I had about 50% luck with "cold call" e-mail quotes, both positive responses were within about 12 hrs. from Mahindra dealers and two no responses. A fifth dealer told me he'd call me in two weeks about a tractor, it's been over 3 and no call and no one was answering the phone there, and I was there personally in his office. Long story short, I bought from one of the two Mahindra dealers that got back to me right away, the one I chose was the closest to my place and only a few dollars higher on price (like less than $80 higher). Their price quote over e-mail was their bottom dollar. I like to spend my money locally so with no significant difference I went local. The financing was better than I can get anywhere else (and we have stellar credit), even lower than my home equity line of credit rate so going with their financing. Interest is tax deductible for us as a farm expense so there is no issue of home equity interest deductibility vs. the Mahindra financing.
As Arrow says, there are still some dinosaurs out there, but they won't get my business. With the internet and all the people shopping there first, I believe it pays to have a great web-site, up to date on the inventory on the lot, good finance options and respond to e-mails and phone calls and have a knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you through the looking and buying process.
