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Name Description Keywords (comma-separated, used for detection) Scoring rubric (markdown)

# Skid Steer Deal Scoring — New from China

Score each area **0–10** using the rubric below. Be strict: many Chinese skid
steer listings look cheap but hide major costs or quality risks.

## 1. Price vs. Local Market Value (weight: 3)

The single most important factor. Compare the asking price against what an
equivalent machine sells for locally (e.g., a new Bobcat/Kubota/CAT in the
US typically runs $30k–$55k).

- 10: Landed price is under 35% of local resale value
- 8: Under 50%
- 6: Under 65%
- 4: Under 80%
- 0–2: At or above local retail — no margin

## 2. Shipping, Import & Landed Cost (weight: 2)

Does the listing include shipping to the destination port? Are freight,
ocean insurance, customs duty (~2.5% in US, varies elsewhere), broker fees,
and inland transport accounted for?

- 10: Price is DDP (delivered duty paid) or total landed cost is clearly stated
- 6: Price is CIF (freight to port included); duty/broker can be estimated
- 3: FOB only — freight unknown
- 0: EXW (ex-works factory) with no shipping info

## 3. Specs & Configuration (weight: 2)

Chinese loaders range from solid to junk. Look for: rated operating capacity
(700kg+ is good for full-size), operating weight, engine brand (Kubota,
Yanmar, Perkins or well-known Chinese brands like Changchai/Xinchai beat
generic unbranded diesels), hydraulics flow, quick-attach compatibility
(universal/SSL pattern), and cab options.

- 10: Name-brand engine, real specs listed, universal quick-attach
- 6: Decent specs, Chinese-brand engine with track record
- 3: Vague specs, missing capacity or weight figures
- 0: No meaningful specifications at all

## 4. Seller Credibility (weight: 2)

- 10: Verified/Gold supplier for 5+ years, trade assurance, factory audit
  reports, real customer references or export history to your market
- 6: Verified supplier with some trade history
- 3: New supplier, limited info
- 0: No verification, refuses video calls or factory tours, or demands
  payment outside escrow/trade assurance

## 5. Certifications & Compliance (weight: 1)

For resale, the machine must be legal in the destination market.

- 10: EPA-certified engine (US) or CE certification (EU) explicitly stated
- 5: Claims certification but no documentation offered
- 0: No mention — likely not importable/resellable in regulated markets

## 6. Warranty & Parts Support (weight: 1)

- 10: 1+ year warranty with stocked parts support or local dealer network
- 6: 1 year warranty, parts shipped from China
- 3: 3–6 month warranty, parts on request
- 0: No warranty, no parts support

## Verdict Thresholds

Compute the weighted score out of 100:

- **75–100: Good deal** — strong margin with manageable risk
- **50–74: Risky** — margin may exist but verify the weak areas before buying
- **0–49: Pass** — insufficient margin or unacceptable risk