Re: Re: How to approach people about tractors

Posted by Buzzman72 on December 21, 2003 at 10:21:34 from (207.69.139.136):

In Reply to: Re: How to approach people about tractors posted by Ferguson65 on December 20, 2003 at 13:06:03:

Ferg, I've been a seeker of old cars/trucks/tractors ever since I was a teenager, and I can tell you these folks, for the most part, have given you some pretty good advice. I always pull into the driveway, but I amke sure not to block the garage (wife might be out grocery shopping), and don't block any other vehicles or access to the barn, barn lot, whatever. If you're driving something too new, or too shiny (as in restored/repainted), woe be unto you; you just told the man, without saying a word, that you've got plenty of money to play with. An old farm truck--one that LOOKS like an old farm truck--works best.

When you get out of the truck, look for the dog. If you can make friends with the dog, that's a plus; 'cause around here, a lot of folks subscribe to the old sayin', "a dog knows a thief." At the very least, DON'T hit or kick the dog unless his teeth make contact with the flesh FIRST; a lot of ol' boys take offense if you take out Ol' Bowzer, even if he IS a no-good cur who was in mid-pounce when you way-layed him.

Once you get past the dog, make sure your appearance is acceptable. Dockers are a BIG no-no! Jeans are good, faded jeans are better--as long as they're not them "city-boy" designer jeans. Plain shirts are good, flannel is better. Bib Overalls, if they look USED and WORKED IN, are a plus.

The WORST look, besides the cap-turned-backwards, homey-style-pants-fallin'-off-yer-a$$ look, would be the dress shirt or golf shirt, khaki pants, gold-chail-around-the-neck, Rolex on the wrist, razor-cut hair and "perfect" shave with just a touch of 5-o'clock shadow. That says you're somebody who has a BMW at home, any you're looking to take advantage of some 'rube' farmer.

When you walk up to the house and knock, be polite. A typical start would be: "Hi, I'm [give your name], and I was drivin' by and noticed the old car/truck/tractor [don't get too specific, unless there's more than one there] sittin' in the woods/behind the barn/out back, and I was wonderin' if you'd consider partin' with it." This gives them the option of GIVING it to you, but don't expect that. And whatever you do, don't come off as knowing too much about the specific model...too much knowledge on YOUR part will no doubt raise red flags on their part that they're selling it too cheap.

If the guy tells you it's not for sale, if he's not too busy, ask him if he'd mind if you took a look at it anyway, because you're interested in old machinery. A lot of times, the guy will then go out there with you and give you the 'ten-cent tour' and complete history...and this is YOUR opportunity to SHUT UP and let HIM do all the talking. THEN you can ask questions about condition, based upon what he's told you...the better listener you are, the better questions you'll ask.

When the inspection's over, you might ask again: "You sure you don't wanna part with it?" And if he still says no, ask if you can give him your name and phone number, in case he ever changes his mind. If you made a good impression, he may just call you back when he's ready to part with it. But don't pester him about it afterwards; some people consider asking once a year as 'pestering,' and some folks screw themselves out of buying something they want because they just won't leave someone alone about it after they say no.

Does this work? I've got a '51 International pickup, and another '52 International pickup, in my driveway right now...one for a rod project, and one I'm restoring. THEY say it does.

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