Hozzie, yes there can be a multitude of reasons for price increases but that is not my argument. The jist of "0'% as a marketing scheme,
Wow. So much incorrect information in one place....yes, companies use 0% offers to attract business. In that sense, you could call it a marketing scheme.
Thousands of people save millions of dollars getting zero percent. Those people tend to have excellent credit. The rub is not what you think. People with bad credit don't get the zero percent. Are the dealerships taking a loss? No! They are moving product and getting better rates on floor plan and more inventory. Profits come from ancillary sales like parts, accessories and labor.
Even if you took your assumption at face value, the price increases are across the board. That means your 'cash' price would be subsidizing my zero percent. Thanks, BTW.
I also found it rich that the only honest truck or car salesman in the country just happens to post here. My point is not to disparage you but to have you take a step back and consider you words more carefully. Assume positive intent in others. Not everyone has $50k to drop in cash on a tractor (or truck). Zero percent allows people to buy and dealerships to sell more tractors. Not everyone who has a zero percent deal is in League with evil intent on consuming the souls of their victims. Most are offering a service. Think of it like a modern computer printer. The prices are very low. Many are likely sold at a loss. They make money on the ink/toner.
Dealers want your business. The odds are better than 50% that people who get a tractor from that dealer will buy more things from the same dealer.
I spent most of my adult life in the lending business. 4-5 years of it was small business lending, including AG loans. Lots of people get zero percent. The government makes banks balance risk and zero % helps them get financially secure people to finance rather than pay cash. They may not make money directly on that loan, but that loan will allow the bank to make a higher risk loan to another customer at a higher rate. Oddly enough, the government also forces banks to make those riskier loans. It is not a scam, it is risk mitigation and benefits both the lenders and the borrowers... and the dealers.
Seriously, you sound very angry. Life is too short to get upset about misinformation. Take a walk, hug your kids, do whatever helps you relax.
Peace -T