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.
how to negotiate with dealers?
- Thread starter exotion
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Ric
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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.
exotion
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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
davbell22602
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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.
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.
Ric
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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.
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.
Ric
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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.
