When Bypassing the Dealer to Buy Direct Goes Wrong

Mar 07, 2024

There’s a certain allure for customers to buy direct from the manufacturer, but as two recent news stories show — the grass isn’t always greener when customers bypass the dealer.

Two implement companies — Everything Attachments and Leon’s Manufacturing — have been in the news for not delivering paid for products and long delays. Both are organizations that sell direct to the customer, although Leon's does also sell through dealers. In addition, Everything Attachments appears to be in some legal troubles.

Is there a lesson to share with your customers based on these stories below?

According to a Feb. 21, 2024 report by the Statesville Record & Landmark, a judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the owner of Everything Attachments, a direct to customer implement manufacturer who does all its selling online. The motion was filed after Fidelity Bank sought a restraining order and temporary injunction against the company earlier in the month.

The report says Fidelity is seeking $7,883,293.57 plus interest on a construction loan to be paid in full. Fidelity is also seeking more than $1.5 million due on a line of credit. On top of that, county tax records list the company delinquent on a $52,152 tax bill, according to the paper.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.