Boat Buying Mistake #2:
Becoming Impatient and Buying Too Quickly.
Did you ever rush into a restaurant and order the first thing you saw on the menu because you were so hungry? Before the food even comes, you know you have made a mistake and you regret your choice during the entire meal! That sometimes happens when buying a boat - except that you can't eat your mistake!
Perhaps a friend is selling their boat or you think you saw the perfect boat in a magazine, at a dealership, or at a boat sho...should you buy it? The answer is Maybe!
Is it the right size, right power, right color, right options, and the right price? It might be, but how will you know unless you've have compared! Buying a boat can be very enjoyable but it takes time, effort, and patience to avoid an expensive mistake.
Note the features that you like and don't like. Find a salesperson that will help you learn about boats and work with you to find just what you want and need.
BE CAREFUL AT A BOAT SHOW!
You may think you are at a boat show to compare and see boats, but the salespersons are there with only one thing on their minds - to make you buy a boat! In the frenzied atmosphere of a boat show, salespeople have been known to promise you almost anything to get you to buy. For the good of you and your family ...use the boat show to look, compare and help your decision - but it is probably best not to buy at a boat show. I have known hundreds of people who got confused at a boat show, thought they got a great deal, but ended up buying the wrong boat! It is a great place to get excited and compare, but a dangerous place
to buy!
Buying a boat should happen when you are calm and thoughtful, not when you are mesmerized and overwhelmed. (Note: Over the last 38 years I've known a lot of boat dealers. They all have boat show "specials." But every one of those dealers would give you that "special" price, back at the dealership, three weeks later I've found no exception to this statement in 38 years.)
STAY CALM, DON'T GET PUSHED
We always want our customers to feel comfortable. We never want you to feel that you are being "pushed" to buy. Our salespeople are told that they are here to help the customer - period!
You'll find that we will be available to help you discover exactly what you want in a boat. With over 40 years of experience in the boating industry, we can explain how the boats are made, what the differences are between the brands and even point out what features you should be looking for. Our salespeople's first priority is to help you.
Just Like Having a Relative in the Business
We will try to be that "helpful" uncle who'll take good care of you. Our job will be to answer your questions, show you our boats, help you to know what you want and need and then show you how to buy the boat of your dreams - even if that would be at another store.
"As you recall, when I first came to Reed's I had never before owned a boat and was a "rookie"in every sense of the word. Your expertise, patience and instruction were invaluable in turning our summer home into a "summer vacation" with every visit, due to our experiences on the lake.
I know several people have complimented you on your enthusiasm and service which, quite frankly, have been nothing less than sensational, dependable and thoughtful, but you have also been willing to go the "extra mile" in creating friendships and doing the "little things" that make dealing with Reed's Marine like being "part of the family."
It is not often as a consumer, that we are treated in this manner. And though it may happen from time - to - time, consistent treatment of this nature year in and year out are the mark of a true quality business."
Kenneth Gurber
Glenview, IL
