Dealer For $32.00 my dealer lost a sale

[DavesTractor]

Maka,

I think Dargo was just messing with you a little. I doubt he means that, if he does he is a little out of line in my opinion and owes you an apology.

I recently sold a tractor and made nothing on it. It was a trade-in and had a lot more wrong with it than expected. All little stuff, but it added up. I ended up selling it at a small loss, and I was silly enough to give a 30 day warranty. The customer called a few days later with a valid problem, a water pump leak had manifested itself after a few hours use. It is about a $400 problem with parts and labor and pickup and delivery. I am of course taking care of it. Now I am in the hole about $500 on this unit. My customer doesn't know this, nor does he need to. My retired dad was here and I was talking about this deal to him. He reminded me that it is my problem if I don't make enough profit to happily take care of the customer. Make enough to provide excellent service without hard feelings if something unexpected comes up. It's a good thing to remember.

On Neil's example, clearly selling the old tractor at cost, the customer was out of line. Hoepfully he will feel guilty and never bother Neil again.

 

[Dargo]

My customers send friends and family so I do take care of them quit well. Guys, I will let this one go since it is digressing quickly thanks to Dargo.

Maka

That's good, but I beg to differ with you about your insistance that there is no comparison. My company does business with just under 1000 auto, motorcycle, RV, boat and, yes, tractor dealers. I am more than familiar with the sales process in each of those areas and have been doing so for over 20 years. I simply pointed out that that you failed to read the part where I, without any doubt, noted that the gross profit levels cannot be considered the same, but the sales process most certainly is the same.

This is not something that I've made up, but what the nearly 1000 dealerships that do business with my company prove each and every day. You seem to want to digress and take offense to me pointing out to the general public how the profit structures are in a few retail industries. I have news for you; it's not really any big secret. You try to club me over the head and tell me something is is not true because you are afraid people may find out that tractor dealers must make a higher percentage of profit than most auto dealers, I'm going to very clearly point out the truth and why and that it's based on 20 years experience with nearly a thousand dealers. I'm not threatening to post factory costs of tractors on the internet. I'm simply telling it like it is. Besides, how do you think all the tens of thousands of small used car dealerships stay in business? I never said that profit is a dirty word and even pointed out that it is in the customer's best interest for their dealer to be there in the future. So, untie your panties and be happy in your little corner of the world of retail sales. From what you say, you do business exactly as I say; you make a fair profit and will be there in the future to take care of your customers.

 

[Big_Cajun]

I'm looking for that old-fashioned dealer as I search for a utility tractor also. I know that there are still some around, but I've run into one salesman who didn't have time for me and another who told me the reason to buy a JD over anything else is because they are JD.

The fellow that didn't have time literally told me "I don't have time to go out there with you, but help yourself." He then scratched out his best price for three models on a brochure and handed it to me. As far as the JD EGO salesman, if he can't market his product in any better way to me, other than to tell me the name of the product, then I want nothing to do with him.

Most dealers that I've actually been able to sit down with are pretty firm as to their "best" price. If you don't budge, I go else where. That's my choice. But don't fool yourself into thinking that you are better off without my business just to justify not working with me on price/service/whatever. I'm more than fair, and I fully understand the fact that you are trying to make a living. If you can't do it selling tractors, do something else.

Dealers: I'm very thankful that you are here to provide products and services to the consumers. What happens to you if there are none of us (consumers) around to sell your products to? Dealers tell me all the time how they have plenty of customers to sell to and how superior their product is to all the rest...bologna.

JD is not the tractor it used to be...and that is from a dealer's mouth, and you can take it to the bank. Nothing is what it used to be. I may end up purchasing one, but it will be from a dealer that earns my business. The kicker is I'll probably wish I had bought a 30 or 40 series from the 1970's/1980's.

I sure would hate to see the tractor/implement business turn into the automobile sales business.

BC

 

[cast_and_blast]

OK, good. There is a Kubota dealer in my area who charges list or better in some cases. Because he had a lock on the market he charged what the market would bear. Shall I now come in at list, still be less and know I can get much more? No, just because the market bears does not mean I can fleece people. By the way, that same dealer lost several local government bids to me, many many sales and has now sold his business as I understand.

Fair price is fair price. You don't have to take people because you can but you also don't have be abused by people.

Maka

I'm not sure which post this was a reply to, but...

You're right, the pricing strategy that you choose to adopt does have derivatives (i.e. consequences). You could choose (as the Kubota dealer in your area did in your example) to price at the maximum that the market would bear. Possilbe derivatives of this are lower customer satisfaction, loss of sales to non-purchase, loss of sales to other Kubota dealer (even if distant), loss of sales to competitive products (JD, Massey, etc.), etc.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase or not is not made by one party; both the buyer and the seller need to agree to the terms. If a dealer chooses to sell for less than the competition or even for less than their pricing model calls for, it's their decision.

Fair price (market value) is fair price. You don't need to take people (maximum that the market will bear) or be abused by people (be forced to be the loss leader).

Gotta love capitalism.

Scott

 

[Maka]

Hey all. This has been a good discussion probably for both dealers and consumers. Dargo, you are what you are and everyone here knows the lack of class you have displayed here over time. Have a great day.

Maka

 

[Dargo]

Hey all. This has been a good discussion probably for both dealers and consumers. Dargo, you are what you are and everyone here knows the lack of class you have displayed here over time. Have a great day.

Maka

Oh darn, I'm crushed. I give facts and compairsons and you are offended and, in response, throw insults at me. I'll tell you what, I won't stoop to your level. How about this, I'd say that you are a good dealer and take care of your customers but must be having a bad day today. Nothing more, nothing less. I won't make any judgements about your "class" since I don't know you and, therefore, I won't say anything that I could possibly regret some day. However, I've always found that most people in life would prefer someone to be honest rather than lie and act nice. You have a nice day now.

 

[neverenough]

Ok, I read the whole thread, and I'm shaking my head. It's amazing, and pathetic, how it seems this country revolves around money. Make the most, spend the least. Me, me, me. It's shameful. As a business owner who buys parts and equipment regularly, I know what it's like on both ends.

When I cut someone a good deal, and they want more, I ALWAY'S end the bargaining the same way....take it or leave it. If they are willing to walk away from the good deal, I just laugh. Now they have to spend more time, and more money, looking for the "better deal". Did they gain anything? Nope, they lost money, and more importantly, something they can never make more of, TIME. Everyone is so wrapped up in the dollar, and little "freebies", they don't stop and think about the actual cost beyond the dollars and cents.

As far as the customer side goes...We have been a loyal customer of the same Deere dealer for 35+ years (since the current owners took over). After a couple years cultivating a good relationship, we have saved countless dollars, and more importantly, countless hours. For many years all we have needed to do is call, and they will deliver, to our door, discounted parts. When we need equipment, all we have to do is tell them what we need, and they give us deals that no other place can match. Service....like having it fixed yesterday.

People nowday's change jobs, like they change cars. All becouse they couldn't get that last penny at reveiw time, or won't do any more than they have to, to get a job done. Alway's starting over with benifits, retirement benifits, and seniority. All in the name of chasing the dollar. Has it been working??? Well, the latest government report shows the nation, on average, is saving a NEGATIVE .5%. Well, doesn't sound like it's working too well to me. Do unto others as you would have done unto you sure seems to fit well. Greed, selfishness, and living for today seems to be making things spiral downward. Not good if your on that ride trying to "keep up with the Jones'". Me, I treat my customers well, work hard, and I'm fair and reasonable with the businesses I deal with. In the end, I'm doing quite well for myself, thank you very much.

 

[matthew3120]

Ok, I read the whole thread, and I'm shaking my head. It's amazing, and pathetic, how it seems this country revolves around money. Make the most, spend the least. Me, me, me. It's shameful. As a business owner who buys parts and equipment regularly, I know what it's like on both ends.

When I cut someone a good deal, and they want more, I ALWAY'S end the bargaining the same way....take it or leave it. If they are willing to walk away from the good deal, I just laugh. Now they have to spend more time, and more money, looking for the "better deal". Did they gain anything? Nope, they lost money, and more importantly, something they can never make more of, TIME. Everyone is so wrapped up in the dollar, and little "freebies", they don't stop and think about the actual cost beyond the dollars and cents.

As far as the customer side goes...We have been a loyal customer of the same Deere dealer for 35+ years (since the current owners took over). After a couple years cultivating a good relationship, we have saved countless dollars, and more importantly, countless hours. For many years all we have needed to do is call, and they will deliver, to our door, discounted parts. When we need equipment, all we have to do is tell them what we need, and they give us deals that no other place can match. Service....like having it fixed yesterday.

People nowday's change jobs, like they change cars. All becouse they couldn't get that last penny at reveiw time, or won't do any more than they have to, to get a job done. Alway's starting over with benifits, retirement benifits, and seniority. All in the name of chasing the dollar. Has it been working??? Well, the latest government report shows the nation, on average, is saving a NEGATIVE .5%. Well, doesn't sound like it's working too well to me. Do unto others as you would have done unto you sure seems to fit well. Greed, selfishness, and living for today seems to be making things spiral downward. Not good if your on that ride trying to "keep up with the Jones'". Me, I treat my customers well, work hard, and I'm fair and reasonable with the businesses I deal with. In the end, I'm doing quite well for myself, thank you very much.

Thank you!! you are very right if a dealer would give everybody some thing free they would be out of a job real quick!!

 

[BTI]

To the dealers that have posted:
Have you ever noticed that the less money you make the more problems the tractor has? LOL
Every tractor I have ever sold with No profit has always bit me.
Seems to be an unwritten law of the universe.

Sorry it's off topic....

BTI

 

[tydp]

That's good, but I beg to differ with you about your insistance that there is no comparison. My company does business with just under 1000 auto, motorcycle, RV, boat and, yes, tractor dealers. I am more than familiar with the sales process in each of those areas and have been doing so for over 20 years. I simply pointed out that that you failed to read the part where I, without any doubt, noted that the gross profit levels cannot be considered the same, but the sales process most certainly is the same.

This is not something that I've made up, but what the nearly 1000 dealerships that do business with my company prove each and every day. You seem to want to digress and take offense to me pointing out to the general public how the profit structures are in a few retail industries. I have news for you; it's not really any big secret. You try to club me over the head and tell me something is is not true because you are afraid people may find out that tractor dealers must make a higher percentage of profit than most auto dealers, I'm going to very clearly point out the truth and why and that it's based on 20 years experience with nearly a thousand dealers. I'm not threatening to post factory costs of tractors on the internet. I'm simply telling it like it is. Besides, how do you think all the tens of thousands of small used car dealerships stay in business? I never said that profit is a dirty word and even pointed out that it is in the customer's best interest for their dealer to be there in the future. So, untie your panties and be happy in your little corner of the world of retail sales. From what you say, you do business exactly as I say; you make a fair profit and will be there in the future to take care of your customers.

Dargo.....
Uh, just how many dealers does YOUR company do business with? I seem to have missed it.