Somebody should tell Fairline that the world has changed

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I went to LIBS today and had a relaxed time sauntering between half empty mobo stands, having no problem wandering on to any boat I fancied, even on the Sunseeker and Princess stands, until I went on to the Fairline stand. There I was told in no uncertain terms that, no, I could not go onto any boat unaccompanied unless I was chaperoned by 'my' dealer, 'my' dealer being the bloke who covers my boating area. So I waited and then waited a bit more, got fed up and finally I buggered off. All I wanted to do was look at a boat or 2 on my own not get the third degree from a salesman
I can understand what Fairline are aiming to do. They are trying to keep the riff raff off their boats and ensure that genuine customers are looked after properly. But they need to realise that this policy comes across arrogant and exclusive to some punters and only serves to alienate people like me who want to form their own judgement on their products without having a salesman breathing down their necks
Meanwhile the rumour is that, not only have Fairline made significant redundancies but they have put some of their workforce on a 2 day week and are awash with unsold stock

 

[gimmesunshine]

at sibsi looked around a t38, in prevous years had no chance of getting on, at sibs i think they were grateful to have anyone look round, they just let me get on with it, didnt ask me any questions at all

 

[johndove]

Meet a Guy with a Sealine 38, his Dad got a F425.

The Son went to Sealine Sales Hamble to arrange a sea trails on them, but they thought he was a joy rider and sent him on his way!
They went to Prosers and bought both of them!

If only the salesman new what he turned away.

 

[alt]

Deleted User - Thank you for your post, I will take this into consideration next time I 'saunt' onto a mobo at a boatshow - It'll be interesting how they react to a hottie like me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[gjgm]

I ve always found that with Fairline; very odd these days.
Fair enough on some mega yacht, but on normal fodder?
All those years ago, I was so impressed with SSeeker, when they were the only big boy to let clearly non buyers trawl all over their boats.

 

[SteveE]

I think in that way SS are cleaver, let people who cannot afford one of your boats have a look, and in the event they get luckyin business, on the lottery or inherit a wad of cash, who's product will they think of first SS or Fairline?

Probably why they are still in full production, and if Mike is correct Fairline are not

 

[Major Catastrophe]

They have forgotten the old business adage, by Wilson Mizner.

'Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet (need) 'em on your way down.'

Or, put another way, whatever you do, try and avoid getting get a bad mention on one of the world's premier motor boating forums during an international boat show.

 

[derekh]

Last year I felt Fairline were most unwelcoming so on Thursday I emailed them via their contacts page on their web site to make an appointment for Monday to see around their targa range and discuss the posibility of a second hand targa 34. They mustn't like second hand purchasers because I am leaving for London this evening and I am still awaiting a response from my email. It is a shame that one careless person can do sooo much damage to a company who probably has many good, keen sales people who would love to have a chat.

 

[blueglass]

agree. IMHO all exhibitors should be REQUIRED by the show organisers to give free access to boats to all punters, who have after all paid good money to get into the place for this express purpose. It almost comes down to trade descriptions. If all exhibitors employed same tactic there would be no show and the whole thing would fold, so why should fairline alone be allowed to get away with it.

 

[oceanfroggie]

The market is a great leveller of attitudes like that. Today's asspiration can be tomorrows customer, and a customer could be for life. Impressions last.

 

[Major Catastrophe]

[ QUOTE ]
agree. IMHO all exhibitors should be REQUIRED by the show organisers to give free access to boats to all punters, who have after all paid good money to get into the place for this express purpose. It almost comes down to trade descriptions. If all exhibitors employed same tactic there would be no show and the whole thing would fold, so why should fairline alone be allowed to get away with it.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is such a good point, I would like MBM to raise it in their next issue. Exactly what do we expect for our rather steep entry fee? I can understand restricting entry to some boats that have already been delivered to the customer and brought back for a show.

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

this surprises me a lot, with the current economic conditions I think it is important to take care of the customers, and this is a time where one has to improve his customer relations not slow them down, wheter they own an old 26 Fury or a new 70 Sq

I also read Fl's chairman comments about the downturn and speaking with other builders, I dont agree what he is saying
he also said of a positive Decemeber, but I think he forgot how much the weak £ helped him, which IMO want last forever

many builders say are discussing scaling down production for 2009 and 2010, but Fl says in mid 2009 things will be back to normal again f not better, Good Luck to them!!!

 

[Andrew38]

I totally agree, when I bought my first 34 foot (used) I dreamed of a 38 but never thought I could afford one. A year later Harleyford had a stock boat nearly a year old but the salesman (now long gone) thought I couldn't afford it and never took me seriously. Fortunately at SIBS I met another guy who did, and I bought the 38 from him and a couple of years later a new 42. Now looking for a 45 footer - anyone want a nice Broom 42?

 

[blueglass]

[quote). Exactly what do we expect for our rather steep entry fee?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we expect to be able to look at all the boats whether about to buy one or not. it IS a show, not a saleroom. It isnt JUST a marketplace although I accept that is the underlying driving force for exhibitors.
no public access? no stand!

 

[photodog]

Here Here!

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Major Catastrophe]

[ QUOTE ]
Here Here!



[/ QUOTE ]

There There. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[petem]

[ QUOTE ]
Here Here!

[/ QUOTE ]
It's Hear Hear actually.

Pete

 

[Nautorius]

Mike,

Found the same at SIBS. Princess, Sunseeker were all very helpful. Sealine were really helpful...but did not get near a fairline! Bavaria also great. The other stands managed by Essex such as Doral, Glastron etc were all very welcoming...just not Fairline!

It is such a shame but on service alone I would buy a Sealine, Bavaria or Doral!

Of course I would also buy a Cranchi as they are always helpful but they stoped the Z34!

Such a shame!

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

buy a used one Nautorious its always better used, you save the premium and there is loads of them anyways
Cranchi build 1100+ of Z34, so I am sure the right one can crop up for you....

 

[Nautorius]

..actually just been offered a 2004 for £89k here in UK. Only problem it is 6 months too early for me....and I could do with a Med Spec. How are the prices of Z34's doing in the Med (post face lift 2003 models)?

My next boat is med based but as we are relocating we will wait to see what we want as we will choose a boat with accomodation or a boat for fun!

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif