My tractor buying experience

[trkbldr]

I first got the idea to buy a new tractor about one year ago. The old Golden Jubilee was getting the job done but my property is a little steep in places and I was somewhat leery of mowing some of the places I wanted to mow. No ROPS, no FWD, no power steering, can increase the pucker factor considerably /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. So, the search began. I have always liked JD, so I began my search there. Visited the nearest dealer and spent about half an hour looking around and sitting on various models. Although several employees came within a few feet of me, no one acknowledged my presence. So I go inside, wander around a bit, pick up some brochures, and still no greeting of any kind. Finally ask a guy behind the parts counter if someone could assist me with a tractor. He replied that "someone will be with you shortly". He never even offered to get someone. Well, I stood around about 5 more minutes and left. Went across town to the NH dealer. Spent some time looking around the lot and then walked inside and was greeted before the door could shut behind me. In about 30 seconds I was in a salesmans office discussing what I wanted and getting a price. From there I went to another NH dealer in a different town. Almost the same experience as the first NH dealer but a much better price. Later I visited another JD dealer with almost the exact same results as the first JD dealer. No one would even acknowledge my presence on the lot or in the store. The Kubota dealer I visited was equally as unfriendly. The Branson dealer was exceptionally nice as was the Case dealer. I was, however, having a difficult time justifying the price of a new tractor to myself. I had never paid that much for a CAR, much less a tractor /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. My wife kept trying to convince me /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif to go ahead, but I just couldn't /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Finally last fall after completing yet another "death slide" down one of my hills, I knew I had to do something. The dealer I like most got one of those new TC33DA tractors in about a month ago. After a test drive and conversation with the dealer, I knew this was what I wanted. The wife still wants me to buy it but I just can't. I even went there one day to buy it and couldn't get out of my truck once I got there /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Finally, I decide to do it. I get to the dealer and MY tractor is not there. Someone bought it 2 days ago /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. No one to blame but me. Dealer offers to call around and see if another dealer has one that he would be willing to let him have. He finally finds one that he will have to travel about 200 miles to get. I get up enough courage and say GO FOR IT /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Anyhow, my tractor is now on the dealers lot, waiting for the FEL to arrive and be installed. I will post in the NH forum when the tractor arrives, hopefully in about 10 days or so. Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to relate my experience in tractor buying. Actually, this is the "condensed" story /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.To tell it all would have taken me far too long to type /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif!!

 

[SteveH_CT]

Well I've learned that you'd get better service at the Deere dealers if you don't wear the "I Love My New Holland" blue t-shirt in there... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously though - it's a bad experience to get treated like that from a dealer or dealers. It think it's complacency on the dealers part - just assuming customers will come to them. They must make enough sales to old and return customers to get bye. Sometimes it almost seems like a Harley Davidson thing as well - they just assume you're gonna buy because it is a Deere and that you shouldn't need another reason.

Either way though - it sounds like you're going to end up with a real nice tractor. I'll keep an eye out for your posts when you get it. I'll bet you're glad you finally did it.

Take Care,

 

[Gatorboy]

I for one hate to have salesmen hounding me when I go to look at tractors, cars, or anything for that matter. I like to look around in peace without having to be pressured to engage in idle chit-chat, knowing that their sole purpose is to get me to spend my money.

When I am ready to get more information or purchase an item -- regardless of the store -- then I will approach an employee.

This is how I prefer things to operate. So, from the sound of your post, I guess I would prefer the JD dealers in your area over the NH. But that's just me.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I for one hate to have salesmen hounding me when I go to look at tractors, cars, or anything for that matter. I like to look around in peace without having to be pressured to engage in idle chit-chat, knowing that their sole purpose is to get me to spend my money.

When I am ready to get more information or purchase an item -- regardless of the store -- then I will approach an employee.

This is how I prefer things to operate. So, from the sound of your post, I guess I would prefer the JD dealers in your area over the NH. But that's just me. )</font>

Yes, I'm that way too. The JD dealers were very helpful and friendly when I asked
for help. Otherwise, they were happy to let me look and sit on various tractors and
walk around the lot unencombered by a sales person.

To each his own.

Actually, I found all the dealers, regardless of brand to be helpful and friendly. Some were
less knowledgeable and some didn't give me a very good price, but they were all nice to
work with.

Cliff

 

[Cliff_Johns]

OH, I forgot to say, Congratulations on your new tractor. I hope it brings
you joy and a more stabile ride.

Cliff

 

[Henro]

trkbldr,

Congratulations on the new tractor. You story about the dealers is repeated time after time, in one flavor or another, and for all colors...just depends on one's area. Myself, I had bad feelings about both a Kubota and a NH dealership(s), but ended up buying Kubota from a good dealer.

If your old tractor is slipin' and slidin' on your slopes, your decision may be very important to you if something goes wrong in the future...since it has the rops. Don't forget to keep that seatbelt fastened!

The tractor may cost more than any car you have bought, but it will hold its value better and still be working for you when a car of equal cost would be heading to the car crusher... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Don't forget to show us a picture... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[lamarbur]

When I need to buy (rarely) the first two things I look for are pushy sales people and F & I people.. Finance and insurance in my eyes, are the worse kind. My wife has worked her whole life, since very young, as her parents use to own a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep and Int'l truck dealership. She's still at another dealership and refuses to work at any that have F & I. According to her, long term and short term, F & I will do under a dealer. In fact on 60 minutes they were showing how kickback interest is arrived at and all, was by F & I who take unfair advantage of the people who try and buy. I also, like to walk around, touchy, feely, look at many sizes of tractors (regardless of brand make) and if interested, will walk in and ask for a sales person. If the sales person rushes out and starts in, I simply hold up my hand and tell them, enough, then go elsewhere..

 

[trkbldr]

Gatorboy, I too am put off by overbearing sales people /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Furniture and appliance people seem to be the worst, with car sales people a close second /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. I tell these people that I would like some time to look around and when I need assistance I will be sure to look them up. If they continue to follow me around, I will leave. However, I do think that when I ask for assistance, it should be forthcoming. That was my problem with about 3 of the tractor dealers I visited. Even when I asked for assistance, I didn't get any /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. These dealers were not busy at the time. It's almost like I was a bother to them. Now, I will not beg anyone to sell me something. If they don't want my business, someone else will. I have read other posts from people who have had a similar experience /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. Just wanted to share mine.

 

[GerardC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ( I for one hate to have salesmen hounding me when I go to look at tractors, cars, or anything for that matter. I like to look around in peace without having to be pressured to engage in idle chit-chat, knowing that their sole purpose is to get me to spend my money.

When I am ready to get more information or purchase an item -- regardless of the store -- then I will approach an employee. But that's just me.) )</font>

I agree somewhat. I do however like to be approached and asked, "May I help you". That shows me that they are paying attention, that I am there, and will assist me if/when I flag them down.

 

[EastTexFrank]

It may be a Deere thing. In the last year I've been in 4 JD dealerships in and around our little town and any kind of service has been noticable by its absence except for the one I'll mention later. I don't like to be bothered by salesmen when I'm wandering around looking but when I walk into their place of business I at least like my presence to be acknowledged. I did find one good Deere dealership in a town about 50 miles away. The salesman approached me when I was looking around their yard, introduced himself, said "If I can be of any help, I'll be inside" and then left. When I entered their building he came over and walked me to the coffee pot while answering my questions. The one question he couldn't answer, we adjourned to his office where he looked it up and made a phone call to confirm it. So they can do it if they try and are interested. The Kubota dealer near me if pretty helpful but the best one is a dealer who only handles Chinese imports. The lady salesperson/owner there is a part time farmer and knows a lot more about tractors than I do. It was a pleasure to talk to her and her husband. In fact on a slow day I sometimes drop in by for a cup of coffee and to pass 10 minutes. I think it just depends on the owner and the attitude they demand from their staff whether they make you feel welcome on their lot or not. Needless to say, if they are too pushy and give me the green/orange/blue/red is best and the rest are junk routine ... I leave and if they totally ignore me, I leave ... usually never to go back.
Have you noticed by some of the posts on this board that people spend a lot more time researching and visiting tractor dealerships before buying than they do before buying a car. I wonder why that is? Is it just familiarity?

 

[lablovers]

I am not one for push salespeople either (notice in CA we are always politically correct, agh). But, I expect to be acknowledged. When I was at the World Ag Expo recently, I was amazed how many salespeople ignored me. That includes JD and MF was the worst. There were at least six guys drinking beer in a group and I am climbing all over one of their tractors near them and I could probably have driven it away without them noticing. The imports and NH were the only ones to help at all. I even dressed in flannels and jeans, showered before the end of the month, new deodorant and everything.

I am in sales and now the difference between a pest and being helpful. If I owned some of these dealerships, I would do my best Donald Trump impersonation, "you're fired". /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[lablovers]

Sorry, I got so wrapped up in my tirade that I forgot to say congratulation for taking the plunge. Enjoy the new tractor.

 

[755inNY]

trkbldr,

Congratulations. I know where you are coming from as I too was much concerned about spending what seemed like an enormous amount of money on a new tractor. I can tell you from experience it has to be the best thing I ever purchased. I have never regretted it in the last 16 years of ownership. In fact, I don't know how I would have gotten along without it. I am ready to trade this one in for a new, larger one. The prices still scare me but the trade-in value on my current tractor is within $3500 of what I paid new. Now that's value.

Jeff

 

[mahlers]

Personally, I think you can tell a lot about a dealership by the way the sales people treat you. The way sales people are going to treat customers is largely dependent on how the dealership treats and compensates them, what financial shape the dealership is in, and what kind of values the dealership lives by.

The ideal sales environment (for both the customer and the sales people) is where the sales person makes a decent base salary so that they're not starving for that next sale, is under a reasonable quota that motivates them yet doesn't make them unfairly worry about failing miserably every quarter, feels that the dealership is going to be there forever, and finally was hired because they truly like people and like the products they sell.

When I'm treated poorly when I go to buy something, it's pretty easy to figure out which pieces are missing - and then it's pretty easy to figure out whether I want to buy from them or not.

 

[Yankee]

I have to say my Deere experience has been pretty good, as far as salesmen go. At the local dealership (James River Equipment), I was greeted, shown around, had a 4115 demo'd, etc. Just the right balance, helpful and not the least pushy. I'm not likely to buy the Deere because I'm leaning toward Kubota for several reasons, but it's not because of the Deere dealer. In fact, I've only come across a single dealer (NH) yet that I flat-out wouldn't have anything to do with. Coulda been the ambience - something akin to a 75 year-old hardware store ... mighta been the salesman ASLEEP on the tractor in the middle of the sales floor (having first made himself comfy by putting the lights out - mid-afternoon) ... maybe the "we don't sell that kind of stuff here comment (homeowner equipment, i.e., CUT).

Every other dealer I've visited (several NH, several Kubota, Kioti, Mahindra, Massey-Ferguson, Case/Farmall) has been helpful, knowledgeable, and professional.

Bill

 

[ljh2]

trkbldr,
Congrats on stepping up to the plate. It's a big purchase, but it will last you a LONG time, unlike buying a new car.

I've gotta agree with Gatorboy though, I'd rather approach the sales guy than have someone hound me and try to talk me into something while I'm still looking. I will say though that a sales guy should know the difference between a customer 'browsing' their products and a customer looking for a salesman. It's not hard to tell which is which.

BTW - Don't try any more of that slope stuff until your new rig arrives.

 

[DannyD]

I looked around at many tractors and dealers also. The NH dealer could tell me how good his tractor was, but he could tell me how bad Kubota and all the others were..........OK, next.

Had to do the Kubota thing now, first dealer was very decent, not pushy, and knowledgable, but WAY TO HIGH Priced. Second one was much cheaper, but could not answer questions on service and his service times were not good.

Finally got on the net, called another Kubota dealer 45 minutes away, got a price and bought it in the same call. Never met the guy till the cradle bearings thing came up, but he handled it all very well. 'Come to find out, the sales guy is also the owner of the dealership. Been a joy to deal with.

I turn from pushy sales people, or tell them I am just killing time and dreaming............they leave real quick then

 

[frank_f15]

i don't think the name brand of the tractor denotes the type of help u will get, it is more a case of the dealership itself.i bought my tractor from an out of state dealership, 172 miles from home it was used and i saw it on the internet, e mailed the saleman and got response post hast, then called him and said i would most likly make the drive on a monday to see it. when i got there the tractor was inside with all the attachments that came with it, ready for me to look closley at it, then they let me play in the snow with it. ended up buying it and have not been sorry. individuals got nothing to do with the color. congrats on the purchase.

 

[Poncho]

trkbldr

I've had a very similar experience SEVERAL times with a local JD dealership. I'm like some of the others here who appreciate being acknowledged and invited to come inside if I have questions or am ready to talk business. The closest MF dealership is the same way. The best local dealership I've dealt with is Kubota... I've had better experiences with close out of town dealerships. It's one thing when your are at least acknowldged... but having to seek someone and then never getting assistance /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif!! I actually went to the local Cat dealership to look at the Challenger series... had an appointment with the guy (young guy).... called before hand to confirm. Showed up on time and was told he was in a meeting... the receptionist asked if he was expecting me and I informed her hew was, she tried calling him and replied he wasn't answering his line. Waited for 20 minutes... finally the receptionist went back and told him I was waiting. He finally came out from his "meeting" being led by some cute little hottie (no wedding bands... that's the first thing I looked for... and she really didn't look like she was there to buy a tractor, particualrily after the way they looked at each other) obviously he was more worried about his personal life on company time than taking care of business. That did away with me considering buying a tractor from him and the dealership.