Why is there no thread with actual pricing of say, different compact tractors

[NuBota]

Seems like the analogies in this thread have gone all over the place, with some even contradicting themselves - but I'll stick with what I said earlier - lowest cost vs best value - not the same thing

One dealer higher than the other for the exact same product: there are a number of reasons for that - rent, location, higher paid workers, volume, etc etc. If the price difference is marginal and it is obvious that the higher priced guy runs a better shop, treats me right, I will take my business there. Although higher price doesn't always mean better service - a place that offers great service will probably have higher costs. In my case, I was a complete noob and these guys took the time to fit me into a tractor. The other dealer couldn't or wouldn't take the time to talk to me. Coulda had the helpful guy get me straight, then go to the other guy to save 300 bucks - but couldn't have lived with myself

Take the Big Box home stores v.s. the little hardware stores. I am between two towns, equidistant. I can travel 15 miles to the Big Box in the bigger town, fight traffic, walk from one end to the other to find what I need, wait in line forever and take two hours. Or travel 15 miles the other way, have a guy pounce on me at the door, walk me to the product(s) I want and be home in 30-40 minutes. Did I pay more - sure - did I get a better value - absolutely. Same is true for lumber, nursery, grocery, etc. Will take a mom and pop and the higher price any day because it saves me aggravation and time.

It's not about building a warm and fuzzy relationship - shopping value IS good business - if you're lucky and the cheaper guy is the best around - good on ya' - but that is hardly the case most times. Same is true of contract work - the lowest bidder is almost ALWAYS gonna be a nightmare.

If you know exactly what you want, and don't need any help, and everything else is equal, then shop price - most definately - that's what makes online stores great. But sometimes you need to see, touch, and ask questions. And some times you need it immediately

Sorry for the long wind - could site tons of examples of folks buying cheap and then spending way more than they saved after the purchase (or in some case before). Anyway, to each his own....

 

[gemini5362]

When I bought my tractor I bought from the cheapest dealer that offered me a tractor. In my case that dealer was about 5 miles from home which made a huge difference. The reason that dealer could sell so much cheaper was because he had a lot with no service facility out of his pocket. He had a lot and a structure for a sales shop and that was it. When I inquired about service he told me that he was building a new shop and would be able to service it with no problems. Well he never built the shop and he does not sell tractors anymore. When a dealership has a big shop and able to service what they sell they have a lot of money tied up in overhead and the price they sell is going to have to reflect that. A dealer that has no everhead can obviously sell cheaper and if you want to do your own work and not worry about the dealer then go for the cheap price. If you want to be able to have pristine services then expect to pay more for the tractor. IMHO expecting to get the cheapest price out there and the best service then you are having unreasonable expectations.

 

[davitk]

Seems like the analogies in this thread have gone all over the place, with some even contradicting themselves - but I'll stick with what I said earlier - lowest cost vs best value - not the same thing

One dealer higher than the other for the exact same product: there are a number of reasons for that - rent, location, higher paid workers, volume, etc etc. If the price difference is marginal and it is obvious that the higher priced guy runs a better shop, treats me right, I will take my business there. Although higher price doesn't always mean better service - a place that offers great service will probably have higher costs. In my case, I was a complete noob and these guys took the time to fit me into a tractor. The other dealer couldn't or wouldn't take the time to talk to me. Coulda had the helpful guy get me straight, then go to the other guy to save 300 bucks - but couldn't have lived with myself

Take the Big Box home stores v.s. the little hardware stores. I am between two towns, equidistant. I can travel 15 miles to the Big Box in the bigger town, fight traffic, walk from one end to the other to find what I need, wait in line forever and take two hours. Or travel 15 miles the other way, have a guy pounce on me at the door, walk me to the product(s) I want and be home in 30-40 minutes. Did I pay more - sure - did I get a better value - absolutely. Same is true for lumber, nursery, grocery, etc. Will take a mom and pop and the higher price any day because it saves me aggravation and time.

It's not about building a warm and fuzzy relationship - shopping value IS good business - if you're lucky and the cheaper guy is the best around - good on ya' - but that is hardly the case most times. Same is true of contract work - the lowest bidder is almost ALWAYS gonna be a nightmare.

If you know exactly what you want, and don't need any help, and everything else is equal, then shop price - most definately - that's what makes online stores great. But sometimes you need to see, touch, and ask questions. And some times you need it immediately

Sorry for the long wind - could site tons of examples of folks buying cheap and then spending way more than they saved after the purchase (or in some case before). Anyway, to each his own....

Well said.

 

[john_bud]

. I have since bought a tractor, I posted this on another thread, John Deere 3005. I wont get it for 3 weeks yet and noticed that I missed the Japanese/indian machines.

? I thought that tractor was 100% made in Japan.

jb

 

[bake321]

I'm back!!!! I really think we are on the same track, I don't believe that the lowest price is always the best deal. I also don't allow myself to get caught up in dealer infatuation. I pay my money and expect certain things in return. Unfortunately I have been living in Arizona for the last 25 years and I will tell you customer service, skilled workers and performance are things that don't exist here. I had a pool put in three years ago and no it was not the cheap guy, in fact this company did over 400 pools a year. They missed the elevation on the shell and then wanted to splice a 12 inch piece around the top. It took six months, but they finally dug the whole thing out and started over. I did pay in full when it was completed properly.
I have always owned used tractors and dealers were not involved, in fact dealers don't exist for my favorite brand. If one needs a clutch I block her up, split the tractor and due the clutch or whatever. I am retiring to Kentucky on 100 acres and plan on raising some beef cattle and producing some hay. I need a reliable 60 pto hp tractor and am looking at buying new. I have visited 5 dealers in Arizona and three in Kentucky. The results have been pathetic. If they can't come up with a price how can I feel confident that they would support warrantee issues. In fact I am now leaning towards looking at fairly new used ones so that I don't have to deal with a dealer. I'll keep an oldie for backup and do my own wrenching

Bake

 

[Maka]

I sure am glad you found the right dealer. Good luck to both of you.

Maka

davitk,

Ad hominem will get you nowhere.

1. I insist on performance contracts.

2. Will pay what the contract stipulates

3. Will pay when the contract is fulfilled upon the agreed upon terms

4. Only hold back the portion that is prescribed as a "performance bond" in the contract, and then paid as per #3.

5. Will use whatever vendor supplies my needs commensurate with my liberties a a customer.

6. When hiring a large contract for my residence, perform background investigations upon the contractor, BBB research, and develop a database of his assets for seizure in the event of malfeasance.

My "handshake and a promise" occurs after the contract is signed by all parties. This is all accomplished in an even toned, clean, professional and cordial manner.

Like I said, its nothing personal; its business.

 

[MikePA]

People approach purchases differently. What's offensive are the people who directly, or indirectly, denigrate others for the approach they take. Some people are strictly dollars and cents, others are not. Only the truly arrogant think their way is the only way.

 

[ray66v]

People approach purchases differently. What's offensive are the people who directly, or indirectly, denigrate others for the approach they take. Some people are strictly dollars and cents, others are not. Only the truly arrogant think their way is the only way.

Well said Mike, Thankfully everyone has the right to do business, (for now), the way they see fit, (mostly). That is, like it or not, one of the things that makes this country great.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

People approach purchases differently. What's offensive are the people who directly, or indirectly, denigrate others for the approach they take. Some people are strictly dollars and cents, others are not. Only the truly arrogant think their way is the only way.

Not only is it arrogant to believe that "my way" is the only way, it's downright close-minded, stupid, and a poor way to do business. There's a strong possibility that most of us don't know everything there is to know. (Apparently a few people are naive enough to THINK they do) Over the years, I've bought quite a few tractors, trucks, cars, property, and so on. In all likelyhood, I've made as many or more of those "big ticket purchases" as the average guy. And still to this day, I'm more than game to listen to anyone's advice, experience, and mistakes. I'm more than happy to further my education.

The first step to learning is realizing just how much you DON'T KNOW. Thinking you don't need to learn anything new means you'll NEVER KNOW how much you don't know.

 

[gemini5362]

6. When hiring a large contract for my residence, perform background investigations upon the contractor, BBB research, and develop a database of his assets for seizure in the event of malfeasance.

.

That line kind of says it all. When you start talking about developing a database of assets for seizure you seem to have a lot of time to do research for a possibility of failure.