Matt Gurnsey":16ps7ief said:
I would also caution against making long option lists on these boats, as that will only raise production costs, and discourage dealers from stocking the product.
This is an interesting comment. How many boats does the average C-Dory dealer stock anyway? And isn't having too much stock and too few customers the current challenge for dealers?
I remember when I bought my first car. I went to the dealer who had a floor model. Then you sat down with the salesman and placed an order with all the options you wanted. Negotiated a price, signed a contract, and the car was built for you. Come to think of it, this was sorta the way I bought my C- dory from Cutter Marine. The only difference was that most of the options could be installed by the dealer (Cutter); swim step, shore power etc.
As a car customer, I liked the ability to pick and choose the options and have them factory installed. Thought this allowed the factory to have ultimate quality control over the finished product plus I had a vehicle totally customized for me. I also thought from a dealer's perspective, this was a beneficial arraignment as well. It wasn't necessary to keep a large inventory, just order one and get a delivery date. No worry about major inventory/expense woes. Now I realize that the customer with the need it now motive couldn't wait, so they either bought the floor model, bought from limited stock on hand, or searched for a dealer who had what they wanted or bought another brand. The buyer might even be enticed to buy a nice used model off the dealer's lot. Dealers were savy enough to see what was ordered most, and inventoried based on that and sales projections. Other options could be dealer installed.
I would think in the case of the C-Dory market, the build to order model might work. As a customer, a little longer build time for a longer option list would make the wait worthwhile. And the dealer doesn't have to shell out as much money on inventory. Just color option could delay purchase anyway. I had to have a green accent on my boat, so Cutter had to order one to be built. Of course, the factory must be able to support this type of sales model by being able to supply/produce efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time without significant price increases (except for increased costs for the additional options you choose). We will see if the new ownership can or is willing to go in this direction. In this slow buying market, it might be the way to go.
I know that I have not factored in all possibilities, especially from the dealer's perspective. But I would not turn a deaf ear to the possibility of an increased option list.
As I started this response, "it is interesting." My real hope is that the new owners of C-Dory and their dealers alike survive and prosper. This obviously benefits us, the end users. From the recent posts of the new ownership, because of the current great network of dealers, and the support of owners though this great site, the future looks bright.
John
Swee Pea