Echo Saws: Who Are They Marketing To?

[hotajax]

Are there certain models that are sold only in the big box stores, and other lower priced models that are sold only through OPE dealers? I noticed when I went to the Depot, the bigger dollar and some lesser priced models were not in the lineup. I can certainly understand a thousand dollar saw being sold only through a pro dealer who specializes in servicing professionals.

Any dealers on line here who can answer up? The point is that I want to avoid big box store models, and get the up graded models that can be serviced by the dealer who sold it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[EFSM]

There are no HD only models currently. In the past, that was the case with an old battery platform for a couple of years until the dealers could also sell them. As far as why they don't stock the entire lineup: whether that is because they can't or they don't think it would pay, I don't know. Of course, if you have a local dealer, their prices should be the same, they can recommend a product for you, and they will feel much more responsible to give you good service.

 

[hacskaroly]

I noticed when I went to the Depot, the bigger dollar and some lesser priced models were not in the lineup.

I think since a lot of stores that sell OPE (Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply...etc), and don't service any equipment are going to be limited to what they sell. If something comes back to the store, either they get credit from the manufacture or they toss the unit in the trash and write it off (some will opt to resell at a discount). My local Tractor Supply only sells about 5 models of Husqvarna with the largest being a 455, no 5 series, no 372s. I would guess a majority of those buying saws from the "Depot" type stores are just weekenders that need to do some trimming or drop the occasional tree. Those who do more typically seek out the dealer stores with service departments that honor warranty work or can order parts.

The store I worked for would service any model saw, whether they sold it or not. So if someone brought in a Home Depot purchased Echo, our tech could service it without issue.

Also, the buyers for the store have a lot of influence on what is sold. Our store's buyers would not buy any Husky's over a 460 for a long time. We pressured the buyers to get us 572s and 592s (along with Stihl 500i), we told them we could sell them because we had customers asking for them. Other stores in our chain were in more suburban areas and didn't have the clientele that needed those saws. Hence our store in a heavily wooded area sold a lot of 572s, some 592s and a bunch of 500is.

 

[hacskaroly]

Of course, if you have a local dealer, their prices should be the same

I know with Stihl (and I believe Husqvarna) they set the minimum price a store can sell a new saw, however, the store could mark up the prices more if they wanted. We have two stores within 45 minutes of each other and the one more north tends to sell their saws about $50 more than the ones down south. People wanting to get work done will pay the extra $50 rather than make the 45 minute drive each way.