Too far away?

[megha_jones]

i just bought but have not recieved a lk3054xs and drove ovr an hour to check out other kioti dealers one one trip. on another i drove an hour and a half to check out other brands.
i however live in country so i dive 45 min to go to work.

i did however pay a little more from the closes dealer because he was close. if i had it to do over i think i would buy from other dealer because of help i am geting from the dealer who is farther away and didnt get the sale. he will get the back hoe sale when i buy.

dont know if this helps you because even i see possitives to both.

 

[GerardC]

My dealer is about 45 miles (an hours drive) away from me and I found them by an internet search.

Personally, I would stay where you're at. It's worked this long, so why change a good thing?
Our distance to the grocery store is farther than your distance from the city limits and we pass right by a dealership. Hope this helps. G

 

[pilonidal]

I drove 100 miles to my Kioti dealer and tractor when there was one 10 miles down the road, and past 3 other brand dealers. Distance is not a problem for most people I think as long as the price is right and the service is good.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I bought my tractor from Dave at Bigtractorsupply.com who responded here. He's 35 miles away from me. I was actually going to see another dealer further past Dave (there are 4 tractor dealers within 5 miles of me) when I saw his tractors on the side of the road at his dealership. I had earlier been shown a used Kioti and wanted to stop and see what was offered in new tractors. I bought a few hours later. I suggest you keep and use the land you have, put up an internet site, which done right, will allow people to find you. You will be able to list your site on Kiotitractor.com and on most of the sites for other brands and implements you carry. PM if you want any advice on a website. Not having a mortgage will go a long way to helping your success. People will find a tractor dealership when they're seriously looking. As Dave said, some local publications advertising will help also. John

 

[Golfgar4]

Hi Mike! And welcome! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I've been researching my purchase for quite awhile now, and I have no problem with driving for an hour (one way) to find a good dealer. I'm fortunate that I do have a lot of dealers within my area. Unfortunately, none of them are Kioti. But I have decided that, at least for me, the quality of the dealer is going to be the most important factor, followed by price. And as much as I like Kioti's, if there is no dealer within my area, then I'll have to go with some other color.

So count me as one who would suggest that you stay where you are and expand there. I would also second what SteveH CT suggested about the test drive area. Too many of the dealers that I've visited do not have something like this, and all you can do is putt putt around the parking lot. I don't believe this is going to tell you much of anything. An area where a customer can really put a machine through it's paces would be a real plus! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Good luck on your decision. Hope you're in MY area so that I can get a Kioti dealer within striking distance! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Lloyd_E]

Mike,

Signs, signs, signs.

Use of signs as one component of your communications plan. If your building is near the highway consider a sign on the roof or back of building.

Find out if your market is local. Out of the 120 000 residents...is there enough % to justify setting up in that location. What percentage of customers will come from 1 hour radius drive away? Becasue you own the land...lower overhead...can your offer free shipping and pickup/delivery for servicing to long distant customers.

Others have noted: play as you go. What a great opportunity... You actually get to try out a product, whether it is the tractor/loader or mower.
Just think...this will save you the time of doing the landscaping yourelf.

Also consider hours of operation. If I know I can get servicing or product outside of my schedule...that usaully wins the deal.

For people who are tight for time...and we all are...hours of operation is key.

If you can, do a market survey. This information tells you alot. Also try some observing yourself or hirer college of reliable high school kids.

Post them outside of other dealers and have them take notes.
- out of state plates
- number of units (people) through the door
- busiest hours
- number of new units leaving
- number of repair units leaving


Hope this helps...

regards,

lloyd /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Dewave]

GolfGar,

In your bio u have everything except handicap??? What are ya? A 3, 2, 1.... -1, -2, -3? Just wondering.. I'm a 12 and just broke 80 the other day, felt great! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

Don,

We should play together! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I float between a 9 and a 12 most of the season. I just can't seem to crack that 9. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I haven't gotten below that in 3 years! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Congrats on breaking 80! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif It is a great feeling the first time, isn't it? Almost as good as...........nah, I'm not going there! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Dewave]

<font color="blue">Congrats on breaking 80! It is a great feeling the first time, isn't it? Almost as good as...........nah, I'm not going there! </font>

Man you know it! Especially when ya do a flop shot that goes higher then it does distance for a tap in on the 18th hole. Yee haw!

Tractor related? You bet! There was a guy on a Kubota waiting to cut the grass. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Steve_Miller]

I'd be curious to know how many city folk have a tractor compared to the country folk that own one. It would probably surprise you if expressed as a percentage.

Steve