Buying local vs out-of-state

MikeFLA · Apr 9, 2002

Buying from Carver was never a consideration for me.

When I have a problem with my tractor that is "questionable", as to whether it is warrantable or not, the relationship that I have built with my local dealer will no doubt become very important.

I have many years in the marine industry, and have seen time and time again the local dealer go to bat for a customer even when the warranty was "officially" up. I don't have extra money to throw around, but some up front money spent on my local dealer is money well spent, in my mind.

I am also completely comfortable popping in to the service area of my dealer and asking the technician’s a question any time I want.

I recently bought a B7500 from my local dealer and I also felt good about contributing to our local economy.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

Roy,

Your numbers are nearly identical to what I have gotten. At least these guys are consistent. I going to spend some time on the phone tomorrow giving the local guys a last shot and if they can't compete I'm going to Carver. Thanks to everyone for all the info and I'll let you know what happens on this thread tomorrow.

Fernbank

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

Mike,

You hit the nail on the head. Problem is I am not yet convinced that my dealer will go to bat for me. If I was then the decision would be easier. They seem very good but I am just not sure. And I have not been able to find other customers locally that have used this dealer. They are fairly small but have been selling Kubota's since the seventies. I just posted a minute ago that I'm goint to go with Carver if my local guy doesn't match (or come close). But you're comments are making me reconsider. I just want to get this tractor and move on!!!!

We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Fernbank

fsbigcountry · Apr 9, 2002

fern, I just bought a L3010W/loader, ag tires, gst tranny for 15,400 in E.texas. It is not a large dealer but he was still a little higher than 2nd closest. I wonder why prices are higer in northeast? Looks like my price & carvers were close, makes me feel better about my deal. tough decision though 1600$ is alot if your a "po boy" like me.

Jeff396 · Apr 10, 2002

I'm still waiting on a phone call from my local dealer. Last we left it he was looking into what could be done about getting some Turf tires for the B7500 in the showroom. That was in September I think. The odds on me trusting them with any kind of service are slim to none. I'd rather drive a few hours each way than send any dollars their way./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

Carver convinced me that R4's were the way to go for my use and that if I didn't like them they would swap them out....no problem. Night and Day!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff

theboman · Apr 10, 2002

From one of the local dealers. I service tractors (Kubota) that were bought elsewhere. This includes repairs, maintenance and warranty work, however he places higher priority on the tractors he's sold.

MikePA · Apr 10, 2002

Perhaps one of the dealers can chime in here...Do most dealers run their sales, parts and service departments as separate profit centers? While I understand they'd like the sale, why would any dealer turn down making profits in their parts and service departments?

Anonymous Poster · Apr 10, 2002

Well.... I did it! I placed the order for an L3010 HST w/ FEL with Carver today. I spoke to two local dealers and they were just unable to move any lower. I spoke very frankly with both of them, saying that I really, really want to buy this tractor locally. But they stood their ground. Carver is $1800 cheaper then any deal I could get locally (that includes the tax advantage). That was just too much of a savings to walk away from. I think both the local dealers understood my dilemma but in the end they were just not able to adjust. It seems like there may be a shakeout in how these tractors are sold and warranteed. Carver has a pretty good deal since he can send out these tractors at bargain-basement prices knowing that he will never have to deal with warranty issues for most of the tractors he sells. And both these dealers said they make no money on warranty work. But these machines (at least historically) have very few warrranty issues so it seems like it should not be that big a burden on the local guys.

Anyway.... after a lot of flip-flopping I decided to take the savings and live with the consequences of not having the close local dealer relationship that everyone thinks is so important. I can't wait for April 22nd..... delivery day!!!

Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread. It really helped!!!

Carl_NH · Apr 10, 2002

Congratulations and Good Luck with your purchase.. I did the same evaluation in NH two years ago Mears Tractor, vs Carver, and my local dealer. I have attached spreadsheet L3010, L3000, B2710 and B321TLB, with Carver being the lowest in all cases, however the local dealer gave the best end of the day deal plus picks up and delivers for service etc N/C.

Also I had cylinder leakage issue described and was solved tho I did remove and take for seal replacement. I don't mind when the delta is $2-300 also I was after a TLB and these can be pricey esp for the hoe portion where there seems to be a lot of margin in the aftermarket..

Have Patience Apr 22 is 12 days,

Carl

Anonymous Poster · Apr 11, 2002

Our Service Mission Statement encourages shoppers to be careful and weigh their options and place of purchase with lots of thought.

Since we started our website-->> at http://carverequipment.com/repairs.htm

We start by saying...
.
First ... If you have no experience with a product and feel that you have a high likelihood of needing in-shop warranty repairs within two or three years... You should always remember that the cost of transporting the equipment to the shop is not covered by warranty and the balance of repairs may be limited to certain items.

Second ... If you plan to PUSH YOUR EQUIPMENT TO THE MAX and continually test its max. Stress levels and / or WILL PLAN TO OPERATE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS THAT WILL REQUIRE IMMEDIATE SERVICE REPAIRS for you to keep promises to your retail customers, Your chances to need warranty covered (internal -- in side shop repairs) will rise accordingly.

But you should know, now, damages and needed repairs caused by misuse, neglect, accident, poor service or your part will not be covered and you'll have to pay the full cost of repairs. You should always take good care to protect yourself from these issues and potential cost.

Purchase the right sized equipment, keep or maintenance records; keep a preventive maintenance program in place and active.

Third ... If you plan to purchase a unit that has not established itself as "problem free" requiring little or no potential "new product" service concerns.

Fourth ... If any of the above issues are ... YOU.

We suggest that you purchase the equipment from a retailer with excellent service reputation as near enough to your location to cover your concerns.

We suggest that you purchase from a retailer that has a service facility that can quickly repair the products and has the capability of providing you a rental unit while the repairs are being made.

and for all the others folks...... lots more info at -> http://carverequipment.com/repairs.htm BECAUSE We really do want YOUR business.

Happy shopping and please be careful.
Steve