MBM Buyer's Guide

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whisper

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MBM Buyer\'s Guide

On page 4 (mailbag) of the March copy there's an email from a reader praising the above.
I used to feel the same way until I tried using it in detail. Now I think it's a waste of time because of the unreliable info, lack of info and very limited coverage of model ranges.
Is there a formal "correction" system, I wonder, and are entries charged for? The latter would explain why some of the model entries in a given range are very restricted in number.

An example of this can, I believe, be seen in the entries of, for example, Boston Whaler, Botnia, Jeanneau, Nimbus, Orkney etc etc

With regard to the lack of info, just look down the "speed from" and "speed to" columns. What's the point of a "speed from" column anyway?

Does anyone else find it valuable?
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Agree with your thoughts. The guide seems to be a waste of time. I know for a fact that the alleged supplier / importer (as shown in the guide) of one marque of mobo went into liquidation over 12 months ago. I know that the buyers guide offers a contact name & e.mail address to make corrections. Sadly, I'm too apathetic to do anything about it.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

'Guide' is used.
NOT--- Bible.

I understand Your query and question.

We, the General Public, Punters, The Great Unwashed whatever.

Measure this information against--- 'Parkers' -- 'Glasses' etc cos we are used to pretty factual stuff from those publications and Motor Mags etc.

I,m pretty new in to the 'Boat Trade' but have Years behind Me in the Autotrade in many guises.

Compared to the auto stuff the boat stuff is a Cottage Industry.
Although that might seem amazing given the figures involved it is.

It is also so difficult to catagorize, catalogue, collate etc all the info needed to collect the relevant info and update as nessescary in the boaty lark.

Back to the format of the Buyers Guide.
Yep, tiss confusing to a certain extent.
However, to produce a Buyers Guide that is better or more accurate or informed is one heck of a task.

More time and expence than IPC could afford I would think.

Needs a Dedicated Expert.

Lawsey, I think you need a Carreer change! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Every manager I have ever worked for (almost 38 years with the same employer) has said the same as you - Lawsy, you need a career change /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Think this has been done before, but everytime I look at it I spot a mistake or two and even if its accurate it not very informative. If you have no idea what you want its not much use because there is not many photos or reviews to get an idea, if you do know what you want and need more info there is none there. Something like the Good the Bad and the Ugly that they do in Car Magazine would be better.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

I have to say that the guide does seem to be a waste of space. Is it just there to pad out the magazine?

When it disapeared last month I thought it was because it was being revised and that it would be back with corrections - but no.

My major issue is that the prices are way out. I know it is difficult to put a price on a new boat as they are all invariably listed without options included - mind you the same is true when you see a boat at a boat show. Everyone wants a different spec level anyway.

Every month I take a look at the listings for some of the boats that I like, take for instance the Aquador 32C. The price listed is approx £157,391 (Jan 09). At the boat show this boat was £223,451 (from) and £246,939 (as displayed). There is a lot of discrepancy there!

Therefore totaly useless and misleading.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Agreed. I hated the thing when they brought it in its a lazy way to use space in the mag in my view. Every other month is a step in the right direction - ie to abolition. Actually it would be OK if it was comprehensive and annual or maybe twice a year.
When they brought it in loads of people moaned on the forum and i don't remember any praise. I do wonder if it was a real letter.......
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Hi Whisper,

There is a formal correction system. At the top of the section, there is an explanation of various aspects of the guide. The last point concerns corrections, and invites people to email Claire, our editorial assistant. On top of this, Claire is constantly in touch with the industry encouraging them to update their entries. For one of the MBM team to phone every single dealer every month to get the latest info would not be a productive use of time when there is so much else going on.

And no, entries are not charged for. It really is a great - and free - shop window for the dealers and builders of this country, so it is in their best interests to keep their entries fresh.

On another note, you'll notice that the Guide is now being run in every other issue. This meets the demand for a regular listing of the boats on the market, and also allows us room to include extra editorial on those months it is not run.

Hope this answers your questions.

Stewart
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

and this months mag was really thin.. take out that section John, and you're only left with the front and back cover!
Was going to have a read of it on the sofa, but I had finished it before I hit the cushions.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Hi gjgm,

Yes, the mag is a little on the thin side this month, but that's because there are fewer ad pages, not fewer editorial pages. There's a recession on, don't you know /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Stewart

P.S. Just been encouraged by Paul, our art ed (who's been at the magazine more or less from day 1), to mention that when we started the Buyers' Guide it was not at the expense of editorial pages. In fact, the Guide was added on top of our existing total of editorial pages.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

What incentive does the manufacturer have to update their latest prices into the guide? It looks better for them if their advertised prices are lower than reality.

If the guide isn't accurate then it should be removed as it is misleading. Maybe you could withdraw all entries that haven't been updated for say, 3 months. That would be an incentive for the manufacturer to contact you for his 'free' advertising.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

I would hope that a desire for accuracy would be enough of an incentive. Also, given the state of the market, many boats are being discounted, which should encourage dealers to get the latest prices in the mag.

The guide will never be 100% accurate, but this doesn't mean it should be removed. It provides a valuable research tool for those seeking to upgrade their boats and is a fantastic resource for first-time buyers looking to get into the market who may be unsure what brands are available.

Having said all that, I take your point about the three-month limit, and will certainly mention this to the editor.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Stewart, I notice that you haven't (yet, to give you the benefit of the doubt) responded to my point about one of the dealers in the buyers guide having gone into liquidation over 12 months ago.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

[ QUOTE ]

With regard to the lack of info, just look down the "speed from" and "speed to" columns. What's the point of a "speed from" column anyway?

[/ QUOTE ]

Do they perhaps mean the max speed from the smallest to the biggest engine options?
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Apologies for not answering this earlier... yes, you're right - the two speeds are max speed with smallest engine option and max speed with biggest engine option.
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

Thanks for the replies Stewart.
One thing that still confuses me is why certain mfrs' entries do not contain all their models. Do you restrict them to a max. number or is it just their choice?
 
Re: MBM Buyer\'s Guide

I really enjoy this mag over the rest...i also think that the listing is a waste of paper and a bulker more fitting to a twice yearly listing with new boats highlighted.
I think the readers Q & A are informative and entertaining,also the general boaters reviews and stories are very good.........been quite a few Irish based ones recently too which obviously are of interest to my edge of the world.
 
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