Junkman,
I sense that you're frustrated by something that happened lately, but you know the obvious response is "that's the way we do things in America". Everyone wants the most for their expertise/products, etc. I want the highest salary my employer is willing to pay. If I can find a better deal elsewhere, I'll move on if he's unwilling to match it. I have two Kubota dealerships within 20 miles of me and know of several others that make it easy to order online/via phone. Yes, I shop around too, but in my experience, the prices are pretty close across the mix. I also have about 10 Ford dealerships within 20 miles of me. Of course, the Ford guys have to work harder to be competitive because there's more competition.
As long as you are willing to pay list price or greater, why would Kubota dealers (or anyone else) settle for less? Unless they sell Kubotas/parts as a hobby, the dealers are in business to get the best return on their investment. Being the businessman that you are, I'm sure you know this better than most. You buy not just the tractor (or other product), but the whole way the company and its dealers do business. (Sort of like marriage, you get not just Junkwoman, but her entire family in the bargain.) <font color="red"> Buyer beware!</font>
I know! You can add a Kubota dealership to the petshop. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif You could sell to all TBN'ers at cost -10% and give free shipping, set up a slick online parts ordering service like Tractorsmart, give free advice 24/7 on a toll-free telephone #, publish a free newsletter with tips/projects/coupons for discounts, etc.
Hmm, doesn't sound like much of a smart business move to me either, but I think you see my point.