Pat Anderson":2wwsgxu0 said:
Frankly, I think it will be next year. This year was just an opportunity missed. Even if the table is set and there is a floral centerpiece. Where is the trailer, where are the options, where is the"Boat Show Special" package price ready to cruise? Where are is the gregarious salesman out front smiling and greeting people? Most importantly, who is there writing contracts or taking deposits? I think this will all happen next year. What Scott and Jeff need to do is go over to Ranger and watch for half an hour, and then do that themselves next year. It isn't about the boat. It is about helping people see themselves having a great time in the boat.
Byrdman":2wwsgxu0 said:
Hi Larry. Miss the old times gone by. Maybe next year. Tell your lady I said Hey!
Byrdman
Many times I have said: they are not selling just a boat, they are selling dreams and hopes. Not to sound all flowery, but without people being able to see themselves ENJOYING the boat, it's just a bunch of nicely formed fiberglass. And when a manufacturer doesn't take into account how people will use that fiberglass, they are missing the point. Ask people how they USE the galley. Ask them about the comfort of the dinette seating. Improve those items to create desire. Participate in Brat gatherings and see what these boats
mean to people. SHOW potential buyers how the boat will allow them to fulfill those dreams, and it isn't "moving product" or "what the market is doing". People can buy a boat anywhere... where do they go to get their dreams fulfilled?
Frankly, the C-Dorys ARE competitive with the fancier boats, because they DO allow people to cruise economically. Show quality construction with a large selection of options (to make the boat fit the buyer's specific needs), AND point out how long they can cruise with the difference in cost between these boats and others (where buyers are standing in line to BUY). Eliminate the bored salesperson and replace them with someone who is enthusiastic about this lifestyle. A sales person who stands around complaining about business will drag that business down... they are not just useless, they are
harmful. Yes, I understand that is the dealer's problem, but there is an easy remedy. (Cut out the problems.)
Damn... I said I would "sit on my hands"... it just galls me to see someone with ANY useful product shoot themselves in the foot because they know a lot about making the product and too little about how to market the product. In this marketplace, one can't "wait until next year" if the business is going to survive. My apologies to the Brats for not being able to hold my tongue (fingers). Some will think I am being critical, others will know I am pointing out the obvious. My exuberance sometimes gets the better of me, and I find it hard to stand on the sidelines and not "cheer." I would love to see "our team" be competitive and flourish.
The product is proven. The niche is there. The boat can be a "blank canvas" for the d-i-y guy, but he is likely to buy used and fix it up himself. Part of the reason for the success of other boats is the turn-key delivery: they come complete; add your food and personal items, top off the tanks, and you are ready to go. Sell the dream! Offer a complete cruising (or fishing) option. People need to be able to see themselves doing this before they will get their wallet out.
C-Dory doesn't need someone down the line who talks about "how the market will come around in 6 months"... they need someone who will stand on top of the boat and say, "Look at what this great boat will do! Escape the crazy world and go find your own private cove! This boat is a cozy hideaway that will take care of you and take you on adventures! Now, who wants to buy my boat?"
I write because I care,
Jim B.
I am committed for this summer. I am, however, applying for a temporary job with C-Dory for next year's Seattle Boat Show. I will work for commission only. 8)
