Is it just our area

LVFross · Nov 6, 2005

Last spring I pretty much knew what I wanted in a JD tractor, we bought 20 acres. Our closest dealer is about 12 miles so I went in to get answers and was told the salesman would call me to set up an appointment to look at the land and make suggestions.

Repeat 3 times. I'm off to buy a .... in the next few days. Is it just our area, is there a secret handshake or am i getting a blessing?

Future <insert name> tractor owner

beenthere · Nov 6, 2005

Guess I don't know for sure what you are saying, but if I read between the lines, your Deere dealer's salesman didn't get too excited about your visit or your 3 phone calls. All Deere dealers' salespeople are not alike, and I think you should go to a dealer that has a salesman that will hit it off with you.
I would let the dealer know what treatment you received from their salesman however.
Welcome to the forum. Hope you let us know what tractor dealer you found to help you get the tractor for your 20 acres. It should be more fun than you are having (buying a tractor that is ).

RedRocker · Nov 7, 2005

I would find a dealer that seemed a little more interested in earning my business, if I want to be ignored I can offer advice to one of my kids. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Kevin37 · Nov 7, 2005

LVFross

Welcome to the forum.

You should fill out your profile so others can at least see what area you are in. I started shopping for tractors a couple years ago and ran into similar problems from many different dealers of all colors! There were many discussions on this forum about others experiencing the same thing and knowing my location (Northern Virginia), people gave me advice that was pertinent to where I live. My worst dealer experience was at a John Deere dealer but I ended up buying a John Deere from a different location 20 miles from the first. I looked at all brands that were close enough to me for maintenance or other future issues.

What's my point? Don't kill a brand just because of a lackluster salesperson. Having previously been in sales, I would contact that dealer and go right to the top. Tractor dealerships aren't like car dealerships and many times the owner is on site every day. At the very least, find the sales manager. You may be pleasantly surprised, or you may be driven even harder to a red, orange, blue, or other color tractor!

At any rate, keep using this forum for advice and guidance. It was very valuable for me during my research and buying time. Good luck

Kevin

BloomingtonMike · Nov 7, 2005

Welcome!

I hear ya. I tried to get several dealers to come look at my property as well because I was just so new to tractors as a whole - owning only a Simplicity 4041 for 8 months. I do not think they thought I was serious about buying one because Iof teh way I look I guess. Not many computer guys in their dealership right after work I guess. They really did not give me much time - and in turn I did not give them much money. Even the dealer I bought from did not come look at my property - maybe that is too much to ask of them? He earned my business based on the price I paid. I turned to this board and did my own research on the net. I sat in the dealership tractors at night and read and read about all different 30-35 HP tractors. Ultimately I found the one I wanted and bought it . Some dealers might have vehicles to rent - I did not try that but have read where others have done that very thing. All in all I picked the right model for me and what I knew based on my use on a simplicity 4041.

gmsssi · Nov 7, 2005

Nice tractor! Man a shiny black toothbar would look good on it don't you think............. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

unreconstructed · Nov 7, 2005

Your profile does not state your geographic area--I am from West Texas. Knew what model JD I wanted--local dealer didn't want the business /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and I went elsewhere. Met a saleman I really like and bought the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Keep plugging!

jjbravo · Nov 7, 2005

Hey Mike, are you thinking toothbar too?
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread, but.....
Back on topic: My JD dealer couldn't be better. I had some troubles leveling a deck, and they hopped in their truck and were at my house in 15 minutes. No charge, just help and smiles. Helps that I have:
Gator CX, 3320, x585, generator, etc......
I've been given exceptional deals on everything too. Human nature is all. Some provide exceptional service, some are just tired.

Jrrcorp · Nov 14, 2005

I had a similar experience last year and visited three JD dealers and one Kubota dealer. I was a Kubota owner but liked the JD 4410 the best. One dealer pulled out the book and quoted me list prices for what I wanted and said "that's our price" to which I said "see ya"! The dealer that got my business was the closest, gives me good service, the fairest price, and all their people are genuinly nice to deal with. Would'nt you think that sales people would understand that being responsive in a timely manner and showing interest in your wants and needs translates directly into sales? It's not rocket science, just good salesmanship. Choosing the right dealer can make a small difference in price a big thing when it comes to crunch time. Got a big job to do and running out of weather? You have a break down. Your dealer puts you on a waiting list for service. The weather changes and you're screwed! Choose your dealer wisely! Just my opinion. JR

kude · Nov 15, 2005

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Would'nt you think that sales people would understand that being responsive in a timely manner and showing interest in your wants and needs translates directly into sales? It's not rocket science, just good salesmanship. )</font>

I guess I need to rewatch "Death of a Salesman".

In the course of a lifetime I've gone shopping in a variety of places. I've been in shops where salespeople are in your face before you even get a chance to look around or think. I have been to Best Buy where there seems to be a lot of kids aimlessly standing around when you need help. But they also hire some good people who know product and who do care and steer you in the right direction.

You could go to Walmart and pick out a lawnmower based on your price range, check out and your done.

You want a compact tractor that does a variety of jobs and has a lot options, then you need to know what you're doing and express your needs clearly.

The first time I bought a CUT I knew I needed it because an 11hp lawn tractor wasn't cutting it. I picked out the tractor at the price range I could afford and the salesman did a good job in setting it up with the right stuff I needed. A bucket was expensive but I use it all the time, it's never come off the tractor.

I just bought then. Today, I would say rent before you buy.

Going back to salesmen, it helps them when you know what you need. The internet is a good place to gain knowledge, renting is a good way to gain experience, and buying is when you know what works for you.