So how busy can a boat broker really be?

but I already bought the popcorn.
 
ylwjacket said:
I'll give you a little seller perspective.

First, every buyer out there right now thinks that, regardless of your asking price, they are going to buy your boat for 50k less than the asking price.

<snip>

I personally am tired of the "I am in the area, and would like to see your boat in an hour" BS. I can not drop everything I am doing at a moment's notice to drive an hour to my boat whenever some idiot asks me too.

I have spent more time with people than I care to mention that are "serious" on the phone, then when they show up, they "have never been on this model before" and are comparing a bridge boat to cruiser or something. God that pisses me off. I waste my tikme, driving over there, to deal with some fool is there because their favorite cartoon is over on Saturday morning.

<snip>

I imagine that brokers, who deal with more than 1 boat, have these issues as well.

You don't have to be jerk about it, but you have to differentiate yourself as a buyer. If you are serious, you think they owe you something because in your mind, you are serious. On my end, I am ready to get lost at sea or crash into a jetty for a total loss and an insurance claim. Buyers, on the whole, are pricks, and I'm sick of them.

<snip>
Click to expand...

I really, really sympathize.

But. . . aren't all these hassles the reason you hire a broker? And I would expect the broker to be local to the boat so the broker COULD take care of inquiries easily and in an efficient manner.

- - - - - --
And yes. . . some shopping has to be speculative. Visiting boat shows are not enough. I went to a number of shows to gain information. Shows are a great help. . .but only a few models show up to the shows. And then you have to deal with the 35 other people who are poring over the boat while you are onboard.

I was leaning towards 25+' cuddies. . I saw exactly TWO at shows. Neither was a SeaRay. And I saw these boats 12 months apart! If I was looking for a 240SD or some other small boat. . .yeah, boat shows would have been enough. But for something larger? Leg work -by the buyer- is required. Some of that legwork involves asking brokers to see boats.
 
IMO majority of brokers have very laid back attitude. This must just something that related to the nature of the boating industry. This thread had many very good and educational points. I think that in the end the process comes down to few major points:
  • Is this the boat you see yourself owning?
  • Does the boat fits your budget?
  • Do you feel comfortable making the deal with this broker/seller (level of professionalism, attitude and communication)?
If all three answers are “Yes”, I’m proceeding with the attempt to purchase the boat, providing that everything on it checks out fine and we agree on the final price.

If I read correctly, in mrsrobinson’s case the issue is with #3. This is huge downside. If you don’t have communication and you have hard time getting simple information like extra pics, how do you expect anyone to feel comfortable attempting to purchase anything from this broker/seller?
From my experience, it’s a screening process for both parties. Brokers want to get “hungry” buyer and we want to get “hungry” broker/seller. I work only with brokers that are willing to treat me as a potential buyer, have good communication and respond to my questions. If we have communication, I can wait a day or two to get more pics or any other info that I need, b/c I understand that it’s a process and the info has to come from another party(the boat owner). But, the main thing is if the broker is willing to work with me I’ll give him the time to get me what I need.

I’ve read many posts here defending brokers in different areas. Granted that sometimes there’re technical issues like no IT department and storage issues, but this is not an excuse not to provide the information asked by a potential buyer. It may just take longer. Yes, it’s part of the job and buyers expect that from brokers. I’m from NY/NJ area and I have been involved in sales. Things have different pace here and being treated as a serious buyer is expected anytime. For me, any person in front of me, on the phone or via email is a potential buyer. I will always give everyone a chance to show me how serious they’re and take it to the next level (a step closer to making a deal). But, I would do anything to make them feel comfortable to make that step. So, it’s very frustrating to see how majority of brokers work. I alsways wander how they stay in business.

Mrsrobinson,
I had very hard time finding a combination where I could say “yes” to those top questions while searching for 320DA. I searched the whole east coast. I made hundreds of phone calls. Then, I’ve found one broker in FL that was very different from all other laid back (super screeners) brokers and he communicated with me constantly. This guy didn’t have exact boat I wanted at the time, but he felt that I’m serious and it’s a bout finding a boat that I like for the price. The key was COMMUNICATION. This guy took his time and after proposing few boats, there was one I liked and proceeded with the purchase. The only way I can see buying a boat from any broker that’s giving me hard time on simple things is if the boat is extremely cheap. At this point you just have to ask yourself what’s more important, save chunk of money and deal with the pain or move on?

Best of luck in your search,
Alex.
 
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Another thing to keep in mind is can you afford a boat at the present asking price, or are you hoping that you can afford the boat after you negotiate on the price?

A broker will more than likely be able to tell this from his/her past experiences. If you can afford it before negotiations, it puts you in a better position.

Doug
 
William Miller said:
This may be a little off topic, but:

How buyer's brokers work?
Is it like in real estate where the commission is split? Co-op?
Click to expand...

Yep, but as in real estate not always a 50/50 co-op.

When I first started looking at Sea Rays I was thinking of a 30+- foot cruiser and keeping my 16' run about. Based on my budget I know I would be in the used market. I meet with a couple brokers and the one that know the product and I could work with became my buyer broker. He was with MM. I was very honest with him and told him my spec and budget. He lined things up for me that was worth driving 2-3 hours to see and keep me informed as new deal came on line. Sometime he was there with me sometimes he was not. As my plans changed and I decided the cruiser was not right for me at the time. He made adjustment in what he showed me. I ended up buying a new 240SD from MM that he could not sell, but part of the deal was that he got a split on the commission.

Being a realtor I understood the value he brought to the table.

Greg - Have you ever dealt with a broker you liked?
 
my typical conversation that i like to have with a broker when I look at boats.

Me: Hello, do you have xyz boat for sale?
broker: yes
Me: where's she at?
Broker: over there (points in general direction)
Me: thanks (I walk towards boat)
 
For me, the broker does nothing more than the paperwork. I know exactly what I want and if I want to pursue his boat before making contact. I could care less if he is an a$$ or not. I can deal with that for the small amount of time the deal takes compared to the length of time I will own the boat.
 
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"Greg - Have you ever dealt with a broker you liked?"

Yes, there was one in FL, sellers broker, who impressed me. He went out of his way to share details on the boat, most of which I did not even asked for. I felt like he answered every question honestly. He usually got back to me within 1-2 days. I actually felt bad not moving forward with a purchase.

I have asked questions as simple as "Is the interior cloth or vinyl?" when there are no photos and I get "I do not know". "Is it cherry\maple veneer or the white". "Don't know, I'll have to ask the owner". I even had one tell me the owner was not responding to his calls so he could not help me.
 
TurtleTone said:
my typical conversation that i like to have with a broker when I look at boats.

Me: Hello, do you have xyz boat for sale?
broker: yes
Me: where's she at?
Broker: over there (points in general direction)
Me: thanks (I walk towards boat)
Click to expand...

If I could find out the location of the boat without even talking to the broker I would do that.
 
mrsrobinson said:
I have asked questions as simple as "Is the interior cloth or vinyl?" when there are no photos and I get "I do not know". "Is it cherry\maple veneer or the white". "Don't know, I'll have to ask the owner". I even had one tell me the owner was not responding to his calls so he could not help me.
Click to expand...

If the boat was local to the selling broker that is not acceptable. The selling broker/agent should have knowledge of the product he is selling. If the boat was not local a simple I'm not sure but will find out and let you know. A good broker/agent should ask what type of interior are you looking for, along with your other specs. so he can find your perfect boat.
 
mrsrobinson said:
So if I hear you correctly I should volunteer my budget, let them know I have secured funds and I am ready to buy today? I thought the first rule of negotiating is to give as little information as you can while getting as much back as you can? Why would I offer my budget?

Me: "I have $150k to spend"

Broker: "heck, we would have taken $130K but lets take his $150K"
Click to expand...
If your afraid of this scenario there are alot of other ways to get let him know your position...how about this as a response to their budget inquiry....I'm looking for a 20xx 45' Dancer and am aware of the price range they're in, do you have any of them to show me. I never felt buying was that hard. Sometimes you deal with jerks, sometimes you don't. If they have what I want I really don't care what their personality is(there have been a few exceptions).
 
The way I have always answered is simple:

"My budget varies based upon the boat."

If I am looking in detail at the boat, then that means I can afford it. Of course. . .nowadays that may not be the case, since from other posts on this board it appears common to offer 70% or less than the asking price even on used / brokered boats.

I don't mind working with Jerks. . . however, if the broker is a jerk it will be an impediment. For example. .if a broker won't return your calls, it will be much more difficult to make an offer if you actually want to do things like "see the boat".
 
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Greg

You missed the part where I said shop of hours looking. No you don't buy on commercials. you go and do the field work yourself, and when you know exactly what you want, then you look for that vessel and can contact a broker and say I'm ready, done my reserch and the vessel you have seems to fit my needs, give me your time.

And boats are not cars, the money involved reguires you to do as much research yourself as you can. Why? Because I'm sure like the rest of us, us trust your own judgement best when it come to your own needs.
 
Well of course you need to do research. . .but how do you do that research? For me, it would involve calling brokers and visiting boats. The internet is fine to understand specs and values. Boat shows are fine to understand basic features of whatever boats a dealer choses to bring to a show.

But if you want to see how you and the admiral fit in the salon of an older boat. . .how else are you going to do it other than calling a broker and making an appointment?
 
Rich122 said:
Greg

You missed the part where I said shop of hours looking. No you don't buy on commercials. you go and do the field work yourself, and when you know exactly what you want, then you look for that vessel and can contact a broker and say I'm ready, done my reserch and the vessel you have seems to fit my needs, give me your time.

And boats are not cars, the money involved reguires you to do as much research yourself as you can. Why? Because I'm sure like the rest of us, us trust your own judgement best when it come to your own needs.
Click to expand...

From your last post

"Shop on your own and know what you want prior to contacting a broker or private seller. And this works for used and well as new boats. With each boat I bought and with each trade up I would hit the boat shows and spend hours looking and feeling, then would ask a few key questions to the salesperson that was aboard. When I was ready I had a detailed list of options in a prioritized order. When I bought Fra Diavlo last October it was through the dealer I have bought all my boats from so they know me. I don't like wasting my time and I don't waste others, they had 3 hulls all varying in price. (close price) I gave them my priorities (white hull/black canvas on top down to TNT on bottom) and they picked the one hull that fit. Deal was done in 20 minutes."

Show me a boat show where I can find 3 1996 - 1999 Sea Ray 400DBs where I can select my canvas color and I will go. We went to the Annapolis Boat Show this year, but, unfortunately a new $500k+ boat is not in our budget. I am glad for you that one was and your dealer takes such good care of you. Perhaps if I flashed $500K in front of him he would talk to me. Please, take a look at your boat, it's a 2007 48 Dancer..not even close to used and not even close to our price point. Of course you are going to get the brokers/dealers attention. Plus you have purchased from them in the past so they know your financial situation. IMHO, you cannot even compare the 2.

This goes right back to my earlier post...there is a price point where a broker needs a little more from you to give you the time of day.

I think it's funny, that in general, the big expensive boat owners replying to this thread have all suggested this is my issue, not the brokers. Basically saying "Well if you had the big bucks you'd get special attention". "If you showed them what's in your wallet they will talk to you". "Why are you making them work when you may not even buy the boat".....gee, let me see, cause it's their job maybe?
 
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. . .I think pictures can serve two primary purposes:

1) Confirm that the boat is not grossly neglected (i.e.; floating in the slip as opposed to sitting in mud at the bottom of a slip)

Sorry Comsnark, no way. old photos, sisterships. Only best photos shown.
 
yeah Greg, it's just the big boat buyers that get to buy boats they want.
 
TurtleTone said:
yeah Greg, it's just the big boat buyers that get to buy boats they want.
Click to expand...

Never said that.

I am saying Rich122 walking into a dealers office and me walking into a dealers office are two different cases. He is walking in with a history of buying boats from that dealer, probably more expensive ones than I, so the dealers knows him and knows his situation.

If I were to walk into the same dealer, 1 hour after him, I guarantee you I would not get the same treatment even if I used the exact same words/comments he did. They do not know me, I do not have a history with them and they are busy trying to size me up in 30 seconds or less so they can get back to their coffee.

Now I bet you the fact that he has purchased boats from them before, probably ones more than $150k, got him some special attention.
 
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