"Backyarders" and where to buy used equipment

[bartles]

I am kind of in the situation were customers will have a cheap mower, and spend a large amount to fix it, because it is cheaper than replacement, but will not spend the initial money to purchase a serviced, repaired mower. Basically they will put $600 into a mower worth $200 if sold, but won't pay $400 to purchase the same mower.

Makes one wonder if a product warranty might break the ice for that kind of decision.

 

[hlw49]

Let's see a new mower 19 20 HP 42 inch deck gear drive retails for $2200. How long will it last. 10 years? $2200 divided By10 = $220 depreciation per year. So, if you get it when it is 5 years old is it worth $1100 resale value?

 

[ILENGINE]

A 2012-2014 CC LTX1042KW just went for $500 last month at a local auction. So that would be an example of a 10 year old mower that retailed for around $2000 back then.

 

[Auto Doc's]

How much will anything sell for? It depends on how much the buyer wants it and is willing to pay at the time. Cash is what most sellers want, not financing headaches.

The one problem I see much of the time is people think a credit card or a bank check is the instant solution to spontaneous purchases. (I've had only one customer dispute the CC charge, and two others write me a worthless check in the past)

The other problem is people don't deal in cash as much as they used to and going to the bank is an inconvenience for most.

I have heard the line: "Will you sell it cheaper for cash" many times and all I say is that is my cash price.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Makes one wonder if a product warranty might break the ice for that kind of decision.

Hello B.,

The only warranty I would advise on used equipment is to have a buyer thoroughly test run and cut with the machine while I am present to confirm everything is in good working order. Once it leaves my place the "warranty period" is over.

I have an area designated for "test runs and cutting".

I've tried 3- and 6-month warranties (for a couple of machines) before, and the machines would come back destroyed from abuse. There is no profit in refunding for a used machine and then having to repair it again or scrap it.

I will not even rent machines anymore because people have the "it's not mine to worry about it" mentality. Respect for anyone else's property is a rare quality in today's world.