A reputable boat dealer can offer peace of mind that doesn’t exist with a private seller. However, not all dealers are created equal.
While one or two adverse Web reports should not overly influence your decision, this could be a red flag if they significantly outweigh positive posts. Inspect the dealership’s facility and showroom. Do they look clean and organized?
Transparency
A dealer like the Milwaukee Marina that is transparent about prices, financing, and warranty work is a good sign. They should also be open and honest about the boat’s features and performance capabilities.
Look for prompt returns of phone calls or emails from the sales team. Also, pay attention to how clean the showroom and yard are when you visit. A tidy and organized appearance is usually a sign of how your boat will be cared for in the future.
Buyers shopping for their first bay boat said dealers who listened patiently to their concerns were likelier to win their business. Avoid dealers who seem grouchy or condescending when you are discussing your needs and buying options.
Knowledge
The best boat dealers specialize in all aspects of seafaring. This ensures a better match between you and your future vessel and reliable care for routine maintenance and future repairs.
A dealer with an on-site service department is a plus. It allows you to build a relationship from the sales floor to the service center with the same people who sold you your boat.
When researching dealerships, read their online reviews. If positive reports far outweigh critical ones, this is a good sign. Also, see if they participate in community involvement programs, demonstrating the dealership has a customer-first focus.
Honesty
Honesty involves telling the truth and not deceiving others. It also includes not hiding your actions or sharing rumors you have heard. Lying is dishonest and can have serious consequences, such as hurt feelings, reputation damage, or legal issues.
People may lie for various reasons, such as wanting to impress others or avoid punishment. In addition, it can be difficult for people to be honest with themselves and to acknowledge their shortcomings or flaws.
A reputable dealer will be honest with you and treat you fairly. They will not try to trick you into purchasing a boat that isn’t right for your needs.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a habit of personal hygiene and tidiness that promotes health. Maintaining high standards is essential, whether in a tidy bedroom or hospital operating room.
Look for a dealer with a clean and organized yard and showroom. If they don’t care about their property, it could be a sign that they won’t take good care of your boat after the sale. A clean dealership also shows that their representatives are professional, indicating how they’ll treat you. Look for a Marine Industry Certified dealer that pledges to uphold specific customer service standards.
Location
A trustworthy and reliable dealer will sell boats into their local market. This helps them ensure their customers will always get service. Dealerships want to invest in their customers because they will likely return to them for service and storage needs for years to come.
Buyers should look for a dealer with an extensive selection of boat types and brands. This will save them time and frustration. Typically, dealers won’t have every model in their showroom, so it’s best to ask beforehand for what they have in stock.
Warranty
Regarding warranty, the boat dealer you choose will play a significant role in your experience as a boat owner. Before you purchase, type the dealership’s name into a Web search engine to see what others have said about the dealer’s service and warranty handling.
Also, be sure to choose a dealer close to where you will keep your boat. If you have to drive a 130-mile round trip to get your boat serviced, you’ll quickly tire of the routine and become frustrated with the entire experience.
Reputation
A person’s reputation, often defined as “good repute,” is an aggregate of their character traits and moral qualities that are ascribed to them by others. Boat dealers need to have a positive reputation to earn and keep the trust of their customers.
You can learn more about a dealer’s reputation by looking for their name online and observing how they treat their customers. If they have a lot of positive reports and a clean, organized shop, that’s a good sign.
