E-mail pricing-opinions please
#32
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 378
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From: Harrison, Oh/Lake Cumberland, Ky
Last month when car shopping, I used one of the online pricing sites to email four local dealers at once for pricing. All of them said in one of their first two emails that I needed to call them, that the number I had supplied on the form was dead(duh). I pointed out that I was trying to deal with the internet sales manager, not the phone sales manager. I got realistic pricing from two dealerships, and went to meet both of them. I bought it from the one I got a better vibe from.
If you are sent a one line "best price on xxxxx" email, I would say a call for best price response would be appropriate, but probably not the best choice.
If the email was more detailed, and has enough info for you to see it's not just some kid messing around, a reply with the best price you are allowed to give online and an explanation why would be good. The same reply would probably be my standard one no matter how blunt the person who inquired was. Getting back a price and an explanation as to why it is the price you are quoting even if it may be out of line with others I have seen would be enough to get me to pick up the phone and call.
#33
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 356
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From: Lake of the Ozarks MO
I guess I am old school when it comes to spending a substantial amount of money on a major purchase. I want to talk to someone that is listening to my wants and needs.
I understand that everyone is looking for the best deal they can find and e-mail is the easiest way to shop. But by shopping by e-mail you do not know who you are dealing with ,do they know everything about the boat, is it a internet tech person responding with the standard pricing format.
I have always tried to work hard for my customer and help them find that perfect boat at the price they want to pay. Some have started by e-mail and I respond to all that I receive, and I always ask for them to give me a chance to earn their business by giving me a call to discuss their needs. I also ask them to e-mail me their phone numbers if that is ok with them.
I am proud to say that I consider my customers as friends and I take care of as such....................
I understand that everyone is looking for the best deal they can find and e-mail is the easiest way to shop. But by shopping by e-mail you do not know who you are dealing with ,do they know everything about the boat, is it a internet tech person responding with the standard pricing format.
I have always tried to work hard for my customer and help them find that perfect boat at the price they want to pay. Some have started by e-mail and I respond to all that I receive, and I always ask for them to give me a chance to earn their business by giving me a call to discuss their needs. I also ask them to e-mail me their phone numbers if that is ok with them.
I am proud to say that I consider my customers as friends and I take care of as such....................
#34
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 19
From: Washington, MO
Here's my 2-cents. Like it or not, a Formula boat is a commodity. Whether you buy one from NY or CA, it is the same high quality production boat. I built my new 292 using the Formula website and knew what I wanted. I don't live near a Formula dealer. I emailed and called several dealers to negotiate a best price. There was quite a range quoted and I saved 'substantial' $$ driving 500 miles to pick-up my new Formula. Any service needed is performed by local qualified technicians.
Now I understand Formula would prefer that dealers sell boats to customers in their territory, but the savy customer will work hard to explore all options and obtain the best deal regardless of territory. There has to be some type of competition to work in our favor!
Now I understand Formula would prefer that dealers sell boats to customers in their territory, but the savy customer will work hard to explore all options and obtain the best deal regardless of territory. There has to be some type of competition to work in our favor!
#35
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,461
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From: A tree somewhere in the woods in Clarcona Fl.
A serious buyer picks up the phone and follows up if prompted, internet shoppers(people that have nothing better to do) are probably not serious buyers anyway. I would'nt sweat it.
If I was in the market for a 382, after reading the ad you have, I'd pick up the phone and drop a dime to see what you had to say,,below dealers cost pretty much would get my attention.
If I was in the market for a 382, after reading the ad you have, I'd pick up the phone and drop a dime to see what you had to say,,below dealers cost pretty much would get my attention.





