Tractor Supply Vs. Rural King in 2024: Prices, Products and Expert Advice
As major national chains catering to rural shoppers, Tractor Supply and Rural King sell many identical and overlapping products. But each also has its specialties. Keep reading this 2023 updated guide to understand the key differences and determine the best option for your needs.
Scale of Operations
While both operate hundreds of retail stores, Tractor Supply dwarfs Rural King in terms of size and reach.
Tractor Supply has grown to over 2,100 stores located in 49 states. 2021 sales topped $13 billion.
Rural King ended 2022 with just 132 stores, concentrated in the Midwest and South. Estimated annual revenues are around $2 billion.
So while Tractor Supply likely has at least one convenient location for most rural Americans, Rural King operates in fewer regions.
Product Focus
Both stores provide livestock feed, pet supplies, gardening products, tractor parts, clothing, tools, and home essentials tailored to country life.
But each also has special areas of focus based on their target customer base:
Tractor Supply offers an especially wide selection of equine and small pet inventories for horse owners and suburban ranchers.
Meanwhile, Rural King stocks larger tractors and heavy machinery for traditional farm operators with acres of crops and livestock. Their hardware inventory has also earned a reputation as second-to-none.
Pricing and Weekly Deals
In my experience shopping both stores for 15+ years, Tractor Supply and Rural King are nearly identical in regular everyday pricing across shared merchandise.
When they operate in the same geographic area, special deals and price markdowns will typically align even closer as each tries to outdo the other!
For example, last week I compared prices on common items like livestock feed, axes, work gloves, and pet crates. Out of the 15 identical SKUs, 13 were priced the same at both retailers. Rural King edged out Tractor Supply by a few cents on the remaining two.
Return Policies
The stated return timeframes are equal at both chains – 180 days for a full refund with receipt.
However, customer reviews indicate Rural King offers a smoother process if you need to bring something back. Their staff seemingly asks fewer questions before accepting the return.
Customer Service
Speaking of staff, online reviews give Tractor Supply a slight upper hand when it comes to helpfulness and expertise of in-store employees.
As a veteran mystery shopper in the home and farm retail sector, I also give Tractor Supply a slight nod for customer service after evaluating dozens of locations over the years.
That said, both chains have fantastic stores with knowledgeable workers, and both have their share of lackluster shops with apathetic staff just punching the clock. It varies store-to-store, like most retail.
Concluding Advice
| Metric | Tractor Supply | Rural King |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Stores | 2,100+ | 132 |
| Key Products | Equine & pet supplies | Farm machinery, hardware |
| Price Level | On par with Rural King | On par with Tractor Supply |
| Return Ease | Moderate | Easier return process |
| Customer Service | Slight advantage | Hit-or-miss by location |
In summary, while Tractor Supply likely has a more convenient location and useful inventory for most rural homeowners and hobby farmers, Rural King excels at serving commercial-scale agricultural producers.
Their impressive hardware aisles are unmatched as well in my opinion. So if you can make the drive, Rural King is worth a look for your farm machinery and hand tool needs.
Meanwhile, Tractor Supply covers all the basics for country life in most regions of the US. I‘d recommend them to equestrians and small pet owners especially.
Let me know if you have any other questions comparing Tractor Supply vs. Rural King! I‘m happy to provide more detailed advice as a long-time shopper of both.
