One thing you should not see is a customer talking to the mechanic without the service manager present.Let’s suppose a mechanic is working on your tractor in the shop. Another farmer stops and asks a question.Even if the answer was simple and could be answered in minute or two, studies have shown that it takes at least 15 minutes for the mechanic to get back into the groove of working on your tractor.If the flat rate at your shop is $80 an hour, that other farmer just took $20 out of your pocket while the mechanic got his groove back.So remember that if you don’t get co-operation from the mechanics when you want to disturb them, that dealership is trying to provide you with the best deal possible.Here’s another scenario.Let’s say your tractor is in the shop for a transmission repair job and the service manager is trying to convince you to put in the original manufacturer bearings or the bearing manufacturer’s direct crossover, even though there are bearings that will fit that cost half the price.Remember, just because it fits doesn’t make it the right part. Bearing manufacturers often have up to seven different qualities of bearings that will fit a certain application.If the service manager is trying to sell you the right part, listen to him. The difference in his margin on the original manufacturer’s part isn’t enough to cause him to risk a warranty failure or an unhappy customer. What he recommends is generally the best deal, even if it costs a couple bucks more right now.Another way you can tell if a dealer is giving you a good price and also a good deal is if he organizes clinics to help you take care of your machines.He might bring in an expert from the factory to tell you how to set your combine or somebody from the dealership to tell you what to check when your combine comes out of storage.Information that is not readily available for you to take care of your investment is priceless. If your dealer is providing this information, he is probably giving you the best deal, even if he is not the cheapest.When you buy a new machine, does the dealer send someone to help you get going?Does he phone to recommend you bring in your machine so that he can check it while it is still under warranty?You are not likely to get the best price at such a place, but you will get a good deal.
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