Magnum
RIP
Predator 72. Sea-trial is booked for next week /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
SIBS Photos
- Thread starter StewartC
- Start date
MapisM
Well-Known Member
I agree, that's how business should be done.
On the other hand, I'd be even slightly concerned about a builder with such attitude.
Sounds similar to this strategy...?
PS: ooops! Believe it or not, I was posting this before reading your reply below. Nothing personal against SS and/or their boats, honest!
On the other hand, I'd be even slightly concerned about a builder with such attitude.
Sounds similar to this strategy...?
PS: ooops! Believe it or not, I was posting this before reading your reply below. Nothing personal against SS and/or their boats, honest!
Magnum
RIP
Not sure where that came from. I (and others) were only told that one model was sold out for next year - the Manhattan 70. Maybe others were but I could have had a Predator 62 in April.
Gludy
Well-Known Member
Magnum
But what would you have done if the owner of the boat had insisted that its by appointment only and did not want large numbers on the boat?
Next year they will have their own stock boat for demo and maybe it will be a different story.
I do not know the facts but the facts that they may well have an agreement with the owner.
But what would you have done if the owner of the boat had insisted that its by appointment only and did not want large numbers on the boat?
Next year they will have their own stock boat for demo and maybe it will be a different story.
I do not know the facts but the facts that they may well have an agreement with the owner.
Magnum
RIP
I'm sure nobody actually wants large numbers of people on their boats, but all the other manufacturers seem to manage it OK. If Marlow are seriously committed to the UK then they should have made the boat more available.
I had absolutely no problem at all looking at Riva and Pershing models costing 5 times the price at Cannes. Furthermore if we hadn't been allowed to set foot on the Princess 42 at SIBS 2003 we wouldn't be boating today.
I had absolutely no problem at all looking at Riva and Pershing models costing 5 times the price at Cannes. Furthermore if we hadn't been allowed to set foot on the Princess 42 at SIBS 2003 we wouldn't be boating today.
snooks
Well-Known Member
kcrane
Well-Known Member
Can't resist commenting <g>
We rang Explorer in Wales before the show. We explained our interest and asked for an invite to view the Marlow and received one through the post. We weren't told to turn up at a certain time, or told anything about a queuing system.
Anticipating a delight, we left the Marlow to last. We spent the day looking at every boat we were interested in, being welcomed onto each one immediately and given a generous amount of sales time, including being invited a) to see boats being built and view every single model in the range at an event at the factory b) to go to Poole and take a day out on a demo boat to see whether SWMBO was happy with the close quarters handling.
Manufacturers and dealers can only show a limited number of models, we appreciate that. So often we look at say, the 43 when we are interested in a 48, or at a 435 when we can afford a 385, that is just the way it is at Shows. You get a really good intuitive feel for the nature of the organisation, its people and the products.
Turning up to be told "Let me see, I can fit you in eventually, just as if you didn't have an invitation" was disappointing, but to be honest, no more than that. I wouldn't buy a Marlow this year, but we will buy that level of boat in 2 years time. Will I walk away and ignore Marlow in future? No, I guess not, but Van Der Valk is much higher on my list of people to do business with as we speak because of our experience at the show. Isn't boat buying a surprisingly emotional thing!
Outside of our situation, I agree with a few others, if you don't want the public to look at the boat, don't take it to a show where the public have to pay to get in. If the owner says "No public on board" say "Ah, sadly then we can't take it to a public show". Simple matter of principle.
We rang Explorer in Wales before the show. We explained our interest and asked for an invite to view the Marlow and received one through the post. We weren't told to turn up at a certain time, or told anything about a queuing system.
Anticipating a delight, we left the Marlow to last. We spent the day looking at every boat we were interested in, being welcomed onto each one immediately and given a generous amount of sales time, including being invited a) to see boats being built and view every single model in the range at an event at the factory b) to go to Poole and take a day out on a demo boat to see whether SWMBO was happy with the close quarters handling.
Manufacturers and dealers can only show a limited number of models, we appreciate that. So often we look at say, the 43 when we are interested in a 48, or at a 435 when we can afford a 385, that is just the way it is at Shows. You get a really good intuitive feel for the nature of the organisation, its people and the products.
Turning up to be told "Let me see, I can fit you in eventually, just as if you didn't have an invitation" was disappointing, but to be honest, no more than that. I wouldn't buy a Marlow this year, but we will buy that level of boat in 2 years time. Will I walk away and ignore Marlow in future? No, I guess not, but Van Der Valk is much higher on my list of people to do business with as we speak because of our experience at the show. Isn't boat buying a surprisingly emotional thing!
Outside of our situation, I agree with a few others, if you don't want the public to look at the boat, don't take it to a show where the public have to pay to get in. If the owner says "No public on board" say "Ah, sadly then we can't take it to a public show". Simple matter of principle.
Gludy
Well-Known Member
Duid you actually see the Marlow? Did they fit you in?
I would have to agree with comments. I understand where you are coming from.
I would have to agree with comments. I understand where you are coming from.
benjenbav
Well-Known Member
Congratulations. The show one looked fab. Are you having it in black and silver?
Magnum
RIP
[ QUOTE ]
Congratulations. The show one looked fab. Are you having it in black and silver?
[/ QUOTE ]
Black and grey. Silver is an option, but painted only. The Pred 62 was grey gel (as is the black hull) and looks almost identical.
It looks simply stunning, but it will take some cleaning.
Congratulations. The show one looked fab. Are you having it in black and silver?
[/ QUOTE ]
Black and grey. Silver is an option, but painted only. The Pred 62 was grey gel (as is the black hull) and looks almost identical.
It looks simply stunning, but it will take some cleaning.
MedDreamer
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Isn't boat buying a surprisingly emotional thing!
[/ QUOTE ]
It sure is, here's a small example.
We had a really good day yesterday and were welcomed onto every boat we wanted to see. However I did have two encounters with salespeople I have bought boats from in the past that just reminded me what a mixed industry this is.
Firstly we went to the Fairline stand and met up with the salesman from Fairline North Mallorca. as we speak regularly he is aware that I am unlikely to be changing my boat in the near future. Nevertheless he gave us a lot of time and also spent a lot of time discussing various issus with us. Great service.
Later on we were on the Sealine stand and "bumped into" the Salesmen who sold me my boat before last, not naming names but we were based on a large lake in the north of England at the time. He could barely bring himself to speak and mid conversation he decided to find someone else to talk to, not even saying bye as we slinked off. What an ignorant [--word removed--]. He knows I have a Sealine and I was looking at bigger Sealines, how did he know I wasn't a potential buyer.
The end result a diminished opinion of the Sealine brand and an enhanced view of Fairline service. A purely emotional verdict I admit but I know who I would talk to first if I was changing boats
Isn't boat buying a surprisingly emotional thing!
[/ QUOTE ]
It sure is, here's a small example.
We had a really good day yesterday and were welcomed onto every boat we wanted to see. However I did have two encounters with salespeople I have bought boats from in the past that just reminded me what a mixed industry this is.
Firstly we went to the Fairline stand and met up with the salesman from Fairline North Mallorca. as we speak regularly he is aware that I am unlikely to be changing my boat in the near future. Nevertheless he gave us a lot of time and also spent a lot of time discussing various issus with us. Great service.
Later on we were on the Sealine stand and "bumped into" the Salesmen who sold me my boat before last, not naming names but we were based on a large lake in the north of England at the time. He could barely bring himself to speak and mid conversation he decided to find someone else to talk to, not even saying bye as we slinked off. What an ignorant [--word removed--]. He knows I have a Sealine and I was looking at bigger Sealines, how did he know I wasn't a potential buyer.
The end result a diminished opinion of the Sealine brand and an enhanced view of Fairline service. A purely emotional verdict I admit but I know who I would talk to first if I was changing boats
MapisM
Well-Known Member
What do you mean exactly by having no problem?
I got to know how Ferretti Group salesmen used to be trained, and unless they recently changed their selling strategies, I can not believe that you popped up at Riva, asking "may I have a look at that 68' of yours?" and they immediately welcomed you on board.
Not without making you an x-ray examination first, at least.
Now, I know nobody from Marlow, but I would bet that they aren't less kind or willing to help than Riva, Pershing, Sunseeker and the likes. They're maybe a bit less sophisticated...
Besides, those big builders know very well that their products are nowadays impulse goods - sort of - whilst Marlow or similar products aren't (well, to a much lesser extent anyway).
That makes also a big difference:
Captain in his previous post says that Marlow approach was disappointing, but even if he recognizes the importance of these emotions, at the end of the day he would not ignore Marlow in the future.
On the other hand, you could have never been boating, depending on that Princess salesman at SIBS four years ago...
Each to their own, of course.
The only point I'm trying to make is that for what I read of this story, I still can't understand what else should Marlow have done, given the circumstances.
I got to know how Ferretti Group salesmen used to be trained, and unless they recently changed their selling strategies, I can not believe that you popped up at Riva, asking "may I have a look at that 68' of yours?" and they immediately welcomed you on board.
Not without making you an x-ray examination first, at least.
Now, I know nobody from Marlow, but I would bet that they aren't less kind or willing to help than Riva, Pershing, Sunseeker and the likes. They're maybe a bit less sophisticated...
Besides, those big builders know very well that their products are nowadays impulse goods - sort of - whilst Marlow or similar products aren't (well, to a much lesser extent anyway).
That makes also a big difference:
Captain in his previous post says that Marlow approach was disappointing, but even if he recognizes the importance of these emotions, at the end of the day he would not ignore Marlow in the future.
On the other hand, you could have never been boating, depending on that Princess salesman at SIBS four years ago...
Each to their own, of course.
The only point I'm trying to make is that for what I read of this story, I still can't understand what else should Marlow have done, given the circumstances.
KCook
Well-Known Member
Oh good grief, it's not all that puzzling izzit? The Marlow outfit could have set aside 2 or 3 hours each day as an "Open House". Everybody crowd on board and have a happy look around. The serious shoppers who wanted the deluxe treatment could then simply avoid the Open House hours.
Now if the wishes of the owner of the boat would not allow for this, then I agree with the others. The boat should not have been presented at a public show in the first place.
wude colonial
Now if the wishes of the owner of the boat would not allow for this, then I agree with the others. The boat should not have been presented at a public show in the first place.
wude colonial
Sundays_Child
Well-Known Member
Congratulations Magnum!
PowerYachtBlog
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I'm sure nobody actually wants large numbers of people on their boats, but all the other manufacturers seem to manage it OK. If Marlow are seriously committed to the UK then they should have made the boat more available.
I had absolutely no problem at all looking at Riva and Pershing models costing 5 times the price at Cannes. Furthermore if we hadn't been allowed to set foot on the Princess 42 at SIBS 2003 we wouldn't be boating today.
[/ QUOTE ]
this is so true I never found problems boarding any boat in many shows up to Mega Yachts
I think if Marlows had some problems from the owner they should have made a courtesy stand with some brochures and models
I know the appearance of a boat always adds up to sales, but if people cant visit it, it will do more harm then good
I also agree that detail visits should be made away from the show or at a seperate time
I'm sure nobody actually wants large numbers of people on their boats, but all the other manufacturers seem to manage it OK. If Marlow are seriously committed to the UK then they should have made the boat more available.
I had absolutely no problem at all looking at Riva and Pershing models costing 5 times the price at Cannes. Furthermore if we hadn't been allowed to set foot on the Princess 42 at SIBS 2003 we wouldn't be boating today.
[/ QUOTE ]
this is so true I never found problems boarding any boat in many shows up to Mega Yachts
I think if Marlows had some problems from the owner they should have made a courtesy stand with some brochures and models
I know the appearance of a boat always adds up to sales, but if people cant visit it, it will do more harm then good
I also agree that detail visits should be made away from the show or at a seperate time
RogerRat
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Predator 72. Sea-trial is booked for next week /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Cool boat. Congratulations, here's to a good sea trial!
Don't forget to check to see if the tender fits in the garage! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[ QUOTE ]
[/ QUOTE ]
Predator 72. Sea-trial is booked for next week /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Cool boat. Congratulations, here's to a good sea trial!
Don't forget to check to see if the tender fits in the garage! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[ QUOTE ]
[/ QUOTE ]
MapisM
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Now if the wishes of the owner of the boat would not allow for this, then I agree with the others. The boat should not have been presented at a public show in the first place.
[/ QUOTE ]C'mon, is this really what you'd have done if you were in their boots, missing completely the opportunity to show the boat to any prospect?...
Now if the wishes of the owner of the boat would not allow for this, then I agree with the others. The boat should not have been presented at a public show in the first place.
[/ QUOTE ]C'mon, is this really what you'd have done if you were in their boots, missing completely the opportunity to show the boat to any prospect?...
longjohnsilver
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I know that MBY editor tried to get on and was told to make an appointment for 9 am
[/ QUOTE ]
All very well if you are already on site but us general paying public oiks don't get in until 10am!
Guess I won't be viewing the Marlow.
I know that MBY editor tried to get on and was told to make an appointment for 9 am
[/ QUOTE ]
All very well if you are already on site but us general paying public oiks don't get in until 10am!
Guess I won't be viewing the Marlow.
Gludy
Well-Known Member
Why not?
Anyone can go up there and make an appointment. They will not be subjected to any high sales presssure and will be given a proper tour - they even have a cat engineer on board to show you the engine room etc.
If there is nobody there when you arrive they will normally give you the tour then.
The basis of what they are doing is trying to properly show the boat whilst respecting their agreement with the owner.
You according to the Marlow people are more important than the press - hence the press can only make appointments outside public hours so that the exposure to the public is maximised.
Anyone can go up there and make an appointment. They will not be subjected to any high sales presssure and will be given a proper tour - they even have a cat engineer on board to show you the engine room etc.
If there is nobody there when you arrive they will normally give you the tour then.
The basis of what they are doing is trying to properly show the boat whilst respecting their agreement with the owner.
You according to the Marlow people are more important than the press - hence the press can only make appointments outside public hours so that the exposure to the public is maximised.
MedDreamer
Well-Known Member
Sorry Paul but I think your opinion is being swayed by loyalty to the brand and the dealer who you clearly have a lot of time for.
It is a Boatshow where people pay to look around boats, mostly ones they cannot afford. Only a small percentage of those who visit will actually buy a boat at the show and even then usually after a sea trial and a detailed look around back at the Dealers base, so there is absolutely no need to restrict viewing to those who have one to one and a half hours to spare for a detailed tour. For those that do want that then the staff are available (I bet Magnum spent more than 20 minutes on the Sunseeker stand). However, most paying punters just want to look around nice boats.
The dealers approach was totally wrong and naive. On a photo on another post you can see the notice on the Transom gate that starts with the word WARNING. Cor how customer friendly is that.
Nope they have got it wrong, not a very good start to their new dealership IMHO.
Martyn
It is a Boatshow where people pay to look around boats, mostly ones they cannot afford. Only a small percentage of those who visit will actually buy a boat at the show and even then usually after a sea trial and a detailed look around back at the Dealers base, so there is absolutely no need to restrict viewing to those who have one to one and a half hours to spare for a detailed tour. For those that do want that then the staff are available (I bet Magnum spent more than 20 minutes on the Sunseeker stand). However, most paying punters just want to look around nice boats.
The dealers approach was totally wrong and naive. On a photo on another post you can see the notice on the Transom gate that starts with the word WARNING. Cor how customer friendly is that.
Nope they have got it wrong, not a very good start to their new dealership IMHO.
Martyn