Dealer What do you look for in a dealer?

[atvforfun]

Ok, so I'm interested in becoming a Power Equipment / Compact Tractor / Attachment dealer.
From your experience as an end user, what makes a dealer a pleasure to deal with? Do you want to initiate the sale by visiting the dealer or are you open to a salesperson dropping by to introduce him/herself and their products? What advice do you have to share?

 

[AKfish]

Welcome to TBN, atv. Is this really a serious question...? Are you feeling a bit "light headed"?

Some of the dealer's here on TBN have given testimony that the only reason that they're in the farm equipment business is because their wives are holding their kids hostage unless he sells tractors...

There's no money in it (John Deere is the largest equipment manufacturer in the world) and they haven't had new shoes since FDR!

'Course my salesman told me this morning he's taking a week off to go fishing...

Nonetheless, if you're really committed (and not the other kind of committed...) I'll try to answer your question - I don't care to be approached by a salesperson - either in the showroom or at my front door. When I've looked over and considered what questions I have regarding a piece of equipment - I'll find somebody that works at the dealership to talk with.

I like to deal with someone who doesn't try to "oversell" me on any particular machine. I do my homework... maybe to excess. So, typically whenever a salesperson begins to drum on any particular machine - sooner or later - there's gonna be some BS. As soon as that happens; I'm gone.

Straight up; keep it short; if you don't know something - don't BS - offer to find the answer; do what you say you're gonna do - even if it hurts - or don't say it at all!

AKfish

 

[irvingj]

Ditto what AK said- NO BS. If you don't know, say so. I don't honestly know why salespeople can't get this. Perhaps they've been to too many "Close (I hate that word!!) The Sale" seminars....

Sales people need to be knowledgeable about the nuts & bolts of what they're selling, not just the "Features & Benefits." Salespeople that have had some time on the other end of a wrench are the best. Not so rare to find with tractor dealers, but when it comes to cars and a lot of other stuff, ugh!

Never have a situation where sales people swarm like flies on #### whenever someone walks in. Be curteous but not hovering.

And to me the most important, the ability to LISTEN to the customer and be honest.

And that's just the sales end of things. Service is another chapter!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I DON'T expect to find my "BFF" when I walk into a dealer.

I DO want sales, parts, and service that project the image of professionalism, knowledge, and an obvious desire to make the customers life easier.

We can still be friends too

Beyond that, it's all business. And no, I don't feel "honored" to be allowed to leave thousands of dollars of my money in THEIR pockets. It should be the other way around.......

 

[richamor]

When I ask for a quote, give me your best shot. I may not come back for another. And I don't always feel like dickering. If you can't sell as cheaply as the guy across town, feel free to tell me why. The lowest price is not always the deciding factor.

 

[cowski]

how you treat me when i am buying parts ,i see you once buying equipment,but every year buying parts.things i like ,over night delivery no extra charge and discount on expensive items saves me money and time. that is what i am looking for.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Some of the dealer's here on TBN have given testimony that the only reason that they're in the farm equipment business is because their wives are holding their kids hostage unless he sells tractors...

There's no money in it (John Deere is the largest equipment manufacturer in the world) and they haven't had new shoes since FDR!

No money in it is about right. Before making any kind of investment, I'd suggest contacting one of the dealer associations (we're part of NAEDA) and see if you can buy a copy of what the average dealers financials look like. They provide dealers summeries of what others cost of doing business and profitibility looks like. That should scare you enough to go find a more profitable venture.

 

[Flying MXZ]

I agree with all advice sofar except I like a salesperson to ask me if I need help. I will tell them if I am serious or just "kicking tires" that day. But don't bager me. It pisses me off when I am ignored and want to buy something. If you are busy just say "I'll be with you in a bit".

 

[jonyyuma]

I agree with all advice sofar except I like a salesperson to ask me if I need help. I will tell them if I am serious or just "kicking tires" that day. But don't bager me. It pisses me off when I am ignored and want to buy something. If you are busy just say "I'll be with you in a bit".

Ditto, I usually try to do my research, before Entering the door. One of them was so bold, as to tell me I might not be able to afford it? By what means, the clothes I wore or the car I was in?

 

[atvforfun]

Thanks each one for the input-- I appreciate it. Always good to do a reality check.