Boat Buying Mistake #3
Buying the Wrong Boat!
It is so sad when a father comes into our dealership (Mom and the kids are in the car) and he has to admit that the boat he just purchased somewhere else, is the wrong boat. The boat just will not do what the family wants it to do.
Sometimes it's too big, but usually it is too small...often times without as much power as they need. Or it's fine on the river, but rides too rough on the lake on a busy weekend. Perhaps the boat is good for Dad's fishing, but the kid's aren't happy because they can't water-ski.
The family probably didn't discuss what they expected before buying - but often it's not Dad's fault. A salesperson may have misled them or perhaps the boat was fine for your neighbor's small family, but after you bought it from them you found out it just wasn't right for your family.
A Test Ride Is an Absolute Must
Don't get caught up in the promises and exaggerations of a salesperson!
If a salesperson can't or won't help you decide what you want the boat to do, Walk Away! Deal only with people who are understanding and helpful, and (most of all) take the boat for a test ride! Every boat works fine on dry land...the proof is out on the water. Remember, you are not buying a boat to put in your trophy case. You are buying what the boat can do for you. The only way to know what the boat can do for you is to take it for a test ride.
If purchasing when a boat ride is not practical, be sure the sale is contingent on a test ride at a later date. A reputable dealer will always return your deposit if your test ride is unacceptable.
Realize that you can't test ride every boat! Decide what you think you'd like, gather more information from friends, magazines and dealerships, search out the boat you think is right, then...TEST RIDE...it is the only way to be sure.
Also, Be Sure You Get a Guarantee!
Just as important as the test ride is the guarantee. You must find out what the manufacturer and the seller are going to do for you if you have a problem. Usually a new boat has a clear stated warranty, but a used boat probably has a different story. You'll have to ask!
At our dealership we offer the best test ride and the best guarantee in the entire boat business. We don't know any other marine dealership that is more concerned with your satisfaction than us - and we guarantee it! Here's how:
If you decide that you're interested in one of our boats, we'll set up a convenient time for a test ride. Not just a quick ten - minute "once - over." We will show you and your family everything you need to know about having that boat. You'll almost be an expert by the time we finished the "test" ride.
Of course we go over launching the boat, starting the engine, and how to drive it. But, we'll also show you how to make docking, anchoring and fueling look easy.
Skiing, tubing, and cruising are all covered - even backing up! We'll cover what equipment you need, what needs to be checked and what to bring with you in your boat. Our test ride will give you all the knowledge, skill and confidence you'll need to make boating fun and easy. We spend more time with you on just the test ride than most dealerships spend on the entire selling procedure!
The Best And Most Unusual Boat Guarantee In The Whole World!
Our test ride is very good, but our guarantee is even better! If you buy a new boat, the manufacturer guarantees the boat if it has a mechanical breakdown. But who guarantees that you are going to like the boat? The manufacturer doesn't! The dealer doesn't! What happens if you don't like the boat?
At Reed's Marine we guarantee that you will love your boat! If you are not satisfied with the performance of any new boat you purchased from our inventory at Reed's Marine, return it to us within 30 days in like new condition, and we will replace it with another of equal value, or apply your purchase price towards one of greater value. If your new boat isn't doing the best job of cruising, skiing, entertaining, and bringing great fun to you and everyone in your family - then bring it back - we’ll get you a boat that does! You can't make a mistake buying from Reed's Marine.
At Reed's we also offer a 30 day price guarantee. If you discover that you could have purchased the same boat at a lower price, we will refund the difference. Reed's is the only dealer in the world that offers you:
- 30 day return guarantee
- 30 day price guarantee
- The security of working with a dealer who was chosen as one of the Top 100 Dealers by Boating Industry magazine.
- The confidence of having your boat dealer be authorized as a Marine Industry Certified Dealer by the N.M.M.A.
We are confident in our product, in our people and in the fun of boating. We'd like you to be confident when you buy from us. We offer the strongest promise to you and the best guarantee you can get. If you and your family are not enjoying the boat you bought from us, just let us know, and we'll find a better one for you. I challenge you to find another dealer with the confidence to offer you this guarantee! Nobody is more concerned about your happiness than Reed's Marine!
"We appreciate all of your assistance in the purchase of our boat. Reed's can count on referrals from us due to the great attitude you and everyone else we have met there have shown us. You've made purchasing a boat an enjoyable experience...keep up the good work."
Theresa and Bruce Larsen
Elkhorn, WI