The act of buying a tractor is very personal......

Doc_Bob · Apr 13, 2006

The act of buying a tractor is very personal and really depends on so many factors. Dealer service, location, travel time, cost of tractor ( /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif a big deal) etc. Some of these factors can be measured (cost, distance) and therefore compared to the other dealers. But some “gut” feelings cannot be measured. Here is my question.

I want to submit to a few competing dealers a written bid, or request for a quote. I would like the dealers who want my business to itemize each part and price them individually and then add them for a final price. This will allow me to at least get apples to apples comparison between dealers on price. I also may discover that I really don’t want the DVD player (just kidding) after a cost benefit analysis. I may realize that the DVD is a luxury I don’t really need after looking at the cost.

Would anyone else do it this way? Any suggestions? Has anyone done it this way? Am I making a mistake? Please be frank, as you won’t hurt my feelings
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Bob_Bullock · Apr 13, 2006

I sent out a bid package, TC33D and a 914 Mid Mount Mower. A friend of mine was buying the same thing. We sent it out to any NH dealer within 75 miles. I think it was 6 all together. The lowest bid was a guy about 40 miles away. We took it to the local guy and he himmed and hawed but matched the bid. Probably didn't hurt that we were buying two. The local guy was $900 over the lowest guy and he didn't want to move. But once he saw the other bids in black and white, he matched. I put all my bids in a spreadsheet and took the actual responses with me.

Can you tell I have a procurement background?

Bob

Doc_Bob · Apr 13, 2006

( I sent out a bid package, TC33D and a 914 Mid Mount Mower. A friend of mine was buying the same thing. We sent it out to any NH dealer within 75 miles. I think it was 6 all together. The lowest bid was a guy about 40 miles away. We took it to the local guy and he himmed and hawed but matched the bid. Probably didn't hurt that we were buying two. The local guy was $900 over the lowest guy and he didn't want to move. But once he saw the other bids in black and white, he matched. I put all my bids in a spreadsheet and took the actual responses with me.

Can you tell I have a procurement background?

Bob

)

Yes, your background is showing /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif!!! Send me a copy of your spreadhseet!
Bob

PineRidge · Apr 13, 2006

Bob we got a good price quote from Corriher's and then used it as a starting point and talked to the local dealers. I was prepared to purchase out of state if the local dealerships wouldn't talk but we did end up purchasing locally. It wasn't the cheapest but warranty service has to count for something as well.

Don't be afraid to shop around, and don't be to anxious to spend your money. One of our local dealerships was 4K high for the same equipment. If we would have finished our shopping there in my opinion we would have overpaid. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Ask lots of questions from different dealers, and when the answers start matching you can be assured that you are getting the truth.

Good luck shopping my friend. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS Be sure to drive a SuperSteer equipped rig before signing on the dotted line. New Holland is the only manufacturer that I'm aware of that currently offers it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 13, 2006

just an FYI. I can tell you as a dealer that if you fax a writen quote and ask for everything to be itemized your probably going to get higher estimates than if you just call over the phone and ask for a package price. You can ask for the model numbers of each kit if you want to make it apples to apples.

JerryG · Apr 13, 2006

Neil is right. If you make them itemize it, it will be higher. I would give them a list with everything that you want like you have said, but not tell them to individually price it out. That way you will get the same tractor priced, but they will give you a better price.

Doc_Bob · Apr 14, 2006

( just an FYI. I can tell you as a dealer that if you fax a writen quote and ask for everything to be itemized your probably going to get higher estimates than if you just call over the phone and ask for a package price. You can ask for the model numbers of each kit if you want to make it apples to apples. )

Great advice! I will do just as you suggest.
Bob

Doc_Bob · Apr 14, 2006

( just an FYI. I can tell you as a dealer that if you fax a writen quote and ask for everything to be itemized your probably going to get higher estimates than if you just call over the phone and ask for a package price. You can ask for the model numbers of each kit if you want to make it apples to apples. )

Can you help me understand why an itemized quote will be priced higher than a package price?
Bob

Doc_Bob · Apr 14, 2006

( Bob we got a good price quote from Corriher's and then used it as a starting point and talked to the local dealers. I was prepared to purchase out of state if the local dealerships wouldn't talk but we did end up purchasing locally. It wasn't the cheapest but warranty service has to count for something as well.

Don't be afraid to shop around, and don't be to anxious to spend your money. One of our local dealerships was 4K high for the same equipment. If we would have finished our shopping there in my opinion we would have overpaid. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Ask lots of questions from different dealers, and when the answers start matching you can be assured that you are getting the truth.

Good luck shopping my friend. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS Be sure to drive a SuperSteer equipped rig before signing on the dotted line. New Holland is the only manufacturer that I'm aware of that currently offers it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

I will take my time, and let me tell you it is hard to do!!! I am sure you can understand the desire to "drop" the hammer and send the round downrange. But, I must show restraint. As much as I want to charge ahead, I will follow your advice.
Bob

Doc_Bob · Apr 14, 2006

( Neil is right. If you make them itemize it, it will be higher. I would give them a list with everything that you want like you have said, but not tell them to individually price it out. That way you will get the same tractor priced, but they will give you a better price. )

More good advice from folks who know what they are talking about. Thanks for helping me on this purchase.
Bob