You're so right swoop- the ole mighty dollar is always paramount!
They always look at the purchase price & figure that service & parts will be a wash with whatever brand they buy.

I've had folks ask me my opinion on certain lifts, and even after I tell them not to buy it (or sometimes not even take it for free), if they want it, they buy it! Sometimes the hardest part of my job is not biting off my tongue trying not to say"I told you so"