There’s a lot of difference between purchasing a used car from a stranger as opposed to a reputable dealer. That holds true for used equipment, too. But what are you giving up if you buy a used mower rather than a new one? Or what’s to be gained when you purchase a used grader? Sure, maybe that aerator’s first blush of youth is gone, but does that mean its internal functions are shot?
David Wright from Statewide Turf Equipment, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida, believes an investment in a gently-used turf equipment item makes a lot of sense. We caught up with him at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, Texas, the last week in February and asked him his opinion on a few things:
GCT: What are the typical objections you hear from prospective buyers when they’re considering a piece of used equipment?
WRIGHT: When someone is looking at purchasing a preowned piece of equipment some of the biggest concerns are how well-maintained the equipment was, what is the longevity left on the unit, and is it going to be a reliable piece for their course. That’s when a company’s reputation must be pristine. You must be able to stand behind everything you sell or else, you’ll soon be out of business.
GCT: What’s the best way for a customer to find the best deal for their golf course?
WRIGHT: The Internet and publications like The Golf Course Trades are one way to locate pre-owned turf equipment but it really comes down to the relationship you have with the vendor. You really need to research the company and make sure you can trust who you are dealing with.
GCT: What types of guarantees are buyers usually looking for?
WRIGHT: Customers need to be assured that the piece they are purchasing is the piece that was described and all the work has been performed to get it to that tip-top condition so the unit is ready to work without any surprises.
GCT: What should a client look for in a vendor to be sure their new purchase is going to be in tip-top shape?
WRIGHT: Trust, reputation, selection, and support after the sale are the biggest key factors to look for in a vendor. At Statewide Turf we strive to bring you the best quality, price and support even after the sale. We have seen this pay off over the years as customers come back to us time after time, whenever they need an additional piece of equipment.
GCT: Thanks for your time, David. We wish you continued success in all your endeavors!
For more information, visit
www.statewideturfequipment.com.
