Dealers: how does mahindra do it and why do we pt up with it?

[sea2summit]

It happens with Kubota also. I've tried contacting numerous dealers in three states and none of them want to return calls or email much less give out a price. It took camping out at the local dealer until salesman came back from service and lunch for me to order my tractor.
The problem might be with over demand and no supply.

Lot of truth in this. The market also, not many folks are going to drive long distances for tractors they can’t drive home.

 

[3Ts]

I thought I was the only crazy person that moved my Kubota. Four states and counting…opposing corners of the country even!

3 states here - From Florida to Maryland to Texas.
The dealer I bought it from went out of business shortly after I bought it. So no dealer support, however, it hasn't needed much and parts are available on-line or thru other dealers that are much father away. Still running 35 years later.

 

[shooterdon]

I don't think it is only Mahindra dealers, even though my local dealer is next to useless. He treated me like crap and I was ready to spend over $35k.

I have had poor experiences with the local JD.

Some folks here poo-poo those of us who shop dealers as well as equipment and who prefer to buy new so we have a decent servicing dealer.

Your experience is not unique and a lesson to others who try to save a money or pick the closest dealer.

What is puzzling is why dealers do not care. After purchasing my tractor, I spent almost another $15k buying stuff from my LS dealer. He is one of the really good ones.

 

[Torvy]

Good point Shooterdon . Another thing to take onto account! I think it is very useful to find out things like how long your dealership has been there. Same ownership? Same franchise? How about the lead mechanic? Look at help wanted signs. If they are always looking for employees (relative to local norms) and are not doing so to expand, maybe look elsewhere.

I cannot speak to modern tractor brands, but in the old days it took more than a checkbook to get a franchise from better manufacturers. The 'independent' dealers can well and truly sully the name of an otherwise good make.

Does anyone have any insight into the modern makes and their franchisee expectations?

 

[Have tractor did travel]

Sea2, While living in Virginia, I bought the tractor (used) in Massachusetts on our way to Canada. Left Canada and worked it in North Carolina, then to Alabama, Arkansas, back to Canada and now, again, Virginia
Where is the "left" coast of Georgia ?

 

[BlackOps]

well i was interested in kubota; however, the owner was jerk and knew notta and could care less about the sale and the only salesman they had just keptincreasing the price over a 3 day period so i said forget it. and deere did not impress me for my needs. so...

i could not build one myself i had to buy. i figured i'd get some wise guy replies.

 

[Hay Dude]

well i was interested in kubota; however, the owner was jerk and knew notta and could care less about the sale and the only salesman they had just keptincreasing the price over a 3 day period so i said forget it. and deere did not impress me for my needs. so...

i could not build one myself i had to buy. i figured i'd get some wise guy replies.

Dealers are important, but the personality of the salesman or the dealer? Not so much. (You got jerked around on price, that’s a deal killer for me, so I agree). Yeah sure it’s a few steps you have to go through with sales department, but soon the tractor will be home, then you are dealing primarily with service and parts departments
I got connected with a dealer and a specific salesman who is a bit “different” sort of aloof and lacking some social skills. I questioned those who referred me to him.
That was 10+ years ago and I understand why they suggested him. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful and stands by his product. He has good ideas and suggestions. He has sent customers to me.

I guess what I’m saying is, if there’s a specific brand or model you want and the salesmans aftershave smells funny, it ain’t a big deal- especially if they have good support and you really like the tractor.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

Torvy, I can't speak to tractor dealerships and their manufacturer connection, but I can sure speak to dealership/manufacturer relationships in other businesses.
Today, in any market, every good equipment dealership has a tractor line - the good lines. John Deere, Kubota, Case. So if a manufacturer new to the market is looking for a dealership, it has to choose from someone who wants to get into the business (remember 95% of new businesses fail within 5 years), or try to convince a "Kubota" dealership (for example) to take on it's line. What the late arrival manufacturers have is the runts of the litter from which to choose.
Then there is the "salesman" issue. Many have written of issues with no call backs, no knowledge, not caring. If you're a good salesman, you want to associate with a dealership that has inventory, good service, and will be around for years - again, look at the name brands. If a man's looking for a job, a few square feet of floor to stand on, selling an off brand brings in the pittance each week - which may be all the "salesman" is worth.
I much prefer to buy used from the owner - then I don't have to deal with fools that have reached their level of incompetence.

 

[Hay Dude]

Torvy, I can't speak to tractor dealerships and their manufacturer connection, but I can sure speak to dealership/manufacturer relationships in other businesses.
Today, in any market, every good equipment dealership has a tractor line - the good lines. John Deere, Kubota, Case. So if a manufacturer new to the market is looking for a dealership, it has to choose from someone who wants to get into the business (remember 95% of new businesses fail within 5 years), or try to convince a "Kubota" dealership (for example) to take on it's line. What the late arrival manufacturers have is the runts of the litter from which to choose.
Then there is the "salesman" issue. Many have written of issues with no call backs, no knowledge, not caring. If you're a good salesman, you want to associate with a dealership that has inventory, good service, and will be around for years - again, look at the name brands. If a man's looking for a job, a few square feet of floor to stand on, selling an off brand brings in the pittance each week - which may be all the "salesman" is worth.
I much prefer to buy used from the owner - then I don't have to deal with fools that have reached their level of incompetence.

Yeah I always prefer a solid used tractor at about 1/2 the price.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is why I'm very nervous about Mahindra. I'm hoping to buy a used cab tractor in the near future and the Mahindra 105P sure has a lot to offer for the price. But they seem to age quickly and I don't have any confidence in the different dealers that have been here. Some have been around for awhile, others only last a year or two.

Branson is the worse I've encountered.

Case also scares me because of the issues I've had finding parts for my Case Dozer.

Everyone I know who has Deere and Kubota have told me that the dealers have been great.

I'm leaning heavily towards Kubota.