Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I stopped by Home Depot the other day to pick up a 31/64ths drill bit (never one of those around when you need one - I needed a good snug fit for 1/2" dowels) and there was a sign over the snowblowers:  10% off all snowblowers over $999.  I never saw HD discount OPE until after the season and was a little surprised.  They also had the Ariens 8526 for $899.  Maybe it's the unusually warm winter we've been having here in SE PA (the forecast is for 68* on Thursday).  Any other areas see this?

LL

I prefer people buying from dealers instead of the big box stores but, that's a pretty good deal. Thanks for the heads up!

I've noticed that some dealers in this area re-stocked after our pre-christmas storm.  Kind of unusual for this area.   Usually after the first big storm inventories are depleted and that's it for the year.  I guess since our storm hit so early this year (probably coupled with the fact that many nearby areas have not had much snow yet) it allowed the dealers to locate additional stock.   Prices have been OK.   The pre-season pricing is gone but I've seen some "reasonable" pricing (ie less than MSRP) at most dealers.

LL

You don't show where you are but if you're in New England and you have a lot of snowblowers you are beginning to worry. Judging by the few major storm stories nation wide this may be true elsewhere.

One you get past the first of the year folks start saying  "I can wait until next year" It usually takes 2 major storms, back to back to scare them into buying. There will be some sales but persistent snow is the best selling tool. I used to be in the business so I've seen and heard it over and over. Go buy a fresh carton of milk, the expiration is almost February! Spring is coming, the days are getting longer, the sun higher and life is good.

HD surely had to make huge buys of these machines and 10% in January while there is still hope beats bigger discounts in the coming months.

Pete

I bought my father an Ariens 8526 a month ago from my local OPE dealer. Paid $999. I don't  feel too bad as I have a place to go for service as I also bought my Ariens commercial machine from them. They will fix the stuff the HD folks bring in but I get I preferential treatment.

I suspect there is a panic in the NorthEast at all OPE dealers.

 

We have already had our "first" rush before Christmas, which is a little unusual for the Detroit area at this time of year. All that snow went away and another storm hit causing another rush. That prompted another stock order. That sold out....then we had another little storm...that prompted another order which will be delivered tommorrow...those have already been promised too people that came in last week. (They prepaid or set down deposits.)

It's all weather dependent and a crap shoot.
Service has been strong....I havent been this busy...at this time of year...for a long, long time. Now the forcast calls for mid 50's for the next couple of days. That will melt all the snow again (and people will not pick up thier stuff) but all it will take is another 2"-4" dump, and it will start all over again.

I am not in sales...so I dont know what the distributors have left in inventory....but we havent had that "big storm" yet, that always hits some part of the country. (12"-24") When that happens...inventories get sold out fast. One big dump on the east coast or the midwest and the stuff gets sold quickly.

All and all, it's been a life saver, around here, for the dealers. Summer sales were terrible. These weather conditions have helped a lot us keep in the game. Small dealers can compete on level ground under these conditions. We are a lot more tuned into our local markets than the boxes are. It has really helped us too keep it afloat.

here in MA. my local HD has at least 50 826le in stock. i think they will be stuck with them.

buttlint wrote:

When April rolls around, I expect to see many ads from folks wanting to unload their "almost new" snow blowers because they didn't really want to make a major purchase. Be sure to check the classifieds then.

AZ 

I just got a 926 DLE from my dealer for $1,299.00. Delivered to my door. I thought it was a fair price.

HD in Saugus MA. had the same price last week, and plenty of machines...

Robert