Boarding boats at shows
 

With our Bham show coming up I would welcome some opinions on a problem we face every year. How do you control the crowds that want to board expensive boats? Most have no intention of buying but I have no way to know who is a serious prospect. Many feel if they pay $9 to get in the show they have the right to board our 300-400K boats and I understand that,but if I have steps to the back of a 370SS the lines get so long I cannot show it to a real prospect,not to mention wear and tear.I have tried all kinds of methods over the years,Boarding by appt signs,please see a salesman before boarding signs,moving the steps back,signs that say boat is sold,please respect new owner,etc,etc. Every year I make a few people mad,which I don't want to do,but I want to protect my boats from the lookers with the kids and the cokes and the popcorn that just want to board with no thoughts of buying ,plus have privacy to show boats to serious prospects.Most of you attend shows,share your thoughts on a very difficult and sensitive subject. Robert

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Good luck ! I used to help a friend at shows & that was always a problem !
I think the real buyers understand when you qualify them first tho..

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

There was a company who gave out disposable booties that slip over shoes...you can never have enough booties either.. :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

NO SHOES, NO KIDS!

I know post a sign that reads


"Buyer on Board" Then say sorry a guy is on there buying it now :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

$9.00 !??? For that price you should only be able to snap a couple pictures! :eek: :D NYC is $15 now there is where you should get to trash the $300K boats, use the toilet, flip all the cool switches, spend the night in the cabin even, if it gets late. :evilb: :drink:

Seriously though, tough call Magic, just look for the guys with the Rolexes and the gals with diamonds, fake boobies and little dogs under their arms ;) :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Tough balance. I think the stairs up to look at it with a no boarding sign works well. And stairs going down to keep the flow of traffic up. Have salsemen on the boats or next to to keep the flow moving and asnwer questions from perspective buyers. Real buyers will also know not to go during peak time. I got an idea of what i wanted from shows and if the dealer in attendance was local and had free time wed go over the boat, if not then saw the boats at dealerships later.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

NO SHOES

NO CHILDREN

NO BOARDING WITHOUT A SALESPERSON

NO FOOD OR DRINKS


....is what our signage says.....and we still have people argue about all four points....." WE PAID TO GET IN SO WE CAN GO AND DO WHATEVER WE LIKE " :mad:

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Put a greeter on the back of the boat to control traffic and limit the number of people on board at any one time. They can also ensure that nobody has food or drink and shoes are off. Also if you have somebody serious, they can close the boat to give the sales person time to work their client.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

The no children part is really tough. One of my best customers is a very wealthy doctor with 4 young kids,they come every year and no way would I tell him no kids.But I know who he is,I don't know so many of the others that have kids and may or may not be wealthy and serious. The sign that worked best last year was "This boat is sold,please don't board",and when I would determine someone was a valid prospect,we would board. But I'm somewhat uncomfortable with that since it is not really true.I know many dealers that take a hard line,but I don't want to do that.The wear and tear is no big deal,I can always give an additional discount as a show boat. It's the lines and the crowds that freak me out.Last year we had a real buyer show up,I knew he was coming to buy,and the boat was covered up with people. Made some of those in line mad when I closed the steps,but sometimes there is no good solution.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Just a boat owner here....not a salesman but.....This is one of the reasons I don't go to as many shows as I used to. I'm only at the shows to check out the new stuff from the performance boat makers and there are ignorant people and their kids trampleing all over the place, Getting into the cabins and messin' with everything....rammin' the doors open and walking all over things....would drive me crazy!! The sign and a 2 sided staircase seem to be the best way around this problem. If someone is serious enough they will come to you or another salesman...........then they can board. Good Luck

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

There really is no solution. Signs help. Velvet ropes help. But some people are just rude and think these boats are there for thier amusement. I stopped doing shows because I got sick of it.

NO FOOD
NO SHOES
NO DRINKS are a MUST

"Who told you to wear THOSE shoes to a boat show anyway?"

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

How about a requirement that everyone who plans to board and look around must fill out a credit report first? At least that will weed out the ones who aren't all that interested. And you won't insult the real buyers either. :p

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

This seems pretty good to me. Carpet savers are a must.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Too bad you even have to ask the question.

I'd never dream of boarding a boat at a show without the invitation of a sales person. :(

I'm more than content to just have a glance inside from the stairs or platform. If I were seriously shopping, I'm sure I'd be welcome to board with a sales rep.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

It seems that there are always people with unruly kids showing up that think the boats are just another piece of playground equipment.
Boarding by appointment only seems to work pretty well. That way the sales manager has an opportunity to qualify the serious customer. People that just want to board to let their kids play on it for a while, usually won`t want to make that effort. Then, they are on their way to the next piece of playground equipment. Some people get a little upset but the serious prospects usually understand. Just be diplomatic and polite and let the chips fall where they may.

Roger

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Robert, I go to several shows a year and take my 3 kids. I fit the description of the worst type of "prospect" at the shows. I have no problem with signs and make sure my kids and I do not have on shoes, or take food/ drinks onto the boats. Cushions are to be crossed on your knees, not your feet. Sold signs (even if fake) may help a little but may discourage someone who thinks they can get THAT boat at a good deal.

A sign stating "Unattended Children and Childish Adults will be confiscated and used for cleaning dirty boats" may help get the point across.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Lots of good thoughts here on a very sticky problem. I am thinking of a rope across the steps that say "Boarding By Appointment" "Please see any of our sales associates" Possibly anyone that is offended by that is someone that it doesn't matter if I offend? Tough call.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I don't think boarding by appointment should offend anyone.

But I'm sure I'm wrong..... :eek: :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Tough call. I guess you have to draw the line...but where? Would be a shame to lose a customer for a certain reason. On the other hand, alot of people are STUPID and would just walk onto an expensive boat with shoes, food, drinks, etc...

Why don't you look around to what the other dealers are doing at the show. Maybe this can give you a better idea what works and what doesn't. Good luck.

If the crowds are too big to show a prospective client, offer the client a personal viewing of the boat after the show. You will need to have a reason to get the client to your showroom....maybe offer him a dinner or something?

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I agree. Anyone that is wanting to spend that much on a boat will appreciate you taking care of the boat, at least IMO.

To me the questions is - why do people come to boat shows? Some to seriously buy, but tons of folks are just looking and it is a way to get out and enjoy yourself in the middle of the winter. I go to a couple shows a year. I average buying every 3-4 years. So do the math. I probably board hundreds of boats for each time I buy. With that, I also fully respect any boat at the show, and treat it as though it was mine, not the dealers.


With that, I think your idea is a good one. Allow lookers to get a close look, but maybe not board. Let those you think have potential to be more than lookers board with a sales person.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

You are way too concerned about offending people. Any REAL buyer will understand your hesitation to just let anybody in the boat. You need to have a policy "boarding with salesperson only", anybody that takes offense is not a true buyer.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Tazz,I think you pretty much summed it up here. I guess my concern about offending people comes from 35 years ago when we sold $2500 Glastrons to the average guy. My market is so different now with the high dollar boats,but my roots go way back to the old days and it's hard to realize that I have a totally different market base now.Thanks for the reminder.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I would want my future boat taken care of so I believe real buyers will understand. Limit traffic, but be polite about it!!!
I tend to go to the shows to see the boats I will likely buy in a few years. I can't afford what I want new so I usually buy something several years old.

BTW: 12 years ago I bought my first new boat, a 26 cabin cruiser, and someone had chit in the head at a boat show the week before. The dealer hadn't discovered the "deposit" until I came by to see the boat the next week. I still bought it, but they had some cleaning to do!!!

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

wats wit all thsi no kid chit :evilb: ....id think you coudl put up a sign that siad "please speak to a rep er w.e about further information ab out teh boat er sumthin liek that", so if they were interested and ya talked to em and tehy seemed legit, then you coudl let em in and see it. (not sure if smone alrady said this, cuse i was too laaazy to read all teh posts :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Fred, we know you only go to the shows to see how well the boat sits on the trailer - no need to go aboard for that! :D :evilb:

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Try a "Sale pending" sign, boarding with a salesman only.

If people think that there's already a possible sale, only the serious buyer will want to step up to the plate.
I know that if I was real serious about a certain boat, and seen a sign like that on it, I'd really want to get down to the nitty gritty before someone else beats me to it.
Just my opinion.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Is this a reincarnation of Puder??

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I have to admit, I'm guilty of this.
I go to the shows, and look at, and board boats I have no intention (or means$$) to buy. I treat them with the respect as if it was my own.
I never board without a salesperson, and I almost feel guilty to ask, but I always ASK to board before doing so. I'll tell them that I'm not buying, but am interested in the construction, fit and finish, options...
This is how I try to educate myself on the latest things out there.

Remember, the guy that can't afford the 35' might be impressed enough to come to the dealership to look at (or just order) the 28'-30' that is from the same stable - based only on it's big sister that he saw at the show.
You don't want to pizz that guy off, you're sending away a prospective customer.
Sales "is what it is".
Sales.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

That dealer would lose my bizz for good. Lying before we even get started. We did the "Boarding with Salesman" thing & it worked pretty well.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

That is your best solution. You are not saying "no" to anyone. If someone wants to look at a boat, they can talk to a salesperson. It's just that easy.

The only people that will get ofended are the losers with no money. The "real" buyer will appreciate the fact that there are a gang of unrulely kids crawing all over their future boat.

"BY APPOINTMENY ONLY."
"PLEASE SEE SALESPERSON"

Good luck! :cool:

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

"Do to new insurance regulations ALL boarding must be done with one of our associates"

I would also make it a bit difficult with the rope across and possibly a financing sign or something that has to be moved so it's not so inviting to board. On the offshores the engine hatches up seems to work out well.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

why not take tons of pictures of the interior and have them on posted boards next to the boat so everyone can see them.... make it interactive so people can feel the swatch of the fabric or leather and a small piece of the wood.... Then across the bottom please see sales person for viewing appointment.... I bet that this will get rid of a few tire kickers

I was at the NY show yesterday and was people watching since the show sucked.... The booths that were having people fill out personal information on a list or card had shorter lines.... I also noticed that it you had the stairs at the back of the booth or not directly on the walkway people were intimated and didn't want to walk through a sea of sales people

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Just make sure you display/booth is not next to the Water Skiing Squirrel. I helped out a dealer (sold a boat too) a couple years ago, and we were across the isle from that effing squirrel. What I would have given for a BB gun. There were people climbing everything in the booth, folks sitting their kids on the boats, etc. It was a mess.

As for boarding... I would keep a person stationed at each boat, and have a sign that says "Boarding at the Discretion of Boat Representative." That clearly stated the Rep for that boat has the sole choice of who to let on and who not based on individual situation.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I'm going against the trend here but I imagine that the majority of boat sales don't happen at the shows. I think that most people go to see whats out there and dream a little. Those may not be your customers today, but tomorrow....who knows. I think you are putting boats at the show for the purpose of showing them to a mass audience with the hopes that it gains a few sales in the future. A few simple rules should apply "no food, no shoes" and limit the number on the boat to two at a time. That way a Father can show his kids the boat without a group of kids being unruly. I personally would be offended if I were asked to fill out a credit application to board a boat. As a matter of fact I would never even consider doing business with a dealer like that.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

I am with SpeedGirl. I think any extra effort - even little things like asking them to fill out some info about themselves first - will cut down drastically on non-essential traffic.

We always take our two kids to all boat shows. I wouldn't expect a family not to bring their kids to shop for their future boat - afterall, they'll be using the boat just as much. But our boys are angels. :D :evilb:

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Yeah we started taking tons of pics of the boats on display and run a big screen TV with a slide show.....Catchy tunes and some info on the dealership and poker runs. It seems to work well. It also creates a respect issue with non-buyers kids that want to check out the COOL boats while mom and dad are looking at the BAYLINERS :D

Serious buyers are easy to spot because they usually ask the RIGHT questions about the boat lines. Kids are allowed if asked to board and must be accompanied by the parent and a sales associate as well. We are trying to find a middle ground to make everyone happy. After having several boats MAULED and beat up at the shows it's hard not to be a little jaded.
When you attend a car show the higher end cars Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari and so on have the cars up and away with the doors locked.......Pre and Post show hour sales are conducted without the crowds, by appointment and only with pre-qualified buyes.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Here's an idea...

Set up something that will divert the kids away - like 5 tv's with video games set up right next to the line to board the boat.

I know that my kids would gladly stand in the video game line for hours and not give a hoot about the boats. :D

As all parents know, diversions are always the best solutions! :evilb:

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

Sale pending sign........


All boats are 'sale pending', just waiting for the buyer to come along.

The methods that seem to work the best IMO to control the crowds are the greeters that limit the number of guest on board with another salesperson inside to answer questions if needed. Keeps everything in check that way and a guest does not have to search for a salesperson if they do have a question.
I go to shows to get on the boats that are of intrest of me. Not to be buying, but to see what's new and to compare different brands. I also treat the show boat as if it is my personal boat, which is way more care than what most dealers will treat our boats while in their shop for repairs.
If you don't want people on it, don't bring it. Serious buyers for higher end boats already have done their homework, prop kicking and looking before the shows. They just don't show up at a show with no clue, start looking, then buy. I'm sure there is an exception here and there.
The Formula dealers around last few yrs have you sign in, then they give you a sticker to wear, which you need to have to look at their boats in the 'Formula Coral'. This ain't freakin Disney World. Save the sticker money, put the sticker people on a boat to answer questions.


For you sales guys, when your buddies stop by, keep your conversations short. You are there to sell a boat and answer questions.

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

It must be my age because twisting & bending the truth to fit your agenda are the same thing to me
I could never sell used cars ! :D

Re: Boarding boats at shows
 

ya coudl always put up a sing that says "if ya wotn be abel to afford this boat, than dont board it"....but thatd kindly ruin teh show for me....
on a more seriuisy note...we bought new boats befeor, and wetehr we go inside it a a show wnot change it IMO. if yar serius bout teh boat, tehn ull talk to a sales dude...................