Bob_Young
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,244
- Location
- North of the Fingerlakes - NY
- Tractor
- Ford 4000; Ford 2000(both 3cyl.);JD40; 2004 Kubota L4300; 2006 Kubota B7610; new 2007 Kubota MX5000
This time of year (spring/summer) is not the best for negotiating...at least here in the Northeast. The Ag community is supplying a steady flow of business in high-dollar gear and the repair shop is overburdened with getting expensive Ag equipment ready for plowing/planting/baling/combining/whatever. Just finding the hands to prep a SCUT or CUT for delivery can be difficult this time of year.
In urban areas, many mowers are breathing their last and many owners are resolved to do 'right' this time around. It's high-volume, low-dollar compared to the countryside, but the result is the same.
So the dealerships have more business than they can handle...at times anyway. They know if an attractive piece of gear sits out in the yard long enough, someone will come along to pay the asking price. And, while they're waiting, maybe the current panic in the shop will subside. Negotiating can't be expected to yield very much under these conditions.
But if you plan your purchase to fall in the November to February time frame, things can be different. Business is slow, but salaries and fuel bills must still be paid. Last year's models, maybe even discontinued versions, aren't going to be so attractive next to current product after wintering in the yard under the snow. Yet the dealer has to carry them on the books and pay interest on them. With winter looming, you can do both yourself and the dealer a favor by helping him clear out his inventory.
I've done it both ways. The late-year purchase was much easier on the pocketbook. I have an uncle who swears by this approach. Maybe down-south it's different.
FWIW
Bob
In urban areas, many mowers are breathing their last and many owners are resolved to do 'right' this time around. It's high-volume, low-dollar compared to the countryside, but the result is the same.
So the dealerships have more business than they can handle...at times anyway. They know if an attractive piece of gear sits out in the yard long enough, someone will come along to pay the asking price. And, while they're waiting, maybe the current panic in the shop will subside. Negotiating can't be expected to yield very much under these conditions.
But if you plan your purchase to fall in the November to February time frame, things can be different. Business is slow, but salaries and fuel bills must still be paid. Last year's models, maybe even discontinued versions, aren't going to be so attractive next to current product after wintering in the yard under the snow. Yet the dealer has to carry them on the books and pay interest on them. With winter looming, you can do both yourself and the dealer a favor by helping him clear out his inventory.
I've done it both ways. The late-year purchase was much easier on the pocketbook. I have an uncle who swears by this approach. Maybe down-south it's different.
FWIW
Bob
