Wow - I'd probably want to walk if I got that reaction too. My dealer has been great about the internet. This includes 2 different salesmen at 2 different locations. I'll often call when looking at a new attachment (a
chipper for example) and say - I'm thinking about a new
chipper, what lines do you carry - what model(s) do you recommend for my machine. He'll say - I carry X & Y - their specs are on the net (he knows I'm an internet geek) - check it out.
I've also stopped in to ask his opinion on Midwest attachments (I bought an aerator a couple years back) - he said he had heard of them, but didn't have any first hand knowledge. For the price I paid - he said he couldn't touch it & even if it wasn't "commercial" quality - It would probably do well with my small tractor.
When purchasing my B3030 I did lots of research. For example on the quick attach bucket - I knew I wanted to go with the ATI skid steer solution & bradco light duty forks. It's all about how you approach it. When meeting with the salesman, I explained that I'd been doing my homework (on the net) & had found this solution. I asked what did he think, how did it compare to the Kubota solution & was there any other way that I hadn't uncovered yet. I also asked if they would modify the Kubota bucket or if they had something else they could install - he said use the ATI bucket.
Now that you've vented & had a chance to cool off, you could take this opportunity to pay it forward with your dealer. Call the salesmanup & take him out for breakfast. Explain how his reaction is turning you off & how there are many more folks out there like you. He may appreciate the feedback...
Often when the consumer is researching a specific model on the internet - he will have uncovered more "information" (valid or not) than the salesman who deals with the entire line or lines of tractors + attachments. The salesman needs to be aware of that & handle it appropriately. Many suggestions above on how to "diffuse the over-educated" buyer.