Sea Ray salesman...

[Thunder_SS]

I am looking into the possibilities of accepting a job at my local sea ray dealer. They have an position opening for a salesman. I have not yet applied there, but know a few of the salesman that currently work there.

What do you guys think of the idea of working for a boat dealer?? I do have sales experience as a Account Manager (outside sales) for a electrical distributor. I know what your thinking, electrical is way different then boats, but I look at it as sales is sales, whether you selling cars or houses.

Any body out there actually work for a dealer?? Just want to look at all posibilities.

 

[douglee25]

Sometimes your hobbies are better left at that... hobbies. Once your hobby becomes your job, it isn't fun anymore. Something to think about.

Doug

 

[Quint4]

Mike,
That may be a hard way to make a living with the current state of boat sales. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Groucho]

Well.......
IMHO....I'm not sure many people are buying boats right now. Maybe if you didn't need steady income.

 

[barryg]

Mike, What part of the country are you in? While the economy as a whole is bad in most parts of the country there are pockets where things are worse, and of course the opposite. Either way it is a tough time in sales for pretty much any product. Of course it depends on what kind of package they offer; base salary plus commission, or just straight commission. Sales is sales, as long as you believe in what you are selling and have or get the experience to learn the products better than anyone, you can be successful.

good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[avguy]

I applied for a sales position at the local Searay dealership about 15yrs ago. Got through the 2nd interview then they hired someone else who actually new something about boats.
Seems like a hand to mouth profession especially with our current economy.
But.......you spend too much time on a job not to enjoy it. If you have sales experience & like boats go for it.Scott

 

[billandamy]

Seems like a great time to become a boat salesman...what with boat sales skyrocketing and all.

 

[pwmarina]

I work at Prince William Marina. However, I work in the Warranty Department and am also the Service Manager's assistant.
My husband is also a technician here.

Since we are both active boaters as well, we just leave "work" at "work", so we can go home and enjoy our hobby of boating. As long as you keep the two separate, you can
find a balance. We also do not keep our boat at the same marina that we work at.

PM me if you want any more advice, or specific questions...

-

 

[Nehalennia]

Salesmen have to be there the days and times of the year that you want to be boating.
I think that's the drawback.
Sitting in a air conditioned showroom or even on a dock waiting for someone who ready the Sunday Paper for the "175BR special w/trailer" and "FREE COAST GUARD KIT & 6 FREE FILL UPS" on a 90 degree day isn't my idea of fun.

I've always thought that working at a SeaRay dealer would be great, but these are my hangups with that.

Someday I'd like to get a 6 Pack Captains license and see if I can make a living being on the water with customers somehow, but the above scenario, just doesn't seem rewarding enough.

 

[Thunder_SS]

Seems like a great time to become a boat salesman...what with boat sales skyrocketing and all.

Well I tell ya the electrical business is not extremely booming either. I am paid on 100% commission at my current position, which is fairly slow.

The used boat market in my area (Okoboji, IA) is pretty good right now, regardless what you say about the economy. There are only a FEW boats for sale by private owners, really no less then any other summer. Sure, new boats ($50,000 on up) are probably taking a beating, but what else is new!!

 

[Nehalennia]

Well Mike
If you can make it work, more power to you and I wish you the best my man!

 

[AndersonAcres]

Mike, maybe it's time to relocate to someplace that's got a more vibrant economy.

 

[rondds]

do what you love and you'll never work another day in your life. that being said, it's a tough time to make a go of selling luxury items. i've always said it'd be awesome to sell boats, but not til i win the lottery or retire from the misery that is my current life! (and get out of NJ) :smt089

 

[Dancin Dave]

My thought is you will be low man on the totem pole, and may be allowed to sell a Boston whaler or small boats. The yachts are going to go to the senior salesman. They will see to that. Especially in this economy.

 

[msd58]

Bad move right now. Unless you are in an area thats booming in boat sales. A saleman I know personaly Marine Max said that they spike in sales early in 2008 due to the fact interest rates were low and current boat owners took advatage of that to move up. He added very small percentage of new people getting in was near zero.

 

[Daryl]

I decided to get out of engineering and go into the boating industry 3 years ago. I joined MMax in sales and became a General Manager within 6 months. I have owned Sea Rays for many years and had a good relationship with the local dealer. However, as stated above, your hobby or life style does not always make for a good work environment. I worked 365/10 to 12 hours a day running the store. We made more money then anybody before did but I had no time to boat. There were several reasons why I got out but primarily, I wanted to enjoy my boat. I went back to engineering and I get to boat every weekend. Also, my wife is alot happier now that we can spend time together. Make your own decision but now is not the time to get into baotsales IMO.

 

[fc3]

do what you love and you'll never work another day in your life. that being said, it's a tough time to make a go of selling luxury items. i've always said it'd be awesome to sell boats, but not til i win the lottery or retire from the misery that is my current life! (and get out of NJ) :smt089

What are you saying? You don't like having your fingers in someone's mouth while wondering when the last time they brushed their teeth or why the heck they had to eat something loaded with garlic just before their appointment?

Best regards,
Frank

 

[tmhudson2]

If you are single, or married with no kids and a wife with a steady job, why not give it a shot? If you have kids, or a heavy personal debt load, it might not be a wise experiment, and steady salary would be good to have.

 

[billandamy]

What are you saying? You don't like having your fingers in someone's mouth while wondering when the last time they brushed their teeth or why the heck they had to eat something loaded with garlic just before their appointment?

Best regards,
Frank

:lol: nice!