Dealer preparation of new saws

[ZeroJunk]

You pay before the dealer before you even see the box . Dealer rights up invoice you pay they get the saw . Saw is yours before it’s unboxed .

As I said I’ve only bought two new Husky saws at two different dealers . One dealer was a member on this board . My Echo I bought at Home Depot because I had a 20% off coupon and they honored it . That was here is your saw in the box have a nice day

So, how does that square with starting every saw before it goes out the door?

 

[Kdavis2685]

I've only seen homeowner or professional use on the registration computer at my dealer when buying a saw. I just click homeowner.

It was interesting, because that is sort of what I recalled. But this time, a couple weeks ago, there were like 6 or 8 options. It allowed them to be much more specific. Idn if it depends on the specific saw model what options appear...the saw before last was a 462rcm, and I remember homeowner or professional. For this 261cm there were 6 or 8 options - and the dealer filled it out for me. Maybe it's just their new registration software has more options, or maybe it's saw specific, or maybe certain levels of dealers have more options...idk...but it would be interesting if a dealer could give some insight.

 

[farmer steve]

It was interesting, because that is sort of what I recalled. But this time, a couple weeks ago, there were like 6 or 8 options. It allowed them to be much more specific. Idn if it depends on the specific saw model what options appear...the saw before last was a 462rcm, and I remember homeowner or professional. For this 261cm there were 6 or 8 options - and the dealer filled it out for me. Maybe it's just their new registration software has more options, or maybe it's saw specific, or maybe certain levels of dealers have more options...idk...but it would be interesting if a dealer could give some insight.

I may be looking at a new 261(CAD )here shortly. If I remember I'll look to see what if any options.

 

[SS396driver]

So, how does that square with starting every saw before it goes out the door?

Home Depot doesn’t count as a dedicated dealer . They are a box store

 

[SS396driver]

We take saws back within 14 days for no other reason than you changed your mind. Much less running issues, or defects. Seldom happens, but we had a woman before Christmas bought a saw for her husband. They got in a fight, she brought it back. They made up. She came back and got it. Counter man told her he was not doing that paperwork again LOL.
Anyhow, the saws are made in Va Beach, shipped 80 or 90 miles to Hillsborough, another 30 miles to Greensboro. And, they forget how to run on the trip ? Ya'll do what makes you happy.

Some pros want a saw started because they are going straight to a job. Some homeowners want to be shown how to start a saw.

We are instructed to keep the boxes by Stihl

No, we don't do that. We take saws back with some regularity where the buyer cannot start them, usually because of age or health issues. Credit them and sell them an electric . Or, they decide it is to heavy. Too long. But, no they can't go use it to get their work done and bring it back.

It pretty well covers a saw that won't run.

Completely contradicts you first post

 

[Section VIII]

It was interesting, because that is sort of what I recalled. But this time, a couple weeks ago, there were like 6 or 8 options. It allowed them to be much more specific. Idn if it depends on the specific saw model what options appear...the saw before last was a 462rcm, and I remember homeowner or professional. For this 261cm there were 6 or 8 options - and the dealer filled it out for me. Maybe it's just their new registration software has more options, or maybe it's saw specific, or maybe certain levels of dealers have more options...idk...but it would be interesting if a dealer could give some insight.

There are multiple options but they generally fall under home use or professional/commercial. If they purchased using their commercial account, then it was registered as commercial/professional.

I would always open the box in front of the customer once the customer showed up to purchase. If we didn't have any new-in-box, I would ask the customer if they wanted to order one or if they were okay with one of the display models.

 

[ZeroJunk]

Completely contradicts you first post

Might completely contradict what you thought you read. You have 14 days to bring it back if you decide you do not want it. Haven't met the dude who thought he could run it two weeks and bring it back.

Running issues and defects are warranty claims.

 

[SS396driver]

Might completely contradict what you thought you read. You have 14 days to bring it back if you decide you do not want it. Haven't met the dude who thought he could run it two weeks and bring it back.

Running issues and defects are warranty claims.

You are one of the few who have this policy .

 

[SS396driver]

So in theory I could buy a saw run it 10 days return it and you would refund the money because I changed my mind ? Or do you just credit towards a new saw ?

Either way your an exception to the rule here it’s only because of warranty issues and you get an exchange if the saw is not worth fixing

 

[ZeroJunk]

So in theory I could buy a saw run it 10 days return it and you would refund the money because I changed my mind ? Or do you just credit towards a new saw ?

Either way your an exception to the rule here it’s only because of warranty issues and you get an exchange if the saw is not worth fixing

Well, it's 7 days, my bad. They seem to cloak it, but it is there. Apparently it varies by country. One of the NZ dealers shows 14, but whatever.

Bottom of warranty page.

NOTE: All SG, SGA, SR, TS, TSA, GS, RB and RE
pressure washer, and robotic lawnmower models do not
qualify for the STIHL 7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

 

[SS396driver]

Never bought a new Stihl other than a string trimmer about 12 years ago

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

At my shop every piece of equipment sold is test run and adjusted (if applicable) before the customer leaves, along with answering any questions they may have. We also go over basic safety stuff as well especially with chainsaws.

 

[Kdavis2685]

There are multiple options but they generally fall under home use or professional/commercial. If they purchased using their commercial account, then it was registered as commercial/professional.

I would always open the box in front of the customer once the customer showed up to purchase. If we didn't have any new-in-box, I would ask the customer if they wanted to order one or if they were okay with one of the display models.

That makes sense. So in my example, he did me a favor registering it as farm use because it would get the longer homeowner category warranty period, rather than arborist or something that would fall under the shorter professional use warranty.

 

[ZeroJunk]

Well, apparently some dealer got a customer convinced to run his saw on high idle with the chain brake on for two minutes.

Read the freaking directions.

 

[Ralf1e]

Does occur that dealers who oil, fuel and run the saw in front of the buyer are protecting themselves from the inevitable idiot that takes the saw home and straight gasses it.
They are out there in thier droves.

 

[stihltech]

At my shop every piece of equipment sold is test run and adjusted (if applicable) before the customer leaves, along with answering any questions they may have. We also go over basic safety stuff as well especially with chainsaws.

Good to see someone actually knows the obligations of a Stihl dealer (at least a REAL one).

 

[ZeroJunk]

Good to see someone actually knows the obligations of a Stihl dealer (at least a REAL one).

Jesus

 

[StihlsawuserMS361]

Did they ask you what type of user you are? Homeowner, farmer, tree care business, etc? I ask because I had an unexpected moment when I got my wife a 261cm recently. The guy helping with the sale was very knowledgeable (old wildland fire guy) and seemed genuinely helpful and nice. I had told him we occasionally did tree work on the side, but it wasn't our full time gig. For warranty registration (I got the extra gallon of motomix to double it), he put it down for farm use. He explained that homeowner vs farm use or commercial got slightly different warranty treatment...which I had not been told on previous purchases. Something about there being better warranty service with farm use vs homeowner. Has anyone here been or worked for a stihl dealer? Is there any legitimacy to his claim? How would the service differ? Is this only on pro saws? Was he just blowing smoke or is there some unstated benefit to claiming a different use category. I am skeptical, but it also kind of seems like a marker for profiling or categorizing people into groups of assumed knowledge level of ope operation and maintenance. Has anyone else been told similar when buying and registering a new stihl? Or has anyone been on the salesman/dealer side and ever been told anything by the stihl rep?

I've written here in the past regarding my poor local Stihl representatives or service. Thinking back now, approaching I believe 2 years on my 500I (homeowner / firewood use only) my "Elite Dealer", 30 miles away, never mentioned increased warranty with Stihl oil or premix. Then again, he took over from his father, service and communication went away with that transfer. His lack of communication last spring cost him a Hustler zero turn sale too. I guess it's like common sense...either you have it or you don't......

 

[OM617YOTA]

I've written here in the past regarding my poor local Stihl representatives or service. Thinking back now, approaching I believe 2 years on my 500I (homeowner / firewood use only) my "Elite Dealer", 30 miles away, never mentioned increased warranty with Stihl oil or premix. Then again, he took over from his father, service and communication went away with that transfer. His lack of communication last spring cost him a Hustler zero turn sale too. I guess it's like common sense...either you have it or you don't......

When I bought my 500i, the "dealer" told me that the extended warranty thing didn't apply to pro saws. They were wrong, but I had to contact Stihl corporate to get it straightened out.

 

[Lee192233]

My Stihl dealer fuels, adds bar oil, runs it, tunes a little rich if adjustable and asks you to bring it back after a couple tanks to final tune it. They will also allow you to run it in a test log if you like.

That's how it should be done. It's called customer service and is the reason I buy all my parts from them. They're there if you need it and will bend over backwards to help. Someone here could learn from that.