Haggling on implements

[Matyac]

I recently bought a Kubota L3010HST along with several implements - box scraper, post hole digger, and tooth bar. We agreed on a price for the tractor first, then haggled on the price of each implement.

Now, I am looking to purchase a rear blade, and the dealer is done haggling. He just quotes a price and acts as if I'm being rude to suggest a lower price. Based on comparisons I made via the net, his prices are okay, but not great. For example, his price for a Woods RB 72 blade is $479, but I've seen them on the net from several dealers in the $375 to $400 range (unfortunately, they are not local to me and shipping would kill the deal).

Here's what I want to know: What has been the experience of the group in purchasing implements? Do you find that your dealer is open to haggling, or is it best just to shop around and take the lowest quote?

Thanks.

-Scott Matyac

 

[Hawkflyer]

Obvoiusly a dealer will be more open to "haggling" when the sale of a $xx,xxx tractor is hanging in the deal. However, usually the same dealer will give his tractor buying customers a fair price on implements subsequent to the origianl sale. Remember, HE pays shipping on these things too. That is why you are having trouble finding a better price after shipping.

In my experiance, you are better of in the long run to work with your local dealer and buy through them whenever possible. Remember this is the guy who is going to save your bacon some saturday afternoon when you blow a hydro hose and you don't have a spare. If he is ANY kind of dealer he is going to provide you service above and beyond the call, just because you are a loyal customer.

That's not to say they are all that way but the good ones are.

 

[tdenny]

Scott,

Look into the First Choice selection and I'm sure you'll find an equal one for a much better value. Pieter and Jim would be able to locate the nearest dealer for you. Do a search for First Choice and you'll find all sorts of information about the company, phone numbers, etc. They will even make sure you get one the color that matches your tractor. Good luck. I would attach their temporary website and phone number for you but I don't have them handy right at the moment. They will probably jump in here anyway and give you some info.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Matyac, I just bought a couple implements without a tractor and was real happy with the deal. Since the manufacturer of the brand I'd chosen (First Choice) didn't have a dealer in my area (relatively new company just building a dealer network) I contacted a number of their dealers in a wide area and essentially put my business up for bid just like municipalities do with their purchases.

Some dealers didn't respond but some did. I was lucky in that the dealer was able to get the manufacturer to "drop ship" directly to me so I didn't get hit with extra shipping. I don't know what brand you're considering or if they'll do that but I might suggest you ask, anyhow.

If you haven't checked out First Choice yet you might want to do so. Quality product at a very good price and you can even get it painted to match your tractor (assuming you have green, orange, red or blue) at no extra charge. I know they agreed to drop ship direct to my door so my dealer's involvement was minimal. The only downside was I had to do my own "dealer prep" on the attachment.

In my case, I felt I saved more than enough to make it worth wrenching half a dozen nuts and bolts and, more importantly, I feel the quality I got with these people is outstanding and that will last long after I forget about how good the deal was.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"I would attach their temporary website and phone number for you but I don't have them handy right at the moment"</font color=blue>

Here it is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://home.midwest.net/~jimmc/_wsn/page3.html>First Choice Temporary Site</A>

TD, it's things like this that got me my box blade first. /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

Sorry, TD... I couldn't resist. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[tdenny]

OK Gary that's it the gloves are coming off. Wait a minute I'd better rethink that - I think that you are like 7 feet tall - I don't think I want to tangle with you. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

The real reason I haven't gotten my box blade is that shipping out to this area is really expensive from the East - especially those 500# box blades. So I decided to order a RFM to help the shipping costs. Heck the more you order the cheaper the shipping is. Perhaps I should get even more....I wonder if the CFO would go for it.

 

[RAllen]

I typically pay $75-$100 for implements at my dealer over "best price" deals. I do get an automatic discount as a tractor buyer from this dealership. I believe I am getting a great deal for the following reasons:

1. My price includes shipping
2. Dealer sets up the attachment and makes sure it works with my tractor.
3. More expensive items are delivered to my property.
4. If I am patient and can wait until my dealer makes a regular order, I can save another $50 bucks or so because the frieght charge to the dealer is less and he passes it along to me.
5. My dealer has a liberal return policy if I change my mind. It has happened two times. I returned a midmount mower for credit and exchanged a scarifier for a boxblade.

If you have a dealer willing to work with you, look at all the factors in your deal. You may come out better by paying a little more.

Rick Allen

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"the gloves are coming off"</font color=blue>

TD, are you an old hockey player, too? The only times I've ever heard that phrase was at the rink. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif While not <font color=blue>"7 feet tall"</font color=blue> I was always a big kid and usually had the role of being my team's 'policeman' on the ice.

 

[tdenny]

Gary,

Nope not an old hockey player but I am a fan and know the expression well. We don't get much hockey being played in this area. There aren't many rinks and the weather in the winter isn't really very cold so there aren't really any outdoor places to play either.

I know you aren't actually 7 feet tall but are significantly closer than I am. I would venture to guess that you made a sightly enforcer back in the day.

 

[Florida_Farmer]

I just bought a new manure spreader.... Using my ignorance on this subject as a tool - I just asked the dealer "how it works" - do I insult him with an offer or just pay what he was asking for it. He replied that normally they haggle on the tractors and high dollar items but for a $1375.00 spreader not much money in it..
So I asked him to at least knock of $50.00 since he didn't have to deliver it so he helped me out a little bit.