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

Ok, does big box really get different machines than local retailers..?

Like I said...It's all in the model numbers boys. Check the model number. There are models that the box houses carry that are NOT sold at the dealerships. AND...there are for example Toro, John Deere, Ariens, etc models sold at those represented dealerships that are made by other companies such as MTD, etc. So just because you are buying a Toro, John Deere, Ariens, etc machine from the reprenseted dealer does NOT always mean you are getting TOTALLY what is represented. You have to do your homework!

Chopper:  If the model numbers are the same then they are the same machines. Now the service, that could be a different story.

   Here in eastern Massachusetts some dealers carry the Ariens cheap models along with the high end models.  The local HD has several Ariens high end models along with the lesser models.

   For gaurentee work I would imagine that you could bring a HD purchased Ariens to any authorized Ariens dealer.

lets say for example home depot..they sell ariens right? well the local dealers want you to think they are different machines because they dont have the buying power Home depot does, so they will say either they are not the same machine or Home Depot assembles them wrong. But keep in mind HD does not carry the Ariens PRO models.

I think it's awful when a dealer tries telling someone that an Ariens model 123 at a big box is different than the model 123 the small place sells.  And for a small dealer to say that the big box model 123 is inferior to my model 123 is bunk. 

Look up the model number on the manufacturers site.  The parts of the big box model 123 are identical to the dealers 123 model.  There's no differentiation to where the units are purchased.

Bad advice from a small dealer trying to gain ground back which the big box stores are taking.  Losing credibility is a bad thing.  You may provide good service, but don't mislead the consumer to make a sale.

I will say this I purchased a snowthrower from lowes and I ussually never buy something like that from big box but the price is what got me and I will say this never again I had some issues and just not comfortable with my purchase now just my 2 cents