2 thumbs down for MM

[Alex F]

:smt009 After months of looking for the right boat, I decided to trade up from my 2003 30 DA to a 2000 340. I had been going through the MM in CT and they had quoted me several times on boats in their inventory in the norheast. I finally found a boat that both pleased my eye and my wallet, but it was in Florida. I let the MM salesperson know I wanted to put down a deposit on that boat. He got back to me and told me that the price difference was not in their interest, (they had offered me $67,000 for mine a couple of weeks ago against a 340 in CT which he wanted $100,000 for). The boat in FL was $90,000. He then informed me that Sept. 1 trade in values went down 10% thus making my trade in value $57,000. This seems like a load of BS. He also told me, and I mentioned this in an earlier thread, that they don't want to take trades against used boats??!!! Isn't this how boating sales works?? Sounds like to me that MM is in some sort of financial troubles......This is unfortunate because they lost a deal, and may have lost a devoted Searay owner..

searay495,
When I was shopping for my 320DA I found that most MM dealers (the ones I had contacted) are waste of time. Your frustration is understandible, but it's clearly MM related and has nothing to do with the boat maker.

The other thing that doesn't make much sence to me is the upgrade from 300DA to 340DA. This doesn't sound like a common upgrade. I'm sure you have your reasons, but I just wanted to kind of give you a reminder (even though it's a great boat) that this may not be your "logical" next boat. I'm looking from the size and difference between 300 and 340 perspective.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[Bottom Line]

Just curious...for you guys who have used Ebay....what does it cost to list your boat? I don't look at Ebay that often. Did you get serious inquiries or just "tire-kickers"?

 

[tphinney]

Just went to the local Tampa Boat show this past weekend. it was amazing to see how light traffic was this year and how much of a coke habit the dealers still have. the prices where not what I have been used to in the past. their hurting and not only are they not willing to admit it, but they are also asking a premium price for the boats. it's crazy.

 

[Bridog]

Just went to the local Tampa Boat show this past weekend. it was amazing to see how light traffic was this year and how much of a coke habit the dealers still have. the prices where not what I have been used to in the past. their hurting and not only are they not willing to admit it, but they are also asking a premium price for the boats. it's crazy.

Interesting...Despite the "coke habit" and bad weather they seemed to be pretty busy at the local boat show here in NJ.:huh:

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

Just went to the local Tampa Boat show this past weekend. it was amazing to see how light traffic was this year and how much of a coke habit the dealers still have. the prices where not what I have been used to in the past. their hurting and not only are they not willing to admit it, but they are also asking a premium price for the boats. it's crazy.

Went to the Michigan City, IN boat show two weekends ago.
I have been at this show either on a Sat or Sun afternoon for past 10+ years.
Last year we had a storm come through and damage docks.
The previous year we had a tornado rip apart docks and set boats free the evening before opening.
NO significant drop in attendance.

This year great weather.

Sign of the times: traffic was off by more than 30%.
I have personally never seen it as light and half expected the numbers to be worse.

Lots of wheeling and dealing though.
Lucky for me the Admiral made me leave Credit Cards and Check Book in the Truck!
:smt018

 

[Alex F]

Just curious...for you guys who have used Ebay....what does it cost to list your boat? I don't look at Ebay that often. Did you get serious inquiries or just "tire-kickers"?

From what I recall, the fee is based on the price of the boat, there's also sale fee (that's if sale goes through, meaning that someone wins the auction). I don't know 100% but it should be under $100 (when I was selling a truck I was paying around $40-$50). Since it's an auction, everyone is looking for a bargain. So, the qsn will you sell, is simply depends on the price for the boat/package. If you decide to go that route, make sure to post lots of pictures and good description. If you don't sell, it's very possible to have some serious inqueries, which may end up as a final deal even if the auction has ended. Fianlly, ebay is driven by reputation. If you have new account, very low # of transactions, under 95% feedback your chances just dropped.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[mrsrobinson]

From what I recall, the fee is based on the price of the boat, there's also sale fee (that's if sale goes through, meaning that someone wins the auction). I don't know 100% but it should be under $100 (when I was selling a truck I was paying around $40-$50). Since it's an auction, everyone is looking for a bargain. So, the qsn will you sell, is simply depends on the price for the boat/package. If you decide to go that route, make sure to post lots of pictures and good description. If you don't sell, it's very possible to have some serious inqueries, which may end up as a final deal even if the auction has ended. Fianlly, ebay is driven by reputation. If you have new account, very low # of transactions, under 95% feedback your chances just dropped.

Good luck,
Alex.

We used eBay when selling our 2000 2400SCR Maxum. I did not expect to sell it there, but used it for the internet advertising.

It worked, kind of. We advertised in local papers where the big lakes are around here. The eventual buyer saw both ads and called us.

 

[dpmulvey]

If MM is selling Sea Ray's, then it is Sea Ray's best interest to see how MM is representing the product. Personally, the MM concept is good. They could use some lessons in customer service and staisfaction though.

 

[Alex D]

We listed our last boat on eBay. I did not think it would sell there but I was hoping to use eBay as a way to advertise on the internet. It worked, someone saw the ad on eBay, waited for the ad to end (reserver never met) than contacted me about the boat. They bought it.

WOW Greg ... you sold her huh!! Are you now getting a 410??

I agree with your comments on eBay. I have sold and bought many, many cars there and also sold our FourWinns 248 Vista via eBay. Even if stuff does not sell, you get the action that eventually will lead to the sale.

 

[Fishnut]

If MM is selling Sea Ray's, then it is Sea Ray's best interest to see how MM is representing the product. Personally, the MM concept is good. They could use some lessons in customer service and staisfaction though.

I think I have heard this before. :thumbsup: