SIBS 2013 - 4 things not to like

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Yes, the magazines do, but not the organisers. They should.

I assumed that the mags did it with the authority of SIBS otherwise it would infringe copyright?

 

[deuc02]

Seem to remember a good thread on here a few years ago about Fairline using the same gatekeeper tactics at London. Personally had no interest at looking at their or any other mobos, but if I was a SIBS punter who paid however much a ticket was i would insist on seeing any boat at the show (taking into account having to wait etc if boat is popular.) Unfortunately a large proportion of boat salesmen/women (pc and all that) are not very good at selling, and it would seem that Fairline salesmen/women are incapable of qualifying.

 

[crazy4557]

I looked at the website for opening times for the show which clearly displays 9.30am opening. So off I go and arrived last Sunday at 9.15am as I wanted to be early and get in fast and a quick looky round before needing to get back for kids sport. Anyway got in when gates opened and made my way through the wooden sailing boats in the top display area heading for the bridge to get to the real show only to be told that part doesn't open until 10 o'clock sir!!
How on earth can they justify doing that, I was really pi55ed off having to wait with a load of other grumpy people for another half hour.

Looked at the website when I got home and in the small print it states 10.00am opening for main show. What a bunch of clowns.....

 

[Solitaire]

I have also noticed in past years that the bridges to the pontoons have a lane for exhibitors only, I do wonder what would happen in the event theybhadvo evacuate the pontoons quickly.

Easy! Let go the bow and stern lines and drive out. After putting out an all stations call to all forum members on the pontoons to head towards the RYA Active Marina berths. But I could only take the first 10!

 

[volvopaul]

Easy! Let go the bow and stern lines and drive out. After putting out an all stations call to all forum members on the pontoons to head towards the RYA Active Marina berths. But I could only take the first 10!

I meant the punters not the boats.

 

[Solitaire]

I meant the punters not the boats.

I know what you meant! In fact they opened all the bridges yesterday due to the weather, so no issue'

 

[AllanG]

Having just returned from the Show, I thoroughly agree with all your four points Mike........with Fairline's attitude they certainly aren't going out of their way to win prospective future buyers!

 

[volvopaul]

Hmmm some truth about the show coming out, wish I'd have gone now, I'm sure I'd have had some feedback to add.

It's a shame the comments are coming like this especially in these economic years.

The trade people I know at the show have all reported low numbers attending.

 

[MikeBrazier]

My partner and I were at the show on the first Saturday and when we got to Fairline I made a bee line straight to the 78 Custom, I really wanted to see it after following the thread on JFM's build of his although I had no intention of buying one whatsoever.

No issues at all, we hung around for shoe protectors and for a couple of families to move on and then we looked round the boat thoroughly, almost every part including bow, flybridge, crew accommodation and engine room, no stone left unturned. Surprisingly we were not asked to leave, just left to mooch around. Salesman was friendly but other than saying hello he said nothing more to us.

Tactics must have changed over the course of the week. Also nowhere near as nice as JFM's.

Mike.

 

[ari]

3) Why aren't all the bridges down to the pontoons 2 way for visitors as well as exhibitors? I object to being routed miles away past the Sunseeker stand just to get off the pontoons.

You're not. There are two bridges, one either side of the MDL stand on the waterfront. One's down, the other is up.

There's a third bridge round by Sunseeker, but that's two way anyway if I recall correctly.

 

[ari]

I have also noticed in past years that the bridges to the pontoons have a lane for exhibitors only, I do wonder what would happen in the event theybhadvo evacuate the pontoons quickly.

I think it is extraordinarily unlikely that in the event of an emergency evacuation of the pontoons they would stop people from coming up the "down" bridge!

 

[superheat6k]

"4) Fairline's gatekeeper system is as irritating as ever. I object to having to waste 10mins having to phonetically spell my name, address and email address to some airhead bimbo on the front desk, then having to waste a further 10mins whilst they go and find 'my' dealer before I'm allowed to step on board one of their precious boats. Every other exhibitor we came across allowed us to jump on and off boats at will, subject to visitor numbers on board of course. Anyway, the Princess 56 was nicer than the Sq60. So there ..."


Having stood for nearly 10 minutes waiting for this fiasco, as the 'popular ones' who will 99.9% never ever buy a Fairline or indeed any other boat, I inscribed my name in very large text as 'FAIRLINE OWNER' which made not one jot of difference to the 'poseurs' Fairline have decided must array their display.

Looked briefly at one IPS boat (that I would never buy anyway- see prior thread) I went off to see the Nordhavn, where I was made most welcome, and without the posse of d* heads !!!

Otherwise yes , this damn bridges, and why oh why is there year on year a firm selling ladders and other building access equipment in residence outside the Holiday Inn !

 

[ontheplane]

No question, Fairline's approach is wrong, just plain wrong.

The thing is that a boat is unlikely to be something you just buy one day. Most of us start to think about them, then we buy a cheap one, perhaps work up through used to eventually buy a new one.

Many many people who view the boat won't ever be able to buy one - but for every 20 of them will be one who can't today but will be able to one day, inheritance, lottery etc.

I've also been "blocked" on Fairlines stand in the past - in contrast to Sunseeker who've always welcomed all and sundry onto their boats, and if I ever do find myself in a position to buy something new i know where i'd start....

 

[Solitaire]

I know what you mean, Mike. The one-way only system on the pontoon bridges is most frustrating, along with the single entrance point.

From an exhibitors perspective, I have a few gripes about the show, the main one being the duration. 10 days is absolutely insane and a strong deterrent for a small company like mine. I understand it, but wow it is a heavy load. Makes it hard to keep your pecker up near the tail end of the show. (no innuendo intended).

I agree it gets tough! I have been there all week, but it has probably been the best show in terms of sales for the past few years. You paid, you exhibit your products/services . Your choice if you do it next year! Smile and take Monday off - or don't run your own business!

 

[rafiki_]

Only thing that I can really complain about is the cost of parking. £15+ for 4 hours in The Triangle!

 

[st599]

I've always fancied looking round a really big Mobo - though absolutely no interest in purchasing one - guess i'm the kind of person they are trying to keep away!

We once blagged our way on and shot the final scene if a student film on one. Full lighting rig, dolly and MUA.

We're the sort of people they don't like.

 

[Anders_P42]

I would have thought having spent upwards of £100K on trade show (probably a lot more), Fairline would want to maximise the number of visitors on their boats! Bit like taking out a full page add in Daily Mail then asking them to print only 1000 copies. If I win the lottery next week, I know one manufacturer that won't be on the shortlist.

Biggest disappointment of the show...late in the afternoon on the hunt for a snack I spot a burger stand. Livery across the top of the stand says 100% British meat, proper burgers etc etc. I ask for the gourmet burger and they say they're not allowed to sell burgers! A competing stand had 'the right' to sell burgers and the burger stand could only sell sausages, chips and some other unappetising stuff. I declined and they pointed me in the direction of the official burger stand. What a carp burger, stale bao, wilted lettuce, no onion left...miserable burger! The burger stand is closest to the exit, avoid at all cost.

Anders

 

[oldgit]

Do not buy all this "If I win the lottery" carp.
If I won the lottery..it would not matter one jot how horrid those loverly ladies had been to me at any previous boat show.
If their boat was what fitted the bill...they get the sale .
Why on earth would you cut off your nose to spite your face ?

 

[Nick_H]

The bridges: I am reasonably fit, and my wife is very fit (some form of exercise class 5 days a week). For some reason we have always found that the steps on the bridges are exhausting. Yet we both walked up the stairs to Level 14 of the West Quay Car Park no problem.

That's got to be the best boat show rant ever - the wrong type of stairs!

 

[Dick van Driel]

We were there last weekend...can confirm the least welcoming stand was Fairline, both SS & princess were very welcoming to all, only restrictions were on the 40m where they occasionally had appointments booked. Princess in particular were excellent, prepared to chat & asked sensible questions, really liked their attitude.
I understand from a business perspective why Fairline were doing it, but frankly most of the leads they picked up would be a waste of time, better to talk to the stand visitors & work out the potential first, I did not want to wait in line whilst they took details from everybody. Hope someone from Fairline follows this forum, can do it better!
Pan..

I do.
I will ask them to pay attention on this issue.

Dick