What Would It Take?

[LMTC]

As I sit here in our 14th (or is it 15th?) winter in this market, I realize that all 14 (or 15) years total sales in December, January, and most of February doesn't amount to a hill of beans. I've always figured a big part of that for us is that the Ohio River valley weather we are subject to is some of the most perverse (not severe, but subject to rapid deterioration, so no arguments from Alaskans or Minnesotans please) winter weather in the country (frequent ice storms, common temperature plunges of 30* or more), and just the fact that most of us don't feel like looking at tractors in really cold weather.

So I have a question. I ask this in complete seriousness, and really would like to hear (ok, read) what folks think. I suspect other dealers might like to see the responses too. If you have been even remotely considering the purchase of a compact tractor along the lines of the grey Yanmars, what would it take to get you to make the move in the next few weeks? Is there anything, within reason, that would stimulate you to purchase now or very soon? I realize someone will probably say "a free tractor", but seriously, I am asking if there is anything that you really believe a dealer could do that would motivate you to make a purchase in short order.

We ran an offer last month with a significant amount off on a tractor plus a grader blade at no extra charge, and the response could not have been less. This leads me to think there probably isn't much that we can do to stimulate winter sales, within the range of what we can do and not lose money. But maybe the input of those of you who are shopping, or are starting to think about shopping, will give us some ideas that could benefit all of us. Thanks for any and all serious input. And don't forget to have those extra fuel filters on the shelf....gelled fuel, which trashes the fuel filter, is probably the #1 issue we hear about each winter.

 

[jmf7112001]

LMTC I'll match any deal you come up with. I almost to the point of giving one away so I can move some inventory. I got it about as low as I can.

 

[LMTC]

LMTC I'll match any deal you come up with. I almost to the point of giving one away so I can move some inventory. I got it about as low as I can.

The point of my post was not how low any dealer/seller will go, but rather what, if anything, would prompt a potential spring buyer to make the move now.

 

[ninefinger]

I think grey shoppers have a different mindset than a new tractor shopper. I can only speak for myself but for me my dealer sold himself as a man of character and honesty. He has proven to be both. I could have bought new green, orange or blue but the value of an almost 30 year old tractor made sense to me. The simple electrics and lack of buzzers and bells was a plus. I got my 2210BD with a koyker loader, box blade, and carry all for less than a JD tractor only. If you have inventory that is a good thing, people can see the different sizes and can better decide what size they may want. Clean them up and paint them, a lot of people like to see what the last few decades have done but every one wants to start off with a pretty one. Explain the UTDA to them and the difference between that and the VN imports. Location... something you can do nothing about but if you are not close, hour or maybe a little more, grey people will not buy first trip, they want to think it over, if you see them a second time they have come to buy. Some want an American made, good luck with that but they need to be told, There is not any. Advertise package deals, hold profit to 5% on the trailer and offer a choice of implements....rake, bb, bush hog, scoop...let them pick one. I have said nothing you do not already know, I do know that Steve at Spaulding Tractors sold himself to the degree that if I need an implement I call him to see if he has or can get it. I do not look any further, he has earned my trust and loyality. He is a minimum 2 hour round trip. If you do not generate this kind of loyality, time for a gut check. LMTC, I have heard nothing but good things about you so this will give you no answers. I wish I had a majic answer for you.

 

[kenmac]

Wayne, This won't help sell a tractor but, do you think you'er sales are off due to the economy ? You see car dealers trying everything & still, aren't selling many. My HVAC /Plumbing is down from last year. Some People that I had service contracts with aren't re-newing them. It's not just my business but alot of others.I think that the ones that aren't laid off from their jobs ( there are many here that are) are holding on to their $ not knowing what may happen next. I wish you & all the other dealers the best.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm not looking for a tractor or implement right now, and I'm not really looking for anything. I think I have what I need and most of what I have is just sitting around right now.

But to answer your question, I was driving down the road to a job and noticed a great big sign in front of the Honda ATV dealer a few weeks ago. I have on fourwheeler and it's rarely rode. I would love to have another so we could both ride together, but really don't need it.

The sign had the brand new price of a few models and how much the monthly payment would be. It was CHEAP!!!!! I hadn't realized what you can get a brand new Honda ATV for and if I didn't have an appointment that was at a specific time, I would have stopped. I went online looking at the ATV's and checked prices to see how good a deal it was. Several weeks later, I'm still thinking about spending money that I don't have on something that I don't really need. All because of that great big sign that told me what I could buy it for and how affordable it was.

I don't know if that will work for a tractor or not, but if you are in a high traffic location, it might be worth the price of the sign.

Eddie

 

[rhett]

OK.
scary stuff though......
two pennies to rub together are at hand
action and effort result with a minimal effect
the only way to get the shine is toxic
Mercury the agent gives brilliance
at a cost to everyone
hurm,
could the market be seasonal
not a Clue Here
hunger will become a prevalent factor
tick-tack-toe

SCARY STUFF
PLEASE BE KIND

Most are not aware that the 4-wheeler is for children.
patience, hunger will set in eventually
priorities will be essential
......

 

[jimmer2880]

I can only speak for myself. I have to day that the only reason why I just bought another tractor, was because I sold my last one. Got a good deal both ways.

I, like many folks are a bit scared about future funds being available. Many of us have moved to a cash only lifestyle (I'm not there yet, but am trying to get there). When that happens, we spend less because it hurts more to buy a "want" instead of a "need".

Unfortunately, I didn't have an answer for you. I will say, that when we do have enough in the bank to feel comfortable, people will be looking for value, not shine when we start purchasing again. That's where Yanmars will be strong.

 

[foggy1111]

Hmmmm....sorta like how to sell overshoes in June...no? I think every biz has its slow seasons and you can stand on your head to make sales and ALMOST nothing will work.

Having said that....I just bought a tractor in November, and am busily setting it up for spring.....just bought a tiller, box blade, and cutter in the last two weeks...and about to buy a disc....all at seasonal sale prices. Speaking for myself....I hate to wait until the last minute and then not be able to find the right piece at the right price.

To get some traffic....maybe give free tickets to a hockey game or basketball game with any purchase over x dollars? People like free. It wouldn't cost you anything until you made a sale....and may get some traffic. But personally I don't think there is much that will work.....it's -25 here this morning ......and I dont think I'm gonna leave the house.

 

[unclelou]

I think most people buying this time of year are doing so for snow removal, thats why I just bought. So try pushing that idea with packages with block heaters and 3 pt snow blowers.