Home

Export thread

how to negotiate with dealers?

Jan 24, 2014#1

exotion

So getting taxes back this year and I want to buy my timemaster early to try and get a deal msrp is $999 and I would like to pay as little as possible how does one negotiate prices with a dealer and yes I'm buying from a local dealer

Jan 24, 2014#2

Ric

exotion said:
So getting taxes back this year and I want to buy my timemaster early to try and get a deal msrp is $999 and I would like to pay as little as possible how does one negotiate prices with a dealer and yes I'm buying from a local dealer

The MSRP from Toro is $1149 for the ES and $1049.99 for the recoil start so if the dealer has $999 you better grab it and go cause he already has it marked down and he probably wont deal any further unless it's last years model and he is trying to get it off the floor. Due to the fact the mower doesn't cost that much to begin with and it's a residential unit, there's generally not going to be a lot of mark up.

Jan 24, 2014#3

Fish

Go to work for this dealer, and work cheap in exchange for knowledge.. In turn, you will likely get certain units close to dealer costs.....

Jan 24, 2014#4

exotion

Fish said:
Go to work for this dealer, and work cheap in exchange for knowledge.. In turn, you will likely get certain units close to dealer costs.....

Lol that's a complicated way for me to save a few bucks

Jan 24, 2014#5

Fish

Naw, it will bring you into the "biz"....

Jan 24, 2014#6

exotion

Fish said:
Naw, it will bring you into the "biz"....

No thank you I like landscaping

just looking to get the mower I want as cheap as possible

Jan 24, 2014#7

Fish

exotion said:
No thank you I like landscaping just looking to get the mower I want as cheap as possible

We can tell......

Jan 24, 2014#8

R

Rivets

I don't understand, you say you are going to buy from a dealer, but when he gives you his best price (which is $200 below MSRP) you are asking for are way to get a better deal??? What am I not understanding???

Jan 24, 2014#9

P

possum

That is the same price the big box stores offer as well as Mowers Direct. I cannot imagine a dealer wanting to sell it cheaper. Look for some other way to save some money.

Jan 24, 2014#10

exotion

Rivets said:
I don't understand, you say you are going to buy from a dealer, but when he gives you his best price (which is $200 below MSRP) you are asking for are way to get a better deal??? What am I not understanding???

Haven't got the offer yet I saw it in there a month ago didn't talk to anyone. If that's a good deal ill go with that I have just never bought through a dealer except for parts so I was just wondering if there is some kind of secret haggling process

Jan 24, 2014#11

P

possum

There are many secret haggling methods. They are a process. My Dad would spend a day buying a truck. Or a washing machine. Or about anything. Others his age did so as well. Both the dealer and the buyer would insult each other for several hours and then make the deal and shake hands. I have a good friend that makes a very low offer. It is refused and he goes home. His wife goes back to the place and buys it for the price that was offered to her husband. Next time they do it again. The point is this. The dealer can compete. But only take so much. He has to stay in business. Any dealer that close in price to the big stores is trying to compete.

Jan 25, 2014#12

Ric

exotion said:
Haven't got the offer yet I saw it in there a month ago didn't talk to anyone. If that's a good deal ill go with that I have just never bought through a dealer except for parts so I was just wondering if there is some kind of secret haggling process

There's the problem. you've just never bought through a dealer except for parts. He has never made any money off you, So why then should you expect to get a deal. There's No secret haggling process, you have earn a deal or a percentage off equipment by buying from the guy all the time, becoming a full time customer, continually giving him your business on everything you buy in the way of equipment and not run to HD for everything. I'll bet HD doesn't sell it cheaper than there $999.

Jan 25, 2014#13

lawn mower fanatic

Ric said:
There's the problem. you've just never bought through a dealer except for parts. He has never made any money off you, So why then should you expect to get a deal. There's No secret haggling process, you have earn a deal or a percentage off equipment by buying from the guy all the time, becoming a full time customer, continually giving him your business on everything you buy in the way of equipment and not run to HD for everything. I'll bet HD doesn't sell it cheaper than there $999.

Good point. :thumbsup: Routine customers will likely get better deals (and quicker service). I only get my stuff from 2 dealers - one that sells Echo (along with Exmark and lots more), and one that sells Honda (plus Toro).

Jan 25, 2014#14

pugaltitude

I still dont understand why 1, a dealer should give any discount and 2, why a customer should expect it.
You dont ask or get discount when you buy your shopping from a supermarket so why from any retail outlet?

Jan 25, 2014#15

davbell22602

pugaltitude said:
I still dont understand why 1, a dealer should give any discount and 2, why a customer should expect it.
You dont ask or get discount when you buy your shopping from a supermarket so why from any retail outlet?

I agree, good point :thumbsup:

Jan 25, 2014#16

C

Crawdad

pugaltitude said:
I still dont understand why 1, a dealer should give any discount and 2, why a customer should expect it.
You dont ask or get discount when you buy your shopping from a supermarket so why from any retail outlet?

Do you let your lawn customers haggle?

Jan 25, 2014#17

exotion

pugaltitude said:
I still dont understand why 1, a dealer should give any discount and 2, why a customer should expect it.
You dont ask or get discount when you buy your shopping from a supermarket so why from any retail outlet?

1) Generally giving a customer a good deal ensures a return customer.
2) customers expect it because private dealers generally haggle some dealers actually mark up prices for the customers to haggle and to make customers feel as though they got a good deal.

As I suspect with this deal will at least match HD price because I am going to start taking al my new business there as they are a Honda/toro/echo/husky dealer

Jan 25, 2014#18

Ric

exotion said:
1) Generally giving a customer a good deal ensures a return customer.
2) customers expect it because private dealers generally haggle some dealers actually mark up prices for the customers to haggle and to make customers feel as though they got a good deal.

As I suspect with this deal will at least match HD price because I am going to start taking al my new business there as they are a Honda/toro/echo/husky dealer

Giving someone like you say will bring a customer back and every time you have a return customer the dealer increases his chances of a bigger sale down the road. I didn't get a discount until after I purchased my first ztr, now I get any where from 5 to 15% depending on what and how much I'm spending, at the end of the year it adds up. For a dealer to give a discount is just good business.

Jan 25, 2014#19

davbell22602

exotion said:
1) Generally giving a customer a good deal ensures a return customer.
2) customers expect it because private dealers generally haggle some dealers actually mark up prices for the customers to haggle and to make customers feel as though they got a good deal.

As I suspect with this deal will at least match HD price because I am going to start taking al my new business there as they are a Honda/toro/echo/husky dealer

You need to understand that the dealers have there own pricing from the distributor along with a suggested retail price. They can only reduce the price so far then they start loosing money. The also dealer pays freight and a employee to assemble the new equipment off the freight truck. So dont waste your time on haggling a dealer on price for new equipment. Will never happen. Might have better chance if you buy used working piece of equipment on price haggling or one on consignment.

Jan 25, 2014#20

exotion

davbell22602 said:
You need to understand that the dealers have there own pricing from the distributor along with a suggested retail price. They can only reduce the price so far then they start loosing money. The also dealer pays freight and a employee to assemble the new equipment off the freight truck. So dont waste your time on haggling a dealer on price for new equipment. Will never happen. Might have better chance if you buy used working piece of equipment on price haggling or one on consignment.

Then he will lose a sale, I can go to homedepot for 999 or I can go to him ... Only makes since I want to support my dealer and go to him when I need something but I don't see the benefits of spending more money... For any reason dealer service or not I usually do my own mechanical work anyway. Like I said he sells me I support him I go back when I need something else... I am never buying used for business again so it will be in his benefit to at least match HD price.....

Jan 25, 2014#21

R

Rivets

If you are going to start shopping at the big box stores, I hope nothing goes wrong with your equipment, especially while it is under warranty. It's tough enough for the dealers (particularly the small ones) to make a living when people buy only on price. You expect the dealer to give you the same speedy service he gives his regular customers, even though the only time you patronize him is when your equipment has a serious breakdown and you need it back in service ASAP, as you will loose $$$ all the while it is down. Then you complain that our prices are too high. Take a look around your area, have the number of authorized service center decreased? In my area we have lost over 25% in the last five years. Do I give discounts to my customers, YES. Would I give a discount to a new customer, MAYBE. Do I give discount to landscapers who I only see when they are in a jam, NO. The saying go " One hand washes the other". If you want me to wash your hands, bring the soap. It's just like those who come to this forum for free advice, but when given say it's wrong, the person giving the advice doesn't know what they are talking about or never even comes back to say thanks. I can't make money on this forum, so I have to make it at the shop. Oh, remember to look at my signature.

Jan 25, 2014#22

Ric

exotion said:
Then he will lose a sale, I can go to homedepot for 999 or I can go to him ... Only makes since I want to support my dealer and go to him when I need something but I don't see the benefits of spending more money... For any reason dealer service or not I usually do my own mechanical work anyway. Like I said he sells me I support him I go back when I need something else... I am never buying used for business again so it will be in his benefit to at least match HD price.....

My dealer matches Home depot pricing. Equipment you'll buy at a dealer will vary in discount. Stihl doesn't have a big mark up in price on there equipment, Echo on the other hand has a greater mark up so the dealer can or has more room to work, It's the same on mowers. They can also save you a lot of money if you buy bulk, like oil filters and oil. You support your local dealer and you come out ahead.

Jan 25, 2014#23

exotion

Rivets said:
If you are going to start shopping at the big box stores, I hope nothing goes wrong with your equipment, especially while it is under warranty. It's tough enough for the dealers (particularly the small ones) to make a living when people buy only on price. You expect the dealer to give you the same speedy service he gives his regular customers, even though the only time you patronize him is when your equipment has a serious breakdown and you need it back in service ASAP, as you will loose $$$ all the while it is down. Then you complain that our prices are too high. Take a look around your area, have the number of authorized service center decreased? In my area we have lost over 25% in the last five years. Do I give discounts to my customers, YES. Would I give a discount to a new customer, MAYBE. Do I give discount to landscapers who I only see when they are in a jam, NO. The saying go " One hand washes the other". If you want me to wash your hands, bring the soap. It's just like those who come to this forum for free advice, but when given say it's wrong, the person giving the advice doesn't know what they are talking about or never even comes back to say thanks. I can't make money on this forum, so I have to make it at the shop. Oh, remember to look at my signature.

While I agree with what you are saying, I cannot see spending more than necessary, yes I go ti HD spend $999 something serious happens( will need to be very very serious for me to outsource mechanical work) I have a longer wait time, I spend $1200 as insurance for speedy repairs just in case.. I see that as a waste I will go to HD besides I litterly only have $1000. Budgeted this spring

Jan 25, 2014#24

exotion

Ric said:
My dealer matches Home depot pricing. Equipment you'll buy at a dealer will vary in discount. Stihl doesn't have a big mark up in price on there equipment, Echo on the other hand has a greater mark up so the dealer can or has more room to work, It's the same on mowers. They can also save you a lot of money if you buy bulk, like oil filters and oil. You support your local dealer and you come out ahead.

This is it right here I want to support him and I will buy weed string and 2 cycle oil there and equipment and parts by I won't spend more somewhere when I can spend less....

Jan 25, 2014#25

davbell22602

exotion said:
Then he will lose a sale, I can go to homedepot for 999 or I can go to him ... Only makes since I want to support my dealer and go to him when I need something but I don't see the benefits of spending more money... For any reason dealer service or not I usually do my own mechanical work anyway. Like I said he sells me I support him I go back when I need something else... I am never buying used for business again so it will be in his benefit to at least match HD price.....

He would have no problem loosing a sale since he sells the same mower as Home Depot. As will probably never stock the same mowers home depot after you telling him about Home depot having it. I wouldnt buy a Toro from Home Depot anyways because there made by MTD from what I heard. Thats why its priced lower than the dealer. Might also be getting a cheap warranty when buying it from Home Depot also.

Jan 25, 2014#26

R

Rivets

If you think the dealers are paying the same price for a piece of equipment that the big box stores are, you are way off track. Example: I order 20 model XXX mowers for the upcoming year. MSRP for that unit is $500. My cost is $380, plus shipping. Big box store orders 500 of the same mower, volume discount gives them a price of $325. Big box puts them on sale for $459 in the box, and you ask me to match his price with full set-up (as we set-up every unit before it goes out the door). Should I match the price? How long would I be able to stay in business when I lose over $45 on each unit. Also, you will learn in you line of work, spending a little more now will save you a lot down the road, if you earn the respect of a good dealer. As I have said before, service puts the cake on the table, while sales puts the icing on the cake. Anyone in business knows that their reputation makes them more money than their equipment.

Jan 25, 2014#27

Ric

davbell22602 said:
He would have no problem loosing a sale since he sells the same mower as Home Depot. As will probably never stock the same mowers home depot after you telling him about Home depot having it. I wouldn't buy a Toro from Home Depot anyways because there made by MTD from what I heard. That's why its priced lower than the dealer. Might also be getting a cheap warranty when buying it from Home Depot also.

Toro is not made by MTD, the Cub Cadets are MTD and the warranty comes from the manufacturer/ Toro not Home Depot that's why Toro dealers honor the warranty if it's purchased at home depot. All they need is a sales receipt with the date of purchase.

Jan 25, 2014#28

R

Rivets

Toro does not have different mowers at the big box stores. Dealers and big box get the same model. Toro push mowers are not made by MTD. Tractors were, but that was the biggest reason Toro dropped putting their name on any lawn or garden tractor.

Jan 25, 2014#29

Ric

exotion said:
This is it right here I want to support him and I will buy weed string and 2 cycle oil there and equipment and parts by I won't spend more somewhere when I can spend less....

To bad your not here, you could save a bunch. Just advertised Friday.

[h=2]Toro 30" TimeMaster Mower - $650 (North St. Petersburg) - $650 (North St. Petersburg)[/h]

30" Deck Twin Blade Personal Pace Automatic Drive. Mulch, Bag, or side discharge. Very Clean Like New and has less than 10 hours, I only used 3 times. Have manuals and spare air filters. 8.75 Briggs&Stratton OHV Engine.

Jan 25, 2014#30

exotion

Ric said:
To bad your not here, you could save a bunch. Just advertised Friday.

[h=2]Toro 30" TimeMaster Mower - $650 (North St. Petersburg) - $650 (North St. Petersburg)[/h]
http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_kk0w9dzcYrC_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/01616_2CgcRQwxBSM_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00X0X_9B3UTz99mc8_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00000_3eBAXKpcJgq_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_84GrrWOkwG6_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_VlngenE3Oj_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00Z0Z_9hBGdzeRCx9_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00101_bQKRVMbipqs_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_e4rqqVOChX4_600x450.jpg http://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_PDOv9iW9pQ_600x450.jpg

30" Deck Twin Blade Personal Pace Automatic Drive. Mulch, Bag, or side discharge. Very Clean Like New and has less than 10 hours, I only used 3 times. Have manuals and spare air filters. 8.75 Briggs&Stratton OHV Engine.

Wonder if I could get someone to ship it

Jan 25, 2014#31

L

LoCo86

exotion said:
So getting taxes back this year and I want to buy my timemaster early to try and get a deal msrp is $999 and I would like to pay as little as possible how does one negotiate prices with a dealer and yes I'm buying from a local dealer

If your dealers are anything like the ones we have here you are better off buying it where you can get the mower the cheapest, since you're mechanically inclined. If you're not in the millionaires club here it could take 1-2 weeks to get your equipment back from repairs. As far as negotiations go it's just like buying a new car or motorcycle. But since your not buying multiple pieces of equipment costing thousands of dollars you won't get much of a discount if any at all. So just buy the mower wherever you are able to purchase it the cheapest.

Jan 26, 2014#32

pugaltitude

Crawdad said:
Do you let your lawn customers haggle?

No I am an equipment dealer.
Swear word in my showroom is "discount".

Jan 26, 2014#33

pugaltitude

exotion said:
1) Generally giving a customer a good deal ensures a return customer.
2) customers expect it because private dealers generally haggle some dealers actually mark up prices for the customers to haggle and to make customers feel as though they got a good deal.

As I suspect with this deal will at least match HD price because I am going to start taking al my new business there as they are a Honda/toro/echo/husky dealer

I find good service and honesty will bring a return customer.
If i discount from rrp then that customer expects it everytime.
I will build the product, deliver it, show then how to use it and give them backup but im not buying it for them.
Dealers dont make that much money from selling product. Lucky if its 20% on certain product.
By the time its PDI'd, sales pitch and delivered etc then the profits gone.
We just hope the the customer is loyal enough to come back for service.

Jan 26, 2014#34

pugaltitude

What I do laugh about is customers travelling all over the place
to get a good deal but not realizing its cost them fuel.

2 dealers selling same product in my town.
Customer drives past 1st dealer to come to me which is approx 5 miles.
I give him sales pitch and price. Customer is happy but wants to think about it.
next day customer comes back in and says "i can get it ｣15 cheaper at other dealer".
I say go back and buy it there then. "But I want to buy from you as it will be done right". I say only at rrp and so off the customer goes to buy from other dealer.
So following week customer comes in with his brand new product but has a fault.
Is it warranty? No. Its not been PDI'd properly. I charge him ｣30 to sort out as its my time.

So

｣15 turns into 6 car runs which is approx 30 miles plus my ｣30.
Bargain by the sounds of it.
Find a good dealer and stick with them.
Sometimes the cheapest priced machine can turn into the most expensive.

Jan 26, 2014#35

Ric

exotion said:
Wonder if I could get someone to ship it

If he would ship you could probably buy the one where you're at cheaper. I'll bet shipping would eat you up on 140lbs.

Jan 26, 2014#36

Ric

pugaltitude said:
What I do laugh about is customers travelling all over the place
to get a good deal but not realizing its cost them fuel.

2 dealers selling same product in my town.
Customer drives past 1st dealer to come to me which is approx 5 miles.
I give him sales pitch and price. Customer is happy but wants to think about it.
next day customer comes back in and says "i can get it ｣15 cheaper at other dealer".
I say go back and buy it there then. "But I want to buy from you as it will be done right". I say only at rrp and so off the customer goes to buy from other dealer.
So following week customer comes in with his brand new product but has a fault.
Is it warranty? No. Its not been PDI'd properly. I charge him ｣30 to sort out as its my time.

So

｣15 turns into 6 car runs which is approx 30 miles plus my ｣30.
Bargain by the sounds of it.
Find a good dealer and stick with them.
Sometimes the cheapest priced machine can turn into the most expensive.

Business should be about making money I understand that but when I see a business do what you do, I see a someone only interested in themselves and padding there pockets. A good Reputation in business can be more important than the extra few dollars you can put in your pocket and can get you a lot of return.

Jan 26, 2014#37

pugaltitude

Ric said:
Business should be about making money I understand that but when I see a business do what you do, I see a someone only interested in themselves and padding there pockets. A good Reputation in business can be more important than the extra few dollars you can put in your pocket and can get you a lot of return.

I am not trying to fill my pockets. Im trying to survive.
Im a 2 man business but would love to have salesman parts person and delivery driver but my business isnt big enough.
my time selling product is then lost in the workshop. I have to make my lost time up in selling at full rrp to even up.
And also why should i lose money from someone who its going to make money using that product,
Their isnt many dealers around my area that work until 10-11 to keep the customer happy. It is only grass at the end of the day!
I didnt choose to be self employed for the money but more of the lifestyle to choose what i want to do.
If someone buys from me they get a package not just a product.
I have lots of pros that come to me.
They know they wont be let down and where they might pay at the start when buying product they might get a starter repair or adjustment done mid season and not be charged and there amd then.
We also supply them tea!!!

Jan 26, 2014#38

Ric

The last mower I purchased was my Toro Turfmaster and the MSRP was $1999, I paid $1699. I never pay MSRP on any mower and the dealer is still making money. No dealer has to sell for MSRP to make money. The nearest Exmark dealer from me that had there 30" for $1999 and gave me the same $1699 price for it. Regardless of the MSRP the dealer can sell or set his own price on the equipment and still make the money he needs to survive as well as giving the customer a deal and it's a win win for every one.
The mower exotion is trying to buy at the dealer for the HD price I'll bet he will get from the dealer at the 999 price or maybe just a little cheaper, I mean the dealer would be a fool to let him leave and go to HD and buy it.

Jan 26, 2014#39

pugaltitude

Ric said:
The last mower I purchased was my Toro Turfmaster and the MSRP was $1999, I paid $1699. I never pay MSRP on any mower and the dealer is still making money. No dealer has to sell for MSRP to make money. The nearest Exmark dealer from me that had there 30" for $1999 and gave me the same $1699 price for it. Regardless of the MSRP the dealer can sell or set his own price on the equipment and still make the money he needs to survive as well as giving the customer a deal and it's a win win for every one.
The mower exotion is trying to buy at the dealer for the HD price I'll bet he will get from the dealer at the 999 price or maybe just a little cheaper, I mean the dealer would be a fool to let him leave and go to HD and buy it.

So you think a business can give away approx 20% of its product and still expect to make money?
Thats like $300 ish. (Toro)
lucky if the dealer gets 20-30% buying anyway.
I dont know any business who could survive like that.
They are going for volume rather then turnover.

Jan 26, 2014#40

R

Rivets

Landscapers, please remember your business is far different than your equipment dealer service center. The dealers over head is vastly different than your's. Both have the same expenses, but the dealer has a hugh inventory in parts and new equipment which you don't have, which is constantly accruing interest if not moved quickly. Remember, the dealer must ordered six to eight months before the season to get inventory and any kind of discount. There is no 0% interest program for us.

A new guy with a decent reputation from from the big city nearby decides to expand and comes into your area with a multi-team crew and starts advertising he will do the same job you do at a 15-20% discount to your prices. He's got nice trucks, good equipment, guys in uniform showing up on time and they can do everything you do. He is making his money on volume and time and paying his crew less to make his profit. Your customers call and ask you to match his price. What do you tell them? Isn't that the same thing you are asking us dealers to do for you?

Jan 26, 2014#41

Carscw

I do not ask my dealer for a better price. I buy MOST of my parts from him. I send friends to him. And in return if I need them to do warranty work on anything it takes 1 or 2 days and not 2 weeks.
And they always have free coffee.

Jan 26, 2014#42

exotion

Rivets said:
Landscapers, please remember your business is far different than your equipment dealer service center. The dealers over head is vastly different than your's. Both have the same expenses, but the dealer has a hugh inventory in parts and new equipment which you don't have, which is constantly accruing interest if not moved quickly. Remember, the dealer must ordered six to eight months before the season to get inventory and any kind of discount. There is no 0% interest program for us.

A new guy with a decent reputation from from the big city nearby decides to expand and comes into your area with a multi-team crew and starts advertising he will do the same job you do at a 15-20% discount to your prices. He's got nice trucks, good equipment, guys in uniform showing up on time and they can do everything you do. He is making his money on volume and time and paying his crew less to make his profit. Your customers call and ask you to match his price. What do you tell them? Isn't that the same thing you are asking us dealers to do for you?

Well as with any business you and us have the right to say no... On the other hand I leave wiggle room for hagglers... They don't haggle I get more profit if I do haggle I still get profit but the customer is happier...and assuming I do a great job he will be more than likely to stay longer.

A guy comes to town like you said I end up losing a few customers I adjust my prices and get new customers it happens. Our business are greatly different and you said it your self you need to move your inventory so you either sell a piece of equipment with a slight discount and make money or you don't sell.... Simple enough no?

Jan 26, 2014#43

Fish

The last non-Stihl dealership I worked for was a Husqvarna dealer in Bardstown. Lowes told their customers that if they had any problems, take the mower to us, and
we "had" to do the warranty work.....

So we would get pissed off folks all of the time showing up, and once the owner heard where they bought the unit from, he would tell them to take it back there!!!!

One day in the service department, the secretary patched in a phone call from Husqvarna to me, they begged me to look at this guys trimmer that he bought at Lowes.

Needless to say, my boss was pissed at me for taking it in, I fixed the problems as I found them, the customer was an *** from the start.

After all, I was a warranty dealer, I had to make it right????? No?????

Needless to say, the dealer submits the warranty claims, and if Husqvarna denies it, then the dealer has to try to get the funds from the customer...... Right!!!!!!!!!!!

Plus the poor mechanic gets into trouble for wasting all of this time dealing with the forms, phone calls with Husqvarna and the customer, time listening to the customer come in and biatch for a half hour, etc....

All for a unit bought at Lowes!!!!!!!! Sheesh!!!!!

Hell, after I quit that job, that customer started calling me at home!!!!!!

Jan 26, 2014#44

Ric

pugaltitude said:
So you think a business can give away approx 20% of its product and still expect to make money?
That's like $300 ish. (Toro)
lucky if the dealer gets 20-30% buying anyway.
I don't know any business who could survive like that.
They are going for volume rather then turnover.

I think the dealer giving me that $300 ish discount is still making enough money on the mower that he isn't hurting himself. The thing is you treat someone right they come back and spend more money, in the last eight years I've purchased ever piece of equipment I have from the same dealer so how much money as he made from me in the long run. It's all about building customer relations.

Jan 26, 2014#45

Mid TN Lawn

LoCo86 said:
If your dealers are anything like the ones we have here you are better off buying it where you can get the mower the cheapest, since you're mechanically inclined. If you're not in the millionaires club here it could take 1-2 weeks to get your equipment back from repairs. As far as negotiations go it's just like buying a new car or motorcycle. But since your not buying multiple pieces of equipment costing thousands of dollars you won't get much of a discount if any at all. So just buy the mower wherever you are able to purchase it the cheapest.

Home depot will accept lowes 10percent off coupon on that mower for 999. Or if you have military family member they can get ten percent off. Also home depot will negotiate and give 10-15percent off to anyone in that section just ask grills mowers trimmers etc my brother was district manager for them and they encourage that dept leaders to cut deals and sell. Lastly as far as that mower your looking at you will never have to worry about dealer for service it will not fail before warranty is out.

Jan 26, 2014#46

exotion

Mid TN Lawn said:
Home depot will accept lowes 10percent off coupon on that mower for 999. Or if you have military family member they can get ten percent off. Also home depot will negotiate and give 10-15percent off to anyone in that section just ask grills mowers trimmers etc my brother was district manager for them and they encourage that dept leaders to cut deals and sell. Lastly as far as that mower your looking at you will never have to worry about dealer for service it will not fail before warranty is out.

Talk to HD and get 10% off? This sounds farfetched .......

Jan 26, 2014#47

Mid TN Lawn

exotion said:
Talk to HD and get 10% off? This sounds farfetched .......

I Explained to you there policy if you dont beleive me that your tough ****. I was nice enough to give you 3 diff. Ways you can save 10percent.

Jan 26, 2014#48

Carscw

Lowes and HD will price match plus 10%

Jan 26, 2014#49

exotion

Mid TN Lawn said:
I Explained to you there policy if you dont beleive me that your tough ****. I was nice enough to give you 3 diff. Ways you can save 10percent.

No rly I apreciate it.... Just seems odd that a corporate owned store to allow employees to give discounts I will definately take a lowes coupon there and see what they can do. I would rather buy from a dealer however if I could get 10-20% off I couldn't say no....

Jan 27, 2014#50

pugaltitude

Ric said:
I think the dealer giving me that $300 ish discount is still making enough money on the mower that he isn't hurting himself. The thing is you treat someone right they come back and spend more money, in the last eight years I've purchased ever piece of equipment I have from the same dealer so how much money as he made from me in the long run. It's all about building customer relations.

If you are getting a good deal as a customer then obviously dealer has to be happy as he chose to sell it at that price.
As my father always says "a price of a thing is what it will bring" and "a good deal is when both parties agree and shake hands".

I can only talk about discount structures over here.

The way it looks is he sells 3 of the same product to my 1 product and we make the same money.
He will maybe get better discount but he is giving it away in the sale.

I make up for on service where other dealers are not as good as us.
They sell the product and we get the service. The service is where the money is made. Another quote from my father "never sell your labour cheap"

Jan 27, 2014#51

Mike88se

pugaltitude said:
If you are getting a good deal as a customer then obviously dealer has to be happy as he chose to sell it at that price.
As my father always says "a price of a thing is what it will bring" and "a good deal is when both parties agree and shake hands".

I can only talk about discount structures over here.

The way it looks is he sells 3 of the same product to my 1 product and we make the same money.
He will maybe get better discount but he is giving it away in the sale.

I make up for on service where other dealers are not as good as us.
They sell the product and we get the service. The service is where the money is made. Another quote from my father "never sell your labour cheap"

I like the way your father thinks. I've seen good points on both sides here but I've never had dealings with a dealer. Well except for the other day when I bought a part and was given tthe wrong one

Just to complicate things... Toro 20199 Timemaster 30" Mower | Wise Sales

And despite all the bad things written on the net about this mower I miss mine. Always started on first pull and gave an acceptable cut.

Jan 27, 2014#52

pugaltitude

Mike88se said:
I like the way your father thinks. I've seen good points on both sides here but I've never had dealings with a dealer. Well except for the other day when I bought a part and was given tthe wrong one
Just to complicate things... Toro 20199 Timemaster 30" Mower | Wise Sales
And despite all the bad things written on the net about this mower I miss mine. Always started on first pull and gave an acceptable cut.

Fathers do seem to know what to say and when to say it.
He could sell ice to eskimos and sand to the arabs!

We have a timemaster 30 coming for delivery soon.
Iv only seen it at a Toro training day and that was January last year.
Its only been out over here for a year but not heard anything bad.

Jan 28, 2014#53

exotion

So we got a little less in taxes then we thought so we are.going to have to wait till I'm season to buy it hopefully the dealer will still he flexible and I realize that April is not a good time to be .looking for discounts lol

Jan 30, 2014#54

ThaxtexGM

pugaltitude said:
I still dont understand why 1, a dealer should give any discount and 2, why a customer should expect it.
You dont ask or get discount when you buy your shopping from a supermarket so why from any retail outlet?

The problem you have is the guy down the road will, and that's what happens everyone does it even supermarkets!

The best way to get a very good deal is be prepared to walk away, stock that is not sold is costing money, if its keeper in stock for to long profit is lost.

Home

Export thread

how to negotiate with dealers?

Footer Links 1

Footer Links 2