Dealer Dealers: How has the Economy Affected You & Kubota Corp.

[Tom_H]

With all the drama regarding the auto industry, I have been wondering how tough things have been for tractor dealers. With GM shedding four divisions, I have wondered if Kubota (as well as other tractor manufacturers) have been considering slimming down their lineup of models.

Any dealers feel free to let us "feel your pain." Anyone who's talked to a dealer on this topic please feel free to share as well.

 

[tommyz270]

I was talking to a salesperson (so take this with a grain of salt) and he said the last 2 months have been the best in years.

Personally I think, and he also said, it's because people are starting to go back to their roots, planting gardens, doing things around their home (since they can't sell it) and they are buying tractors to do that work.

Look forward to hearing other inputs..

 

[BigD23]

I was talking to a salesperson (so take this with a grain of salt) and he said the last 2 months have been the best in years.

Personally I think, and he also said, it's because people are starting to go back to their roots, planting gardens, doing things around their home (since they can't sell it) and they are buying tractors to do that work.

Look forward to hearing other inputs..

Plus, it's that time of the year to start planting gardens and it's better weather to work around the place equipment wise.

Don

 

[Taiser]

No dealers have gone out of business here that I can think of, kubota, JD, CC...and we're a pretty small market too! Most of the dealers here though have other busineses attached to the tractor one though, like ATV's, RV's etc...

 

[gotcha]

Our local dealer says that the sales are down about 4 /4.5% but the service area has doubled in servicing and they have actually hire new techs in the shop. They say that service is a very large part of their income.
The Gotcha Man

 

[argeaux]

In the last week, I have walked onto two Kubota dealer lots and spent at least 30 minutes looking at models, then walking into the showroom and picking up brochures. Not once did anyone at the dealership approach me or ask me if I needed help. Actually, I didn't see anyone around that seemed to have any interest in selling anything, so I walked off. Interestingly enough, I walked onto the lot of a New Holland dealer and they came right out and talked to me: even gave me directions to the Kubota dealer when I asked. I guess business for Kubota in Arkansas is so great they don't need any new customers!

 

[tommyz270]

Argeaux - "central Arkansas"?? Are you referring to Springdale? That's where I've been going

Not sure if they are really having the best 2 months, but I can tell you 2 used BX's and a used 7500 have been sold within the last week or so since I've been there (about 4 times)

 

[argeaux]

I went to the Kubota dealers in Glenwood and Hot Springs. Both of them ignored me. I don't know if they have one of those "Saturn-type" deals where they don't hassle the buyer or what, but I did everything short of drive off in one of the tractors and nobody seemed to want to assist me. No big deal - I didn't actually ask for assistance but I'm used to being accosted when I walk onto a car lot. Maybe it's different for tractors?

 

[bigdad]

I was talking to my dealer the other day (after I finally located a salesman) and asked how business was and he said that the farmers don't seem to be affected by this "Slump" we are in since they just had two good years. They are buying.

He did say that they have several brand new, two year old four wheelers etc.

He sold me a tiller.

 

[MikeInEburg]

Not once did anyone at the dealership approach me or ask me if I needed help. Actually, I didn't see anyone around that seemed to have any interest in selling anything, so I walked off.

I didn't actually ask for assistance but I'm used to being accosted when I walk onto a car lot. Maybe it's different for tractors?

I think that many of us PREFER that our tractor dealer doesn't feel like an automobile showroom. Here's how I've handled this in the past: I walk up to the receptionist or parts counter and say "I'm thinking about buying a tractor - do you have a salesperson available?". More than once they didn't so I was "stuck" talking with the dealership owner instead.

Mike