Price isn’t everything.
Sometimes when I look around online, I will see a piece of equipment I want at a great price.
I will look at a mower and think I could save $150.
Then, if I want the mower, I will head to my local lawnmowing shop and buy it for the full price.
Why would I do that?
It may sound counterproductive, but there is a method behind my madness.
The real question is, “What will happen if it breaks down?” Will I pack it up and return it for a warranty job?
And if I do, how long is this going to take?
Meanwhile, what do I do about not having a mower?
You do not have this issue when buying from your local shop, so it gives you a real advantage.
When I select a shop to do business with, I ask, “What is your turnaround time for contractors?”
A good mower shop will prioritize repairs for their lawn mowing contractors.
The usual agreement I make is that I buy from one local shop and when any piece of equipment breaks, they fix it quickly. (if they have parts on hand, of course)
This arrangement works well for both parties.
If you want even better service, one thing that has worked for me in the past is to pay my account the day it is due. Doing this works wonders and doesn’t cost you anything but sets you apart from the crowd.
It is a great feeling to call in with a breakdown and be out with the machine running well within 15 minutes.
You also have the bonus that you are helping your local community when you shop locally.
A win-win all around, I would say.
Buying Local Vs Online For Lawn Care Gear???
Why buying lawn mowing equipment locally is good.
You get Personalized Service
You often receive personalized service. This is because small businesses typically have fewer customers than large businesses, so they can take time to get to know each other personally. This personalization can make your overall experience a difference. They’ll also offer advice on how to use and maintain your equipment.
I have been using the same local dealer for years, and because we have worked together for so long, he is prepared to go the extra mile if needed.
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You can see the products in person.
When you shop for lawn mowing equipment online, you can’t see the products in person before you buy them. This can make it difficult to know if a particular product is right for you. When you shop at a local store, you can see the products in person and get a feel for them before you make a purchase. It is much easier to pick up a tool to give you an idea of how it feels.
When you buy online, you risk that the machine you receive is not what you were looking for in a shop where you get to examine the machine from all angles before making a decision.
You can get your questions answered right away.
If you have questions about the lawn mowing equipment you’re considering buying, it’s much easier to answer them when you shop at a local store. When you shop online, you might have to wait for a customer service representative to get back to you with an answer. When you shop at a local store, the staff can answer your questions immediately.
When you tell the staff member precisely what you are looking for, they can point you in the right direction.
You can avoid shipping costs.
When you buy your lawn mowing equipment online, you’ll have to pay for shipping costs. These costs can add up, especially if you’re purchasing multiple items. You won’t have to pay any shipping costs when you shop at a local store.
This is especially important with larger items. It can cost a small fortune to get a mower shipped from one end of the country to another.
You Can Get Your Purchase Right Away.
When you buy your lawn mowing equipment online, it might take a few days or even weeks for your purchase to arrive. However, when you shop at a local store, you’ll be able to take your purchase home with you immediately. This is incredibly convenient if you need to use your new lawn mower straight away.
The other thing to consider is that many machines shipped in more than one piece. So you may have to assemble a piece of equipment when it arrives. A mower shop will have the machine assembled and start the engines before you take it away.
You Might Find Better Deals Locally
Although it’s possible to find good deals on lawn mowing equipment online, sometimes you can find even better deals at local stores. This is especially true during sales or clearance events. It’s always worth checking out your local stores before purchasing online.
You’ll Be Supporting Local Businesses
When you buy your lawn mowing equipment from a local store, you’ll support your community’s businesses. This is important because small businesses are the backbone of the economy and provide jobs for people in your community.
The other thing to consider is that they give your equipment preferential service if you discuss it when buying. Most mower shops provide a much quicker turnaround when a contractor puts a machine in for repairs. This can make all the difference if you are busy.
A local business will be able to stand behind the warranty.
If the machine that you bought online (or even in a big box shop) breaks down, you will need to return it, and it could take weeks to months before you get the machine back. Can you afford or go this long without a machine you depend on for your daily income? Warranty work is typically done quickly and efficiently through your local dealer.
In closing
This sums up why buying lawn mowing equipment locally is good for a lot of reasons. You may come across good deals from time to time online but don’t fall into the trap of buying your larger machines that way. You need to have a relationship with a local dealer to run your business smoothly.
However, I am not suggesting that you buy everything locally. We order some consumable parts online, such as speed heads, weed eater cords, bearings, etc.
Just make sure that your large purchases are local. Your business will thank you for it.
