Dealer Bad Dealer Experience.

[bigpete]

Hi, Keeney.

I'm not surprised at all that a JD dealer would be trying to sell you a JD hoe. It's a product that he can stand behind and a product that is specifically designed for your tractor by the company that made your tractor. I would consider the OEM subframe a requirement for your 4100 or my 4110. We have pretty small tractors for backhoes. Also, there's a fair possibility that you might have warranty issues, if you are still under warranty, that is. I have read a few warnings against 3-PH-mounted backhoes on small CUTS. You might note that your toplink is an integral mount as part of your tranny case, which would take a lot of stress from a BH. I'm sure that's why Deere designed the 46 as a sub-frame.

I don't disagree about a big shortcoming in the area of product information, but I sure wouldn't expect much different than what you received as far as sales tactics. You might not like the price or the fact he blew off you desire for a Wallenstein, but he might have been trying to sell you something that was the best for both you and his relationship/compensation from his franchise parent. If I really wanted something non-Deere, I wouldn't have high expectations that any Deere dealer to be very competitive. Just my take on your situation. Hope you get what you need.

 

[fgross335_2210]

How would you have felt if the dealer would have found you a few customers to talk to who are running the JD hoe? Seems like they could have a few "reference" customers to direct potential customers to for the items they don't normally stock like BH's. In turn when a customer acts as a reference they would get discounts on parts and accessories. Nothing sells better than customer testimonials! They should have an online database and know who their BH customers are.....

 

[bigpete]

Fred,

The only problem with your idea is that it makes too much sense. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Unfortunately, many tractor dealers think they are running a "land office" and every potential customer that leaves dissappointed will be replaced by another. Happy customers are a company's best selling asset. Some dealers get it, and some don't.

 

[jdeerestl]

I don't think I've ever had a good dealer experience (other than when they dropped off my tractor). The latest is shopping for a Frontier spreader. The guy says $518 final no negotiations - We walk out to the yard and its got a $483 price tag on it. And then I walk to my truck and left. I have a love/hate relationship with Deere dealers in my area. I love the green stuff they sell, but hate the people that sell it.

 

[bigpete]

I don't think I've ever had a good CAR dealer experience, but I know how they work and go in with plenty of info and low expectations as far as sincerity goes. They usually aren't too happy with me when I leave, but I know I typically end up with a fair deal.

I've never felt that way about my Deere dealer though, even though I have had to haggle for prices on just about everything I have purchased. I have purchased plenty of implements elsewhere just because I felt I knew more about the implement and didn't want to waste time educatiing them AND haggling.

On the flipside, I guess I just expect the aggravation of haggling if it's an OEM product that I need. It is not only tractor dealers who sell this way. I just try to be patient and go to a few dealers for comparison pricing. On something like a backhoe, I would be very patient until I knew the piece was right for me and the price was right. If it came in and I didn't like the way it fit or functioned, I would insist on my money back immedaitely, not a few months later. If you don't trust the dealer to take the unit back if you are not satified, have him put it in writing.

It is disheartening that most big-ticket retailers lack sincerity, but generally speaking, its just the way it is. When I stumble across the exception to the rule, it's an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Expect the worst, and everything else is bonus...