Last week I called my local orange dealer about getting a rear blade. I got a price, but did not commit to buying it. The price was okay based on the limited information I had. On Saturday I drove over to look at it. The salesman, not the one I had talked to (he was not there), said they had two. I had to ask to see them. They were still in the crate and not really possible to see. I knew more about the blade than the salesman did. I said it looked like some assembly was required. He said yeah they could go that, and then went into a song and dance about how they could even attach it to my tractor. Not sure why he felt that was necessary.
I asked how long it would take to get assembled. Another song and dance, but it wasn't going to be ready for me to pick up that day. So there went my plans, but I still sort of wanted it. So I asked for the price. He asked what the other guy said. Why did that matter? Anyway I told him $900, which was the price I was quoted. That is double what I paid for the one I got from TSC, but it doesn't have tilt. So he goes to his computer and the price is now $1000. I said it was $900 yesterday. He said he could take a dollar off and sell it for $999. Since I talked on the phone I didn't have anything in writing. I also didn't think I needed anything. I wasn't asking for a deal. I just said what is your price over the phone. He didn't say none hundred and something he said $900. I thought that was a bit high, but was willing to pay it. But the extra $100 was too far for me to go. So I thanked him for wasting my time and I don't believe I will ever go back there. I stopped on the way home and called the other Kubota dealer. They were busy, but said they had one and it was $930. They were supposed to call me back, but didn't. I get that there may not be a lot of profit on a $900 blade. But, why have such an inefficient sales method. I have to call someone and get them to tell me the price. When I go there nothing has a price on it and no one there seems capable or willing to take the time to help me get what I need/want.
TSC has its issues, but at least I can see price and inventory and while I had to drive a ways out of my way, I found a store that had stock that I could see the whole blade and make the decision to purchase. It has been fine. I really want tilt to deal with the edges of my driveway, so I am stuck.
EA is 3 months out and they charge the CC on order but say they won't ship for 12 weeks. It might be good, but I am outside the free shipping area so another $250-300 for shipping makes it much less desirable.
While COVID-19 might have made it worse, I have never found tractor dealers very willing/able to help me.