Sad but we had to

[MDM]

We surveyed the market, looked at the economy, looked at Montana's dealer network, looked at the competition and had to make a determination as to if we felt they were solid enough with direction enough to make it in the market.
Maka

Sorry to hear that. So you you are saying you do not think Montana will make it. Did LS coming to play in the US have something to do with it? I have had a feeling that Montana would go after Farmtrac. Better to get out while the gettin's good I guess. Anyways, eventhough I don't have a Montana, thanks for contibuting so much. Which brands will you be selling in the future?

 

[Maka]

Maka,

I'm somewhat surprised at this news and yet, I'm not. Montana dealers have been disappearing around here like spots on a fawn growing older. While I am very pleased with my 05 Montana 5740C, the lack of any local dealership support did concern me greatly. As a result, I have been doing all repairs myself and not trying to find any dealer.

Most all dealers that I've talked with have complaints with Montana in several areas, but the one constant complaint is Montana not paying dealers for warranty work they do. That is a very bad omen and in this economy, certainly the dealers can't carry Montana.

You have always been a complete gentleman when discussing anything about Montana on this board and have been one of their biggest advocates. If you'll remember, you were a tremendous help to me, years ago, in selecting a Montana. I am extremely greatful for all your insight and comments back then too....and help since too, I might add.

As the gentleman and professional you are, I'm not surprised to see you still willing to do repair and warranty work on the Montana tractors you've sold either. Most ex Montana dealers do not, and will not, do that when they leave Montana.

I wish you, your family, and your dealership all the best in these tough economic times and your complete professionalism, all the way around, only continues to show in your post about this subject. I wish you all the best Maka!!

Thanks Buck. It was always nice talking with you. I still hope to one day get a chance to meet you. I always like to read you posts. You posted some good pics of that 5740C doing some lifting.

It was a hard decision but it was necessary. It was just our time and I am sure was the best decision for our business.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Sackett2]

Maka,
You have to do what is best for you and your company. It is a bit sad to think of someone "leaving the fold" but it has to be done. We will still look forward to your input, stay in touch with us!

 

[Maka]

Thanks Steve. I'll stay in touch and of course if I can ever be of assistance, I will.

Maka

 

[PSDStu]

Re: Sad,we had to let Montana go

Great tractors (the LS and TYM ones anyway) and Montana does have some good dealers. As far as I know we were the last dealer in Idaho, none in Wa. and one several hundred miles away in Montana. Of course there is one in Creston BC Canada.

We will still handle warranty on what we sold and service what we sold.

Maka

Maka,

Just a question about handling the warranty issues when a dealership for any of the manufacturers is no longer selling that brand anymore.

How does that work when you are no longer a Montana Dealership?

Best of luck to you!

Stu

 

[Maka]

Re: Sad,we had to let Montana go

Maka,

Just a question about handling the warranty issues when a dealership for any of the manufacturers is no longer selling that brand anymore.

How does that work when you are no longer a Montana Dealership?

Best of luck to you!

Stu

Thanks PSD. When we decided to let the Montana line go we felt we had an obligation to our customers to try and make sure they were supported since Montana has no other dealers in the area. I have sold 100's of Montana's and my customers are very important to me. This was one of the reasons the decision to let them go was hard.

When we notified Montana of our termination we specifically asked to be able to continue to be able to support the many machines that we sold. Of course, it is also in Montana's best interest to have us here as well and they know we have good service. So, no longer a Montana dealer but we will still support our sales. I would think all dealers would want to do the same.

Fortunately, Montana's don't need a whole lot of work but when they do I want to be able to take care of our customers. If we were not here to service them then Montana would not have a dealer in the USA in our area for a minimum of 385+ miles in any direction. They have one in Creston B.C., Canada which is only about 25mi north but that is across the border.

So, it is a mutually beneficial agreement. By the way, if you look at the Montana website there are lisitng of dealers who are no longer dealers but still offer warranty service. I think Montana wants to take care of their customers tractors and this is probably the best way for them to do it at this stage for them.

I know the territory man here for Montana has a big job ahead of him trying to fill in the very large gaps. I would not want to be the guy out on the road trying to set up new dealers for a living.

So, to sum up your question I believe that there are many manufacturers of many types of products that have independant warranty and service locations only. I can't tell you how many times over the years Farm Pro has called us (never did do that) and asked us to be a warranty location. I know companies like Singer, Sears products and others that do this and usually in rural areas.

Maka

 

[Maka]

Sorry to hear that. So you you are saying you do not think Montana will make it. Did LS coming to play in the US have something to do with it? I have had a feeling that Montana would go after Farmtrac. Better to get out while the gettin's good I guess. Anyways, eventhough I don't have a Montana, thanks for contibuting so much. Which brands will you be selling in the future?

Thanks MDM. Who knows what will happen. I am sure LS will have an impact one way or another. We will see what happens.

THanks, Maka

 

[case1570]

Maka, I appreciate your up front honesty in your dropping the Montana line. Do you think this may be the time to start a "Montana dealers" private website? This would offer you a chance to share things you may not want public and yet help other dealers. If the Farmtrac dealers had their site earlier I think they could have taken appropriate steps to protect themselves much better. We need to inform all dealers of certain adversaries that may lead them down a path that I would not wish on anyone.
Case

 

[redneckford]

Maka, I appreciate your up front honesty in your dropping the Montana line. Do you think this may be the time to start a "Montana dealers" private website? This would offer you a chance to share things you may not want public and yet help other dealers. If the Farmtrac dealers had their site earlier I think they could have taken appropriate steps to protect themselves much better. We need to inform all dealers of certain adversaries that may lead them down a path that I would not wish on anyone.
Case

While we are all doing the honesty thingee-------Case you and Maka almost got to be brother-in-Laws (bil) ----heard on the rumor mill that Montana and escorts were getting married----a long term distribution contract??????-------boat ride!!!!!----anyone got the FACTS!!!!!-----wonder who is going to floorplan that equipment??????-----The Bank of India?????

 

[case1570]

A private web site for dealers only is set up, the site needs an administrator to ensure that only Montana dealers have access. Please PM me if you are interested and a Montana dealer.
Case
PS STAY INFORMED