Dealer Deere protects arrogant dealers?

[two_bit_score]

My brother just finished up a battle with Deere and their wacky way of doing business. He wanted a ride along lawn mower. Lowes has it for their price, but doesn't offer financing. He also has a ten percent discount coupon for Lowes that brings the price down a few hundred dollars more.

He went to the Deere dealer and asked what the price was on the same exact lawn mower. It was a few hundred dollars more then the sticker price at Lowes. He told them what Lowes is selling it for and that he wanted them to match the price so he could finance it with Deere. They have great rates, but he's not going to pay $500 more for the same mower. The dealer said no, the price is the price and they cannot change it per Deere headquarters.

My brother contacted Deere with an email, then after a few weeks turned into a 3 way conference call with the headquarters and the dealer to set the price to match Lowes. He stuck with it and got the right person involved, but it's just amazing at how dificult it was to buy the mower from the dealer. It really makes you wonder what they are thinking.

Eddie

That is an interesting story. My observation is that the JD dealers prices have matched Lowes/HD on the mowers. The dealers your brother went to must be a real piece of work.

 

[ddivinia]

They base it on your address for financing, billing, etc.

D.

 

[Scooby074]

Eddie: what model mower was it? I was under the (seemingly incorrect) impression that Deere set the price that the big boxes could sell at? For the dealerships protection deere setting the price makes sense. I know that at least here, Home Depot and Deere have the same prices on the 100 series mowers.

 

[Ken45101]

Dealer is one of the reasons I went all JD. The Kubota guys here aren't much help.... I went elsewhere.

We have one Kubuta/Case/IH dealer like that. Fortunately, we also have three other Kubota dealers within reasonable distance and they are good to work with. And at least Kubuta doesn't try to force you to work with only one dealer.

Ken

 

[EddieWalker]

Eddie: what model mower was it?

I don't know. I saw it on the trailer, but it was dark out and now it's at his place. I'll have to ask him what the model number is, but he wasn't sure if it's 23 or 26hp. My zero turn is 26 hp, so I was mostly just curious of his oppinion between the two. He borrowed mine last week. His view was that the Scag was a faster, better mower, but he can drink beer on his Deere. There is also a $6,000 price difference between the two, as I think he said he paid around $2,000 for his.

Eddie

 

[Shantycoke]

I guess I've found out why some JD dealers can be arrogant.

A couple of months ago, I went into the local JD dealership, interested in skid steers (with joystick controls) and a 60 hp tractor. The salesman did show me what they had in skid steers, but had nothing to show me with hand or joystick controls nor could he locate one for me to even get a feel for how it handles even in the dealer's lot.

When I asked about 50-60 hp tractors, he told me they were "in that direction". Go look for myself, no salesmanship at all.

I ended up going to the local Kubota/NH dealer who was happy to spend time with me over several days, set up both Kubota and NH tractors side by side so that I could compare them closely. I finally decided on a NH TT-60, it's in my barn now.

I finally found a Deere forestry dealer a little futher away who has exactly the Deere skid steer I am interested in. He is even willing to bring it to the farm for me to try out. BUT because of Deere's dealer protected areas, he will get penalized 10% if he sells to me.

Geesh, Deere thinks I should order out of a brochure instead of dealing with a good dealership who is willing to work with me?

Oh, did I mention that I already had a JCB demo unit here for two days and the NH dealer has offered to let me try one out for a few days? But Deere expects me to commit to a purchase just on their glossy brochure?

I'm getting really turned off at Deere's approach to serving customer's needs. As as (small) Deere stockholder, I'm wondering if this is really a company that I want to invest in.

One of the reasons I have had three Kubota tractors and never a John Deere is because of the arrogance of our local dealer. May even be the same one you dealt with. I know I've cost him a mint due to the fact I tell everyone I know in the market for a tractor about him. Funny thing is, is the fact that many others have told me stories of similar dealings with him.
Pat

 

[DieselnHooters]

We have one Kubuta/Case/IH dealer like that. Fortunately, we also have three other Kubota dealers within reasonable distance and they are good to work with. And at least Kubuta doesn't try to force you to work with only one dealer.

Ken

They do here in Canada

 

[LBrown59]

We have one Kubuta/Case/IH dealer like that. Fortunately, we also have three other Kubota dealers within reasonable distance and they are good to work with. And at least Kubuta doesn't try to force you to work with only one dealer.

Ken

What county is this in?

 

[LBrown59]

What county are yuou in?

One of the reasons I have had three Kubota tractors and never a John Deere is because of the arrogance of our local dealer. May even be the same one you dealt with. I know I've cost him a mint due to the fact I tell everyone I know in the market for a tractor about him. Funny thing is, is the fact that many others have told me stories of similar dealings with him.
Pat

How's he staying in business then?

 

[Shantycoke]

What county are yuou in?
How's he staying in business then?

He stays in business because he sells John Deere. Folks have been buying Deere equipment for generations, and I'm sure, without a doubt, that if he didn't have the John Deere name on his sign in front of his dealership he would be struggling. Around here, you look in hay fields this time of year, you'll most likely see an old green tractor that did the work, and a fella is likely to buy the same brand of equipment that his dad or grandpa used to put up hay, corn or whatever. Daddy handed this fella the business, and he grew up knowing he had a following. Also, some folks are more tolerant of a horses rear end than I am. A fella puts it to me one time, and then I spend my money elsewhere. It seems that I have some beef with J.D., which I don't. Just the local dealer.
Pat

 

[two_bit_score]

I bought a JD 110 TLB last year and thought I had a problem with the dealer I bought it from. I live several hours away from where my farm is located and had looked at the 110's at several dealers including one where my cousin was a salesman. I had never delt with the salesman at the dealership where I bought the tractor and for some reason we just got off on the wrong foot. To make a long story short I had some problems right after I bought it and the dealer's service was above and beyond expectations. I've also since gotten very good service and a good price on a set of pallet forks.

All that was said to make a simple point - sometimes it's just a communication problem or unrealistic expectations in some circumstances. Are some dealers or salesmen jersks? Sure. Are some customers unrealistic? Sure.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Dealer is one of the reasons I went all JD. The Kubota guys here aren't much help. Seems like employee of the week, etc. I went elsewhere.

D.

Ditto.....I seriously shopped Kubota and felt the same way with my kubota dealer here, I didnt get treated the way I felt I should have been...basically I got the feeling that I was just there kicking tires and wasnt seriously shopping. My favorite part of my shopping experience (after delivery of my 3520) was when I bumped into the Kubota salesman...he asked me how my shopping was going with a dirty grin on his face...you should have seen the look on his face when I told them my shiny new 3520 Cab was delivered "last week"..

Is not just JD, all colors have bad apple dealers...

 

[Uncle Wayne]

In my area of North Alabama I have 6 JD dealers within 50 miles of my home. While I was shopping for a tractor, I really wanted a JD but also considered Kioti, Kubota and New Holland. I'll have to say each one of them wanted to work with me. Some were more willing to talk than others but all of them wanted my business.

I ended up trading with an independent JD (of Tri Green ) dealer and have been very happy with the deal and service after the sale.

 

[ctlguy]

My brother just finished up a battle with Deere and their wacky way of doing business. He wanted a ride along lawn mower. Lowes has it for their price, but doesn't offer financing. He also has a ten percent discount coupon for Lowes that brings the price down a few hundred dollars more.

He went to the Deere dealer and asked what the price was on the same exact lawn mower. It was a few hundred dollars more then the sticker price at Lowes. He told them what Lowes is selling it for and that he wanted them to match the price so he could finance it with Deere. They have great rates, but he's not going to pay $500 more for the same mower. The dealer said no, the price is the price and they cannot change it per Deere headquarters.

My brother contacted Deere with an email, then after a few weeks turned into a 3 way conference call with the headquarters and the dealer to set the price to match Lowes. He stuck with it and got the right person involved, but it's just amazing at how dificult it was to buy the mower from the dealer. It really makes you wonder what they are thinking.

Eddie

the 10% coupon offered at box stores does cause a price discrepency. Unfortunately for a commision paid salesman (not all are that way) knocking 10% of a 100 series mower probably is not worth his/her time as they still need to put groceries on thier table. What you do get from a dealer ( although no 10% coupon) is the JD Promise option you have 30 days to return for ANY reason. And will either get your money back or the dollars available for another purchase. The dealer isn't really out they get some $ from Deere and resell the unit as used. Try doing that at a box store !! Some dealers have a better relationship with their box stores than others and chances are good that the closest dealer is getting some money regardless of who you get it from for the set up.

 

[Ken45101]

the 10% coupon offered at box stores does cause a price discrepency. Unfortunately for a commision paid salesman (not all are that way) knocking 10% of a 100 series mower probably is not worth his/her time as they still need to put groceries on thier table. What you do get from a dealer ( although no 10% coupon) is the JD Promise option you have 30 days to return for ANY reason. And will either get your money back or the dollars available for another purchase. The dealer isn't really out they get some $ from Deere and resell the unit as used. Try doing that at a box store !! Some dealers have a better relationship with their box stores than others and chances are good that the closest dealer is getting some money regardless of who you get it from for the set up.

Hmmm, interesting. The local Deere dealer never mentioned the 30 day thing. Another ding for Deere.

Since I'm the one who started this thread, I'll add an update. I've come to the conclusion that I certainly don't like the way Deere operates, trying to force you to deal with a dealer who doesn't have what you want to look at, and doesn't want to be bothered with you, yet another dealer who does have what you want, can't sell to you because you are out of his territory. Bottom line, I'm buying a New Holland skid steer. NH dealers work better with customers and NH let's them sell to interested customers. Deere has lost two sales now to me because of the local dealership.

 

[ddivinia]

I agree - vote with your wallet. I won't buy a JD skid steer either due to that crap.

Did you look at the Takeuchi?

D.

 

[Ken45101]

I agree - vote with your wallet. I won't buy a JD skid steer either due to that crap.

Did you look at the Takeuchi?

D.

Takeuchi doesn't make wheeled skid steers AFAIK, just tracked ones. I didn't want to go the CTL route (cost, traction in greasy mud or snow, and maintenance.)

Interestingly, the closest Take dealer I knew about was Columbus Ohio. Today in the mail I get a flyer from a Cincinnati Take dealer.

 

[ddivinia]

Takeuchi doesn't make wheeled skid steers AFAIK, just tracked ones. I didn't want to go the CTL route (cost, traction in greasy mud or snow, and maintenance.)

Interestingly, the closest Take dealer I knew about was Columbus Ohio. Today in the mail I get a flyer from a Cincinnati Take dealer.

Right - track only.

Not sure if you are considering a used one. I have been watching iron planet closely. They have inspection reports, etc.

IronPlanet - Used Heavy Construction Equipment - Auction - Backhoes Dozers Excavators Farm Tractors - Caterpillar John Deere Case Komatsu for sale

D.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

.... I've come to the conclusion that I certainly don't like the way Deere operates, trying to force you to deal with a dealer who doesn't have what you want to look at, and doesn't want to be bothered with you, yet another dealer who does have what you want, can't sell to you because you are out of his territory.

Question... I was under the impression the protected territories were only on the construction side of the house, just like Caterpillar. In my case its really a non issue because ALL the construction dealers are the same...Nortrax. That being said, I thought the Skid Steers (and compact equipment) were available to the AG side of the house which isnt protected. I know around here there are dealers close enough to each other a person could debate "who's local" based on which way they drive..for example, 30 Minutes North, 15 Minutes East and 30 Minutes South i'm at 3 DIFFERENT JD dealers. Who's territory is what?

Comment... I wouldnt go so far as to say Deere is allowing the sub-par dealer tactics...be it on a Skid Steer or a Budget priced Riding Mower. I can relay personal experience in dealing on an Orange one. IMO if you want to be color blind, then be prepared to deal with service like this. Me...I bought a tractor which is at an EXCELLENTLY supported site, I love the dealer,

Great Dealer = Great Product

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

It was explained to me last year that the local dealer gets a discount and can pass it on. The faraway dealer gets no discount rebate. Thus, the higher price.