A customer called today and was asking about pricing for some planter parts. He said that his local dealer was giving him a 10% discount on his planter parts and wanted to know if we would match the price. He emailed over the parts list and prices and I called and told him "I'm sorry, but we can't match these prices. It wouldn't be right". The customer was a bit shocked (and probably miffed) that we wouldn't meet his dealer prices in TX. I chuckled a little bit and explained to him that if he wanted me to meet his dealer's sale prices, I'd have to increase my prices to get there! :laugh:
Anyway..........and I'm really not trying to make a story too long here............The customer went back to the dealer and told him he was buying from us. The dealer immediately snapped back, "Well, does that online store support local 4-H or other Ag organizations?" The guy responded to the dealer, "I dont' know. But it looks like they support my pocket book!" We thought that was pretty good.
I don't tell this story just to get a chuckle from you. I tell it for two reasons. Behind the 'online' store at Green Farm Parts is a dealership started by my grandparents, similar to what you may have in your local or neighboring towns. We've in in business since 1955 and we are still a family owned and operated business. We are brick and mortar. We are "share a cup of coffee and kick the tires". We are "bring your kids in to play on the equipment". We are "free popcorn". We are "real people". We are friends and neighbors. And yes, we DO support 4H.....and FFA.......and the USCHI.......and Purdue University........and local high school and intermediate sports.......... and literally dozens and dozens of other great organizations and non-profits.
It really bothers me that a dealer would let someone walk out of their store over what I would consider 'a few bucks'. Sure, we love the business. But allowing a customer to walk out when they are in your store and could potentially bring years of business to you.........well, that just doesn't make any sense. Unfortunately we hear horror stories all of the time and often hear people refer to their local 'stealership'. There are hundreds of great dealers out there (all brands) and then then when you hear about those that have closed for one reason or another it sometimes begins to make sense.
I guess we practice the FISH PHILOSOPHY and hope others will too:
*Be There (for your customers)
*Choose Your Attitude (and some days we struggle, but thank God we don't all struggle the same day!
*Make Their Day (it only takes a kind word or a smile in the voice)
*Play (have fun at work. If our office was a reality tv show it would be pretty entertaining at times)
Ok, I've gotten way too windy and it's time to get back to work. I just wanted to share some thoughts. Have a great weekend!
Anyway..........and I'm really not trying to make a story too long here............The customer went back to the dealer and told him he was buying from us. The dealer immediately snapped back, "Well, does that online store support local 4-H or other Ag organizations?" The guy responded to the dealer, "I dont' know. But it looks like they support my pocket book!" We thought that was pretty good.
I don't tell this story just to get a chuckle from you. I tell it for two reasons. Behind the 'online' store at Green Farm Parts is a dealership started by my grandparents, similar to what you may have in your local or neighboring towns. We've in in business since 1955 and we are still a family owned and operated business. We are brick and mortar. We are "share a cup of coffee and kick the tires". We are "bring your kids in to play on the equipment". We are "free popcorn". We are "real people". We are friends and neighbors. And yes, we DO support 4H.....and FFA.......and the USCHI.......and Purdue University........and local high school and intermediate sports.......... and literally dozens and dozens of other great organizations and non-profits.
It really bothers me that a dealer would let someone walk out of their store over what I would consider 'a few bucks'. Sure, we love the business. But allowing a customer to walk out when they are in your store and could potentially bring years of business to you.........well, that just doesn't make any sense. Unfortunately we hear horror stories all of the time and often hear people refer to their local 'stealership'. There are hundreds of great dealers out there (all brands) and then then when you hear about those that have closed for one reason or another it sometimes begins to make sense.
I guess we practice the FISH PHILOSOPHY and hope others will too:
*Be There (for your customers)
*Choose Your Attitude (and some days we struggle, but thank God we don't all struggle the same day!
*Make Their Day (it only takes a kind word or a smile in the voice)
*Play (have fun at work. If our office was a reality tv show it would be pretty entertaining at times)
Ok, I've gotten way too windy and it's time to get back to work. I just wanted to share some thoughts. Have a great weekend!