Disappointing Broker

[avb3]

Originally Posted by jordanship

Good feedback. All brokers should read CF for this type of thread.
Makes me understand exactly how to provide the best service.
I think the best rule is to treat clients like they are real people -- because they are.
Life as a yacht broker is more fulfilling if you think this way.

Question is , how many brokers would see themselves or compatriots as acting negatively, or just view it as "buyers are liars" syndrome?

[Cheechako]

Yeah, it's dismal from both ends. They do a terrible job of informing the seller of what's going on/ or comments potential buyers have, they do a terrible job of knowing your boat, and as a buyer I have felt more than neglected many, many times. I guess I just dont look rich enough.... although I was usually paying cash for my boats! The buying process is interesting, once you've been looking long enough, you are suddenly ready to buy, just being shown a boat and talked to about it can be enough to buy it. Somehow, brokers dont seem to realize this... people are walking the docks trying to buy boats....
Case in point? After seriously discussing a boat with him.........over 2 weeks ago I asked a broker to tell me when I could look at a boat... havent heard back!

[Kettlewell]

One type of broker can be particularly helpful, but they are rare. That is the person who specializes in a specific type or brand of boat and knows a lot about them, lists several of them, and may even know of people interested in selling in a year or two. For example, there are some multihull specialists, and there are wooden boat specialists. Some of these brokers know almost every boat ever built by a particular builder, and they make it their business to learn about all the boats on the market in that sphere--not just the ones they are listing.

[Khagan1227]

Personally I always call the broker to tell them I am looking. Sure, they will ask what you are looking for and if you are a first time buyer, you should at least have an idea. If not, be honest and tell them you are clueless about boats (they are going to know anyway). In any case, forewarned the buyer will usually put together a list of boats for me to look at with suggestions of others I hadn't considered.

Since I wasn't present for the conversation, I won't comment on the tone of the broker in me and boo's case. However, that particular broker may only show boats by appointment and from the sounds of it, he had a couple already there. His rudeness, though unexcusable, might have been caused by the nearness of a potential sale and he used the intrusion to show the couple, they were his only concern.

I've dealt with some very good brokers and have yet to have a problem. Then again, I went to college in New York City...

[pablothesailor]

Originally Posted by Khagan1227

Personally I always call the broker to tell them I am looking. Sure, they will ask what you are looking for and if you are a first time buyer, you should at least have an idea. If not, be honest and tell them you are clueless about boats (they are going to know anyway). In any case, forewarned the buyer will usually put together a list of boats for me to look at with suggestions of others I hadn't considered.

Since I wasn't present for the conversation, I won't comment on the tone of the broker in me and boo's case. However, that particular broker may only show boats by appointment and from the sounds of it, he had a couple already there. His rudeness, though unexcusable, might have been caused by the nearness of a potential sale and he used the intrusion to show the couple, they were his only concern.

I've dealt with some very good brokers and have yet to have a problem. Then again, I went to college in New York City...

I had a none boating related meeting in a marina in Marbella (Southern Spain) last Thursday, I was not sure how much free time I may have afterwards, I did end up with an hour free so called into a brokers office after looking at some listings in his window display! I was treated well and even got to look at one boat ! No appointment was required, I did not buy, but the broker now has all my contact details and knows what I am looking for, he was polite and not to pushy! I agree with the poster who suggests you need to have some idea as to what you are looking for, however, I dont agree with brokers expecting everyone to make an appointment, If I was a seller I would hope my broker would be aware that a buyer may walk in off the street! Sure there are going to be Tyre Kickers, a good broker will work that out after 10 mins and should know how to deal with it!

[CharlieCobra]

Hell, do I need to get into boat brokering as well? Nobody knows how to provide customer service anymore and yes, I sold cars for eight years....

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by CharlieCobra

Hell, do I need to get into boat brokering as well? Nobody knows how to provide customer service anymore and yes, I sold cars for eight years....

Personally, I'd prefer it if you keep doing restorations ... at least as long as you post the pictures here.

[CharlieCobra]

I do have two boats for sale though....

[hummingway]

I noticed the '82 Hunter 54 because in the Vendor Spotlight. I like that feature.

[Johnathon123]

Whilst I am genuinely sorry to hear your experience, I am also exceptionally pleased.

I was starting to think it was just me.

Like others have said, make sure you tell him what a bafoon he is by showing him just how much you spent with his competitor.

Good luck.

[Me-and-Boo]

Originally Posted by Khagan1227

Since I wasn't present for the conversation, I won't comment on the tone of the broker in me and boo's case. However, that particular broker may only show boats by appointment and from the sounds of it, he had a couple already there. His rudeness, though unexcusable, might have been caused by the nearness of a potential sale and he used the intrusion to show the couple, they were his only concern.

Boiled down: I dropped in only because his door was open, a pure cold call. His sign did not say by appointment only. His opening tone and following question list was something to brow beat me down. And I think to impress the couple in his office of something.
He could have more easily said something like "Hi. I have a couple here right now. Here is my card; please write your name and number on it and I will call you Monday so we can talk and arrange an appointment. Thank you for stopping by." That, a smile and handshake would have had me for a potential customer. I will never be his customer now.

And, if I was sitting there listening to his spiel I would be concerned for his lack of tact, salesmanship and the possibility he would do the same to me.

I have had my share of rude sales people, fine. They can be rude and I don't need to buy their product. But, this was way beyond that. Intentionally doing what he did to me in front of other people is uncalled for.

If you are in sales, you want to make money. You do not make money by driving away customers and the people they talk to.

[pablothesailor]

Is the bottom line here not that for some reason, Boat brokers have for many years considered themselves to be a bit ¨above¨ your average sales person? A bit ¨snobby¨ perhaps? Thinking they are dealing with the ¨jet set¨? The last few years will have been a very serious wake up call, boats are not moving and are on the market for longer than anyone can remember! There is another critical thread on brokers here regarding paying them a deposit before even discussing the price a boat may go for, etc! I had one ignorant broker who is crossed of my list, another has been pleasant and we are still in contact with one another, the message surely for brokers, is to be polite, be flexible, what you used to do 4 years maybe is not the way you will be able to do things for the next 4 years or more!

[Dkdoyle]

Me and boo - totally agree with you. Sales people are a dime a dozen. Find one that is willing to earn the money. As for a bad market? It depends. A year ago I sold our cheoy lee in 24 hours on sailboatlistings.com. You just have to have the right boat and a buyer that wants it at a fair price.

Ok guys maybe this is a woman thing but I don't necessarily know what boat, car, house I want when I start looking. Can't even say I know price since you basically talk yourself into that one. That's called researching, looking, and finally working with a good salesman or woman that is willing to help guide you. But I always buy and sometimes very quickly. His loss.

[Kettlewell]

One of the best brokers I ever dealt with was a woman. She really listened to what I was saying and kept coming up with good boats to look at. Made several long trips out of my way to go and see her listings as she really came up with good stuff. It's pretty simple really--listen to the customer and help them find what they want and need. The first time around they may buy a 30-footer, but if that person has a good experience they will be back some day for a 40-footer, and will ask you to broker their 30-footer too. I worked with a broker in New England this way, and we were almost friends after many years and several transactions. Near his retirement he had me out for a sail on his boat he was going to take south.

[MarkSF]

"The last few years will have been a very serious wake up call, boats are not moving and are on the market for longer than anyone can remember"

Around here good boats priced realistically are going VERY quickly. Overpriced or not so great ones are hanging around. Sounds like a healthy market to me.