Selling Used mowers

[hlw49]

Of all the used mowers I have sold I have never had but one complaint. It was a Craftsman mower with a twin Kohler and the ignition module went out on it. Not my fault. But fixed it anyway.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello H.,

You forgot to them give them a "lifetime warranty" and beg them to take it off your hands. LOL.

Trying to sell used equipment has become a real challenge these days. I take cash only, no check and no credit cards. Sales have been slow, but I tend to be strict about asking potential buyers plenty of initial questions.

Also, a customer is required to run all equipment and mow or weed eat with it on my property before I will even sell it to them. That is their warranty in my opinion. Anything beyond that once it leaves is on them.

Also, I do not sell anything on Friday for a "special event"!

They will always show up after the event wanting their money back after they have beat it to death or broke it. As soon as they mention anything like that, I refer them to the big box stores if they want to play that game. Finally, the big box stores are becoming wise to this game and telling them they have to take the equipment to a recommended warranty shop.

 

[StarTech]

I simply just part out everything. Quit over five years ago when I kept getting insult offers. All they were looking for is ones they could flip. Some I told just shop at your yard sales.

I remember one cat that ***** about a $50 push mower with a 90 day warranty so he goes and buys a $25 as is yard sales mower and then spends $45 in my shop to get it repaired.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

I simply just part out everything. Quit over five years ago when I kept getting insult offers. All they were looking for is ones they could flip. Some I told just shop at your yard sales.

I remember one cat that ***** about a $50 push mower with a 90 day warranty so he goes and buys a $25 as is yard sales mower and then spends $45 in my shop to get it repaired.

Selling used equipment can be frustrating, however, you just have to wait for the right buyer. Cannot take things personally, and need to find a person who sees real value in the product you have to offer. Used sales provide extra income, can be easy to sell, and help people out that cannot afford new.

 

[StarTech]

I actually think it is the area I moved to. Six miles away across the state line my brother could sale half way repair riders for more money and he didn't even warranty his work. I tried selling at just below and never sold a thing.

Now repairs are different most times as I could charge more and get few complaints. I do warranty my work for 30 days with additional charge for additional parts only during the warranty time.

 

[MarkoBohm]

I actually think it is the area I moved to. Six miles away across the state line my brother could sale half way repair riders for more money and he didn't even warranty his work. I tried selling at just below and never sold a thing.

Now repairs are different most times as I could charge more and get few complaints. I do warranty my work for 30 days with additional charge for additional parts only during the warranty time.

Ok thanks. I will keep it in mind.

 

[Skippydiesel]

I refuse to negotiate until the buyer (or agent) has checked out & had a go with the mower/generator/brush cutter - only then can we "dicker".

This gets rid of most "tyre kickers"/time wasters and removes any future arguments about the machines capacity to deliver the goods.

I don't do "warranties" but once refunded on a ride on that the "owner" just couldn't operate, despite instruction & try out

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hi S.,

Sadly, some people cannot comprehend simple instruction these days, or much more beyond simple breathing.

Don't worry though, soon everyone will have battery operated mowers that will simply activate when the grass gets 3 inches tall. Camera sensors will control it, and people can always expect a perfectly manicured lawn. LOL

A phrase that I used (quite often) years ago as a military instructor was, they "could break an anvil with a feather".

I agree with you, that is why nothing leaves my shop repaired or sold as used unless they operate it first, if they just cannot understand safe operation, I will not sell to them after I see them fumbling too much.

Another pitfall I avoid is when a "representative" or family member tries to buy a used machine that they will not be operating.

Here lately I have been entertaining the thought of only specializing in portable generators, ATVs and UTVs. They seem to be the most profitable in my area. Besides, most riders and push mowers I see are damaged beyond economic repair, so I quit trying to "save them all".

 

[StarTech]

Careful of ATV and UTV work and get an agreement of parts usage. Some of them are just plain jerks when it comes to their equipment.

I had to do a stop payment on a check of a repair because the only available and had used it on his Honda. Still awaiting for that one to resolved thru the legal system as he committed a class 4 felony. Still a broken down skid loader of his that just probably going for scrap.

A second one took me to court because his plastic decals faded in the sun while I waited parts.

Both these cause me to quit that line of work. They can go to more expensive shops.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hi StarTech,

I get parts cost plus 30% in cash for evaluation before I will conduct any repairs.

If they refuse to agree with that, I will not allow them to leave it with me while they make up their mind.

One or two thought I was crazy but eventually came around after they had gotten burned by shady shops or some half-wit friend who botched the job trying.

Sun faded plastic decals, that is a new one I have not seen. I make it clear that I am not a storage facility.