Anyone in the agricultural business or who has an overly large lawn is probably familiar with the fact that John Deere mowers and tractors command a reasonably high price, well into the thousands, regardless of how small you go, remaining limited on the features. Is there a way to negotiate these prices?
Buying a John Deere nowadays is like going into a dealership searching for a new or used car. You can undoubtedly negotiate your car’s ultimate price, and the same holds true with a John Deere. It also depends on where you decide to make your purchase as well.
Your best bet (assuming you really want to haggle over the ultimate price of a brand new John Deere) is to go to smaller dealers or “mom-and-pop” shops.
You’ll find that negotiation at a Home Depot will only be met with blank stares, but smaller, local dealers are much more amicable and open to discussion.
Negotiating Tips Before You Get Started
There are several ways to negotiate over the price of a John Deere, and one of the most important tips is “when” you go shopping for one. Of course, fall is the best time of the year to haggle over a John Deere.
Almost no one is buying mowers and tractors at this time of the year, so dealers are eager to get rid of their backstock to line the shelves with more popular fall and winter merchandise.
- Negotiate in the fall
- Always bring cash, but not as much as the asking price
- Look bored and uninterested
- Regardless of the price, stick with your total cash amount
- Offer to pay in cash
- Always be respectful and courteous (you catch more flies with honey)
The only drawback to shopping for a John Deere in the fall is that there will usually be limited stock.
That’s because the spring and summer take a toll on any dealer’s stocks regarding lawn and agricultural equipment. On the plus side, the highest price will likely already be far lower than the original.
Negotiate in the Fall
Whenever you walk into a dealership, remember that they are likely trying to get rid of their back stock. This means that whatever price you have in mind, you will probably be looking at a steep discount.
Businesses want to clear their shelves before winter sets in, and no one wants a John Deere sitting around when it gets cold outside.
In other words, you have a leg up on the situation before you even arrive. It’s also important to bring cash with you.
For one, it will keep you from being tempted to go with a price you’re uncomfortable with, so don’t bother bringing in your wallet with your credit cards or a check.
Use Cash
Even though the world is gradually adapting to new payment methods, dealers will always be more inclined to accept a cash offer from a customer.
This is because there are no risks for them associated with getting scammed or paid with invalid checks.
The value of cash is straightforward, making large transactions much easier for all parties involved.
Do Not Flinch on Your Cash Offer
If you have $1,500 cash, be prepared to walk away if the dealer won’t come down to $1,500 on the price. John Deere tractors, mowers, and gators are sold in many stores, and this won’t be the only place you can go.
If you say you can pay $1,500, that’s all you can pay, and the person you are negotiating with should know that at the very beginning.
Never bring as much as the asking price. For example, if the asking price is $2,000 and you have $1,500, don’t stop at the bank for more.
This will ensure you will be less likely to cave and offer more than you originally wanted to.
Remain Respectful and Courteous
Remember, the dealer is under absolutely no obligation to sell you a John Deere at your price. All you have is a tempting offer of cash and your demeanor.
As the saying goes, you catch more flies with honey, and nothing could be closer to the truth in this situation.
Remain respectful, courteous, and friendly, even if you want to grind your teeth and slam your head through a wall because you’ve run out of patience.
Consider this, you may be a single, friendly word from getting exactly what you want, and you will never know if you get rude about it, which will almost always end negotiations.
Before You Begin
We’ve already discussed looking for local dealers and bringing cash, but what else should you do before you head out?
One thing you should do is start at the place with the mower, tractor, or Gator that you want at the lowest possible price.
This means spending some time over the phone, calling each location, and writing down the prices of the model that you are looking for. Once you’re done with that, you’ll know where to start.
Plus, many local businesses are more than happy to price match. You could always go to the most expensive option first, using the lower-priced business as leverage in your negotiation.
Can You Negotiate for a John Deere Online?
The main change here is that you will be dealing with the dealer primarily through email, which can be irritating because they might not reply for a while.
You also want some really good pictures of the John Deere in question, which you can’t often find at local retailers.
One of the things that you should do to start the conversation is to send out an email expressing your interest in the John Deere and requesting more pictures. Once you have more pictures in hand, you can start your negotiations.
You will want to do the same things you would do in a face-to-face exchange. However, you will be limited by the slowness of exchanges back and forth.
So, once again, offer in cash and only in the amount of cash that you have on you.
Nothing really changes in an online negotiation over going into the store.
The only difference here is that it is easier to feign courtesy, even when frustrated. You can yell and scream all you want in the comfort of your home, and the person you’re negotiating with will never know.
If you can’t get a decent response time or the dealer doesn’t seem interested, don’t hesitate to move on. There are better ways to negotiate rather than waste your time on a dead-end conversation online.
Other Buying Options
Sometimes dealers can’t reduce the price of items, depending on their store policies. You might want to try some other buying options, such as:
- Searching online marketplaces for used John Deere equipment
- Saving more money until you can afford the price
- See if they offer special financing offers (like interest-free for a year)
Unfortunately, you can’t always negotiate the price of a John Deere.
However, it is possible to save money by being smart about how you approach the negotiation and what other options are available.
Final Thoughts
Negotiation is mostly about timing, courtesy, and temptation. You time your arrival for fall or late fall, remain professional, friendly, and courteous, and offer to pay in full, in cash.
Most dealers will be very tempted by the offer, especially if you relate to them as old friends.
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- Can I Trade In My John Deere Mower?
Sources
https://www.greentractortalk.com/threads/negotiating-with-the-dealer-realistic-or-not.144177/