Why is it such a hassle?

[TJSlice]

I have recently decided to purchase a tractor for a new home we are building on 5 acres. I never knew there were so many different brands. With so much competition in the market, you would think companies would want to make the process as easy as possible.

Why then, is it such a chore just to get a quote from many companies? A starting point should be readily available on their websites. Some dealers have made it easier, and some harder. If I e-mail you with the specific tractor and attachments I want, what is the deal with the 20 questions and endless e-mails? I would argue that I shouldn't have to e-mail you at all. If I am shopping for a house, I know how much the owner is asking before I even go to see it. The same applies to a car.

Due to this, I have naturally gravitated toward a Branson and LS dealerships near me. Both of them have been extremely helpful and have priced out several options for me. At this point, I am 99% sure I am going to buy one of the two.

Also, why do tractor dealerships close down so early on Saturdays? For working stiffs, like me, I don't have any time to shop for a tractor during the week.

 

[oosik]

TJ - welcome to TBN and this forum. Maybe your location ???? might explain dealership hours. I've received prices from all the major tractor dealers in my local area with no hassle what-so-ever. Like you said - with so much competition they are eager to please. I've received price quotes via both email and in person.

I would be somewhat miffed if a request for a price quote was answered with an email full of questions. I pretty sure I would just move on.

 

[plowhog]

I would be somewhat miffed if a request for a price quote was answered with an email full of questions.

A few years ago I was a cash buyer dead set on buying a Kubota L6060 cab model. Budget for tractor and a few attachments was $55k. I had $100 dollar bills dripping out of my pockets in the showroom. I had gone online to "Build your Kubota" to spec out what I wanted. And after visiting three dealers, I received only one price quote. Full retail-- same as the Build your Kubota.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Tractors are highly configurable making it difficult to dealers to publish new tractor pricing, I would not expect that to change anytime soon. Your location also affects pricing as well as your dealers performance with their oem. Just too many variables (like the number of brands). That said many dealers need to have a better plan in place to deal with clientele that need some additional guidance.

 

[Diggin It]

For me, it would depend on the type of questions. Some are quite necessary. Sometimes phone calls work wonders too. I did both during my search. And my LS dealer is open most of the day on Saturdays.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't blame them for not responding to email inquiries. I am sure there are plenty of perpetual tire kickers, 13 year old kids who like tractors and other non buyers who flood them with emails. A phone request would be a better approach, and an actual visit to the dealership would be best. Not only that, an actual look at the tractor and test drive is much better than looking at pictures on the Internet.

The search should actually be a pleasant experience, and dealer visits are a part of that.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I have recently decided to purchase a tractor for a new home we are building on 5 acres. I never knew there were so many different brands. With so much competition in the market, you would think companies would want to make the process as easy as possible.

Why then, is it such a chore just to get a quote from many companies? A starting point should be readily available on their websites. Some dealers have made it easier, and some harder. If I e-mail you with the specific tractor and attachments I want, what is the deal with the 20 questions and endless e-mails? I would argue that I shouldn't have to e-mail you at all. If I am shopping for a house, I know how much the owner is asking before I even go to see it. The same applies to a car.

Due to this, I have naturally gravitated toward a Branson and LS dealerships near me. Both of them have been extremely helpful and have priced out several options for me. At this point, I am 99% sure I am going to buy one of the two.

Also, why do tractor dealerships close down so early on Saturdays? For working stiffs, like me, I don't have any time to shop for a tractor during the week.

I think you'll enjoy this thread froom 2014:https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...les-rant-3.html?highlight=manager#post3820373

 

[Deere Dude]

I would begin my original search by telling TBN members a general location and exactly what kind of work plans to be done with the tractor. Let them stew on it for a couple days then dissect their opinions. Pick the size and color along with attachments needed then go shopping. Go to 2 or 3 dealers close by and get an exact quote in person along with extras they may throw in. Pick the cheapest then write the check.

When I picked a tractor I went to a close blue dealership and the salesman asked what size I wanted. Oblivious to HP differences other than more is better, I said about that size over there and pointed to one. He knew I was a yokel and didn't take me seriously and I didn't want to waste his time either. I didn't know if I wanted a 25 horse or a 60 horse.

Eventually I just picked a JD tractor still not knowing what HP I needed or even wanted. Then I went to two dealerships and chose the one who gave me the best deal. But yes, talking to a dealer does suck a lot of time out of an already busy schedule.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I have emailed dealers and got NO response, then gave them a call.....got the " let me get your name and number and someone will call you back", told them I was going to buy a tractor in the next 2 days. It was bitter sweet when they finally called me back about a week later....I told them I had already purchased and had been using the tractor for the last 3 days. The sales guy was speechless.

 

[ultrarunner]

It was the same car shopping... only 1 of the 5 dealers even listened...

I was being transferred overseas and wanted to buy a new Euro Delivery BMW... only one dealer said here is your price for first week in May pickup... the others did not respond or wanted to sell me from inventory... I'm really going to buy a new car and park it in my garage for a year while in Europe.

The sad part is had I been in another part of the country I would not have had 5 dealers...

I own several used Deere... the Deere dealers here are AG and have little time for a Homeowner sale...