FAIRLINE AT LIBS

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John100156

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There have been lots of negative posts regarding Fairline at LIBS - I went there yesterday with SWMBO.

Although most (including FL) stands were only moderately busy (much to my liking) I did see all I wanted.

FL stand observations as follows:

Several people on-board boats, lots of staff around ready and willing to answer questions.

Had to wait a few minutes to get on a T44 and also looked at their T38; other than being politely asked to remove shoes or wear overshoes, we were allowed to thoroughly inspect each boat, unaccompanied.

Had a chat with Ben (formerly FL Southampton, now FL Denia) and asked if FL were aware of the negative forum posts, he confirmed they were and in response they had made some changes to the entry system/barrier - I would just like to say well done to FL for listening and at least trying!

Had a chat regarding anti-fouling my T34 - very useful advice given freely, if finances permit may consider a T44 in 2010/11 and hope they survive!

Both excellent boats.

Couple of images outside:

IMG_0607.jpg


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Hey what about one of these as a fun tender!

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IMG_0611.jpg
 
[ QUOTE ]

There have been lots of negative posts regarding Fairline at LIBS - I went there yesterday with SWMBO.

[/ QUOTE ] There is a school of thought that Fairline were aware of the negative posts on here and have adjusted their attitude accordingly. If that is so, you have benefited from the power of the forum. But, that doesn't excuse their alleged attitude at the start of the show, where people who not only paid good money to get into the show, but were refused entry to the Fairline stand despite their ability to afford one of their boats.
 
I ignored their attitude and opened the barriers and marched straight in to the boats ignoring the girl on reception shouting to my back saying you have to book in first, but then thats me.
Glad to see the barriers gone now.... much better and welcoming, thats what youve paid to see --- BOATS
 
I can't comment much on FL becuase having been a customer for 10yrs I have had invitations to the stand and known company people and dealers etc, so I haven' been a "cold" enquirer.

But 2 things: I don't think it's fair to pick on FL, and I'm amazed by the inconsistencies between different forumite experiences.

On general "refusal" of boarding I have in the last 5 years or so been refused Marlow, Oyster, Grand Soleil at SIBS and LIBS. When I say "refuse" I mean approaching the stand as a "cold" enquirer, and given a hard time, told to come back later, make an appointment for much later, or whatever. And I don't do much window shopping so have had a genuine interest in the boats I wanted to see. So I don't think it's a unique FL thing.

And on inconsistency, on the other thread posters reported that they walked striaght onto Oyster (the 63 at LIBS I wonder?) and were refused Azimut. On Friday last I didn't try Oyster but I walked up to Azi without appointment and was immediately shown all around the 58 by a helpful and knowledgeable salesman, and he said "yes come aboard" long before finding out if I was window shopping or not or asking any "filtering" questions. So I'm kinda surprised about all these completely differing experiences. Indeed, on FL last Friday I saw lots of punters being shown the boats

On Friday I was wearing a suit. On next Saturday it'll be scruffy jeans - I'll let you know if any difference, and I'll try to get on the Oyster63 (which is a when-retired boat!)
 
It certainly was fair to pick on FL because they were only exhibitor operating a barrier policy at LIBS when I went last Friday although I didn't go on the Oyster stand. Yes, I had a beautifully packaged invite from FL myself but I chose not to use it because all I wanted to do was have a quick wander on a couple of their boats not get engaged in a long conversation with 'my' dealer. FL have always operated barrier policies at SIBS and LIBS in the past and there is nothing more guaranteed to put me off than a) having to wait to get on to an empty boat and especially b) make an appt at a set time and to return at that time only to find you still can't get on the boat
Plaudits to FL if they have changed their policy but it shouldn't take a thread on this forum to make them see the light
 
Because in those days it didn't matter too much if a few punters were put off by the barriers but now that they've got a factory full of unsold boats and dealers who can't finance their stock, they need every potential customer they can get
 
I don't understnad this "biased" accusation that's often made on here (in general I mean, not particularly at me). I just bought a new Fairline, a month ago. I didn't have to. I could have bought any other 55-60footer, bar none, on the market. I weighed up the choices (like ya do!) and chose Fairline. It was an entirely objective decision, zero bias. If I'd found another boat that ticked more of my boxes I'd have bought that. I don't get the "bias" thing and would never myself accuse another poster of bias just cos he owns such and such a boat. I've even written reports on here saying stuff I've bought isn't great (Avon frexample). But tell me if I'm missing something! :-)
 
Well since Fairline are reading the comments (and good for them) I would like to add another pearl of wisdom...
Ask the 3 ladies who are manning the desk to stand infront of the desk and only go behind to make/check appointments. This technique is well known in marketing. A bit like having a stewardess welcome you on/off a plane.
 
[ QUOTE ]
play fairly

[/ QUOTE ]Ahem.
What are you suggesting, maybe to march straight in to the boats ignoring the girl on reception shouting to my back?
 
Went today thought was quite busy Fairline had a lot on boats and have sold a few, thought show bit smaller but ok didnt have any issues with them thought were friendly and no hassle
 
[ QUOTE ]
Trust me I was married to an FSM (flight service manager) and they are not welcoming you....

[/ QUOTE ] They are herding the self loading cargo.
 
Something like that...But to add in light of whats happened tonight (in new york) and joking aside they really do know their stuff and whilst the captain of that flight should be applauded it will be the cabin crew that got them all out safely.
 
We were on the Fairline stand Sunday, and it was busy with a couple of small queues but no problem getting on and off, and generally very nice people. The barriers were a pain, but they were not really an issue, however its great that they have gone.

Although LIBS is a pain to get to, I find people have more time than SIBS to chat and show you round. The Rodman guy took time to show us the IPS and engine layouts, and it was nice to have time and not be rushed. Fairline sales, particularly our local broker James, took loads of time with us.

SIBS is a different level, but its also busier so I find the pace of Excel worked perfectly for me, and Fairline was probably IMHO one of the better stands!
 
Hi there.

Went Wednesday, Fairline stand was empty really, no one bothered to speak to us at all while we clambered over the Targa's!

My feelings for what they are worth, was a ghost town stand. Apart from the new lovely squaddies, the Targa range seems so out of date in comparison to their main rivals, felt old inside, in fact I wouldnt swap a Targa 48 for the 'new' 47 even!

Hard top aside which is almost a must in English climes these days, they dont seem to have moved on at all.

S/S the masters of the art of marketing, a vibrant stand with mission statement boats everywhere, great staff, great P.R.

Princess, have really uppen the anti............lovely new V series boats, great staff, nothing was too much trouble, a busy stand when we wandered around.

Cessa....................'YUK'.

Pershing 'Oh Yer Baby'..what a beauty, seriously the big hard top cruiser of the show for me, just a shame Im about 1 and half million too poor!

Riva...............wow, what a speed boat...........

That concludes my show report, Richard, sorry I didnt pop in, seriously I couldnt find the stand!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Jas.
 
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