Why is it such a hassle?

[GC1710]

Visited a few dealers after hours to look (sit) on a few scuts. Did some online research. Picked a Massey GC. Went onto tractorhouse and equipmenttrader, found the best deal within 300 miles. Called the next day, was honest and asked for a little more, was thrown in a 48” bush hog....deal closed the very next day. Now I buy my oil and stuff at the local MF dealer and told them straight up how they didn’t get my initial business, everything is good, especially the 5 year powertrain warranty.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I did, thanks. I have actually only visited one dealer. It was a Branson dealer in the North Texas area. It was such a positive experience, that I almost certain I will be purchasing a tractor from them. However, I am trying to due my due diligence and pick the tractor that will best fit my needs as well. I filled out a 'receive a quote' from another Branson dealer in the area. That was more than a week ago. I still haven't received a quote, but at least I have gotten a half dozen or so spam e-mails from them that all start out with, "Hi there,". Not a great way to win over a customer.

I have had a couple of good e-mail exchanges with LS dealers. One is about 75 minutes away, and the other over 2 hours. The positive Branson dealer is well over an hour away too. I am pretty much limited to visiting one dealer every Saturday, and sometimes that is tough to fit in. I am busy during the workday, and don't have the time to spend on the phone. Much of my tractor gathering sessions consists of online searches in the evening. With limited time, all I would like to be able to do is get a general ball park figure for what I want, so I can at least determine if it is in my interest do drive an hour plus each way to look at a tractor. Is that too much to ask?


Chances are that I will be extremely happy with either an LS or Branson.

Got any heavy equipment dealers closer to you? They may have tractors too.

 

[dougtrr2]

I have recently decided to purchase a tractor for a new home we are building on 5 acres. I never knew there were so many different brands. With so much competition in the market, you would think companies would want to make the process as easy as possible.

Why then, is it such a chore just to get a quote from many companies? A starting point should be readily available on their websites. Some dealers have made it easier, and some harder. If I e-mail you with the specific tractor and attachments I want, what is the deal with the 20 questions and endless e-mails? I would argue that I shouldn't have to e-mail you at all. If I am shopping for a house, I know how much the owner is asking before I even go to see it. The same applies to a car.

Due to this, I have naturally gravitated toward a Branson and LS dealerships near me. Both of them have been extremely helpful and have priced out several options for me. At this point, I am 99% sure I am going to buy one of the two.

Also, why do tractor dealerships close down so early on Saturdays? For working stiffs, like me, I don't have any time to shop for a tractor during the week.

You're trolling us, right? You start by stating you didn't even know how many different brands of tractors there are. So without even being aware of how many brands there are you are somehow able to know all the available options with all brands and come up with a specific tractor. You complain that they are asking too many questions. Did it occur to you that they are trying to make sure you get the right tractor for your application. If you don't like the emails, pick up the phone or show up for a face to face conversation. I worked at a big box store. Many times I had customers come in asking for specific items but when we talked and I realized what the project truly was we were able to come up with better alternatives, and in some cases their original request would have ended in disaster.

Good luck with your purchase.

Doug in SW IA

 

[Maharaja]

The phone is your friend.
Some sales people are great some are not.
I shopped three brands and 7 dealers before I bought my Kubota.

 

[dodge man]

Depending on the size and type of tractor your getting there are as many or more choices for options and attachments then buying a car or truck. My experience is that tractor salesman tend to be less pushy then car salesman also. Use this board to learn some things and you will be a lot happier with your purchase.

 

[ultrarunner]

Like most things... it is a process.

A process you can spend little time or a lot of time.

In my case... I had the need for a tractor but was not in tractor country... had no friends with tractors... etc.

I grew up around the car business... a buyer that knows what they want makes it easier all around...

I try to make it so the only unanswered question is price... in other words at X amount of dollars you have a sale...

 

[TJSlice]

In my continued search, I was on another manufacturer's website when a chat window popped up. I started a conversation with salesperson, and she was extremely helpful. She took all my information and suggested a good starting point for one of their tractors. She said she would look for the exact tractor at a dealership near me. The next day, she e-mailed me and told me she had found it, gave the dealership my contact information, and said they would contact me.

It's been over a week, and still no contact from the dealer. Yesterday, I received an e-mail from the company rep asking how the dealership was doing. I told her I had not heard from them. She again got in touch with the dealership, and said they would be contacting me soon. Still nothing.

I could easily pick up the phone and call them, or I could just decide that this dealership probably would not be helpful if I have any problems in the future with my tractor.

 

[Diggin It]

It's been over a week, and still no contact from the dealer. Yesterday, I received an e-mail from the company rep asking how the dealership was doing. I told her I had not heard from them. She again got in touch with the dealership, and said they would be contacting me soon. Still nothing.

I could easily pick up the phone and call them, or I could just decide that this dealership probably would not be helpful if I have any problems in the future with my tractor.

I would send that Rep another email saying exactly that .... you feel you cannot trust that dealer.

 

[atsah]

When I am about to spend a considerable amount of money I take a couple of days off and get it done, email, chat, phone calls, Not for me.. These guys get tire kickers all day long on the phone and emails all night long..

 

[ultrarunner]

When I email for a quote it is precise with Manufacturer Numbers as I did with my factory order BMW...

It is great now that many sites let you build your tractor...

Someone that knows exactly what they want has done all the hard work and reduced the equation to price and availability...

Problem is too many are vague or only a general idea at best... these can take endless hours back and forth and then when they have it all sorted out will buy 2 hours away because they saved a couple of hundred... seen it happen.