks to all for your thoughts on this. Really good points.

Unsure if manufacturer reps read these forums. They would be wise to listen to y'all, their most passionate and outspoken customers (and non-/prospective customers too). Dealers too. Judging by the stale inventories there isn't a line of people ready to buy... you'd think they would try a little harder.

 

[prichard]

I'd move on to another dealer and brand if no other nearby dealer. But I would certainly let the owner/GM know about the experience.

 

[Catman8]

Unfortunately sad to say but this is not 1950 anymore, I find this rude and unprofessional behavior everywhere here in California, I own a LA135 ridding mower and every time I need parts I have to deal with this rude guy at the parts counter and I wind up walking out pissed, now I'm shopping for a tractor and because of their rude parts guy I refuse to buy a JD. Real customer service is dead and gone, out of six tractor dealer ships I have visited all six of the salesman knew nothing about tractors, you ask them a question and you can tell they are just making things up. I believe the problem is overpopulation, there are so many people they just don't have to care anymore.