Dealer Dealer Needs Feedback

[MadDog]

Will be happy to speak to this since I just ordered a
b7800 and various implements adding up to about $24K.

I had done a good deal of research online and had the specs for all the models that I was considering (from BX through entire B line), but I still needed the benefit of some experience as to my size and power needs in light of my intended uses. I got most of that from the folks here and some from my local dealers. I found that I knew more about the products and their features than some of the dealers I spoke to and that wasn"t a plus for them.

When I thought that I knew just what I wanted (it changed and I ended up going "bigger" later -- bet that's not a new tale /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) I checked "real pricing" on the pricing thread here. While I understand that market conditions, prices and dealer costs vary regionally, dealers should be aware that this info is available to knowleadgeable buyers and be prepared to justfy their prices if significantly higher than those benchmarks.

I than called five dealers in the area and asked for quotes. Most of them were within about 5% of each other but one (from a dealer 120 or so miles away from metro Boston where I am, who was suggested by one of our members, who had bought a 3130 from him) was substantially lower. In fact, if you took acount of the extras that he was willing to include without further charge (tires filled w/Rim-guard, halogen working lights, block heater, toothbar and chain hooks for FEL) he was below the "great price" benchmark for tractot, FEL and MMM.

I then took a "road trip" to see his dealership and meet him in person, because even if the price is great, I won't do big$ business with anyone unless I am comfortable with his integrity and his operation looks sound. The dealer and his site impressed me and when he confirmed that he would deliver w/out charge and, if any warranty work became necessary, would pick up and deliver ditto, struck a deal for a B7610.

Later, I reconsidered perhaps going to the B7800 and he was very helpful w/ my questions. I asked for and got a revised quote on the same basic package, but w/ B7800, the larger 402FEL and toothbar for $2k above B7610 package, and we're in business on that.

For me, the most important considerations, in order of their importance to me, were:

1. Dealer integrity and stability.
2. PRICE.
3. Knowledge of product and candor/helpfulness.
4. Convenience of dealer location.

The last has some, but only modest significance; certainly not enough to make me willing to pay $2500 or so more to my local dealer. What it boils down to is: BE HONEST, BE COMPETITIVE, KNOW YOUR PRDUCT, BE WILLING TO GIVE SUPPORT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.

Hope this helps. Good luck. Good dealers are a benefit to us all and make $ for themselves.

 

[rdam]

While shopping tractors, I had a couple dealers "highball" their price by giving me the exact MSRP (after much paper shuffling and calculator work).

Personally, I wouldn't return to those dealers to buy a filter. They "tried" me. Checked to see if I had done my homework. I had.

The dealer I purchased from gave me fair, up-front pricing. He was rewarded with a quick sale and little "sales" time invested on his part. He moves a tractor quick, makes a fair profit, and develops a satisfied customer who will likeley return for parts/service/sales because he feels he was treated fairly. He is also rewarded with my continued recommendation.

 

[Moon]

Lots of good feedback so far, and I concur with about all of it. Price is of utmost improtance. If the price isn't in the 'ballpark' after doing internet research I wouldn't even bother going to the dealer. As it turned out I had two dealers fairly close who were within a two hundred dollars of each other for a Grand L 3010, FEL, RFM and 6' BB. One of the salesman was an excar salesman. I thought I saw the owner at the place but he didn't even try to wait on me. He had me wait until the excar salesman dude was done with an ATV customer. At the other dealership I dealt with the owner. The excar salesman's place was closer and had been in the area for a long time, but the salesman was pushy. I bought from the other dealership. I'd rather deal with a laid back, just the facts person then a talkative, pushy saleman type. The whole point of this post is, if you own the dealership, don't hire a wiz bang type of salesman and hope that will enable you to charge more for your product to pay his salary ...and sell more merchandise. I think the internet has taken the power of BS'ing out of the salesjerks hands. It is much easier nowdays to check facts and figures on whatever the dealers tell you. So, be honest and up front with folks and word of mouth will help your business grow.

 

[frank_f15]

don't want to be negative here , but u registered in july of 03 and just got around to posting a question? seems to me, that most of the questions u asked should have been ansered buy the manufacture of the machines u will deal in.not knowing what area of the country u ar in, i will just say, HONESTY, price and service., doest not really matter what area u are in, those 3 will make or break any business

 

[fishdoc]

Junkman: The problem with an ER visit when dealing with honest people and those who will and can pay is that they are covering the 50% that can't or won't pay. Chances are excellent in this country that your ER doctor never knows how much is charged to you the customer. First, we do what has to be done. (about 80% of the people have no real emergency). Then we do all the stupid paperwork. You go home ticked off that you had to wait 3 hours to get a tetanus shot and four sutures to sew up the cut from the table saw. You get a bill for my services sent to you by a company I work for in another state. I have given them power of attorney to determine their fee and to collect it from you. I never see it or touch it. They pay me an hourly rate whether I'm sitting there surfing the net or busting my **** with very sick people. Then you get a bill from the hospital for the nursing services and equipment and things like that. All in all the bill is way too high but again, you have to pay because half the people that day didn't. Why didn't they pay? 1. can't squeeze blood from a turnip. 2. can't track someone down who gives a false address 3. NO ENGLISH 4. I'm not going to pay that **** it.

The easiest way to avoid paying for an ER visit: Make sure no one knows you. Tell them you don't have your wallet. Tell them you don't have a phone and don't work. Give them a false address or if you have no pride tell them you are homeless...... voila...... free ER service.

Of course my point is that the only way a customer knows they are getting the best price is to shop with cash in hand. When I buy a car or truck the dealer always seems nice and pleasant selling at that price........ and they are never likely to see me again........ They profited from their encounter with me. Same with a tractor. A dealer will sell me a tractor and they will do it with a smile..... because we all know they will make whatever it is they do. They are not going to leave the transaction thinking, "I can't believe I let him rip me off". The only way to find that low price is to face rejection at several other places. As salesmen know....... the average consumer can't stand to be rejected........ many pay sticker price.... everyone is happy.

When I was in private practice I would have been glad to negotiate price on anything. I find myself working in an envirnment where I don't have that choice...... of course I have made that choice.......

Just stating the obvious.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You get a bill for my services sent to you by a company I work for in another state )</font>

And besides being very high priced to cover the cost of those who do not pay, you'll be extremely lucky if the bill is only for those services provided (according to one study published in AARPs magazine your chances are less than 10%). /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I got a threatening notice in the mail yesterday from a collection agency for a radiologist saying the account was "seriously past due" for $11.34. Since we never received any such bill, I called today and was told they didn't understand that because their computer system generates a first bill, a second bill, then a past due bill before it generates the "collection agency" bill. This particular bill of $11.34 was for service rendered in August (and we've paid the same radiologist several hundred dollars for bills sent since then), but then the lady also said there were 3 other "unpaid" bills for September and October, so the total is over $250. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif If they can't get the bill right, makes you wonder if the doctor got the treatment right. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[grainger12002]

See that: Ktcmah-you are getting /forums/images/graemlins/blush.giffeedback already....Aint the internet grand !!!!!!

 

[SilverBullit]

With the vast availability of prices and information on the net, price has moved from third or fourth on the list to number one in many peoples mind. Why is that you might ask, in my mind its the by product of the mega retailers making it increasing difficult for the independent business person to make a living.

Those business people which hire good help, pay attention to their customers needs and wants will continue to carve a niche out of the marketplace. Those who ignore these issues either will never get the customer in the door to begin with and/or never make a sale.

Profit is a funny thing, everyone needs to make a profit to remain open, however customer are reluctant to pay too much. I read a article about Ford Motor Co making 7-8,000 per copy of the Crown Vic, I am sure the dealer who makes $200-300 when he sell one is greatly comforted.

I am sure many dealers can remember when they made $2,000-2,500 on a $20,000 sale, today they probably sell tractors to generate trade ins, service business and aftermarket part/acc business.

Good, honest, independent business people in almost every field is a rare commodity. I like the personal approach, the dealer who remembers my name, calls or mails me product info on a regular basis and most importantly appreciates my business.

Selling is a art and a profession, the ex-used car guys will never last long enough to ever see any repeat business.

The thoughts put forth on this subject all have good merit, I hope the dealers in my area read some of them!

 

[BillyP]

<font color="blue"> What factors make up "the best deal" to you?
</font>


The answer to this one question will answer all/any question you may have, as a good dealer. It's package deal any way you look at it.

To get the best deal you will have to find the dealer that will...

1) Have knowledgeable sales personnel.
2) A top notch service crew (mechanics and parts).
3) Stand behind what you sell. (go to bat for the buyer when called on).
4) Be as fair on pricing as you can.

If you meet all 4 of the above, you will succeed.

 

[fishdoc]

Bird: I certainly will not defend the system as it is...... we all know that the health care system as it exists in this country is going down the tubes. Billing mistakes made by high school graduates who cain't reed or rite are completely different than the doc working hard everyday to do his or her best....... at least that is the way I see it. I can't fix the system but I can do a great job when I work.

I am the way I am with my money because I come from family who never had any. My father taught me well that you can walk in a car dealer and pay what they tell you or you can work hard and learn what they will really sell it for. We all know they can do it this way because for every unit they make a small profit on there are several units sold at sticker price with 250 dollar pin stripes and 300 dollar floor mats. My thanks to all those that pay sticker price for fully loaded vehicles.

I made a trip to a local New Holland dealer and guess what....... the parts man checked around and came back with a card and said, "no one is around right now..... check back in an hour" They get no second chance with me.

I avoid Wal Mart and K Mart when I can which is easy since it is a 1 hour drive to the closest one. 90% of my fishing tackle is bought from my favorite local bait and tackle shop and I gladly pay 25% more on a new rod and reel because they are nice folk and I want them to stay in business......

I guess the bottom line is I hate buying a new vehicle because of the people I have to encounter. I'm expecting the same experience with buying a tractor. I hope someone proves me wrong out there. I'll gladly pay more if someone impresses me with genuine people skills and honesty..... but I'm going in with all my defenses up.

My wife and I just went through buying a nice hot tub. It was like buying a car. All kinds of smoke and mirrors. I read for months on a forum and after we knew what we wanted and what a "real" price was we found a person willing to sell us what we wanted for the price we thought was fair. We are all happy........ and yes it's obvious I'm avoiding real work today.