State of MN decided you don't need to know...

MikePA · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

 That definitely gives you a better negotiating position when you can figure markup from cost rather than discount from MSRP. 
You're right, Jim. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MikePA · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

How much does a , taxpayer in this case, or consumer have the right to know ? 
The only thing we know, in this case, is that the factory codes were removed from the bid responses that are posted to the Internet. We do not know why they were removed or if they are still available, just not publicly posted. To assume that the state of MN and NH, or any of the other vendors mentioned in the price list, have an agreement to 'keep it under the table' (which, to me, implies deception) is jumping to a conclusion.

Anyone who is interested in getting an answer to why the factory codes were removed could call the person mentioned in the Contract Release who is to answer pricing questions. While this person is designated to answer questions from other state agencies, perhaps they could answer questions from the public.

jinman · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

Skippy, where did you get the "printout" you listed? That's not the printout from the State of MN site.

Here's an example before they took off the factory codes:

Old State of MN page

On the left, there is a number listed under "Factory Codes." for example, the quick attach plate for a 16LA loader is priced at $357, but if you look over to the factory code, you see the number "000027M500". Take the two digits before the "M" and add a zero "270" and you have the dealer's cost on that plate, $270. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif All you have to do is add a zero between the number and the "M" on any factory code and you have the cost. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Well... you used to have the cost, that is, before they removed them. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Now when you look at the MN site, all these numbers are missing. They've taken away my "sandbox" and all my fun. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

FYI, we get updates to those price sheets regularly. Anything you think you may know from that info is more than likley out of date because of price increases and steel surcharges. It defentialy is fun to dig though them

IMO, for some dealers is a good thing to have dealer cost known. If people understood what low margins we make on some of this stuff they probably would not bicker as much.

Soundguy · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

( underbid the next time. It's not unusual for vendor's detailed responses to RFPs (Request For Proposal) to remain confidential. The total cost of the winning bid is public, but not the details. )

The GC I work for does roadbuilding and related services in florida. On all county and municipal jobs we bid, there is a bid tabulation mailed and faxed out to all the bidders after an award of bid ( for the apparent low bidder ). The tabulation does include our unit price.. and it does make it hard to compete...

Soundguy

jinman · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

( IMO, for some dealers is a good thing to have dealer cost known. If people understood what low margins we make on some of this stuff they probably would not bicker as much. )

I agree with you completely, Neil. I was shocked at how close to the line dealers operate on sales of major equipment. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif I'm not surprised that service after the sale has got to be there or a dealer will always be struggling just to survive. This has got to be a tough business, especially for someone trying to get started. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

skippy · Jun 15, 2004

Re: State of MN decided you don\'t need to know...

I simply printed the adobe page when I was looking at a little while back...I am refering to the tc45a &tc45da pages...so we may be off on models...but I thank you all for this information...it is very intersting