Good point. The fact remains however, that the compact segment is growing rapidly, as is internet usage. Domestic auto manufacturers tended to treat compact cars as a minor item for a long time, and lost market share by devoting their energies to the way things had historically worked for them. They are still playing catch up and still losing market share.
The internet will become a major source of information, far more than it is now, for more than just us compact buyers. People are beginning to shop for big ticket items over the 'net as reliability levels come up. I can see the day when the local dealer becomes mostly a service department, with direct sales as a minor part of their business. Perhaps tractor sales direct from the manufacturer are not too far off, with the dealer becoming more of delivery/drop off point.
The days of the traditional farmer buying a traditional tractor from a traditional dealer, sadly, are numbered. Correct me if I'm wrong here Mr. Messick, but aren't most of the large units you sell either ordered special or modified to suit the customer's needs in some way before delivery? Installation of a GPS system, perhaps, or different tires, or more hydraulics, etc. A good website that would allow your customers to order directly from the manufacturer would save you looking through all the books and forms while still allowing you a profit for handling the physical aspects of the sale.
