Buying at Boat Show

[Guest]

Do people think it is better to buy at the boat show or not? Just about to buy a new boat and wondered if its better to wait till after the boat show or not? Are we likely to get a bigger discount at the boat show?

~A

 

[JohnR]

Doubt that the prices will be better than you can squeeze out of suppliers after the show; that said I am taking the car so that I can shop at the Boat Show simply because most of the suppliers are in one place and I may be able to play one off against another!

 

[golf]

go on the last day .They dont want topack all that gear home and unpack again
I saved 30% on wet weather gear from prices two days earlier

 

[Piers]

I am told by at least two who have bought new boats at the show, that waiting to the last day was when the dealers were willing to offer better deals - Dealers need to demonstrate how successful they have been at the Show, and the more orders the better.

Piers du Pre
MBM Cruising Club enthusiast
www.dupre.co.uk

 

[ChrisP]

Difficult one.

Chap on our pontoon bought the show boat from a well known sail boat market leader. He's now heading for the first aniversary of his purchase, still with a long list of complaints. Most of which have been the result of rushed preparation for the show. True it came with a load of extras that wouldn't normaly be included in the price but he admits that some options wouldn't have been his choice i.e. teak decking instead of heating. But I suppose its like most things, you pay's your money and take a chance.

When ever I've tried to buy major items at the show I'm usualy refered to my local agent for discounts, rather than buying at the show. They have usually given me the show price or better without the joy of lugging it home on public transport.

Which ever way go decide to go good luck,

ChrisP

 

[Guest]

agreed.

Thinkaudrey is palning to "Order" rather than actauly "buy" the show boat. As far as I know, the answer is yes, there's huge kudos in taking an order at the show itself, and a better deal can be done there rather than (for example) some time later. If planning to order a boat, I'd open haggling in the morning, tellem what I wanted, get them to think about it, return later, and do all this on earlier rather than later day of the show. Wild guess, I reckon 10% off or more for ordering (and giving them a cheque whatever) at the show, maybe half that discount later. They won't have sold a boat since befiore Christmas when the show starts.

 

[c_j]

Ten minutes to five on the last day is the only way to get the best deal at the show and be prepared for the Sales manager to take you out for a drink after!

You have to be prepared to buy and make sure you know your stuff as any afterthoughts will be expensive.

I am going tomorrow and if I can get the deal then a 45ft+flybridge is on the cards.
Yes I know I said last day but I need to test the water first.



CJ
chris@stone.uk.com

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Personally, I dont think it makes much difference. Boat Show sales targets are just that - for show. The dealers are much more interested in meeting quarterly or annual sales targets. What should interest you is whether a particular boat is in a dealer's stock ie. burning a hole in his cashflow and whether you are in a cash position or with a p/x; a cash buyer interested in a stock boat tends to concentrate their minds somewhat.
I would go to the Show with an open mind. If you're interested in a particular model, by all means talk hardball to the dealer but if you're not getting a good deal walk away. I guess that means at least 10% discount from list and a few goodies thrown in