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Long distance tractor inspection service......

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Woodbeef

12-10-2003 08:58:35

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Ok guys I've got a question for the group. I've been getting quite afew emails lately from guys in the States looking for tractors and parts up here. If I decided to offer a locating and inspection service do you think it would be useful to purchasers? Once I located the tractor or parts,I would go and look at it,check it out,drive it,take pics,and do a honest evaluation of it. What would this kind of service be worth?

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Brokenwrench

12-10-2003 15:59:07

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

I do this for some of my customers on a local and national basis but usually on newer high dollar equipment. I do a walk around inspection,first checking the serial number to make sure it is what it is supposed to be,then checking cosmetics,fluid levels and condition,leaks,repairs,cracks,welds,tire or track condition etc. Then do a ride and drive,checking operation of steering, brakes,clutch,and trans operation,guages,pto and hitch,and photo documentation. This is the basic local service,and runs around $150.+/- depending on distance.Out of state is $250/day plus expenses. If the customer wants a more detailed evaluation,ie:checking oil pressure,clutch pressures,compression test,dyno test etc. then this is additional at my normal hourly rate.I document my findings,and usually take 20-30+ pictures to back up my recomendations.(A picture is worth a 1000 words)This covers everybody concerned and also helps in the event of damage while being shipped.

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kyhayman

12-10-2003 14:51:33

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

I jockey some equipment and also appraise/locate/evaluate. I make some money, don't get rich but it subsidizes my auction habit. Fee schedule is:

Evaluation: 5% of sale price and $1.50 per mile 1 way
Purchasing (auction) 10% of sale price
Purchasing (from farmer/dealer) 10% of sale price and 20% of savings between ad on price negotiated beyond target price
If I have to assume title that adds 10% to the above prices
Arrange shipping: 10% of shipping cost

I also charge a flat fee of $50 for contract and legal paperwork. That is required before I start to work. Attorney chages me $35.00 and that gives me $15 for the 1/2 hour to go get it and the postage.

International transactions are double and legal is $250 and up (depends on where). I may have to go up on that pretty soon, exchange rates are killing me when I need to use an attorney oversees.

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Bob

12-10-2003 11:58:47

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

It sounds like a great idea. But starting out, accept the fact, (and prepare yourself with a legally binding disclaimer) that one man's opinion of a tractor can vary greatly from the next guy's, AND SOME PEOPLE WOULD BI*#CH IF YOU HUNG THEM WITH A NEW ROPE!

You cannot reasonably inspect the internals of the engine, transmission, or hydraulic system to the point you could make any reasonable guarantee that after 100 hours the tractor would not turn out to be an oil burner, or for that the engine would not "blow up" within the first week.

About the best you could hope for would be an appraisal of the cosmetic appearance of the machine, with only a "guestimate' of it's internal mechanical condition. For your "guestimate" of it's internal condition, barring complete disassembly, you would have to rely, at least partly, on the word of the seller, as to how long since an overhaul, etc.. That is what the long-distance buyer is already doing... relying on the word of the seller.

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jocco

12-10-2003 11:52:53

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

more trouble than its worth and hard to get paid for better to buy and resell probably you could make more money

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MapleStone

12-10-2003 10:34:09

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

This sounds like a good idea and you could probably have fun doing it. I dought however you would be able to charge enough to make much money on it. You are talking about purchases that are from $1000 to $10,000. How could you cover any travel costs as well as your time. Your price would be 10% to 20% of the cost of the tractor.

As far a legal stuff you should look into what legal words House Inspectors use. They are doing the same thing as you are offering except it is easier to justify a $200 charge when you are talking $100,000 purchase.

You could always set up branch offices. Let me know if you want a partner in southern Ontario. hahaha

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Bill

12-10-2003 10:30:34

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

Use the home inspection industry as your model. Ever have one of those things done? The disclaimers absolve them of every responsibility - legal, moral, ethical, veterinary. It's a workable model. Your success, however, will likely depend on your reputation. Maybe offer first to do it for free (only request clients pay for shipping) on the condition that clients allow their names and email addresses be used a references.

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rustyfarmall

12-10-2003 09:44:04

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

I think you might be on to something there. You take care of things up there, and I will take over down here. Definately would want some kind of an agreement that would relieve you of responsibility if a problem popped up later. Also, how would a person charge for this? By the mile from my place to where the tractor is located? A percentage of the asking price? It is something to think about.

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Allan

12-10-2003 09:18:14

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

Marcel,

Yes!!

I've got one for you to look at right now!! Talked to the seller last night via email & it sounds great, but they all do when they are for sale.

There seems to be a lot of good lookin' units up there, but ya just can't buy sight unseen. I think this would be a fantastic service!!

Allan

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Red Dave

12-10-2003 09:07:30

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Re: Long distance tractor inspection service...... in reply to Woodbeef, 12-10-2003 08:58:35

I don't buy and sell a lot of tractors so I don't know whether there would be enough demand for the service to make it financially viable.

It does occur to me that you would be setting yourself up for the blame everytime someones unrealistic expectations aren't met. You would need thick skin and asbestos underwear ;)

Good luck though, if you give it a go.

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