For Stihl Dealers

[thompson1600]

What would a fair price be for an 026 Pro with 16" bar. I want to support my local Stihl dealer but with internet prices so low, the bottom line does come into play. What should I offer my local dealer, Twin City Saw in St Paul, MN? How do you approach them since on the other saws I bought there, they weren't into dropping their price. Thanks and I will let you know how it goes.

Tom
_________________________________
Chainsaws can really become addicting!

 

[davefr]

Stihl dealers aren't allowed to sell online. (unless you're willing to pick up the saw in person at MSRP).

Where are you seeing good online deals on new 026 Pro's?

It seems to be the norm that Stihl dealers don't bargain much on price. The good ones will tend to throw in some freebies like extra chain, and maybe even an extra bar. Try and get your dealer to do this. You should also ask them for a live hands on demo and a "few days" satisfaction guarantee. Ask them if they'll give the saw a "gratas" check up/cleaning/sharpening during off season. I'd also ask them if they'll agree to provide you a loaner if your saw is in for repair or maint. You success will be higher with these negotiating strategies than going for the price discount, but nothing ventured/nothing gained!!

I think Stihl Corp. has beat the concept of selling price = MSRP into most of their dealers. (price fixing????) Besides that, channel margins aren't as high as you'd think.

 

[thompson1600]

I don't see Stihl online, but I own 2 Stihl's and would like to stay with them. However, Husky is beating them hands down in price value (I won't get into performance/who's better). So by internet I mean I would switch brand loyalty and start buying Husky.

Tom

 

[treeclimber165]

Yesterday when I was at the Stihl dealer, his LIST price on the 026 was $399. The 026pro was LISTED at $454. The manager had given me a price of $413 on the 026pro, so I imagine the 026 could be had for about $375 or so.

 

[deadtrees]

Give Crown Rental in Burnsville a call. 952 894 7368 I have not bought a saw from them so I do not know if they deal but they have been real helpfull and friendly to me for Stihl parts orders.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Local dealers help here

As a local dealer, such a request for price undercutting from the internet makes me want to let my typing fingers overload my good sense.

I do not carry Stihl, but I commend them for having the policy that they do about price cutting over the internet.

I'll quote Linciln, " It matters not what the man down the street charges less. I trust he knows best what his goods and services are worth."

Nothing personal, but I hope those who shop for the very lowest price get what they shopped for.

 

[stihltech]

stihl dealer

Well, Snydert just kept me from going off on here. As a dealer who stays open late so people can have their saws the next day, I hope service still means something. A good dealer will do little things for free after a saw purchase. An extra chain, no problem. Dealing, if I have any room on margin.
If I don't make a profit, how long will I be in business?
If price is ALL that counts, guess we all better head to Lowes.
I know everybody thinks Husky is great on price, but I wonder how the servicing dealer feels about it? Last I knew, they need a profit too.

 

[thompson1600]

I guess I see it differently (and yes I do own my own business). I price shop for insurance, for the lowest mortgage rate and I sure don't walk onto a car lot and say "I'll pay sticker". Price is negotiable. Do you want my business, lets deal. Don't want it, fine someone else will deal. You know that a happy customer will tell 5 people, an unhappy person will tell 50. What's the rap on Lowe's, they've kept prices in check. Glad they're around, even though they're not in my town.

Just because Stihl wants price parity doesn't mean all dealers are doing it. I just want to find the dealer who cares more about customers and customer loyalty than he does about profit margin (and Stihl's ethical?/unethical? price policy) on one saw, when there will be more saws to buy plus all the referrals and repair business and parts and it goes on. Simple as that, price isn't everything, but when your looking for a new dealer it sure means a lot.

Next time you go buy a car, don't haggle, I dare ya.

 

[builder]

I was at madsens last month and they wanted $420 for 026,another dealer wanted $450,$400 for an 026 from a good dealer sounds like a decent price to me,get them to throw in a spare chain and filter and it's a stihl.

 

[thompson1600]

Oh, I almost forgot. We're getting off what my original question was, which is; What is a FAIR price to pay for an 026 Pro, and how to negotiate that price with a dealer. Thanks

 

[Newfie]

Hey Tom,

Well, you seem to have an idea of what you want to spend, so why can't you decide what you think a fair price is? You obviously feel that local guy is just making more money off you because a large volume internet dealer can sell lower.There is another thread (probably more than one) that goes on about haggling with a dealer on saw price. I'm not a dealer and I run Husky, but for what its worth I was talking to the regional rep from Husky and he said that Husky dealers are not allowed to ship saws, sounds like the same deal as Stihl. You can price shop for a saw all you want, but the proof in the pudding will be when it is timed to get your saw fixed. If there is one thing i have learned, service is the overriding factor. So what if you pay $50 or even a $100 more? Is shipping free on those Huskies youv'e been looking at. I mail ordered a saw once from a large reputable internet dealer, burned it up and Husky says, "hey we don't have any record of this saw ever being sold" Luckily I had my paperwork and an AWESOME dealer who went to bat for me because I do a lot of business with him.

Most of all I don't think any local dealer has to "buy" your loyalty and if your negotiating approach includes that smug "Dare Ya" attitude most of the guys will probably gladly end up watching you leave without a saw because they don't want the hassles.

As for the ethics of the pricing and distribution structure, it's not price fixing to ask the same price for the same item everywhere you sell it. The price fixing would be if the Stihl, husky and jonsered dealers all got together in a region and decide that this is what the prices for comparable models are and no deviation allowed. I think that Stihl and Husky are making an attempt to preserve a dealership network (for the sake of service?) so we don't see a Walmart effect where all of the little guys are squashed by the undercutting power sellers. The slam on Lowe's is lowe price, no service. You are naive to think that Lowe's has kept prices down, wait until the smal competitiors are gone and you are stuck with whatever price Lowe's wants to offer because there is no longer competition.

 

[WRW]

More "wiggle room" on the high end items. Talk 066 and see if you can't get yer discount. Otherwise, go with the Treeclimbers figures. If you can't get that...walk. And do let us know how it works out.

 

[davefr]

The original question was answered. Treeclimber suggested you try around $413 for a Pro.

As to how, just ask "is pricing is flexible"? If the dealer says yes than throw out a number. If the dealer says no, than revert to plan "B" which is to see if there's any other "value added" that the dealer can offer. (service, extra chain/bar, etc.)

Originally posted by thompson1600
Oh, I almost forgot. We're getting off what my original question was, which is; What is a FAIR price to pay for an 026 Pro, and how to negotiate that price with a dealer. Thanks

 

[davefr]

1. Your Husky rep must not be talking to the Husky factory because Husky's are sold all day long on the internet from multiple sources.

2. If Stihl dicates resale pricing to the dealers, than that is most definately price fixing!! A manufacturer can only suggest selling prices. They cannot dictate them in absolute dolar amounts to a dealer.

Originally posted by Newfie
Hey Tom,

Well, you seem to have an idea of what you want to spend, so why can't you decide what you think a fair price is? You obviously feel that local guy is just making more money off you because a large volume internet dealer can sell lower.There is another thread (probably more than one) that goes on about haggling with a dealer on saw price. I'm not a dealer and I run Husky, but for what its worth I was talking to the regional rep from Husky and he said that Husky dealers are not allowed to ship saws, sounds like the same deal as Stihl. You can price shop for a saw all you want, but the proof in the pudding will be when it is timed to get your saw fixed. If there is one thing i have learned, service is the overriding factor. So what if you pay $50 or even a $100 more? Is shipping free on those Huskies youv'e been looking at. I mail ordered a saw once from a large reputable internet dealer, burned it up and Husky says, "hey we don't have any record of this saw ever being sold" Luckily I had my paperwork and an AWESOME dealer who went to bat for me because I do a lot of business with him.

Most of all I don't think any local dealer has to "buy" your loyalty and if your negotiating approach includes that smug "Dare Ya" attitude most of the guys will probably gladly end up watching you leave without a saw because they don't want the hassles.

As for the ethics of the pricing and distribution structure, it's not price fixing to ask the same price for the same item everywhere you sell it. The price fixing would be if the Stihl, husky and jonsered dealers all got together in a region and decide that this is what the prices for comparable models are and no deviation allowed. I think that Stihl and Husky are making an attempt to preserve a dealership network (for the sake of service?) so we don't see a Walmart effect where all of the little guys are squashed by the undercutting power sellers. The slam on Lowe's is lowe price, no service. You are naive to think that Lowe's has kept prices down, wait until the smal competitiors are gone and you are stuck with whatever price Lowe's wants to offer because there is no longer competition.

 

[treeclimber165]

Keep in mind that the price that was quoted to me was from the manager, whom I have known and purchased from for almost 20 years. My dad bought my lawn business 11 years ago and spends a fortune with this guy. Probably 10K+ per year.
I just told him I needed a 026Pro and asked what he could do for me on it. He came back in 2 minutes and said "$413".

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

Probably 10K+ per year.

Dump that basta*d, Ya'll look into opening a saw shop. Maybe some other make, Dolmar, Solo, or even HUSKY?

 

[treeclimber165]

Re: Probably 10K+ per year.

Originally posted by WOLF_RIVER_MIKE
Dump that basta*d, Ya'll look into opening a saw shop. Maybe some other make, Dolmar, Solo, or even HUSKY?

HUH?? I was just saying that I've dealt with this shop for years and my dad continues to give them a lot of business. My dad's lawn business does almost $1 million gross per year and he buys a ton of equipment. The shop just gave me best price because I (and my dad) have always gone there for our equipment. Whatever brand equipment, doesn't matter.

Who pissed in your cornflakes, WRM?

 

[Toddppm]

I looked at an 260pro and 200T the other day, both were priced at $429, I asked what price could he give me if i got both, he gave me $415 on the 020T and $410 on the 260, only thing was he did the bait + switch on me , gave me last years model 020T and a 260, not the pro I didn't say anything so I guess I can't ?????, he just will never get another dime from me. I'm running out of people to deal with around here

 

[DDM]

Todd? you didnt try to trade in the 020T
that rolled off the truck? Was that saw Totalled or completely lost?

 

[Toddppm]

That was completely lost as in , wasn't there when I went back, hopefully the chipper ran over it at least. I would have rather had some parts though
Nobody takes trades around here that I know of, no saws , mowers anything, interesting concept though.