Kubota parts and supplies are RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE

[rScotty]

I don't buy it either...IMO the explanation in post #54 is lame at best...the fact that Amazon can do the same type of handling with little enough labor to greatly reduce the cost of merchandise and getting it to the consumer...

Henry Ford's original business model was to produce just enough trucks/vehicles so he could then just sell parts to keep them running...

I don't think the explanation in post #54 is lame. It's probably accurate. But if the parts handling process at the dealer level is so labor intensive that it makes the parts unafordable then why don't the dealers simply get together and fix that outdated process? Because if they don't, someone else will.

I wonder how long it will be before Amazon gets into the OEM parts business?
rScotty

 

[RickB]

I don't think the explanation in post #54 is lame. It's probably accurate. But if the parts handling process at the dealer level is so labor intensive that it makes the parts unafordable then why don't the dealers simply get together and fix that outdated process? Because if they don't, someone else will.

I wonder how long it will be before Amazon gets into the OEM parts business?
rScotty

Not until the OEM’s sell parts to Amazon.

 

[/pine]

I don't think the explanation in post #54 is lame. It's probably accurate. But if the parts handling process at the dealer level is so labor intensive that it makes the parts unafordable then why don't the dealers simply get together and fix that outdated process? Because if they don't, someone else will.

I wonder how long it will be before Amazon gets into the OEM parts business?
rScotty

Perhaps lame was the wrong word...but what do you call it when an entity can do the exact same things described without all the logistical processes that are being used as an excuse for extreme high costs?

Packaging? C'mon...how often do replacement parts come in a plain plastic bag with a number printed on it?

To quote from the "excuse": "...their cost is more indicative of the process that it takes to get them to you than the value of the actual item.... ...companies like Amazon have proven that the "process" can be made much simpler and less cost effective...

Shipping?...C'mon...when I order a part from a dealer that is not in stock I have to pay the shipping above the cost of the part...if I have the dealer then send it on to me I pay another additional shipping cost...

OEMs are not likely to cede cash cows to reduce the cost to a captive consumer base...

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I don't buy all that reasoning. The engineering is already done and the machinery is in place to manufacture all the parts neseccary for a complete tractor assembly. The only additional expense to make extra parts should be the raw material, energy used, and very little labor to complete the manufacturing process. Shipping & handling is usually passed on to the purchaser as an added cost to the buyer.

While it may be not quite as simple as that, it still isn't as costly as you presented it. I'm just referring to manufacturing, not dealership expense.

I agree, scale of economy in manufacturing is such that if they make 20,000 tractor assemblies (and fan blades), then they are going to make an extra 2000 or so for parts stock. What Ken said earlier drives up the parts' prices.

BUT THERE IS A BUNCH OF "GOTCHA" GOING ON. Meaning, once you buy into a brand or system, they might offer the tractor at a cost cutting price, but when you need a part, they GOTCHA. Bend over and take it.

This happens on most major brands of just about everything....except when the demand for the parts gets high enough, an aftermarket company will build and sell a cheaper version to compete. There are some companies that will sell a superior to OEM version often for less, but sometimes the same or a bit higher price. MOOG automotive parts comes to mind.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Before you buy something, see how much the brakes, filters, catalytic converter, etc costs. Some dealers and brands really GOTCHA!

 

[Ritothebull]

I like owning models of equipment that are popular and have been in production for a while so lots of parts are usually available from many sources. And if you get a machine with something like a Yanmar or Perkins engine you can get parts just about anywhere for those.

 

[rScotty]

I wonder how long it will be before Amazon gets into the OEM parts business?
rScotty

OEMs are not likely to cede cash cows to reduce the cost to a captive consumer base...

Not until the OEM's sell parts to Amazon.

I'm still surprised at the number of OEM's who sell through Amazon. I would have thought that most companies would be more protective of their dealers livelihood, but apparently not. Or maybe all Amazon has to do is buy a dealership... not a bad thing in itself. And they do have a few hundred billion extra bucks to invest. It might be that Amazon is so busy counting their money that they haven't noticed even noticed the OEM car and tractor parts market yet.
rScotty

 

[RickB]

I'm still surprised at the number of OEM's who sell through Amazon. I would have thought that most companies would be more protective of their dealers livelihood, but apparently not. Or maybe all Amazon has to do is buy a dealership... not a bad thing in itself. And they do have a few hundred billion extra bucks to invest. It might be that Amazon is so busy counting their money that they haven't noticed even noticed the OEM car and tractor parts market yet.
rScotty

Generally the Amazon and eBay sellers are dealers, not OEM's. Many have set up stand alone businesses sheltered from brick & mortar dealerships to protect existing sales contracts while the online entities (may) skirt OEM marketing rules.

 

[D2Cat]

I like owning models of equipment that are popular and have been in production for a while so lots of parts are usually available from many sources. And if you get a machine with something like a Yanmar or Perkins engine you can get parts just about anywhere for those.

Those engines may have been around for a while, and parts are available. My experience, at least with Perkins, is not any less expensive than other dealers. And now they are so old the EPA doesn't allow them to be imported as whole engines. Yes, for an engine rebuild, you can get parts and then the cost of sleeve removal and set up is much higher than say a Kubota.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Generally the Amazon and eBay sellers are dealers, not OEM's. Many have set up stand alone businesses sheltered from brick & mortar dealerships to protect existing sales contracts while the online entities (may) skirt OEM marketing rules.

If your buying parts on Amazon at this point, your likely paying more than buying from a dealer directly. (we sell some on there). Amazon adds about 14% in fee's. Same with eBay, but they are 10-12%.